Palegreen orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pale green orchid |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Platanthera
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| Species: |
flava
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The palegreen orchid, also known as Platanthera flava, is a type of orchid with pale-colored flowers. This special plant grows naturally in eastern North America. You can find it from Texas in the south, all the way east to Florida. It also grows north into Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia in Canada.
This orchid is known for its beautiful flowers. Each plant can have anywhere from 10 to 40 flowers grouped together on a single stem. This group of flowers is called an inflorescence.
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Where the Pale Green Orchid Lives
The pale green orchid lives in different kinds of wet places across its wide range.
Northern Habitats
In the northern parts of its home, like in Canada, this orchid often grows along the edges of lakes and rivers. It likes areas that get flooded at certain times of the year. For example, in Nova Scotia, you might find it in wet meadows along shorelines that are regularly flooded. These areas are kept open and sunny by natural events. For instance, ice moving along the shore (called ice scour) can clear away other plants, making perfect spots for the orchid to grow.
Southern Habitats
Further south, in places like Texas, the pale green orchid lives in different wet environments. It can be found in wet savannas and flatwoods. These areas are also kept open and sunny by natural events, but here, it's often due to natural fires that happen again and again. These fires help clear out bigger plants and keep the ground open for smaller plants like the pale green orchid.
So, no matter where it grows, the pale green orchid seems to need these natural events—like ice moving or fires—to keep its sunny, open habitats healthy.
Types of Pale Green Orchid
Scientists recognize two main types, or varieties, of the pale green orchid. These varieties are slightly different and grow in different parts of the orchid's range.
- Platanthera flava var. flava - This variety is found in the southern parts of where the species grows.
- Platanthera flava var. herbiola - This variety is found in the northern parts of where the species grows.
See also
