Martin County, FL Orchids

[Justin Parkkonen]

You may notice in the Wild Orchids of Florida, that many of our "tropical" epiphytic orchids, such as Night Scented, Clamshell and Dollar, are reported to be found in Martin County. This is substantially more north than the other counties they are found in. I have a suspicion of where they can be found, but the area is more Palm Beach county than it is Martin, and they are not found in Palm Beach, so I am not positive. In lieu of actually visiting the area I suspect to contain the orchids, does anyone have any information regarding possible locations? If you would rather PM me, that is fine.

Finding this location would be very helpful, as I am in southern St. Lucie county and am no more than a half hour's drive from anywhere in Martin County. I would be able to shoot orchids much more frequently!

Thank you again.

Best Regards,
Justin Parkkonen

[Justin Parkkonen]

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

[footTRAX]

J.D.S.P has Butterfly orchids, grassy pinks, Dancing Lady orchids and others.

SeaBranch has Vanilla Orchids that I haven't seen yet.

They are all in the Natural Areas of Palm Beach County. I mostly see the Butterfly Orchids and the grassy pinks. They are also in bloom right now.

[Justin Parkkonen]

Originally Posted by footTRAX

J.D.S.P has Butterfly orchids, grassy pinks, Dancing Lady orchids and others.

SeaBranch has Vanilla Orchids that I haven't seen yet.

They are all in the Natural Areas of Palm Beach County. I mostly see the Butterfly Orchids and the grassy pinks. They are also in bloom right now.

Hello FootTrax, thanks for responding.

I've photographed the Tolumnia in JDSP and have photographed the butterfly many times. Haven't seen any Grassy Pinks here though.

Regarding the Vanilla in Sea Branch, I believe you are referring to the mexicana. I spent a weekend looking for that plant and ended up speaking with the park biologist a few days later. They haven't seen that plant since the hurricanes of 2004 / 2005. They believe there is likely dormant seed, so it should rebound eventually, but as for now they do not believe it can be found there. I would have to agree, I looked over the park pretty thoroughly.

Do you know where plants like the Clamshell, Night Fragreant, Dollar and those sorts can be found in Martin County, or even Palm Beach County? You can PM me if you prefer. My guess would be Corbett or off of the old Martin Grade. I would be happy to go looking with you. I know quite a few cool places.

Thanks again for replying!

[footTRAX]

Did you search the Baygall Community of SeaBranch for the Orchid? It's a good bushwhack!

The only area you will find the Clamshell Orchid in J.D.S.P. is the Floodplain Swamp areas.
You will need a Canoe and good luck. I never seen one along the riverin JD, but I'm sure they are there.
I have seen thousands of them down South(Big Cypress, Fak Strand).

Here is a list of the Orchids found in J.D.S.P
Toothed orchid
Water spider orchid
Lace-lip spiral orchid
Dancing lady orchid
Lawn Orchid
Clamshell orchid
Butterfly orchid
Star orchid
Snowy Orchid
Longhorned orchid
Giant Orchid
Pine pink Orchid
Bearded grass pink


Let me know if you want to make a trip and take some photos....