Isotria
(pronounced: eye-SOH-tree-ah)
Classification
subtribe Pogoniinae. Of uncertain affinity. Isotria was included in a broadly defined Pogonia Jussieu.
Overview
Erect terrestrials from subterranean, rhizomes bearing terminal whorls of leaves. Flowers usually solitary, erect, terminal, sessile. Sepals and petals dissimilar, free, the sepals spreading, the petals parallel to and forming a hood over the column. Lip three-lobed, with a longitudinal callus. Column arcuate and clavate; pollinia 2, mealy.
Distribution
A genus of two species native to eastern North America.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
This genus has rarely, if ever, been successfully cultivated. Both species are impacted by habitat destruction and listed as endangered or threatened throughout their ranges. No attempt should be made to remove plants from the wild or to purchase plants obtained from wild sources.
Literature
McCartney, C. 1998. A rarity for the life list. Orchids 67(5):506-514. Mehrhoff, L. J. 1983. Pollination in the genus Isotria (Orchidaceae). Amer. J. Bot. 70:1444-1453. Vitt, P. and C. S. Campbell 1997. Reproductive biology of Isotria medeoloides (Orchidaceae). Rhodora 99(897):56-63.
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