Hexalectris


Hexalectris is a genus of the family Orchidaceae, comprising 10 known species of fully myco-heterotrophic orchids. These species are found in North America, with the center of diversity in northern Mexico. None of the species are particularly common. Hexalectris spicata has a wide distribution and is likely the most abundant member of the genus, but is nevertheless infrequent throughout its range. Other species are rare, and some, such as H. colemanii, are threatened or endangered. All species that have been studied form associations with ectomycorrhizal fungi that are likely linked to surrounding trees. Many Hexalectris species are found in association with oak trees, which are ectomycorrhizal.

Species

Species accepted as of June 2014:
  1. Hexalectris arizonica A.H.Kenn. & L.E.Watson - Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Coahuila
  2. Hexalectris brevicaulis L.O.Williams - central and southern Mexico
  3. Hexalectris colemanii A.H.Kenn. & L.E.Watson - southern Arizona
  4. Hexalectris fallax M.I.Rodr. & R.González - Jalisco
  5. Hexalectris grandiflora L.O.Williams - widespread from Texas and Chihuahua south to Oaxaca
  6. Hexalectris nitida L.O.Williams - from Texas and New Mexico to southern Mexico
  7. Hexalectris parviflora L.O.Williams - from Sonora to Guatemala
  8. Hexalectris revoluta Correll - western Texas, southeastern New Mexico, northeastern Mexico
  9. Hexalectris spicata Barnhart - United States from Arizona east to Florida and Maryland
  10. Hexalectris warnockii Ames & Correll (1943 - Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, northern Mexico