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The Roundleaf Orchid, Galearis rotundifolia (or Amerorchis rotundifolia in older references) is a beautiful and unique species of orchid that can be found in K-Country. This fascinating plant is known for its distinctive rounded leaves and tiny but showy blooms. This makes it a popular subject for botanists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
The Roundleaf Orchid, also known as the Lesser Round-leaved Orchid or the Small Round-leaved Orchid, is a perennial herb that is that is endemic to North America, meaning that it’s found no where else in the world. Its original range covers most of northern North America including the Arctic and Greenland. It grows to a height of about 30 cm, although in our area, it is usually quite a diminutive plant, less than half that height. Each plant produces a single stem, and each stem has a single rounded, green leaf wrapped around the stem’s base.
Intricate flowers
In late spring and early summer, the Roundleaf Orchid produces a spike of showy flowers. They can range in colour from white to pink. The flower’s lower lip has a complex shape… sort of like a gingerbread man cookie! The lip has two side lobes (like the gingerbread man’s arms) and the extended end of the lip has another two rounded lobes at the very tip (like the legs). The lower lip is usually spotted with darker pink-purple spots. The back of the lip forms a little curved spur that extends behind the flower. The other petals and sepals together form a cup-like structure.
Interestingly, the flowers of Roundleaf Orchid are scentless and also lack nectar. They depend on deception for pollination – the expectation by small bees and hoverflies that nutritious nectar should be present. As the insect lands on the lower lip and probes its tongue into the spur looking for nectar, sticky pollen is transferred onto the insect’s head. It then flies away, disappointed presumably, but carrying a load of pollen to the next flower it tries. This is similar to the flowers of the Calypso Orchid.
Where to find them
The Roundleaf Orchid is found in lowland habitats throughout the north, central and western parts of Alberta – so long as it’s damp. The plant is highly dependent on the presence of moisture. So its habitat includes bogs, fens, moist & shady woods, along streams or in river floodplains. Many Springs in Bow Valley Provincial Park is noted for them, but they can be found in many other wet areas.
While the species is considered “secure” in this area, it has been largely extirpated (made locally extinct) through many eastern U.S. states. This has been the result of land modifications (logging, changes in drainage) and other human activities. Despite interesting historical usage and beliefs, we should keep in mind to obey the conservation laws. Let’s appreciate this and all flowers only as a beautiful part of the species biodiversity of K-Country!
See more of the beautiful flowers of K-Country here!
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