Triphora trianthophoros

Triphora trianthophoros is a small, terrestrial, semi-saprophytic orchid.[2] The showiest member of its genus, T. trianthophoros has 1-8 (often 3, thus the name) nodding flowers that are roughly 2 cm in size and sit atop stems 8–25 cm tall. Leaves are small (~1 cm X 1.5 cm) and typically dark green to purple. The orchid blooms from July through September, but is infamous for its elusive nature, with ephemeral flowers lasting for only several hours on a few days of the year.[3] It has further been reported that populations across a region synchronize blooming on specific days, making observation of flowering specimens even more difficult.[4] Several forms of T. trianthophoros exist, including forma albidoflava (Keenan) with white flowers, forma caerulea (P.M. Brown) with blue flowers, and forma rossii (P.M. Brown) with multi-colored flowers.[5][6][7]

Triphora trianthophoros is native to the eastern North America, ranging from as far south as Panama and north through Central America and the central and eastern United States into Ontario.[2] Despite its wide distribution, the species is rare throughout much of its range and has been given G3G4 (secured, but with cause for concern) conservation status by NatureServe.[8]

Triphora trianthophoros is usually found in mixed deciduous forests. Co-located species often include partridgeberry and beech trees.[2][3]