aplectrum

Meaning

A genus of North American orchids consisting of a single species, the puttyroot, known for its unique habit of producing one leaf that persists through winter and dies back before the plant blooms.

Examples

• The Aplectrum hyemale is commonly known as the puttyroot or Adam-and-Eve orchid.
• Botanists often search for the Aplectrum leaf in late autumn when other forest vegetation has already withered.