Conserving and restoring at risk species and ecosystems on the BC South Coast
phantom orchid
Cephalanthera austiniae
A member of the family Orchidaceae (“orchids”), “snow” orchid as it is sometimes referred to is the only species of the genus Cephalanthera found outside of Europe and Asia. A “myco-heterotrophic” species it lacks chlorophyll and is unable to photosynthesize. Phantom orchid obtains nutrients through a three-way partnership with fungi in the family. To facilitate this unique and complex relationship, the majority of the plants structure is underground.
COSEWIC: T BC List: Red
Height up to 65 cm. Phantom orchid is a white, non-photosynthetic, rhizomatous perennial. Flowering stems have 5-20 vanilla scented white flowers, each with a yellow gland on the lower lip. The 2-5 bract-like leaves are present along the stem. The stems turn yellowish or brownish as they age. After flowering, dry, seed-bearing capsules may form.
RESOURCES
For further information see:
A sources for authoritative conservation information on thousands of plants and animals and hundreds of ecological communities in BC.
A joint venture resource providing comprehensive information on a range of species and ecological communities specific to the Coast Region of BC (including the South, Central and North Coast, Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii).
Environmental guidelines for urban and rural land development in BC.
Learn what species are at risk in your area, search by name, habitat type, regional district and forest district.
A volunteer-driven GIS-based biogeoclimatic atlas of the vascular plants, fungi, algae, bryophytes and lichens of BC.
Source for status, taxonomy, distribution and life history information for plants, animals and ecological communities in the US and Canada.
The source for news, information and documents related to species at risk, their status and conservation in Canada.
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