Wherefore art thou, Harisella?
When I first learned that we have native orchids growing here in my BEAUTIFUL home state of Florida, I got all in a tizzy. I thought (with typical neophytic inexperience) that orchids were tropical plants that grew... somewhere else. I immediately bought a few Enc. tampensis since I live in the Tampa Bay area and it seemed only appropriate, and then set out to find the wild brethren of my new plants. And I did find them-- in parks, mostly, but also in a few suburban neighborhoods. That started my fever. I then got my hands on "Wild Orchids of Florida" by Paul Martin Brown (BUY IT!!!), and I got a full-blown case of Gotta-See-It-NOW. I haven't made much headway into the reported 118 species and varieties of Floridian orchids, but I've seen some good ones.
But I'm stuck. There's a sneaky little plant who seems to lack leaves only for the sake of becoming invisible to my untrained eye. Oh yes, little Harrisella/Campylocentrum porrecta may be the most common orchid in Florida. It exists in more counties than most others. It grows in habitats from hardwood hammocks to cypress swamps. And it has become my white whale. I have driven for HOURS to visit several state parks where she has been officially documented, and scoured every epiphyte-laden branch from Hillsborough to Monroe counties. But still, I have yet to spot the "jingle bells" after which this species is named. I have often wondered while leaning against a tree, "How many Harrisella are there around me right now, and I'm just not seeing them? Are they on this tree? This branch?" And then I commence to tear out my hair.
Any hints? Suggestions? I LOVE finding them on my own, so PLEASE don't tell me the exact tree to look in. But perhaps the right area in a park, or the right grove of neglected citrus trees... I can't believe I'm even asking for help here, but I'm going nuts. I'm willing to drive *almost* anywhere in the state, and additional orchids to see while hunting would be a bonus. Thanks for your help, folks!
|
Threaded Mode