Phantom Orchid (Cenephalanthera austiniae)

Also known as the snow orchid, this mycoheterotrophic orchid relies on symbiotic mycorrhizal relationships in the soil for sugars and nutrients. Lacking any chlorophyll at all, this pure white, parasitic orchid relies entirely on stealing resources from other plants to survive. They can only grow in intact, shaded forest ecosystems, which is why you rarely come across them. Plus, they only bloom for a short period maybe 2 weeks at best. Because of their ephemeral nature, it makes them quite the surprise to see them in habitat - I have been looking for this orchid for over 3 years now and couldn’t believe my eyes when I finally saw it. Interestingly, this orchid is the only species of Cenephalanethera growing in the western hemisphere (B.C, Washington, Oregon, California). All of the other members of this genus grow in Asia. They grow between 20-65 cm tall, flowers and stems are waxy and white other than the yellow center on its bottom lip which helps to attract pollinators. They have very small, almost non-existant leaves since they don’t use them to photosynthesize. It’s becoming increasingly rare to see these because of the massive loss of intact, healthy forest, climate change, and invasive plant encroachment. This orchid was growing in a mixed Ponderosa Pine and Quaking aspen forest in the foothills of Mt. Adams at Conboy National Wildlife Refuge. Please do visit respectfully!