I picked Cephalanthera austiniae because it is a rare and unusual plant from Washington, which is my home state. While I've never actually seen it, it's something I've kept an eye out for. This orchid is very striking as it lacks chlorophyll, leaving the plant a nearly pure white color. It also has no leaves. What made me really interested in it was that I was curious as to how a plant like this functions.
%20%235.JPG)
Image: Native Orchids of the Pacific Northwest
As it turns out, the reason for all of these traits is that it derives all its nutrients from mycorrhizal fungi, which convert sugars that the orchid can use. The mycorrhizal fungi are unwilling participants in this process, as Cephalanthera austiniae is parasitic. Another odd fact is that it's the only plant of its genus found outside Europe and Asia.
#2. Please provide taxonomic information: Phylum, class order, family. Are there any controversies with respect to its classification? What is / are its common name(s) (if any)? Who is the authority (the person who named the plant)?
It is in the Anthophyta phylum, the Monocotyledoneae class, the Lilopsida order, and the Orchidaceae family. It's most commonly called Phantom Orchid, though it is also called by some Snow Orchid, both referring to its white color. This plant was named by A. Heller. (http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/)
This is fascinating: most parasitic plants get their nutrients from other plants, not fungi – that is certainly a reversal of roles! Katie (I assume it was she who made the previous comment) is correct: this is called mycotrophy (“fungus feeding”). I just found a great old article (1939!) about this and will post it.
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned that this orchid is rare, but it seems that given the abundance of mycorrhizae and the fact that it can grow in shade, Cephalanthera austiniae would be more common. Does it only associate with one specific mycorrhizae host species?
ReplyDelete