Ash Meadows lady's tresses facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ash Meadows lady's tresses
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Orchidaceae
Subfamily:	Orchidoideae
Tribe:	Cranichideae
Genus:	Spiranthes
Species:	S. infernalis
Binomial name
Spiranthes infernalis Sheviak
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The Spiranthes infernalis, often called the Ash Meadows lady's tresses,' is a very rare type of orchid. This special plant is found in only four places in Nevada, USA. All these spots are close to each other. One important place where it grows is inside the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is in Nye County, about 90 miles (145 km) west-northwest of Las Vegas. The plant likes to live in meadows that get wet during certain times of the year.

The second part of its scientific name, infernalis, means "of the underworld" or "from the nether regions." This name was chosen because the area where this orchid grows is extremely hot!

What Does the Ash Meadows Lady's Tresses Look Like?

The Ash Meadows lady's tresses is a small plant that grows from the ground. It can reach up to 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) tall. It has special roots that are shaped like tubers, which help it store food.

Leaves and Flowers

Its leaves are long and narrow, like the tip of a spear. They can grow up to 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) long. The flowers of this orchid are yellowish-white. They have a bright orange lip, which is a special part of the flower. These flowers grow in a tight spiral shape on a tall stalk.