Malaxis unifolia Michx.

Green Adder's Mouth

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Green Adder's Mouth Orchid is a native perennial in the Orchid family (Orchidaceae). It can be found throughout Alabama. Green Adder's Mouth Orchid occurs in sphagnum bogs, in seeps, in moist hardwood or pine forests, and occasionally on drier sites, especially in pine woodlands. It is a perennial from a pseudobulb (a storage organ found in many orchids that results from the thickening of a section of stem between leaves). Plants are 4-10 inches in height and all parts of the plant are green in color. There is a single leaf located about midpoint on the stem. The leaf is ovate in outline, glabrous, and has an entire margin. The leaf has a prominent midrib and a sheathing base. Flowers are produced in a terminal flat-topped raceme. The raceme elongates into a cylinder as the flowers develop. The stalked flowers are resupinate (upside down), and green in color. The lip has three teeth at its apex. The lateral petals are linear and strongly recurved. As many as 160 flowers are produced in a raceme. The fruit is a capsule with many dust-like seed. Green Adder's Mouth Orchid is a fairly common orchid, but is often over looked because of its small size and drab color. Flowering may occur at any time from spring through autumn. As with most orchids, there is a symbiotic relationship with fungi in the soil. This makes the plants very difficult to grow or transplant. You should never dig wild native orchids!--A. Diamond

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Native FAC+ (NWPL)

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