The Crane-fly Orchid (Tipularia discolor) is a perennial terrestrial woodland orchid, a member of the Orchidaceae. It is the only species of the genus Tipularia found in North America. This orchid grows a single leaf in September that disappears in the spring. The leaf is green with dark purple spots. The orchid blooms in mid-July to late August. The roots are a connected series of corms. Its roots are edible. They are starchy and almost potato-like.
The plant is pollinated by noctuid moths, by means of flowers which incline slightly to the right or left, so the pollinaria can attach to one of the moth's eyes.
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Growing in large clonal group
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Tipularia discolor colony, with seed pods, Florida, February.
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Underside of leaf is always purple
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Seed pods
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Broken seed pod with micrograph of seed insert.
Cranefly orchids are endangered, threatened, or rare in several states.