Aplectrum
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| Putty Root | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Aplectrum hyemale (Muhl. ex Willd.) Torr. |
Aplectrum hyemale is a species of orchids (family Orchidaceae) and the sole species of the genus Aplectrum. The generic name comes from Greek and signifies "spurless". The species is commonly referred to as Adam and Eve or putty root, the latter refers to the mucilaginous fluid which can be removed from the tubers when they are crushed.
The leaves appear in late November and persist up until March. In late May or early June the flower stalk emerges carrying several flowers, each only a few millimeters across. There are silvery stripes that run the length of the leaves
Aplectrum hyemale will spread underground through the growth of its tubers, forming large colonies.
[edit] See also
- Oreorchis patens - an extremely similar species, also in a monotypic genus
- Tipularia discolor - another similar orchid which is often confused with A. hyemale
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