noun
- A saprophytic orchid with coral-like underground roots and small flowers, found in woodlands of North America and Eurasia.
Usage: botanical term; also called coral-root
Examples
- The coralroot orchid thrives in the shade of coniferous forests.
- Hikers in the Pacific Northwest often spot coralroot flowers in late spring.
- Unlike most orchids, coralroot lacks chlorophyll and depends on fungi for nutrition.
- The distinctive coral-like rhizomes give the coralroot its common name.
- Botanists study coralroot to understand saprophytic plant relationships.