Slogging in the Strand - Orchid Board

flhiker · #1 09-23-2007, 05:32 PM

Hi all, the wet season has finally dropped enough water to fill the Fakahatchee Strand. After slogging threw the Strand we found the largest Ghost orchid I have ever seen in the strand, a real nice Campylocentrum (leafless), a beautiful flowering Epidendrum nocturnum Jacquin with seed pods, and a cute little frog hanging out, and few other thing I found interesting. The person in the picture is my friend Mike. Hope you enjoy

Ross · #2 09-23-2007, 06:15 PM

I can hardly wait Dave! I do plan to take you up on your offer of leading an exstransoganfa to the stran. Hope to make it next spring. If not 2008 then 2009 for sure (have reservations already for 2009).

Lagoon · #3 09-23-2007, 07:26 PM

Love the photos', thanks for the view

gmdiaz · #4 09-23-2007, 07:30 PM

Great pictures. . .good eye for composition!

I LOVE the picture of the frog!!!! I've set it as my desktop wallpaper!

flhiker · #5 09-23-2007, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmdiaz

Great pictures. . .good eye for composition!

I LOVE the picture of the frog!!!! I've set it as my desktop wallpaper!

Thanks and I am honored

khill · #6 09-23-2007, 08:52 PM

Great photos! That ghost orchid is amazing. You'll have to keep an eye on it next spring to see if it blooms anything like the one at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

cb977 · #7 09-23-2007, 08:58 PM

Very cool stuff, Dave!!!
Thanks for sharing that part of Florida with us

That frog is just way too cute!

quiltergal · #8 09-23-2007, 09:33 PM

Great pics Dave! You really do have an eye! Keep em coming!

Rosim_in_BR · #9 09-24-2007, 10:05 AM

Great pics, Dave! Epi nocturnum seems to grow everywhere, isn't it? The problem with this orchid is its autogamic tendency. I know a population here that is entirely composed of autogamic individuals. The buds start developing and when they are ready to open they simply fade and the pods start forming. I followed those plants during 8 years and never saw a single open flower there.

flhiker · #10 09-24-2007, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosim_in_BR

Great pics, Dave! Epi nocturnum seems to grow everywhere, isn't it? The problem with this orchid is its autogamic tendency. I know a population here that is entirely composed of autogamic individuals. The buds start developing and when they are ready to open they simply fade and the pods start forming. I followed those plants during 8 years and never saw a single open flower there.

Hi Mauro, Yes they are in great numbers. These are both the largest flowered and most distinctive species of Epidendrum found in Florida. The species is selfpollinating, and many of the flowers are fertilized before they fully open. flowers in this condition look as if they were at their best the day before or will be the day after, but in reality they will never fully open. A plant with several fully open flowers is a magnificent thing to behold. The pungent fragrance is emitted at night. this information is from "Wild Orchids of Florida". It was my first time seeing one that pretty and as their flowering season is here I hope locate more. I do like the scent