Chasing a Ghost

Since I last blogged, I spent a lot of time finishing up the research and manuscript to my latest book, Exploring Florida’s Botanical Wonders (University Press of Florida). It won’t be out in bookstores for another year. Today, I completed my quest for the ghost orchid thanks to Mike Owen, keeper of all botanical knowledge and swamp walker supreme at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. After 13 years of studying the ghost orchid, he’s probably the most knowledgable source on the planet about this rare and unique epiphyte. Less than 500 exist worldwide, the majority of them in South Florida and some in Cuba. Only 21 or so bloom each year in tough-to-get-to places within the state park. Here’s one of the blooms I was privileged to see.

 

A sultry seductress of the swamp, indeed.