Aplectrum hyemale - a terrestrial native

[kentuckiense]

I've always liked this one. In the fall, it puts up a single big striped leaf and it photosynthesizes in the bright winter light. Once it gets warm, it sheds that leaf and shoots up a spike and blooms in mid to late May. While researching for an ethnobotany class, I found out that apparently the dried tuberous root of this orchid used to be carried as a good luck charm by slaves in the southeastern USA.

These things are impossible for my camera to photograph, so only two shots turned out to be somewhat respectable.

 

[Marco]

that native looks great especially with that tree trunk in the background. Thanks Zach

 

[cdub]

Very nice artistic shot Zach. Unfortunately these don't grow in any sunny locations and most cameras have a tough time with that strong green hue present in the understory of the woodland.

 

[cdub]

By the way, Zach and I will be trying to one-up each other all spring and summer with posting the blooming native orchids.

 

[NYEric]

Nice. I planted some tubers of these in the Catskills but I don't think they ever grew up.

 

[PHRAG]

By the way, Zach and I will be trying to one-up each other all spring and summer with posting the blooming native orchids.

First one to pose nude with a native orchid wins.

 

[Heather]

By the way, Zach and I will be trying to one-up each other all spring and summer with posting the blooming native orchids.

Where are the Cyps? I didn't get out today but will tomorrow....mark my words....:evil:

 

[SlipperFan]

I like the vertical one against the tree trunk.

 

[the jive turkey]

First one to pose nude with a native orchid wins.

oh yeah?!? wins what?!
:drool::drool::drool:
:drool::drool::drool:
:drool::drool::drool:
People want to know?!

 

[the jive turkey]

By the way, Zach and I will be trying to one-up each other all spring and summer with posting the blooming native orchids.

Freakin' awesome! BTW

 

[toddybear]

Wish we had those in my part of the world! Still no terrestrials even showing above ground here yet!

 

[NYEric]

What's the temp?

 

[Leo Schordje]

Zach,
Nice photo, and the tree in the background is an American Beech, an indicator species for the typical habitat for Putty Root. I tried growing these in pots, and in the ground. The big problem is that squirrels in my area love to eat the tubers. Where I find them there are enough coyotes that squirrels are not too common. I guess I'll have to import coyotes to my back yard.