Day 270: Putting this in perspective, the three people who make up the core of Team Biota are three of only six or seven individuals who have ever observed Phantom Orchids (Cephalanthera austiniae) in Mount Rainier National Park. Two others are Park colleages, and the sixth is a former Park employee and friend of Arnie's. The seventh observation was made before the Park was established in 1899 and only describes the location as in the "upper Nisqually Valley," a broad term which could refer to anything above the former town of Alder. That first sighting was of a single stem, as was the one made by Arnie's friend. Even Joe and Sharon have not seen as many stems as I have: a total now of 23 (14 in 2017 and 9 this year). You can't blame me for being a bit jazzed!
Yesterday, we found three stems in two new spots, although still within the 100' circle we feel represents the mycorrhizal network. One of the older plants was broken (possibly trampled by a certain young fawn of our acquaintance), another had the terminal buds nipped off. The specimen I dubbed "Bitten" last year has emerged this year whole and healthy, proving that its root system and mycorrhizal connections were undamaged. The lower flowers on several of the stems are beginning to open, and if you look closely at the image, you may spot a tiny aphid in the center of the lowest bloom. Are these what pollinate Cephalanthera? If so, I say hurray for aphids!
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