Several Cypripedium species grow in the hills of Eastern Kentucky, and recently I was fortunate enough to discover a small population of what I believe to be Cyp. acaule while tromping through the forest in Red River Gorge. I am guessing it is Cyp. acaule because of the single pair of leaves and the leafless flower spike.
Hopefully, seeing where and how this plant grows in the wild will help me greatly improve my at-home cultivation skills!
A. Habitat. A steep, west-facing slope with a rocky ridge at the top. Plants were found growing in deep leaf litter. Soil underneath was very light and peaty with sand, full of evergreen needles and quite moist. Light was filtered, with few if any rays of direct light reaching the forest floor. Rhododendrons were found growing all around.
B. Two young plants with no evidence of flower spike. Perhaps they are still immature.
C. An individual growing alongside a sapling.
D. An individual, with flower stalk and seed pod, growing next to a large boulder.
E. Another view of the individual next to a boulder.
F. Close-up of flower remains and seed pod.
This is the first time I have ever come across an orchid in its natural habitat. Finding an individual with a seed pod was indeed a thrill, but now that I know where they are, I can make plans to return in the spring when they are in bloom!
Cypripedium acaule (?) in situ - Red River Gorge, Kentucky
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