Spiranthes infernalis explained

Spiranthes infernalis, common name Ash Meadows lady's tresses, is a rare species of orchid known from only four locations in Nevada, all close to one another. The type locale is inside Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, in Nye County approximately WNW of Las Vegas. The site is a seasonally wet meadow.^{[1] [2]}

The epithet infernalis means "of the underworld" or "of the nether regions", in reference to the extremely hot climate of the region.

Description

Spiranthes infernalis is a terrestrial herb up to 40 cm (16 inches) tall. It has tuberous roots. Leaves are lanceolate, up to 15 cm (6 inches) long. The flowers are yellowish-white with an orange lip, borne in a tightly spiralled spike.^{[3] [4]}

Notes and References

1. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101953 Flora of North America v 26 p 544.
2. http://www.unlv.edu/sites/default/files/24/Barrick-GardenGuides-Orchid.pdf Siegel, Carol. Native Orchids of Nevada. Arboretum at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
3. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/33354146#page/236/mode/1up Sheviak, C. J. 1989. A new Spiranthes (Orchidaceae) from Ash Meadows, Nevada. Rhodora 91: 225–234.
4. http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?enlarge=0000+0000+1210+0755 Calphotos, James Andre, University of California, Berkeley