About Platanthera michaelii (Greene) R.M.Bateman
Platanthera michaelii, a scientifically accepted orchid species, is an uncommon plant with the common names Michael's rein orchid and Michael's piperia. This species is endemic to California. Within the state, it occurs in coastal plains, hills, mountains, and the Sierra Nevada foothills. It grows in a variety of habitat types, including scrub, woodland, and forest. This orchid grows from a bulbous caudex, reaching an erect maximum height of around 70 centimeters. Its basal leaves grow up to 24 centimeters long and 5 centimeters wide. Leaves positioned higher on the stem are much smaller in size. The upper section of the stem holds a spikelike inflorescence made up of many yellow-green flowers, which release a fragrance during the evenings.
