Day 212: Arguably one of the most beautiful wildflowers of the lower forest, the delicate Calypso Orchid is also one of the most fragile. As a partial mycoheterotroph, this plant relies on a mycorrhizal (fungal) component to aid it in utilizing soil nutrients. Unlike full mycoheterotrophs, it is also capable of limited photosynthesis, but cannot complete its life cycle without both processes (mycoheterotrophy and photosynthesis). A broken stalk, a crushed leaf or a disturbance of the soil will destroy these diminuitive "fairyslippers."
Calypsos spring up in the early season (May-June) at Mount Rainier National Park. At an average height of five inches, they can be difficult to spot in their preferred habitat alongside mossy stream channels and wet areas. The single leaf emerges first, followed by the development of the stalk and blossom. Although the magenta-pink flower is typical of the species, white blooms are not uncommon. Keep your eyes open, because it's Calypso time!
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