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Upland Pine, Blackwater River State Forest. Photo by Gary Knight

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Noteworthy Discoveries: Jingle Bell Orchid in Hendry County

Jingle bell Orchid                                            Photo by Michelle Smith

During recent field surveys to document rare plants at
Spirit of the Wild Wildlife Management Area, FNAI botanists located several thriving populations of the jingle bell orchid, (Harrisella porrecta, syn. Dendrophylax porretcus) in a strand swamp growing on branches of the bald cypress (Taxodium distichum). The fruits of this tiny leafless orchid are a well-named characteristic, as they do look just like little bells. According to the Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants, jingle bell orchid has never been collected in Hendry County, so FNAI scientists were excited to discover these populations.


               Photo by Michelle Smith