User:Nellieella/Platanthera purpurascen

Description
Platanthera purpurascens is a species of orchid whose name derives from the presence of purple and red blotches on their flowers. Additionally, the word Platantera has a Greek root meaning “wide anther” (Brown, n.d.), which also aids in the naming of this specific orchid. These orchids are known for their strong, musty smell, and appear dark green in the southwest regions of the Unites States. Platanthera purpurascen is considered the most variable species of the Platantheras due to their multiple lip and spur shape and size (Coleman, 2002).

Flowers
Platanthera purpurascens plants are 24–80 cm tall. Due to their high variability, flowers can be packed or light along the floral stem, but blooms bottom upward and are usually dark green in color, often with purple or reddish highlights (Brown, n.d). Flowers on Platanthera purpurascen have a short nectar spur witch is 2-3mm long and a lip which can range from 4-8mm long (Platanthera Purpurascens in Flora of North America @ Efloras.Org, n.d.) Platanthera purpurascen has an expected blooming time of 2-4 months usually in the months of June, July, and August (Brown, n.d).

Distribution and Habitat
Platanthera purpurascens is concentrated in the Rocky Mountain states of New Mexico and Colorado, with additional occurrences in Arizona, California, and Wyoming. Plants grow at an elevation between 2130–3125m, showing a wide tolerance for habitat distribution. Primary habitats for Platanthera purpurascen include seeps, stream banks and meadows.(Platanthera Purpurascens (Purple Petal Bog Orchid): Go Orchids, n.d.) undefinedPlatanthera purpurascen can be found growing next to companion species which include: grasses, monkey flowers, and corn lilies. (Coleman, 2002)

Taxonomy
“Platanthera purpurascens was first described by Per Axel Rydberg in 1901 as Limnorchis purpurascens but later assumed to be the same species or a variation of Platanthera hyperborea or Platanthera stricta. In 1997 it was again described as a separate species, Platanthera purpurascens” (Sheviak, 1997).

Kingdom: Plantae

Clade: Tracheophytes

Clade: Angiosperms

Clade: Monocot

Order: Asparagales

Family: Orchidaceae

Family: Orchidoideae

Genus: Platanthera

Species: Platanthera purpurascen

Conservation Status
Platanthera purpurascen are found in a wide variety of habitats, some of which are protected within wilderness areas. They are considered safe at the time of this reading (Coleman, 2002).