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Dense-flowered Rein Orchid Piperia Elongata |
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Piperia
elongata is very difficult to tell apart from Yadon’s piperia
(Piperia yadonii) until it blooms. Then it can be seen that its flowers
are all green and have a long rather than short spur and that the
flowering stalk is taller than what is found in Yadon’s piperia.
In addition, P. elongata blooms a little later than Yadon’s piperia.
In Manzanita Park, P. elongata and P. yadonii can grow side by side.
This is most commonly seen in the Eucalyptus grove that occurs along
the loop trail, close to Hwy 101. The picture shown here was taken
in that grove. Like Yadon’s piperia, P. elongata grows from a
tuber and not all living plants emerge from underground in any given
year. Also like Yadon’s piperia, it is thought to be pollinated
by night-flying moths that seek the nectar found in the long spurs
of the flowers.
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