Unlike the familar tropical orchids, which root
off tree bark or moss, all members of Orchidaceae in the Bay Area grow in
soil. But like the rest of the family, there have a symbiotic relationship
with fungi that penetrate their roots and help supply the plant with nutrients.
This complex situation makes them very difficult to transplant or establish
in native gardens. But if you find one in the path of a bulldozer, it's
worth a try. Otherwise, they shouldn't be disturbed from their natural habitat.
The flowers have three petals in a two-lipped configuration; the third (lip) petal being markedly different than the other two. The three sepals are all similar. There is a single functional stamen, whose filaments are united to the style of the pistil. The lower pistil has three fruit producing partitions.
On Montara Mountain, at least two members or Orchidaceae may be found: Piperia elegans - Rein Orchid and Spiranthes romanzoffiana - Hooded Lady's-tresses.
