Spiranthes orchids of New York

When

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 - 7:00pm

What

Talk

Where

Cornell Botanic Gardens' Nevin Center, 124 Comstock Knoll Drive, Ithaca AND/OR Zoom/Recording

Who

Michael Hough, Author of "Flora of Cortland and Onondaga Counties, New York" and Lecturer at SUNY Cortland

Description

YOU CAN COME IN PERSON TO OUR NEW LOCATION. OR YOU CAN STAY HOME AND ZOOM IN. OR YOU CAN WAIT AND WATCH THE VIDEO. click here for map

 Recent genetic evidence has shown that cryptic hybrid speciation is widespread in North American, autumn-blooming Spiranthes. In New York, what was once considered to be a highly variable S. cernua is now treated as five distinct but morphologically similar species derived from ancient hybridization. Genetic sampling was combined with extensive field work to better understand previously described taxa, and ultimately led to the discovery of a new species, Spiranthes sheviakii. Discussion will include how to identify these challenging orchids in the field.