A Wild, Weedy, and Intoxicating Orchid: Epipactis helleborine
Have you ever seen a drunk wasp? I have. Dave and I recently spotted one while were on a trail in a small wooded area near our home in Pacifica. The insect, shown in the first two photos above, was intoxicated from the nectar of a wild orchid, the Broad-Leaved Helleborine. The wasp hung upside down from a flower, moving slowly and erratically, and barely responding to our presence. We both spent a few minutes taking pictures, and then left it to sober up.
That intoxicating nectar is only one of the reasons why the Broad-Leaved Helleborine, Epipactis helleborine, is a fascinating orchid. It drugs its pollinators so they’ll stay on the flowers, too drunk to fly away, and therefore more likely to pick up and drop off pollen. The intoxicants in the flowers are far too weak to affect humans, but pack a wallop for the insects. Yet, that’s only part of this orchid’s successful strategies. In fact, it’s so successful that it’s become an invasive plant in North America. The species is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, but has become established in the USA and Canada as well. As a result, it’s earned the nickname “weedy orchid.”
There’s definitely a lot to say about this intriguing species. Check back here soon for more photos and info about this intoxicating orchid.
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