Habenaria | |
---|---|
Habenaria marginata | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Orchidaceae |
Subfamily: | Orchidoideae |
Tribe: | Orchideae |
Subtribe: | Orchidinae |
Genus: |
Habenaria Willd. |
Species | |
Over 800, see text |
Over 800, see text
Habenaria, commonly called bog orchids, are a far ranging genus of orchids. There are approximately 800-1000 species of Habenaria, native to every continent except Antarctica, in both tropical and temperate zones.
Habenaria species have small to large underground root tubers and erect stems 20 to 80 cm (8 to 31 in) in length. Leaves are lanceolate or ovate, and are borne either along the stem (cauline) or only at the base (basal). When basal, leaves lie flat on the ground. Flowers are mostly green, white, yellow and green, or white and green, but a few exceptions have brilliant red flowers. The column is frequently complicated, with long organs sticking out of it (stigma processes, lateral rostellum arms, anther canals). The plant is a perennial deciduous, with the entire above-ground part of the plant dying back each year.