Lesser purple fringed orchids (Platanthera psychodes) are just beginning to bloom here in central NY. These were found today in a swamp under some poison sumac. Green fringed orchid (Platanthera lacera) was also blooming in the same area. There were many little club-spur orchids (Platanthera clavellata) in bud that should be opening in a few weeks.
It was overcast so a flash was needed to get a closeup of the flowers, which is why the background is so dark.
I found your blog thanks to a mention on the New York Flora Association blog, and I look forward to comparing your finds with mine out here in Saratoga County. Come visit my blog Saratoga Woods and Waterways to see what’s blooming out here. http://www.saratogawoodswaters.blogspot.com
Comment by Jackie Donnelly — July 7, 2011 @ 10:27
Hi Jackie,
Was nice of them to do that. You have a nice blog. It would appear the purple fringed orchids got started a little earlier here. I considered revisiting the area again to photograph them in full bloom but the poison sumac got me pretty good.
Mike
Comment by admin — July 9, 2011 @ 20:04
Beautiful plant and photo, great discovery. I found my way here trying to identify a plant/seed pod from google. Off subject but maybe I might find help here? 😀
I purchased at an outdoor market some corkscrew like seed pods (unlabled, to use as a spice), having no idea what they were, thinking I could find the answer on google. So far thee only progrees I have made is finding an image of it here: http://myturksandcaicosblog.com/?p=1297 (3rd image is the seed pod). On this page they state the name is “Blind Eye Bush”. On further searching I haven’t been able to find any information on a plant with that name.
Thanks!
Comment by Frustrated — July 14, 2011 @ 07:25
Just a follow up, with the help of saltcedar (http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=69678) it was identified as ‘Helicteres jamaicensis’
🙂
Comment by Frustrated — July 14, 2011 @ 20:03
If that is the saltcedar who posts on gardenweb I can attest to his botanical knowledge. I must admit that I’m not so good with tropical plants. Glad you were able to have it identified.
Comment by admin — July 15, 2011 @ 19:59