Orchids
Orchids have long fascinated plant enthusiasts. Orchid flowers are highly specialized and exhibit a wide range of forms. The orchid family (orchidaceae) is among the largest of flowering plant families. There are over 30,000 species of orchids that occur worldwide. Unfortunately, over collection and habitat destruction have resulted in drastic population declines and many orchid species are extinct or endangered. There are at least 15 different species of orchids thought to occur in Monroe county. Below is a subset of species that is most likely to be observed within the IU preserve based on habitat requirements and sightings. For those interested in learning more about orchids, Michael Homoya's book Orchids of Indiana is a great resource. If you see orchids within the preserve, please admire them, but do not disturb them.
|
Purple fringeless orchid – Platanthera peramoena
This is a very showy orchid that can grow up to 1m in height. It flowers from July through August and is found in wet areas such as floodplains and ditches. This orchid may be found in forested areas, but is more common in exposed or disturbed sites. It generally produces 15-25 bright pink flowers at the top of a tall stalk.
photo credit - Tom Barnes University of Kentucky
|
 |
 |
Large yellow lady's slipper – Cypripedium calceolus
This is an orchid that is easily identified when in flower due to the “slipper” shaped yellow flowers. It tends to grow in clumps and can be found from April to June in forest habitats that have experienced some disturbance, such as fire or logging (it does not grow well under dense shade).
|
|
Showy Orchis – Galearia spectablisis
Galearis spectablisis produces beautiful pinkish-purple and white flowers in the late spring/early summer. It is often seen around the same time of year as spring ephemerals and is thus one of the most commonly noticed orchids found in Indiana. The distinctive monocot leaves are broad and the delicate flowers produce a pleasant fragrance.
photo credit - Tom Barnes University of Kentucky
|
 |
 |
Nodding ladies' tresses - Spiranthes cernua
Spiranthes cernua is found throughout Indiana and as expected, is found in a variety of ecotypes. There is a great deal of variation within the species, and it has been grouped into different races. The flowering raceme is approximately 25-35 cm in height and produces approximately a dozen small white flowers. The top of the plant has a distinctive spiral out of which the flowers appear. This late blooming orchid may be seen from late July all the way through November.
photo credit - Tom Barnes University of Kentucky
|
|
Loesel's Twayblade – Liparis loeselii
Liparis loeselii is unusual in that its range is currently expanding south. Previously found mainly in the northern regions of Indiana, L. loeselii has been found in counties extending all the way down to the Ohio River. We would appreciate being notified if you sight this plant within the preserve.
Liparis loeselii flowers from mid-May to late June. The entire plant (including the flowers) are a greenish-yellow. It produces two broad, shiny leaves that are oval in shape with a flowering stalk extending up approximately 11-17 cm.
photo credit - Jim Stasz @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
|
 |
 |
Rattlesnake Orchid – Goodyera pubescens
Goodyera pubescens can be distinguished by its white veined leaves which are especially visible during the fall when they are striking against the dark background of decaying leaves. Although to observe flowering, one must search for it from early July through mid-August. The flowering stalk of G. pubescens is extremely pubescent (fuzzy) and produces small delicate white flowers at the end of the raceme.
|
|
