Habenaria repens
USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
What is Waterspider Orchid?
Physical Characteristics
Leaves:
- Thick
- Tender
- 2-9 inches long
- Up to 1 inch wide
- Sword-shaped
Flowers:
- Small flowers
- Pale green in color
- Up to 3/4 inches in diameter
- Thin petals
- Resemble small, green flowers
Stem:
- 1-2 feet tall
Where Does it Grow?
Waterspider orchid can be found in marshes or in floating mats in ponds or lakes.
Pros and Cons of Waterspider Orchid
Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called “detritus”) for many aquatic invertebrates.