Spiranthes L.C. Richard. Ladies'-tresses, Pearl-twist, Spiral Orchid.

Key to Spiranthes

A genus of about 30-40 species, mainly north temperate, but with species scattered in other areas. The Spiranthes flora of our region is still rather poorly understood, with many novelties named and older deprecated taxa resurrected in recent decades, and the treatment here will undoubtedly change further, as proposed lumps and splits remain controversial.

Key advice:With few exceptions, the species cannot be identified when not in flower. Particular attention must be paid to the curvature and orientation of the lateral sepals, and various characteristics of the lip (color, papillae presence, gland shape); these are best observed in living plants or in careful photographs of living plants.

Ref: Brown (2002); Dueck & Cameron (2007); Dueck & Cameron (2008); Hough & Young (2021); Luer (1975); Pace (2021); Pace & Cameron (2016); Pace & Cameron (2017); Pace et al. (2017); Pridgeon et al. (1999c); Sheviak (1991); Sheviak & Brown (2002) In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (2002a); Ward (2012a). Show full citations.

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