Lost Orchids of Florida - Still Lost?

[Justin Parkkonen]

Does anyone feel the "Lost Orchids of Florida" will be found again? Has any progress been made on these orchids?

Some of Florida's lost orchids:
Brassia caudata - Spider Orchid
Bulbophyllum pachyrachis - Rat-Tail Orchid
Epidendrum acunae - Acuna's Star Orchid

Please share your thoughts.

[lambelkip]

they're called "Lost Orchids" because they're extinct in Florida. They can still be found wild in other countries, but in Florida, you'll only find them in private collections.

[Justin Parkkonen]

Originally Posted by lambelkip

they're called "Lost Orchids" because they're extinct in Florida. They can still be found wild in other countries, but in Florida, you'll only find them in private collections.

Good point on the fact that they are only extirpated in Florida and still relatively common in other countries. I am curious to know if anyone feels they will again be found in Florida.

[SP2340]

You never know I guess, they found one these guys alive and they thought it was extict.

[lambelkip]

is that a gremlin?

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by lambelkip

is that a gremlin?

Thats what I thought! I would hate to see that guy in a dark alley! Or any alley!

[JonnyBravo]

hey, as long as there are areas of florida that remain unexplored by eagle-eyed orchid experts, some of the "lost" orchids may still dwell here. as long as there are hurricanes blowing in seed from remote territories, new colonies could potentially re-establish. and as long as there are winter freezes and the encroachment of man in primal forest, there will still be species disappearing and leaving our great-great grandkids asking the same questions.

[flhiker]

Absolutely they still can reside in the strand. The strand is very large and I'm sure there's areas that have not been searched for years.
A group of hunters just recently found a species (Cyclopogon elatus) that was not thought to live there.

[Justin Parkkonen]

Originally Posted by flhiker

Absolutely they still can reside in the strand. The strand is very large and I'm sure there's areas that have not been searched for years.
A group of hunters just recently found a species (Cyclopogon elatus) that was not thought to live there.

What are we waiting for then! Let's go find those Rat Tails and Spiders. (Seriously.)

[flhiker]

I'm game!