Another native: Platanthera cristata

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kentuckiense

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Despite yesterday's hurricane and me getting to the site weeks after peek flowering, there was ONE flowering individual of P. cristata left. I couldn't decide which photo I liked best, so here's all three:

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Most were already in fruit, like this one:
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And here's a bonus! We stumbled across a variegated form of Malaxis unifolia!
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Also, you guys should bug Chris to post his photos. They are much better than mine!
 
We have heard of those variegated Malaxis unifolia, I think in P.M. Brown's revised edition of 'Florida Wild Orchids' he has a picture of a single plant... great find!

-Pat
 
OK here are some photos of the same Platanthera taken 3 weeks ago when in peak bloom. I love this plant because none of the other natives are ORANGE like this! Props to Zach for spotting that variegated Malaxis.
platantheracris2rt6.jpg


Hand for scale.
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Here's a shot of the group. They are growing along a old logging trail in mixed pine-hardwoods. I counted 25 plants in bloom.
platantheracris1lq7.jpg
 
I feel like I've disrespected my fellow botanists by claiming P. cristata as the only eastern US native that is orange. Obviously there are others, P. ciliaris, P. integra, etc. Just had to clear that up. But, this is a slipper forum....so back to the slippers.
 
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Those are awesome! They remind me a little bit of some of the small disas, except for the lip.

Matt
 
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