Bayard's adder's-mouth orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bayard's adder's-mouth orchid |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Malaxis
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| Species: |
bayardii
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| Synonyms | |
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Malaxis bayardii fo. kelloggiae P.M. Br. |
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Malaxis bayardii, also known as Bayard's adder's-mouth orchid, is a special type of orchid. It is a small plant that grows in the ground, not on trees. This orchid is found in the eastern parts of North America.
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About Bayard's Adder's-Mouth Orchid
This unique orchid grows in dry, open forests. It also likes sandy areas called pine barrens. You can find it at heights less than 600 meters (about 2,000 feet) above sea level.
Where It Lives
Bayard's adder's-mouth orchid lives in several states in the United States. These include Massachusetts and North Carolina. You can also find small groups of them in Ohio and Nova Scotia in Canada.
In the past, this orchid used to grow in Vermont and New Jersey. Sadly, it seems to have disappeared from those two states. This means it is no longer found there.
What It Looks Like
Malaxis bayardii is a small plant. It can grow up to 26 centimeters (about 10.4 inches) tall. It has a special underground stem called a pseudobulb. This pseudobulb can be up to 20 millimeters wide.
The plant usually has only one leaf. Sometimes it has two leaves. These leaves grow about halfway up its stem. Its flowers are small and green. They grow in a cluster called a raceme. One plant can have up to 70 tiny flowers!
Protecting This Orchid
This orchid is quite rare. Because of this, people are working to protect it. In some places, it is a "special concern" species. This means it needs extra care to survive.
In Connecticut, it is believed to have disappeared. In Massachusetts, it is considered rare. It is listed as endangered in New Jersey and New York (state). This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever in those areas. Protecting its habitats is very important.
