Spiranthes niklasii M.C.Pace

Taxonomic Background

Spiranthes niklasii M.C.Pace is a plant species that strongly resembles Spiranthes cernua, and is thought to likely have an ancient hybrid origin from a cross between Spiranthes cernua and Spiranthes ovalis.

Size and Basal Leaves

These plants can reach a maximum height of 41 cm, and grow one or two basal leaves.

Leaf Phenology

Unlike both of its hypothesized parent species, the leaves of Spiranthes niklasii usually wilt completely before the plant begins flowering.

Flower Labellum Features

Another distinguishing feature is that each flower’s labellum has a small patch of papillae, which are small protrusions, along its center.

Known Distribution

The only currently known populations of this species are located in Arkansas and Oklahoma, primarily within the Ouachita Mountains.

Habitat

In this region, it grows in xeric graminoid clearings and along forest edges.