Saturday, June 11, 2011

A Wild Calypso


Day 241: Calypso bulbosa, the Calypso Orchid, is a somewhat rare and elusive wildflower which prefers moist soil and shady locations. Like its namesake, it is sweetly fragrant. Its flowers are short-lived after emergence and are critical to the plant's continued survival. If a flower is picked or broken off, the bulb (a corm) is not likely to survive.

Once gathered as food by the indigenous people of the area, this plant is in decline due to trampling and heedless attempts at collection for home gardens. It is extremely delicate and if found in the forest, should be left undisturbed.

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