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woodland bulb

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Posted by muddyfingers2009 nc (My Page) on
Thu, Apr 16, 09 at 13:13

Single blade shape green leaf with purple underside appears to come directly out of soil. Leaf has warty appearance and lines or folds. Small white bulb, oval shape about 1 inch long. Appears in shaded woods in April. Have never seen flower. No odor from leaf or bulb. Woodlands are mixed in foothills of western N.C.
Can you identify?

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RE: woodland bulb

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Sounds like Crane Fly Orchid, Tipularia discolor. It blooms in the fall when the leaf is not visible. A single new leaf appears after the bloom.

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RE: woodland bulb

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It is a puttyroot orchid also called adam and eve orchid.(Aplectrum hyemale). They are common in pine forests.

Below is a link for the flowers. Mine don't flower often, so maybe it takes certain conditions or maturity. I'm also in NC in the mountains, a bit further west than you.

Rattlesnake plaintains (Goodyera oblongifolia) are also commonly found in the same area as puttyroot.

Jeanne

Jeanne

Here is a link that might be useful: Puttyroot Orchid

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RE: woodland bulb

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Jeanne, I don't think that putty root is purple on the underside of the leaf - at least mine is not.

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