Bewitched

[prem]

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!





---Prem

[dgenovese1]

Hi Prem,

Those are awesome photos! Thanks for sharing with us.

Do you happen to know the story behind its common name? I'm just curious to know, as it is a bit unusual.

[Carl Austin]

Nice photos of nice flowers. Thank you for sharing.

Carl

[prem]

David,
I tried doing a search for the origins of the name, but to no avail. I am guessing its name comes from the fact that it tends to grow in fairly densely shaded forests.

---Prem

[dgenovese1]

Originally Posted by prem

David,
I tried doing a search for the origins of the name, but to no avail. I am guessing its name comes from the fact that it tends to grow in fairly densely shaded forests.

---Prem

Thanks Prem...that makes sense to me...plus the fact that the dorsal sepal looks kind of like a hood that a witch may have worn in ages past.

In any case, it's still a cool plant.