Fauna
Flower

Branched Foldwing

Dicliptera brachiata

Also known as Wild Mudplant, Pink Dicliptera

Branched foldwing forms sprawling, multi-branched colonies throughout rich bottomland woods and along shaded riverbanks across eastern North America. In late summer and autumn, slender zig-zagging stems produce delicate pink to violet two-lipped flowers held tightly between pairs of leafy, wing-like bracts. These late-season blossoms provide an essential nectar reserve for native bees and beeflies as canopy shade deepens and forest temperatures cool.

WildflowerPerennialLate Blooming
Branched Foldwing reference1 / 7
(c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Forest Herbivores
  • Insect Herbivores
ThreatsCanopy clearance, altered riparian hydrology, invasive weed displacement
HabitatsFloodplain forests, rich moist woods, stream banks, alluvial bottomlands
Life spanPerennial (several years)
Classification
  1. OrderLamiales
  2. FamilyAcanthaceae
  3. GenusDicliptera
  4. SpeciesDicliptera brachiata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Floral Inspection: Part the paired green bracts gently to inspect the unique folded throat of the blossom.
  • Habitat Scouting: Search muddy river floodplains and moist forest openings from late August through October.
Related species
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