Aplectrum

Putty Root
File:Putty-rootOrchid.jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Orchidaceae
Subfamily:	Epidendroideae
Tribe:	Maxillarieae
Subtribe:	Corallorhizinae
Genus:	Aplectrum (Nutt.) Torr.
Species:	A. hyemale
Binomial name
Aplectrum hyemale (Muhl. ex Willd.) Torr.

Aplectrum hyemale is a species of orchids (family Orchidaceae) and the sole species of the genus Aplectrum. The generic name comes from Greek and signifies "spurless". The species is commonly referred to as Adam and Eve or putty root, the latter refers to the mucilaginous fluid which can be removed from the tubers when they are crushed.

The leaves appear in late November and persist until March. They are uniquely pin-striped, with parallel alternating silvery-white and green stripes. In late May or early June the flower stalk emerges carrying several flowers, each only a few millimeters across.

Aplectrum hyemale will spread underground through the growth of its tubers, forming large colonies.

See also

• Oreorchis patens - an extremely similar species, also in a monotypic genus
• Tipularia discolor - another similar orchid which is often confused with A. hyemale

External links

• USDA plant profile