White Egret Orchid

White Egret Orchid Facts

• Most notably, the White Egret Orchid remains a truly unique and beautiful species of orchid. Furthermore, and completely understandably, its common name derives from its supposed resemblance to a white egret.
• This occurs due to the fact that its shape suggests to many minds a very specific image. That image happens to be the appearance of white wings spread for flight. The physical resemblance represents an astonishing quirk of evolution.
• In addition, such a unique plant also perfectly demonstrates the creativity Nature so often displays for all to see. Its scientific classification of Habenaria radiata also seems quite appropriate, since it appears to radiate beauty.
• Finally, the White Egret Orchid also remains quite rare in the wild. Remarkably, however, current research shows this may have always been the case. In addition, like some other species, it even forms the subject of several legends within its endemic range.

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White Egret Orchid Physical Description

The appropriately named White Egret Orchid constitutes an amazing terrestrial species of orchid. Additionally, this amazing plant itself qualifies as a small shrub. Further, the stunning plant attains a typical height of approximately 15 in (38 cm).

In addition, its delicate leaves also grow comparatively long and thin, much like blades of grass. Typically, the White Egret Orchid produces either two or three flowers on each short stem. However, blooms these may sometimes number as many as eight.

The calyx also generally develops egg-shaped, while the sepals develop small and green. Most noteworthy, however, are the three lobes. The two largest extend laterally and develop highly fringed edges, which serves to further accentuate the appearance of wings.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Monocots
• Order: Asparagales
• Family: Orchidaceae
• Genus: Pecteilis
• Species: P. radiata

White Egret Orchid Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Firstly, the truly stunning White Egret Orchid evolved as endemic to a surprisingly extensive habitat range. Secondly, this enormous territory covers widely scattered portions of Asia, including Japan, China, Korea, and certain portions of  Russia.

Not surprisingly, the remarkable species requires a highly specific habitat type. This beautiful and unique flower also grows naturally in seepage slopes and wetland regions. Quite interestingly, it only occurs naturally at moderate to high elevations, which is unusual for orchids.

Additionally, the gorgeous White Egret Orchid also matures during the summer and rainy season. Because of this, it typically blooms from July to August in its native range. However, during Autumn, the plant typically enters a period of dormancy.

Finally, and truly sadly, the species appears to be in rapid decline in the wild at this time. But, the IUCN has not yet given the species a classification status. However, that may change in the near future, as its situation deteriorates. That’s because it now faces the threat of climate change.

Species Sharing Its Range

                             

  White Ermine                   Snowy Owl                     Amur Leopard

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