Plant Database

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Schiedeella arizonica

Schiedeella arizonica P.M. Brown

Indian Braids, Arizona Red-spot, Parasitic Ladies'-tresses, Fallen Ladies'-tresses

Orchidaceae (Orchid family)

Synonym(s): Schiedeella fauci-sanguinea, Schiedeella parasitica, Spiranthes parasitica

USDA Symbol: SCAR8

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

"Herbs slender, to 20 cm. Roots thickened tuber, to 3 cm. Leaves not present at anthesis, 3–5, in basal rosette, petoliate; blade deep green, oval, to 3 × 6 cm. Inflorescenses: stems greenish yellow to rosy, slender; stem bracts several, prominent, 10–15 mm. Flowers to 12, in slender, loose, 1-ranked spiral, whitish; floral bracts translucent white, lanceolate-acuminate, 6–10 mm; dorsal sepal oblong-obtuse, 5–7 × 1.5–2 mm; lateral sepals oblong-oblique, 5–7 × 2 mm, apex obtuse; petals spatulate, tapering to narrow base, 4.5–5 × 1.5 mm; lip oblong, constricted above middle, 5.5–8 × 3.5 mm, base with poorly defined tuberosities clasping green column; margins crenulate-lacerate (outer portion strongly recurved in living material), apex with 3 green stripes, expanded, finely pubescent; disc in center of lip, rich cinnabar-red, especially if viewed from beneath, elliptic, thickened; ovary green, 3–5 mm, pubescent." (Webref: 3).