Campylocentrum (crooked spur orchid)

[flhiker]

Hi all, Did some slogging today and came across many Campylocentrum (crooked spur/ribbon orchid) in bud . Its one of the 3 leafless epiphytic orchids found in the U.S. and can be found exclusively in the Fakahatchee Strand, Big Cypress. Looking forward to going back soon and getting a picture of the actual flower.

[LauraN]

How cool is that! Can't wait to see the photos of the flowers...

[greenbean]

Nice find! Looking forward to seeing pictures of the open blooms!


BTW, I think you mean Florida's 3 leafless species. There is also the genus Corallorhiza Approximately 7 species are native to North America and the U.S. in particular. Of course, since they are underground except when they bloom, we can't enjoy their roots like we can with Campylocentrum or the other epiphytic leafless wonders.

[flhiker]

Originally Posted by greenbean

Nice find! Looking forward to seeing pictures of the open blooms!


BTW, I think you mean Florida's 3 leafless species. There is also the genus Corallorhiza Approximately 7 species are native to North America and the U.S. in particular. Of course, since they are underground except when they bloom, we can't enjoy their roots like we can with Campylocentrum or the other epiphytic leafless wonders.

Sorry I left out the word epiphytic. According to Wild Orchids of Florida there are only 3 in the U.S. Just so happens, All 3 can be found in the Fakahatchee Strand. The one's you mentioned are terrestrial.

[greenbean]

Sorry, I was being a little picky. You did leave out epiphytic, and you're right that all three epiphytic leafless orchids are found in Florida.

And I know all the ones I mentioned are terrestrial. I think I said they were underground except when they bloom.

[RosieC]

Cool, I don't think you would spot it if it wasn't for the spread or roots on the tree. Great find

[flhiker]

Originally Posted by RosieC

Cool, I don't think you would spot it if it wasn't for the spread or roots on the tree. Great find

Thanks, they can be hard to see, but if its well hydrated the color of the roots turn a very bright green and can be seen very easy.

[prem]

well, actually, Vanilla barbellata is considered "leafless" as well...the small, scale-like leaves don't persist very long on the vines...so that's another leafless epiphyte found in the state.

---Prem