Researchers Want to Learn the Secrets of the Western Prairie Fringed Orchid

Posted October 26th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Conservation, Cool Growers, Fragrant Orchids, In the News

The Western Prairie Fringed Orchid boasts showy white flowers standing on 2-foot (0.6 m) plants, but it’s not easy to find. Growing among tall prairie grasses, it blends in perfectly. Steve Travers, a biologist at North Dakota State University in Fargo, says “I have a hell of a hard time finding it sometimes. And when people see it the first time, there’s like almost this rapid intake of breath. I mean, it’s so big and it’s just spectacular.” Unfortunately, its prairie habitat has been disappearing, and the species is threatened. Native to the Midwest, from Oklahoma north to Manitoba, the Western Prairie Fringed Orchid is also known as Platanthera praeclara. It’s a relative of the Wood Rein Orchid I recently found here on the Northern California coast.

To save the last tallgrass prairies, it’s essential to understand their biodiversity. Scientists are focusing on the Western Prairie Fringed Orchid because it can be an early indicator of environmental problems. Like many native orchid species, it’s endangered by habitat loss, climate change, and declines in pollinator populations. Studying them in the field means dealing with mosquitoes, ticks, and possibly bears. Then there’s the problem of finding them. Fortunately, these orchids and some of their remaining prairie are protected by law, and researchers are working to uncover their secrets.

Greenhood Orchids with Booby Traps

Posted October 19th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: In the News, Photos

Greenhood, King Greenhood, Pterostylis baptistii, orchid species flowers, Australian native orchid species, unusual flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2010, San Francisco, CaliforniaGreenhood, Blunt Greenhood, Pterostylis curta, orchid species flower, Australian native orchid species, unusual flower, grown outdoors in San Francisco, CaliforniaGreenhood, Pterostylis truncata, Greenhood flower, Brittle Greenhood, little dumpies, orchid species flower, unusual flower, Australian native orchid species, Glasshouse, RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey, UK

Some orchids can be sneaky. Greenhoods, or Pterostylis orchids, have a surprise in store for small flies, gnats, and mosquitoes. These strange flowers have tricky lips. As an insect enters the flower, the hinged lip snaps shut. This briefly imprisons the pollinator inside the bloom. The only escape route is a tight squeeze past the pollen. After a few minutes, the bug exits, the lip reopens, and the booby trap is reset for another visitor.

About 300 Greenhood species are native to Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, New Caledonia, and Indonesia. The photos above show the lips of three species. In the center of each blossom, they look like little twisted tongues rather than flower lips. There are additional Greenhood photos in the article at In Defense of Plants.

To learn more, check out an old blog post about a Greenhood orchid I used to grow, Pterostylis curta.

A Decade Growing Orchids in Pacifica

Posted October 12th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Cool Growers, Growing Orchids in San Francisco, Photos, Problems

Masdevallia chaparensis, orchid species flowers and leaves, purple spotted flowers, orchid mounted on tree branch, grown outdoors in San Francisco, CaliforniaMasdevallia chaparensis, orchid species flowers and leaves, purple spotted flowers, orchid mounted on tree branch, grown outdoors in San Francisco, CaliforniaScaphosepalum verrucosum, orchid species flower, mini orchid, flower and bud with water drops, yellow flower, pleurothallid, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

Over ten years ago, Dave and I moved from San Francisco to nearby Pacifica. A decade later, I’ve learned about a lot about growing orchids so close to the ocean. Even though we’re only 10 miles (16 km) from our former home, it’s a very different microclimate. Now at 1/3 mile (0.5 km) from the chilly Northern Pacific, summers are cooler, fog is heavier, and winds are definitely stronger. Despite the challenges, most of our orchids have thrived in their new home.

Scaphosepalum verrucosum, orchid species flowers, mini orchid,, yellow flowers, pleurothallid, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium orchid hybrid flower, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

We have a few dozen orchids, some indoors and some outdoors. The outdoor plants are exposed to the elements, even in protected areas next to the house. Surprisingly, salty air is not a problem, despite occasional deposits which blow in when waves are big. The salt gets rinsed off by the fog and by my watering, so the plants tolerate it.

The orchids shown here demonstrate the differences that I have noticed. To start, my beloved Masdevallia chaparensis still blooms regularly, but no longer dazzles with dozens of flowers at once. Instead, it only puts out a few blossoms at a time. It used to look like the first two photos in the first row above. I believe it’s not as happy with the cooler temps and stronger winds.

Cymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, large red flowers, grown outdoors in San Francisco, CaliforniaElleanthus amethystinus, orchid species flowers, cluster of small purple white and red flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaElleanthus amethystinus, orchid species flowers and leaves, cluster of small purple white and red flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

Those winds have also shortened flower spikes and plants. Interestingly, there are just as many tiny yellow flowers on Scaphosepalum verrucosum, but they are much closer together on shorter spikes. Cymbidiums still bloom very well, but their spikes are shorter, so they don’t stand tall over the foliage. Elleanthus amethystinus shrank over time. In its second year, its new growth was only 2/3 the height of the original plant. Fortunately, it’s remained a vigorous grower and bloomer, undeterred by its diminished stature. It’s reliably covered with clusters of small purple flowers every year.

Oncidium macranthum, AKA Cyrtochilum macranthum, orchid species flowers, large yellow flowers, grown outdoors in San Francisco, CaliforniaOncidium macranthum, AKA Cyrtochilum macranthum, orchid species flower, large yellow purple and white flower, grown outdoors in San Francisco, CaliforniaOncidium macranthum, AKA Cyrtochilum macranthum, orchid species flowers, large yellow purple and white flowers, grown outdoors in San Francisco, California

The last row of photos shows a plant that couldn’t handle the move. My Oncidium macranthum, also known as Cyrtochilum macranthum, couldn’t tolerate the extra wind. In San Francisco, its flower spikes were long, twisting vines which wrapped around the other plants on the deck. They boasted lots of marvelous, sunny 4 inch (10 cm) blossoms. During its first year in Pacifica, I knew it was unhappy when it put out a feeble spike with a couple misshaped flowers. By the second year, it was gone.

Notwithstanding the challenges, Pacifica is a wonderful home, a charming beach town with lots of green spaces and incredible whale-watching. There’s always more to learn when it comes to orchids, and I’m always trying to better understand their cultivation needs. Meanwhile, I’m amazed at the varieties which thrive in our seaside garden.

October Orchid Events

Posted October 1st, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events

Check out these orchid events across six continents. They’re great opportunities to enjoy incredible flowers, take photos, meet fellow orchid lovers, and buy plants for your collection.

October 2 – 14
Central California Orchid Society Show at the Big Fresno Fair, Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 S. Chance Ave., Fresno, California
October 3 – 4
Maitland & Coalfields District Orchid Society Show, Thornton Shopping Centre, Thomas Coke Dr. & Taylor Ave., Thornton, NSW, Australia
October 3 – 6
Feira de Orquídeas, Ana Shopping, Piso 1, Av. Universitária, n° 2221, 1, Vila Santa Isabel, Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil
October 4 – 5
Bay of Islands Orchid Society Show, Cornerstone Church, 144 Kerikeri Rd., Kerikeri, New Zealand
October 4 – 5
Bribie Island Orchid Society Show, The Orchid House, 156A First Ave., Bongaree, Queensland, Australia
October 4 – 5
Bendigo Orchid Club Spring Show, Truscott Reserve, 18 Murdock St., Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
October 4 – 6
East Everglades Orchid Society Show & Sale, RF Orchids, 28100 SW 182 Ave., Homestead, Florida
October 4 – 6
Orchids Central, Club Condell Park, 178 Eldridge Rd., Bankstown, NSW, Australia
October 4 – 6
Gippsland Orchid Society Spring Show, Mid-Valley Shopping Centre, Princes Highway, Morwell, Victoria, Australia
October 4 – 6
Mornington Peninsula Orchid Society Spring Show, Bunnings Frankston, Mcmahons Rd & Gertrude St., Frankston, Victoria, Australia

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Orchid Ecotours for 2025

Posted September 27th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Conservation, Misc

If your idea of a dream vacation is to visit wild places with orchid experts, then you’re in luck. Orchids in the Wild Ecotours has lots of great trips planned for 2025. They include orchid hotspots like the Amazon, Himalayas, New Guinea, and closer destinations like Michigan. The tours are organized by the Orchid Conservation Alliance (OCA), which is a superb non-profit group fighting to save orchids around the world. Check out the travel choices below. More details, including photos of previous trips and current prices, can be found on the OCA website. Sign up while spaces are still available!

2025 Dates:

  • January 6 – 20 in Zimbabwe
  • March 30 – April 6 in Rhodes, Greece
  • April 1 – 15 in Sikkim (waiting list only)
  • May 1 – 12 in Rio Negro, Brazil
  • May 15 – 21 in Rio Negro, Brazil (short tour)
  • June 21 – July 3 in Sichuan, China
  • July 13 – 20 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
  • August 8 – 20 in Papua New Guinea (approximate dates, final dates to follow)

Orchids for September’s Equinox

Posted September 22nd, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Photos

Masdevallia veitchiana 'Sheryll', orchid species flower, purple and orange flower, King of the Masdevallias., gallo gallo in Spanish, waqanki in Quechua, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaEpidendrum orchid flowers, yellow and orange flowers, flower with water drops, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium orchid hybrid flower, yellow and white flower, flower with water drops, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, California

Coelogyne mooreana, orchid species flowers, yellow and white flowers, flowers with water drops, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, pink purple yellow and white flowers, flowers with water drops, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaElleanthus amethystinus, orchid species flowers, clusters of small purple and white flowers, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, California

With the end of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it seems like a good opportunity to show off a few of our summer orchid blooms. The first seven photos are outdoor orchids, and the last five are indoor ones. Our cool, foggy weather, interspersed with sunny days, has kept them happy and flowering. For most, autumn brings cooler temps. On the Northern California coast, however, it’s often our warmest season, and there’s a promise of warmer days this week. Happy equinox.

Masdevallia coccinea, orchid species flower, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaPhragmipedium schlimii, Phrag, Lady Slipper orchid species flower, blooming indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaMaxillaria marginata, orchid species flowers, blooming indoors in Pacifica, California

Paphiopedilum hybrid, Paph, Lady Slipper orchid, blooming indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaVanda falcata Higashidemiyako, Neofinetia falcata Higashidemiyako, orchid species flowers, Furan, Fukiran, Samurai Orchid, white flowers, variegated leaves, blooming indoors in Pacifica, California(Vanda Prayad Muang Ratch x Ascocenda Lena Kamolphan) x Vanda Srakaew, Vanda orchid hybrid flowers, large purple flowers, tropical orchid, blooming indoors in Pacifica, California

Check out past posts to learn more about these orchids:

A Wood Rein Orchid Popped up in Pacifica

Posted September 15th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Cool Growers, Orchids in the Wild, Photos

Platanthera elegans flowers, Wood Rein Orchid, Elegant Piperia, Many Flowered Piperia, Coast Piperia, orchid species, native California orchid, close-up of small white and green flowers, growing wild in Pacifica, CaliforniaPlatanthera elegans flowers, Wood Rein Orchid, Elegant Piperia, Many Flowered Piperia, Coast Piperia, orchid species, native California orchid, close-up of small white and green flowers, growing wild in Pacifica, CaliforniaPlatanthera elegans, 2 flower stems with flowers and seedpods, Wood Rein Orchid, Elegant Piperia, Many Flowered Piperia, Coast Piperia, orchid species, native California orchid, growing wild in Pacifica, California

Until recently, the only wild orchids I’d seen around the SF Bay Area were non-native Weedy Orchids. So it was an exciting moment earlier this month when I spotted two beautiful flower spikes by a Pacifica hiking trail. They had dense clusters of small, unusual blooms. Dave and I could both see that the tiny flowers had lips and columns, and were orchids. We had found the native Wood Rein Orchid, or Platanthera elegans.

Platanthera elegans flowers, Wood Rein Orchid, Elegant Piperia, Many Flowered Piperia, Coast Piperia, orchid species, native California orchid, close-up of small white and green flowers, growing wild in Pacifica, CaliforniaPlatanthera elegans, 2 flower stems with flowers and seedpods, Wood Rein Orchid, Elegant Piperia, Many Flowered Piperia, Coast Piperia, orchid species, native California orchid, growing wild in Pacifica, CaliforniaPlatanthera elegans flowers, Wood Rein Orchid, Elegant Piperia, Many Flowered Piperia, Coast Piperia, orchid species, native California orchid, close-up of small white and green flowers with nectar spurs, growing wild in Pacifica, California

The Wood Rein Orchid is also known as the Elegant Piperia, or the Many Flowered Piperia. It lives along the West Coast of the USA and Canada, from California to British Columbia. The blooms we saw were white and green with nectar spurs. Other flowers were dried, still attached to swelling seedpods. The plant was growing at the base of a Eucalyptus tree, but didn’t have any leaves when we saw it. That’s not surprising in our Mediterranean climate with rainless summers. At this time of year, the area solely receives moisture from fog-drip.

Platanthera elegans flowers, Wood Rein Orchid, Elegant Piperia, Many Flowered Piperia, Coast Piperia, orchid species, native California orchid, small white and green flowers with nectar spurs, growing wild in Pacifica, CaliforniaPlatanthera elegans flowers and seedpods, Wood Rein Orchid, Elegant Piperia, Many Flowered Piperia, Coast Piperia, orchid species, native California orchid, close-up of seedpods and flowers, growing wild in Pacifica, CaliforniaPlatanthera elegans, 2 flower stems with flowers and seedpods emerging from the ground, Wood Rein Orchid, Elegant Piperia, Many Flowered Piperia, Coast Piperia, orchid species, native California orchid, growing wild in Pacifica, California

Both of us were thrilled to see our first local, native orchid. While this species is not endangered, all are threatened by climate change, habitat destruction, and sometimes, being loved to death. Please remember to never take orchids from the wild. It’s illegal, and the plants will die from the stress. Take only photos and memories. Don’t damage them, pluck their flowers, or disturb them in any way. Be careful not to trample them or surrounding plants. Leave them to thrill future generations.

More Photos from Orchids in the Park

Posted September 9th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Photos

Oncidium Alosuka 'Claire', Dancing Lady Orchid, orchid hybrid, yellow and purple-brown flowers, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaMoth Orchid, Phalaenopsis hybrid, Phal, peloric flower, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaBrassavola flagellaris 'Valley Isle', orchid species flower, white flower, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, California

Vanda coerulea, orchid species flower, purple and white flower, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaDendrobium secundum, cluster of orchid species flowers, small purple orange and white flowers, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaDendrobium cuthbertsonii, orchid species flower, orange flower and bud, miniature orchid, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, California

Every year, Orchids in the Park has plenty to offer. I’m always amazed by the flowers, so diverse that it seems impossible that they’re all related. In addition to my earlier post, here are more examples of their incredible variety. With so many stunning blooms, sweet scents, and friendly orchid lovers, it was another successful event by the San Francisco Orchid Society.

Zygopetalum Blue Hawaii, orchid hybrid flower, purple green and white flower, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaDracula Malli, Monkey Orchid, Monkey-face Orchid, orchid hybrid flower, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaLady Slipper Orchid, Paphiopedilum Hilo Platinum 'Platinum Blonde' x Hilo Super Duper 'Magic Wings', orchid hybrid flower, Paph, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, California

Vanda orchid flowers, possibly Vanda sanderiana, Waling-Waling, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaRestrepia orchid flower, weird flower, miniature orchid, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaBurrageara Mayor Billy, orchid hybrid flowers, oncidium hybrid, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, California

September Orchid Events

Posted August 31st, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events

September brings lots of orchid events on six continents. The southern hemisphere is especially busy, with many shows in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and South Africa. Be sure to take advantage of events near you.

September 1
Durham Orchid Society Show, Josephine Butler College, Durham Univ., South Rd., Durham, UK
September 3 – 8
Encuentro Mexicano de Orquideología, Museo de Paleontología y Parque Agua Azul, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
September 4
Santa Clara Valley Orchid Society Auction, American Legion Hall, 1504 Minnesota Ave., San Jose, California
September 4
Sacramento Orchid Society Auction, Odd Fellow’s Hall, 1831 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, California
September 5 – 7
Eastwood & District Orchid Circle Show, Eastwood Shopping Centre, 152-160 Rowe St., Eastwood, NSW, Australia
September 5 – 7
Five Dock RSL Orchid Society Show, MarketPlace Leichhardt, Flood St., Leichardt, NSW, Australia
September 5 – 8
Festival de Orquídeas, Céntrico, Carr. 3 km. 134.7, Guayama, Puerto Rico
September 5 – 8
Festa das Orquídeas, Parque Vila Germânica, R. Alberto Stein, 199, loja 109, Velha, Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil
September 5 – 15
Expo de Orquídeas e Plantas Ornamentais, Estacionamento do Boulevard Maricá, Maricá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
September 6 – 7
East Rand Orchid Show & Market, Greenstone Shopping Centre, Modderfontein Rd., Edenvale, Gauteng, South Africa

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Record-Breaking New Orchid Species Found in Madagascar

Posted August 24th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Conservation, In the News

The enormous orchid family grows larger all the time, with new scientific discoveries happening on a regular basis. Still, it’s surprising when a showy species is identified for the first time. Solenangis impraedicta has hidden in Madagascar’s forests, despite a 13 inch (33 cm) nectar spur. Growing from the back of a 3/4 inch (2 cm) flower, the spur is proportionally the longest of any plant. It’s reminiscent of its relative, Darwin’s Orchid, Angraecum sesquipedale. That species has an impressively long nectar tube with a much bigger flower, and is also from Madagascar.

Sadly, Madagascar’s unique wildlife is being devastated by habitat loss and climate change. These orchids are threatened by mining activities. Fortunately, the mining company involved has helped create a conservation program. They’ve monitored the species, and set aside protected forest habitat. Tariq Stévart from the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Africa and Madagascar program stated “I feel confident that the species will not disappear if they continue to support all these conservation actions.” He added “I really hope this species will help to draw people’s attention to Madagascar and to the current situation, which is not good.”