San Rafael Valley, AZ ~~ Photo by Bill Haas

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

CALYPSO ORCHID...

...has now been crossed off my bucket list. What a thrill to photograph this rare wildflower.
This is its neighbor, not quite fully opened yet. Notice the basal leaf at the bottom of its stem? That single leaf is its only source of nutrients. Also notice the needles on the forest floor. They should help you imagine how tiny this plant is -- most are no more than two inches high, difficult to see, easy to step on!
This is the Calypso Orchid habitat. See if you can find another one!