A smattering of spectacular Spiranthes species in-situ

[kentuckiense]

Spiranthes lacera var. gracilis

I've been trying to photograph this one all summer. My first attempt on June 30 resulted in me finding one stem with all the blooms browned. On August 16 we found a bunch in perfect bloom, but we were short on time as we were trying to make it to a Triphora trianthophora site. Finally, I was driving on Saturday on a gravel road and spotted this single individual.

windy + no tripod = subpar photos

Spiranthes ochroleuca

Photographed at Big Meadows in the Shenandoah National Park. I IDed these as Spiranthes cernua, but someone far smarter than I told me these were Spiranthes ochroleuca. I don't really see it, but I will take his word.

Same two individuals in this next photo. Note the two different patterns. One individual is four-ranked while the other is spiral.

This one looks funny. The whole S. cernua complex does a lot of weird things.

Spiranthes ovalis var. erostellata

This variety of Spiranthes ovalis is self-fertilizing and the flowers never open. These individuals were photographed at one of the only stations for this species in West Virginia. Unlike most other Spiranthes, this truly is a woodland species.

Well, it looks like that may be the end of native orchids for me for the season.

 

[Candace]

Neato.

 

[Kevin]

Very nice. Cool to see flowers in amongst the fall foliage. Makes for good photos.

 

[JeanLux]

very interesting picts.!!! great late summer show! working with the lens wide open can bring nice effects!!! Jean

 

[goldenrose]

:clap: WHOA, I'm getting dizzy!

 

[NYEric]

Very cool, thanx for posting.

 

[SlipperFan]

Yes, good photos.

 

[KyushuCalanthe]

Thanks for all the in situ shots. I love seeing wild orchids.

It is interesting how the flowers can assume different positions from plant to plant. The common species here, S. sinensis, can form many different patterns: a perfect spiral, the four-ranked pattern, flowers on opposite sides in a flat pattern, all lined up on one side of the stem, and add to that they can spiral to left or to the right! Pretty wild.

 

[cassie]

I actually found Spiranthes on a beach. Imagine that.
Grand Isle, Louisiana.

 

[kentuckiense]

Thanks for all the in situ shots. I love seeing wild orchids.

It is interesting how the flowers can assume different positions from plant to plant. The common species here, S. sinensis, can form many different patterns: a perfect spiral, the four-ranked pattern, flowers on opposite sides in a flat pattern, all lined up on one side of the stem, and add to that they can spiral to left or to the right! Pretty wild.

I think that's my favorite Spiranthes. I'd kill for a few. Available in the U.S., anyone?

I actually found Spiranthes on a beach. Imagine that.
Grand Isle, Louisiana.

Cool! Know which species?

 

[Corbin]

I too love seeming them in the wild. Thanks for all the great photos.

 

[cnycharles]

I think that's my favorite Spiranthes (sinensis). I'd kill for a few. Available in the U.S., anyone?
?

Arirang orchids, California


Elmer Nj