Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, near Naples, Florida, says five rare ghost orchids have bloomed in a spot where they are visible from Corkscrew’s boardwalk with binoculars or a spotting scope. The orchids are 50 feet up on an ancient bald cypress tree in Corkscrew’s old growth forest, less than a mile from the entrance. The ghost orchid, subject of Susan Orlean’s book "The Orchid Thief" and the movie "Adaptation," is rarely seen by the public because it usually grows deep in south Florida's swamps, and biologists don't like to publicize the location for fear of theft. Corkscrew’s staff is on “orchid watch” and publishes updates here.
Photo: Chuck McCartney/Miami Herald file
Ghost Orchid, the mystery novel by D.K. Christi, was inspired by this very orchid at Corkscrew Swamp and is for sale at the Corkscrew Swamp book store. NPR Reviews praises Ghost Orchid for the beauty of the Everglades that shines through on every page and the ghost orchid, the heart and soul of the story. dkchristi.com
Posted by: dkchristi | 08/03/2012 at 07:55 PM