Spiranthes vernalis

[prem]

This past weekend, we went on an outing hoping to photograph the critically endangered Scrub Lupine in flower, however, they were all well past flowering (note to self: go about 2-3 weeks earlier next time). The consolation prize was a number of Spiranthes vernalis growing along various roadsides in the southern Orlando area (I don't see them in the northern area near our home...we must herbicide them to death or something up here).

Here are some photos:

First, a flower spike.



Now, a flower closeup with a crab spider hanging out waiting to prey upon a pollinator:



Enjoy!
---Prem