Spiranthes magnicamporum

The name “Spiranthes” comes from the Greek words “spir” meaning “coiled” and “anthes” meaning “flowers.”  This name refers to the spiral shape of the inflorescence, which resembles the desirable curly woman’s hairstyle, and also explains the common name “ladies’ tresses orchid.”  The species name “magnicamporum” comes from the Latin words “magna” meaning great, and “campus,” meaning “of the field or plain.”  This name refers to this species occuring in the Great Plains.