Ionopsis utricularioides & More

[Justin Parkkonen]

I explored a new area of the Fakahatchee Strand last weekend hoping to find Epidendrum acunae. Got skunked on the acunae, but the consolation prizes weren't so bad!

First up: Ionopsis utricularioides



I've wanted to photograph one of these in bloom forever... Went years without finding one, found over a dozen last weekend with at least six in bloom.

Second: Epidendrum amphistomum



I never get tired of seeing these brilliant orchids. I like how the frame includes a few Pond Apple leaves (on the right).

Here is a close-up of some of the var. rubra flowers (taken a couple years ago):



Lastly: Calopogon tuberosis

This was actually the second orchid we found blooming last weekend (first being Bletia purpurea). We saw at least 100 of these. They ranged from brilliant pink/purple to very pale pink. Unfortunately we did not find any var. alba.



Hope you enjoy!

[flhiker]

Nice Ionopsis, my buddy just bought one in flower at RF Orchids in the Redlands. I've only been in the Strand a couple times all of last year. We have been focusing on Big Cypress. I'll let you know when I plan on going back out.

[WhiteRabbit]

Awesome!

[camille1585]

Beautiful! You are lucky to live in an area with so many nice wild orchids. I had no idea that you could find the Ionopsis there. Is it native to florida, or did it come from elsewhere but find florida to it's liking?

[Justin Parkkonen]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Beautiful! You are lucky to live in an area with so many nice wild orchids. I had no idea that you could find the Ionopsis there. Is it native to florida, or did it come from elsewhere but find florida to it's liking?

This Ionopsis is a Florida native. It may have very well "originated" else where and ended up here after a storm; but regardless of that process, it was here before human influence.

[Justin Parkkonen]

Originally Posted by flhiker

Nice Ionopsis, my buddy just bought one in flower at RF Orchids in the Redlands. I've only been in the Strand a couple times all of last year. We have been focusing on Big Cypress. I'll let you know when I plan on going back out.

I know there are some areas with tons of ghosts, but are you finding anything else in BC (besides E. tampensis)?

[flhiker]

Originally Posted by Justin Parkkonen

I know there are some areas with tons of ghosts, but are you finding anything else in BC (besides E. tampensis)?

Yeah we are finding regularly Habenaria, Rigid Epi., Prosthechea cochleata, Polystachya concreta. and recently a Bald Eagles nest with 2 fledglings. Half the distance to Strand (my gas gauge likes that) and plenty to search. I do like going back to the Strand every now and then.

[Ghost Hunter]

Nice pics! Great finds.

We need to get together out there. 4 eyes are better than 2

Jared

[Lagoon]

Pretty blossoms - great photos'!

[Ghost Hunter]

Here's a nice colony I found on Friday. No blooms but lots of seed pods.