Bewitched

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This native orchid, found in the southeastern United States and parts of the tropical Americas, is known in common parlance as the Shadow Witch. Botanists know it better as Ponthieva racemosa. It generally blooms in the late fall and early winter in moist woodlands. It is often associated with calcareous soils overlaying limestone, but not always. The plant consists of a basal rosette of leaves, about 3 inches long. The flowers are about 1cm across, possessing a light, sweet scent with a hint of lime.

This particular flowering was captured at Ichetucknee Springs State Park in northern peninsular Florida. My son, Josh, and I saw six species/intergrades of orchids this particular day (Spiranthes odorata, Spiranthes ovalis, Spiranthes x ichetuckneensis (odorata x ovalis), Ponthieva racemosa, Triphora trianthophora, and Epidendrum conopseum).

Enjoy!





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