Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness
Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Platanthera brevifolia (Greene) Kraenzlin
(Short Leaf Fringed Orchid)
Family: Orchidaceae
Status: Native
Synonyms:
Habenaria brevifolia Greene
Habenaria sparsifolia S. Watson var. brevifolia (Greene) Correll
Limnorchis brevifolia (Greene) Rydberg
Platanthera sparsiflora (S. Watson) Schlechter var. brevifolia (Greene) Luer
Platanthera brevifolia is similar to Platanthera sparsifolia, but the flowers are packed more tightly together and the leaves are short and clasping. They are both found in middle to upper elevation most mixed conifer forests. The capsules split longitudinally into three sections. The seeds are difficult to identify because they are so small.
Platanthera brevifolia, photo Russ Kleinman, Bill Norris, Kelly Kindscher, & Al Wheeler, Pinos Altos Range, Signal Peak turnoff, July 28, 2008
Platanthera brevifolia, detail of flowers, photo Elroy Limmer, Pinos Altos Range, Allie Canyon
Platanthera brevifolia, 1x macro of capsule, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Signal Peak turnoff, Jan. 9, 2009
Platanthera brevifolia, 5x macro of seeds (or at least, what was inside of the capsule-- note the mm ruler below for size), photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Signal Peak turnoff, Jan. 9, 2009
Platanthera brevifolia, closeup of flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Cherry Creek Campground, September 9, 2011
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