Possible Orchid???

[OrchidBro]

I found this plant growing out of the mulch under a tree in my neighborhood. At first glance it looked like an overgrown clump of grass/weeds but then I looked closer. I am not even sure if it is an orchid or not. Any possible help on this would be nice. Location is central Florida.

[fishmom]

Encyclia?

[OrchidBro]

I have no idea. I believe Encyclia tampensis is native to Florida but this does not look like that. I am going to try and get some more photos once more buds open up. Also, I uploaded the photos from my PC so the images are bigger and clearer now.

[Roberta]

I suspect an Epipactis - not familiar enough with these to attempt a species identification. A terrestrial.

[OrchidBro]

Thanks Roberta! I have never heard of those before but images on google do resemble this plant (is it safe to say it is definitely an orchid?) Just can’t find one with the same looking flower.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by OrchidBro

Thanks Roberta! I have never heard of those before but images on google do resemble this plant (is it safe to say it is definitely an orchid?) Just can’t find one with the same looking flower.

Definitely an orchid. I hope that Afid checks in... he is extremely knowledgeable, especially on native North American species.

[OrchidBro]

Yes, I am waiting for Afid to chime in. He seems to be pretty spot on with his identifications so far, like a living encycliapedia

[Roberta]

Maybe Epipactis helleborine? - not native, but invasive, has made itself at home in a lot of North American locations.

[Subrosa]

Eulophia graminea, not native.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by Subrosa

Eulophia graminea, not native.

Agreed