Species #55: Merten’s Coral-root
Merten’s Coral-root
Corallorhiza mertensiana
This species is fairly common in the woods around Sitka. They lack chlorophyll, instead drawing their nutrients through association with fungi (at least that is what I assume mycotrophic means). These photos are not representative of the typical color form of this orchid. In fact, though I have seen variation in how dark the flowers and stems are, this is the only time I have ever seen a white and yellow version with none of the typical pink/purple coloration in evidence. This apparently means they are free of anthocyanin.
