Slender-spire orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Slender-spire orchid |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Platanthera
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| Species: |
unalascensis
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| Synonyms | |
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Habenaria unalascensis |
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The Platanthera unalascensis is a type of orchid plant. People often call it the slender-spire orchid, Alaska piperia, or Alaska rein orchid. This plant is known for its tall, thin shape and its unique flowers.
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What is the Slender-Spire Orchid?
The slender-spire orchid is a beautiful wild flower. It belongs to the large orchid family. These plants are special because they have very unique flower shapes. The Platanthera unalascensis is named for its tall, thin flower stalk, which looks like a slender spire.
Where Does This Orchid Grow?
This orchid is found across a large part of North America.
- It grows in western areas from Alaska all the way down to the southwestern United States.
- You can also find it in eastern parts of Canada and near the Great Lakes.
It likes to live in different places. You might see it in:
- Forests
- Woodlands
- Scrub areas (places with small bushes and trees)
It often prefers dry spots within these habitats.
What Does the Slender-Spire Orchid Look Like?
This orchid can grow quite tall.
- It can reach up to about 70 centimeters (about 2.3 feet) in height.
- The leaves at the bottom of the plant can be up to 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) long and 4 centimeters (about 1.6 inches) wide.
- Leaves higher up on the stem are much smaller.
The top part of the stem has many flowers.
- These flowers are spread out along a thin, spike-like part of the plant.
- They are a see-through green color.
Special Features and Scent
The flowers of the slender-spire orchid have a special feature: they smell!
- They release their scent mostly in the evenings.
- The smell can be like musk, soap, or even honey.
The plant can look a bit different depending on where it grows. For example, orchids found near the coast and in the Pacific Northwest often have wider petals and sepals (parts of the flower) than those found inland or in the mountains.
See also
In Spanish: Piperia unalascensis para niños
