Piperia transversa
Encyclopedia
Piperia transversa is a species of orchid
known by the common name royal rein orchid. It is native to western North America from British Columbia
to California
, where it can be found in forest, woodland, chaparral, and scrub habitat, often in dry areas. This orchid grows erect to about 55 centimeters in maximum height from a bulbous caudex
. The basal leaves are up to 19 centimeters long by 4 wide. Leaves higher on the stem are much reduced. The upper part of the stem is a spikelike inflorescence
of many flowers which are white or yellowish with green veining. They are fragrant in the evenings and are said to have a scent like clove
s. They are pollinated
by geometrid moths
.
Orchidaceae
The Orchidaceae, commonly referred to as the orchid family, is a morphologically diverse and widespread family of monocots in the order Asparagales. Along with the Asteraceae, it is one of the two largest families of flowering plants, with between 21,950 and 26,049 currently accepted species,...
known by the common name royal rein orchid. It is native to western North America from British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
to California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, where it can be found in forest, woodland, chaparral, and scrub habitat, often in dry areas. This orchid grows erect to about 55 centimeters in maximum height from a bulbous caudex
Caudex
A caudex is a form of stem morphology appearing as a thickened, short, perennial stem that is either underground or near ground level . It may be swollen for the purpose of water storage, especially in xerophytes...
. The basal leaves are up to 19 centimeters long by 4 wide. Leaves higher on the stem are much reduced. The upper part of the stem is a spikelike inflorescence
Inflorescence
An inflorescence is a group or cluster of flowers arranged on a stem that is composed of a main branch or a complicated arrangement of branches. Strictly, it is the part of the shoot of seed plants where flowers are formed and which is accordingly modified...
of many flowers which are white or yellowish with green veining. They are fragrant in the evenings and are said to have a scent like clove
Clove
Cloves are the aromatic dried flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae. Cloves are native to the Maluku islands in Indonesia and used as a spice in cuisines all over the world...
s. They are pollinated
Pollination
Pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred in plants, thereby enabling fertilisation and sexual reproduction. Pollen grains transport the male gametes to where the female gamete are contained within the carpel; in gymnosperms the pollen is directly applied to the ovule itself...
by geometrid moths
Geometer moth
The geometer moths or Geometridae are a family of the order Lepidoptera...
.