Spiranthes delitescens
reclusive lady's tresses
few–several, descending, slenderly tuberous, to 5 mm diam.
persisting through anthesis, basal, on proximal 1/2 of stem, ascending to spreading, linear-lanceolate to oblanceolate, to 18 × 1.5 cm (rarely wider).
loosely to tightly spiraled, 3 flowers per cycle of spiral;
rachis rather densely pubescent, trichomes without glands pointed, glandular obviously stalked, glands equaling or narrower than stipes.
curving through horizontal, white, somewhat gaping and open with wide-spreading lateral sepals;
sepals usually connate at base, 6.5–8(–9.9) mm;
lateral sepals curving outward throughout lengths, usually directed somewhat downward;
petals linear to linear-oblanceolate, apex obtuse;
lip creamy or very pale yellow centrally, oblong, with variably evident median constriction, 5.8–7.9 × 3.2–4.9 mm, apex broadly expanded with extensive transverse pleats, distal surface mostly glabrous adaxially;
basal calli prominent, stout;
veins few, branches mostly wide-spreading;
viscidia linear to linear-lanceolate;
ovary 3–6 mm.
monoembryonic.
= 74.
Spiranthes delitescens
Of conservation concern.
Spiranthes delitescens is an amphiploid product of hybridization of species in the n = 15 and n = 22 lineages. Although its origin is unknown, on morphologic grounds C. J. Sheviak (1990) proposed S. vernalis and S. porrifolia as possible parents.
(Discussion copyrighted by Flora of North America; reprinted with permission.)
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USDA Plants Database
