Orchidaceae: Orchid Family — Piperia (Rein-orchid)
Elegant Rein-orchid / Coast Piperia – Piperia elegans subsp. elegans
Blooms:
May–Sept
Plant Height:
12–73 cm
Flower Size:
Small
Origin:
Native
Habitat:
Mainly coastal
Notes:
Like Michael’s and Wood/Elongate Rein-orchids (Piperia michaelii & elongata), this has a down-curving spur but, unlike them, its flowers are pure white with a dark green mid-vein and the inflorescence is more dense. The upper sepal is erect to forward-pointing and the lateral sepals are erect to spreading. The lip is lanceolate and curved downwards. Flowers are fragrant but not clove-like.
Wood / Elongate Rein-orchid – Piperia elongata
Blooms:
May–July
Plant Height:
14–130 cm
Flower Size:
Small
Origin:
Native
Habitat:
Shaded places, generally inland
Notes:
This and Michael’s Rein-orchid (Piperia michaelii) have green to yellow-green flowers and a long, down-curving spur. This species is tall and slender with an inflorescence longer than the peduncle. The pale green flowers have sickle-shaped lateral petals and a narrowly triangular lower lip. The flowers are unscented.
Michael’s Rein-orchid – Piperia michaelii
Blooms:
Apr–Aug
Plant Height:
9–70 cm
Flower Size:
Small
Origin:
Native
Rare or endangered?
Yes – 4.2
Habitat:
Exposed locations near coast
Notes:
This is less tall than Wood / Elongate Rein-orchid (Piperia elongata) and its inflorescence is shorter than the peduncle. Flowers are a similar greenish-yellow color but can be distinguished by the broad, spade-shaped lower lip and the upright, somewhat concave upper petals. The spur is long, more or less curved and generally pointed down. The flowers are fragrant at night.
Transverse Rein-orchid / Flat-spurred Piperia – Piperia transversa
Blooms:
May–Aug
Plant Height:
12–57 cm
Flower Size:
Small
Origin:
Native
Habitat:
Generally dry sites, many communities
Notes:
This elegant, shade-loving Rein-orchid, with its long, slender inflorescence, is recognizable by its long straight spurs extending horizontally from the flower. The flowers are white to yellowish, the lateral petals having a green mid-vein. The upper sepal points forward through the erect upper petals. Flower are clove-scented.
Yadon’s Piperia / Rein-orchid – Piperia yadonii
Blooms:
June–July
Plant Height:
10–50 (80) cm
Flower Size:
Small
Origin:
Native
Habitat:
Yes – 1b.1
Habitat:
Pine woodland and maritime chaparral
Notes:
This orchid, endemic to Monterey County, is named after Monterey Peninsula’s own Vern Yadon. A tall, slender plant with congested flowers, it is similar to Elegant Rein-orchid (Piperia elegans) except for the diminutive white-rimmed, green lateral petals and the spur which is much shorter than those of other Rein-orchids. One unique feature of this Rein-orchid is the way the upper petals generally curve inwards like a horseshoe.
