Yosemite bog orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yosemite bog orchid |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Platanthera
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| Species: |
yosemitensis
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| Synonyms | |
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Limnorchis yosemitensis (Colwell, Sheviak & P.E.Moore) P.M.Br., S.L.Stewart & Gamarra |
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The Yosemite bog orchid (Platanthera yosemitensis) is a special type of orchid. It grows only in a few wet meadows within Yosemite National Park in California. This makes it an endemic species, meaning it's found nowhere else in the world!
About the Yosemite Bog Orchid
Even though people found this orchid way back in 1923, scientists didn't realize it was a unique species until 2007. It was then officially named and described.
Where It Lives
This unique orchid lives in nine specific wet mountain meadows. These meadows are located between the main part of the Merced River and its South Fork, all inside Yosemite National Park. It likes to grow high up in the mountains, between 1,800 and 2,700 meters (about 5,900 to 8,900 feet) above sea level.
What It Looks Like
The Yosemite bog orchid has small, yellow flowers. Each flower is less than 8 millimeters (about 0.3 inches) wide.
Its Special Smell
One interesting thing about this orchid is its smell. It has a strong odor that many people find unpleasant. Some have described it as smelling like a horse stable, strong cheese, or even sweaty clothes. This unique smell might help attract certain insects for pollination.
