|
Post by Brian Barnes on Nov 1, 2008 7:05:35 GMT -5
Hello Friends, Recently, I went on an orchid expedition in beautiful South Florida, not far from the world famous Fahkahatchee Strand, known for it's rare Florida native epiphytic orchids. I'll start this thread with the rare and elusive Harrisella porrecta, A lovely leafless variety. Unfortunately, it had just finished flowering, but I got some great shots of the plant and seed capsule; The next photo is what I believe to be a rare alba form of Epidendrum conopseum in flower; Here's some very nice shots of the oak trees in the hammock, which are absolutely loaded with various Bromeliads, Polypodium and orchids, especially Encyclia tampensis; Let's wind this report up with a beautiful shot of one of our native tropical Arachnids. Say hello to Nephila clavipes... Thanks for looking and enjoy! Brian Barnes.
|
|
marcel
Global Moderator
Posts: 48
|
Post by marcel on Nov 1, 2008 14:20:13 GMT -5
O boy...Yet ANOTHER place I have to visit in this limited lifespan ;D
Looks like a stunning place
|
|
|
Post by daniel on Nov 1, 2008 14:41:42 GMT -5
Hi Brian, what a fantastic place, like in paradise. Some day i have to visit this location too. ;D Till now i have not known that there are also growing epiphytic orchids in U.S., next time you have to visit them a little bit earlier to take more pictures from the flowers. How high are these trees? Best regards, Dani
|
|
|
Post by Brian Barnes on Nov 3, 2008 5:36:11 GMT -5
Hello Marcel and Dani, Just let me know when you both would like to come over here, I'll be glad to show you many places like these... The large tree in the picture is about 25 to 30 feet above the ground, however there are many smaller trees that are covered as well. In extreme south Florida, there is a place known as The Fahkahatchee strand, that has some of the rarest epiphytic orchids in the world, including the elusive "Ghost Orchid" which I have seen twice in my lifetime. It absolutely took my breath away! There also was Catopsis growing in the tops of trees too, at one time. I plan on touring this place in a few months and taking lots of photos. Then, it's off to meet Barry Rice and Matthew Denton from Australia in the Fl. Panhandle in Spring... Both of you fly on over too! It would be a blast... ;D Happy Growing, Brian.
|
|
|
Post by stevestewart on Nov 3, 2008 8:09:44 GMT -5
Great photographs Brian!! What is not seen in the photos is Brian's sharp eyes, to spot these rarities, in what most Floridians see as just oak or citrus trees on the side of the roads. I have looked for Harrisella for years without seeing any, and picked up thousands of Tillandsia plants of various species that "Horticulturists" wanted to throw away because they clog up lawn mower blades, and kill trees. Thank you Brian, Steve
|
|
|
Post by daniel on Nov 3, 2008 18:47:24 GMT -5
Hi Brian, thanks for the offer, perhaps i really will try to come after i have finished my dissertation. ;D I´ve seen some pictures of this "Ghost Orchid" some time ago, but somehow i´ve not noticed that it´s growing in Florida, it´s really an incredible plant. I really like epiphytic orchids, i´m growing about 15 plants/species together with my Heliamphora, Nepenthes and some of my epiphytic Utricularia in my highland terrarium. I can´t expect the pictures from your next trip to this location in a few months. Best regards, Dani
|
|
|
Post by Brian Barnes on Nov 4, 2008 5:42:22 GMT -5
Hey Steve, Thanks for the compliment, but they're definitely not as sharp as they use to be! ;D Sometimes I'm surprised that I can get my shoes tied right...
Dani, The Fahkahatchee strand is a very magical place. Basically, it's a small piece of South America that exists in extreme south Florida. It has the greatest concentration of tropical epiphytes and rare orchids in the US.
Unfortunately over the years, poaching has taken it's toll on the place, but it is patrolled and very well protected now, thank goodness! It would not surprise me if a few new species are waiting to be described there, due to to all of it's hidden and inaccessable areas....Adventure awaits!! Happy Growing, Brian.
|
|