Archive for November, 2022

Rare Orchids in the Utah Desert

Sunday, November 27th, 2022

Not many people would expect to find orchids in a desert in Utah, but orchids can turn up in unusual places. Platanthera zothecina, the Alcove Bog Orchid, is native to the upper Colorado River watershed in southeastern Utah, northeastern Arizona, and far western Colorado. It’s rare and endangered. The area is harsh, high-elevation desert, with […]

Orchids and Carnivorous Plants in Tasmania’s Forests

Monday, November 21st, 2022

Down under in Tasmania, it’s spring. The blooms in the island’s forests include orchids and carnivorous plants. Over 200 orchid species are native to Tasmania, many found nowhere else. Bird Orchids, or Chiloglottis, resemble baby birds with mouths open, begging for food. Caladenia and Greenhood orchids also abound. While some orchid varieties provide nectar rewards, […]

A Very Reliable Cochlioda Orchid

Monday, November 14th, 2022

This brilliant pink Cochlioda orchid has been a reliable bloomer for years. I bought this charming miniature almost two decades ago, and it flowers every autumn. Each of its spikes can hold over two dozen blossoms which open sequentially, so the pink keeps going for three or four months. This fall, it’s already been in […]

Remarkable New Lepanthes Orchid Named after Sir David Attenborough

Monday, November 7th, 2022

A newly discovered orchid has been named for Sir David Attenborough. Lepanthes attenboroughii from Peru joins the list of living things named in honor of the famed British biologist, author, broadcaster, and environmentalist. Lots of species already bear his name, including a butterfly, gecko, snail, pitcher plant, and even a dinosaur. I believe that this […]

November Orchid Events

Tuesday, November 1st, 2022

As seasons change and holidays approach, this month’s schedule is slower, but there’s still plenty to choose from. I’m glad that in-person events have returned, but I’m also happy that some virtual events are continuing, like the Orchid Digest International Speakers Day. They allow people to attend from anywhere, and are much easier for those […]