Putty-root, Adam-and-Eve, aplectrum d’hiver [Greek a, without, and plectron, spur]

Charles J. Sheviak & Paul M. Catling

Herbs, perennial. Roots in fascicles at base of pseudobulb, slender, fibrous. Corms connected by slender rhizomes. Stems scapes, cormose. Leaves produced in late summer–fall, withering in spring, solitary, borne at distal end of corm, plicate. Inflorescences solitary, lax racemes from lateral nodes on corm; floral bracts inconspicuous; cauline bracts sheathing, large. Flowers several, resupinate; sepals to 15 mm; lip 3-lobed, with 3 parallel lamellae; column compressed; pollinarium 1; pollinea 4, attached to viscidium by short stipe; stigma deeply concave. Fruits capsules, pendent, straight, 7 mm.

Species 2 (1 in the flora): e North America, e Asia (Japan).

Lower Taxon

• Aplectrum hyemale (Muhlenburg ex Willdenow) Torrey