''Triphora trianthophoros'', the threebirds or three birds orchid, or nodding pogonia, is a

species A species () is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate sexes or mating types can produce fertile offspring, typically by sexual reproduction. It is the basic unit of Taxonomy (biology), ...

of terrestrial

orchid Orchids are plants that belong to the family Orchidaceae (), a diverse and widespread group of flowering plants with blooms that are often colourful and fragrant. Orchids are cosmopolitan plants that are found in almost every habitat on Eart ...

native to eastern North America.

Description

''Triphora trianthophoros'' is a small, terrestrial, semi-saprophytic orchid. The showiest member of its genus, ''T. trianthophoros'' has 1-8 (often 3, thus the name) nodding flowers that are roughly 2 cm in size and sit atop stems 8–25 cm tall. Leaves are small (~1 cm X 1.5 cm) and typically dark green to purple. The orchid blooms from July through September, but is infamous for its elusive nature, with ephemeral flowers lasting for only several hours on a few days of the year. It has further been reported that populations across a region synchronize blooming on specific days, making observation of flowering specimens even more difficult. Several forms of ''T. trianthophoros'' exist, including forma ''albidoflava'' (Keenan) with white flowers, forma ''caerulea'' (P.M. Brown) with blue flowers, and forma ''rossii'' (P.M. Brown) with multi-colored flowers.

Habitat and range

''Triphora trianthophoros'' is native to the eastern North America, ranging from as far south as Panama and north through Central America and the central and eastern United States into Ontario. Despite its wide distribution, the species is rare throughout much of its range and has been given G3G4 (secured, but with cause for concern) conservation status by

NatureServe NatureServe, Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Arlington County, Virginia, United States, US, that provides proprietary wildlife conservation-related data, tools, and services to private and government clients, partner organizations, and ...

. ''Triphora trianthophoros'' is usually found in mixed deciduous forests. Co-located species often include partridgeberry and

beech Beech (genus ''Fagus'') is a genus of deciduous trees in the family Fagaceae, native to subtropical (accessory forest element) and temperate (as dominant element of Mesophyte, mesophytic forests) Eurasia and North America. There are 14 accepted ...

trees.

References

{{Authority control Triphorinae