Corallorhiza mertensiana

Coral root, Corallorhiza mertensiana, is an orchid that shows up under Oaks and hard woods, usually starting in May. These ones were in Leona Canyon by Merritt College. They are parasites on Russula mycelium, which is a family of mushrooms I see quite a bit, but know little about.

They are hard to see and quite delicate, so if you are off trail in these kinds of environments, be careful. They also frequently are close to the trails, so when hiking near oaks, and you see moss and duff, keep an eye out.

Corallorhiza mertensiana, Leona Canyon, 5/16/10