Spiranthes ovalis
Gen. Sp. Orchid. Pl., 466. 1840.
Plants 5–40 cm. Roots few, slender, spreading to descending, mostly to 0.5 cm diam. Leaves persisting through anthesis, few–several, basal, usually on proximal 1/2 stem, recurved-spreading, oblanceolate, 3–15 × 0.5–1.5 cm. Spikes tightly spiraled, usually 3 flowers per cycle of spiral, rarely loosely spiraled in depauperate plants; rachis pubescent, some trichomes clavate to capitate, glands obviously stalked. Flowers pure white; sepals distinct to base, slightly spreading, 3.5–6.1 × 1–1.5 mm; petals lanceolate, 6 × 1 mm; lip ovate, 5 × 3 mm, apex with finely crisped margin; veins few, branches parallel; basal calli spreading, slender, mostly to 0.75 mm; ovary mostly 3–8 mm. Seeds monoembryonic.
Distribution
e North America.
Discussion
Varieties 2 (2 in the flora).
Selected References
None.
Key
| 1 | Rostellum and viscidium present. | Spiranthes ovalis var. ovalis |
| 1 | Rostellum and viscidium absent. | Spiranthes ovalis var. erostellata |