Galearis, Orchid
Galearis is a genus of perennial orchids in the family Orchidaceae, comprising 11 species. Most species are found in East Asia. Galearis spectabilis is found in southeastern United States. The genus Galearis is derived from Greek word galea, which means 'helmet', in referring to the helmet-like appearance of the orchid. While spectabilis is the Latin word meaning showy. Galearis spectabilis (Showy Orchid) can be found growing in moist, rich deciduous forests (in beech and maple woods with limey soil) and swamp margins. The plant is a low-growing orchid 10-30 cm tall, arising from a short, tuberless rhizome. One pair of ovate basal leaves (8-18 cm long, 2-8 cm wide) is produced from a cluster of fleshy, thickened roots. The inflorescence is a loose or dense raceme, carrying 2-10 flowers of white and pink to lavender. Each flower is about 1.5-4 cm long and pollinated by bumblebee. Flowering period is from May to June.  Galearis spectabilis Author: PicTrans (public domain) | ||
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