An Orchid Phantasm in a Pennsylvania Forest
Why is a weird, parasitic orchid from Japan growing near Philadelphia? The Asian species, Cyrtosia septentrionalis, has popped up on the grounds of Longwood Gardens, and nobody really knows why. This strange orchid is a parasite on a soil fungus, and is considered impossible to cultivate. It could be that some seeds hitchhiked with other Japanese plants being grown in Longwood’s experimental greenhouses. Even so, it’s remarkable that the seeds encountered the right growing conditions, and the right fungus, in the nearby forest. It’s not likely to become an invasive species in the area, but for now, Longwood’s scientists will monitor this misplaced orchid.
Explore posts in the same categories: Cool Growers, In the News
Subscribe to the About Orchids Blog:
