Hexalectris spicata (Walter) Barnhart

Crested Coral Root; Brunetta

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Crested Coral Root is a native perennial species in the Orchid family (Orchidaceae). In Alabama, it occurs most frequently in the southeastern portion of the state. Habitats include dry or mesic hardwood forest, often near streams on the slopes of ravines. Crested Coral Root has no leaves, and is non-photosynthetic. It obtains nutrients from a complex relationship with fungi in the soil. For most of the year the plant exists as a mass of thick coral-like roots in the soil. In mid-summer or autumn, often in response to heavy rains, flower stalks are produced. There can often be hundreds of flower stalks in a particular area. The stalks are up to eighteen inches in height and bear from three to twelve flowers. Their brownish color helps them blend in well with the leaf litter. The flowers are yellowish brown with purple stripes, while the lip is white with purple stripes. Crested Coral Root in Alabama is listed as an S2 species (typically 6 to 20 occurrences, few remaining individuals, acres, or miles of stream, or factors demonstrably making it very vulnerable in the state) and globally as a G3/G4 species (6 - 20 occurrences, or few remaining acres, or miles of stream) or very vulnerable to extinction throughout its range because of other factors). Plants may be abundant in an area one year and then absent for several years, possibly in response to moisture or nutrient availability. As with all of our native orchids, most plants will not survive transplanting, and should be preserved where they occur. You should never pick orchid flowers!--A. Diamond

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Native FACU (NWPL) S2 (State Rank) G3G4 (Global Rank)

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