Swamp beaked orchid

Spiranthes lanceolata (Aublet) León var. paludicola Luer, Florida Orchidist 14: 19. 1971

Leaves present at flowering time. Inflorescences 3–15 cm; floral bracts red, lanceolate, 12–15 mm. Flowers 9–29, deep red; dorsal sepal 9–11 × 3.5–4.5 mm; lateral sepals 12–14 × 33–42 mm, connate 1–2 mm over basal portion of mentum, distinct portion of mentum 0.8–1.2 mm; petals 9–10.5 × 2.2–2.8 mm; lip red to pale red, 11–13 × 3.8–4.5 mm; column 6–7.5 mm from attachment of dorsal sepal to tip, foot extending back 3–4 mm; pollinaria 3–3.5 mm; viscidium 2.9–3.1 mm; pedicellate ovary 12–15 mm; rostellum 2.3–2.8 mm. Capsules 12 × 6 mm. Seeds monoembryonic.

Flowering late Jan--early Apr. Moist to wet hardwood forests on sandy or organic substrates; 0--10 m; Fla.; West Indies.

Sacoila lanceolata var. paludicola is very uncommon. It is local in Collier County and introduced in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, Florida.