Striped Coralroot

The Striped Coralroot, Corallorhiza striata var. striata, is blooming now in various locations. These were photographed not far from where we live along the interurban trail in the Chuckanuts.

The Corallorhizas are all leafless, saprophytic orchids that obtain their nourishment from micro-organisms in the soil and decaying plant material and not from the process of photosynthesis.

To my mind these are the most beautiful of the different species, some five of which are found here in Washington State.

nativeorchidsofthepacificnorthwest.blogspot.com/2011/05/c....