Dragon's Mouth

Arethusa bulbosa

Arethusa bulbosa L., or Dragon's Mouth, is the only species in this orchid genus. It belongs to the orchid family (Orchidaceae), subtribe Epidendroideae, tribe Arethusae, subtribe Bletiinae.

This terrestrial and very rare orchid occurs in the temperate regions of North America, mainly in Eastern Canada and Eastern USA. It occurs in bogs, swamps and other lowland humid places. It grows to a height of 15 cm. It forms a large, single, pink terminal flower, with a showy lip and white and yellow fringed crests.

The name 'Arethusa' is derived from Greek mythology, were Arethusa was a water nymph.