Here are a few spooky-looking or spooky-named fall-blooming orchids from the state of Florida:
Habenaria odontopetala, or the toothpetal false rein orchid, is in flower now. The small, 1/2-inch-wide flowers look like small goblins. The spiderwebs add to the spooky effect. Did I mention that these flowers are only fragrant at night? Haunting Florida swamps and forests with their ghostly fragrance.
Another fall-blooming orchid, the Wild Coco (Eulophia alta) blooms in September in central Florida, spreading into December in south Florida. The flowers have somewhat of a resemblance to erect-eared, fanged dog heads. With multiple "heads" per spike (which can reach up to five feet tall), these are a worthy botanical analogue of Cerberus, the multi-headed dog guarding the underworld in Greco-Roman mythology.
Usually, this orchid blooms in summertime, although occasional fall-blooming plants are found. Still, with the common name of Ghost Orchid, Dendrophylax lindenii is a perfect Halloween orchid. It is also keenly night fragrant, pollinated by the Giant Sphinx Moth that also inhabits Florida's haunted southern swamps.
Finally, Ponthieva racemosa is known as the Shadow Witch, owing to its habit of growing in deep, shadowy wooded areas. Blooming in October in northern Florida, it blooms in November in central Florida and December in the far southern end. This lovely little orchid is known for casting deep spells of wonder on those who find her in her secretive lair.
Click the "View the Gallery" graphic at the top of this blog page to see many more photos of Florida's amazing orchids.
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