"Nature Guide Journal"

19 April 2001

I checked:  yes, the twayblades are blooming!

While with a client last week I visited a patch of heart-leaved twayblades near Bandon.  Under ten inches tall, this dainty forest plant is easy to miss. The tiny, delicate, star-shaped flowers are purplish–brown to white, with the long lower lip split to a deep fork–the "twayblade."  The plant’s two heart-shaped leaves are opposite each other halfway up the flower stem.  Although the flowers look nothing like a corsage, the twayblade is never-the-less an orchid.

Like other plant groups, "orchids" are defined by the number and arrangement of their flower parts.  In an orchid, the stamens and pistil (the male and female parts of the flower) are united into a column atop a twisted ovary.  Even vanilla "beans," actually the ovaries of vanilla orchids, have a slight twist.

Orchids have three sepals (outside parts) and three petals.  Significantly, the upper most sepal is usually different from the other two sepals; the lower most petal is usually different from the other two petals.  The lower petal ("lip") may be highly modified–often enlarged, divided, or adorned.  Fascinating to humans, orchids show a overwhelming variety of colors and exotic shapes.

By some counts, there are perhaps 30,000 species of orchids, making it the largest family of flowering plants on the planet.  Orchids are found world-wide, except in Antarctica, and in virtually all habitats.  More than two dozen species are found in Oregon, with many species native to Coos County.

As with the twayblade, most Oregon orchids have small, often inconspicuous flowers.  Though tiny, Oregon’s orchids are still elegantly beautiful and well worth the effort to look closely.

I’ve enjoyed wild orchids in Coos County in a wide variety of habitats:  various forest habitats–heart-leaved twayblade (Listera cordata), rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera oblongifolia), fairy slipper (Calypso bulbosa); seasonal wetlands and deflation plains–rein orchids, bog orchids (Platanthera sp.) and ladies’ tresses (Spiranthes sp.); streamside–stream orchid (Epipactis gigantea).

We also have several species of orchids that are saprophytic/parasitic in forest environments–the coral roots (Corallorhiza sp.).  Without chlorophyll, these plants cannot make their own food and live on an underground host. Only the flower stalks show above ground.

Many or our orchids have an intimate relationship with specific soil fungi and therefore do not transplant well.  Wild orchids are best enjoyed in their native environment.

Wavecrest Discoveries can craft your personal discovery of this delightful part of our world by customizing one of our distinctive guided excursions.   Our walks, tours, and special activities are wonderful ways to explore this fascinating region—and are the perfect entertainment for guests.