Monday, June 29, 2015

Fifteenth Orchid of the Season


This species is reputed to grow in Washington, in the northern counties east of the Cascades, but it is at the southern limit of its range there and we have not seen it in the state though we continue to look for it.  These were photographed in Alaska on a recent vacation trip there.  We saw them in several different locations in Kenai Fjords National Park and Denali National Park.  The species is small, less than a foot (30 cm) tall with whitish-green flowers.  It is easily recognizable by its single leaf at the base of the plant and it's rather oddly shaped flowers, which, though rather inconspicuous, are quite beautiful when observed closely.










6 comments:

Unknown said...

I was starting to worry about you. I'm happy you returned safely.
This orchid is quite delicate. I am rather envious of you. Alaska is a dream of me for a long time. I love the pictures! I eagerly await more pictures.

I am gonna leave for Austria in a few minutes to search for Chamorchis and Nigritella. Gonna meet up with a buddy in northern Bavaria in 2 hours and then head south.

Ron said...

Thanks for the visit and comments, Martin. We didn't see as many orchids as we wished. Our trip to Kodiak was cancelled due to mechanical problems with the ferry and the rest of the state was experiencing a very early, hot and dry season, much the same as Washington, but we enjoyed the trip in spite of that.

Ryo said...

Great blog!
I came across your blog while doing some research on the Platanthera orchids. I am a student at the University of Washington and I am actually looking for some ideal field sites. I would much appreciate it if I can correspond with you if you don't mind!

Ron said...

Thanks for the kind comments. I'd be happy to correspond and my email (without the spaces) is: ronaldhhanko @ outlook.com

Ryo said...

Great blog!
I came across your blog while doing some research on the Platanthera orchids. I am a student at the University of Washington and I am actually looking for some ideal field sites. I would much appreciate it if I can correspond with you if you don't mind!

Ron said...

Just left a message to your previous comment with my email address.