Triphora trianthophoros

Triphora trianthophoros, the threebirds[1] or three birds orchid, or nodding pogonia, is a species of terrestrial orchid native to eastern North America.

Triphora trianthophoros
Triphora trianthophoros
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Genus: Triphora
Species:
T. trianthophoros
Binomial name
Triphora trianthophoros

Description

Triphora trianthophoros is a small, terrestrial, semi-saprophytic orchid.[2] The showiest member of its genus, T. trianthophoros has 1-8 (often 3, thus the name) nodding flowers that are roughly 2 cm in size and sit atop stems 8–25 cm tall. Leaves are small (~1 cm X 1.5 cm) and typically dark green to purple. The orchid blooms from July through September, but is infamous for its elusive nature, with ephemeral flowers lasting for only several hours on a few days of the year.[3] It has further been reported that populations across a region synchronize blooming on specific days, making observation of flowering specimens even more difficult.[4] Several forms of T. trianthophoros exist, including forma albidoflava (Keenan) with white flowers, forma caerulea (P.M. Brown) with blue flowers, and forma rossii (P.M. Brown) with multi-colored flowers.[5][6][7]

Habitat and range

Triphora trianthophoros is native to the eastern North America, ranging from as far south as Panama and north through Central America and the central and eastern United States into Ontario.[2] Despite its wide distribution, the species is rare throughout much of its range and has been given G3G4 (secured, but with cause for concern) conservation status by NatureServe.[8]

Triphora trianthophoros is usually found is mixed deciduous forests. Co-located species often include partridgeberry and beech trees.[2][3]

References
  1. "Triphora trianthophora". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
  2. Ramstetter, Jennifer (May 2001). "Triphora trianthophora (Swartz) Rydb.: Three Birds Orchid". New England Plant Conservation Program Conservation and Research Plan.
  3. Brown, P.M. (2004). Wild Orchids of the Southeastern United States North of Peninsular Florida. University Press of Florida. pp. 238–239. ISBN 0-8130-2749-7.
  4. Philipps, Thomas. "Three Birds Orchid". Plant of the Week. USDA Forest Service. Retrieved 14 May 2014.
  5. Keenan (1992). Rhodora. 94: 38–39. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. Brown, P.M. (2001). North American Native Orchid Journal. 7 (1): 94–95. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  7. Brown, P.M. (1999). North American Native Orchid Journal. 5 (1): 5. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  8. Maine Department of Conservation Natural Areas Program (2004). "Triphora trianthophora (Sw.) Rydb.: Nodding Pogonia". Rare Plant Fact Sheet.
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