Corallorhiza

Corallorhiza is a genus of terrestrial orchids known as coralroots. Most species are non-photosynthetic, leafless or nearly leafless, and obtain carbon through mycoheterotrophic associations with soil fungi tied to trees. The genus is distributed mainly in temperate North America, with some species in Central America and Asia.

Plants have slender, coral-like branched underground rhizomes and unbranched stems bearing small, inconspicuous flowers. Color varies from reddish to brown or pale yellow-green. Leaves are reduced to small scales or absent; the flowers form a raceme along the stem and are adapted for pollination by insects.

Life cycle and ecology: Corallorhiza seeds are dust-like and require a compatible mycorrhizal partner for germination. Adults do not photosynthesize; they obtain carbon via the fungal network connected to trees. Each species has specific fungal associations, and habitat loss can threaten populations due to disruption of these networks.

There are roughly a dozen to two dozen species, concentrated in North America, with some extending into Central America and Asia. They inhabit shaded forests, often under conifers or mixed woodlands.

Taxonomy and name: Corallorhiza means coral-like root, reflecting the coral-like rhizomes. It is a genus within the orchid family, notable for mycoheterotrophy.