Platanthera yosemitensis

Yosemite Bog-orchid
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Orchidoideae
Tribe: Orchideae
Subtribe: Orchidinae
Alliance: Orchis
Genus: Platanthera
Species: P. yosemitensis
Binomial name
Platanthera yosemitensis
Colwell, Sheviak and P.Moore[1]
Synonyms[2]

Limnorchis yosemitensis (Colwell, Sheviak & P.E.Moore) P.M.Br., S.L.Stewart & Gamarra

Platanthera yosemitensis (Yosemite Bog-orchid) is a species of orchid that is endemic to nine wet montane meadows between the main stem and the South Fork of the Merced River in Yosemite National Park.

First collected in 1923, it was not recognized as a distinct species until 2007. The species grows at altitudes of 1800–2700 m (6000–9000 ft.). The orchid has a foul smell that has variously been described as "corral of horses, asafetida, strong cheese, human feet, sweaty clothing, or simply disagreeable".[3] The orchid's yellow flowers are less than 8 mm (¼ in.) wide.

References

  1. ↑ Colwell, A. E. L., et al. (2007). A new Platanthera (Orchidaceae) from Yosemite National Park, California. Madroño 54:1 86-93.
  2. ↑ Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  3. ↑ United States Geological Survey (2007-07-16). "USGS Botanists Help Identify a New Orchid, the Yosemite Bog-Orchid". Retrieved 2007-07-17.

External links

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