Habitat Requirements
The orchid is found in fine-grained, highly organic but well-drained moist soils near springs, seeps, wet meadows (cienegas) and small streams. Known locations are at approximately 5,000 feet elevation. Associated plants include sedges, tall grasses, and a few small herbs.
Food Habits
Movement / Home Range
This species is known from a very few sites in southern Arizona. There may be sites in Mexico; however, surveys are lacking.
Reproductive Strategy
The species is presumed to be perennial. Mature plants do not flower every year, and in some years, there is no vegetative growth visible above the ground. Even plants that are vegetatively present may not produce a flower stalk. Flowers appear in August. Seedlings must form an association with a mycorrhizal fungus and these young plants live underground for several years before above-ground vegetative growth occurs. The orchid dies back to the ground in fall and winters underground. Emergence, if it occurs, is in May.
Other
Threats to this orchid are from destruction of its habitat by surface and groundwater development, livestock grazing, improper land management (including erosion off watersheds), spread of invasive non-native plant species, and trampling at habitat sites.
