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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: ctom on 05/30/13 12:41 UTC

Title: a rare beauty.....
Post by: ctom on 05/30/13 12:41 UTC
Sometimes it takes very little to make me almost sit down in awe of something and this morning was one of those times.

Ma and I took to the woods on a morel huning mission. Yes, we found enough for a couple big meals, but the mushrooms are pale comapred to this little jewel.

(http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss184/crappietomtackle/c8930633-e8d8-4c95-a1f0-1e1e97d5cef4_zpsd24185d1.jpg) (http://s574.photobucket.com/user/crappietomtackle/media/c8930633-e8d8-4c95-a1f0-1e1e97d5cef4_zpsd24185d1.jpg.html)

This is a Showey Orchid. This particular plant stands a mere 5" tall and was one of three that were flowering in the midst of 7 plants huddled into an area about 8'X8'. This was the only one that I could get a pic of and not harm the others. The Showey Orchid is a very rare find here in Minnesota and in all my years this is only the second time I have seen one in bloom in its natural setting.

About 15 years ago I bought a Showey Orchid from a licensed wild-flower dealer. I had it planted in a dark, shaded corner of a garden near the house and for ten to 15 days a year I got to watch the flowering process unfold and given the right weather conditions maybe got to gaze at the most beautiful flowers on this earth for three to four days before they began to wilt. Finding this little "patch" in the wild means more to me than any fish I have ever caught.

Man, what a find. I had to share. Sorry for my "Oprah" moment, but this just elates me.
Title: Re: a rare beauty.....
Post by: gone2long on 05/30/13 15:16 UTC
Nope great post and thanks for sharing, I occasionally get to do the same, I live in a big city (Philly) and am fortunately in the suburbs and within walking distance to one of the largest urban park systems in the country I Get to see wild turkey, Pheasant, Fox, tons of dear and even saw a beaver unfortunately he was hit by a car but still amazes me of the finds that can be had. Also find flower finds in remote places good stuff for .
Title: Re: a rare beauty.....
Post by: MO QWACK on 05/30/13 16:15 UTC
Awesome post, that flower is to you like a Catalpa Worm tree is to me.
Title: Re: a rare beauty.....
Post by: pjmcla on 05/30/13 16:28 UTC
Gorgeous little flower.  Glad you had your camera.  It made my day; as well as yours.  Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: a rare beauty.....
Post by: Botanophilia on 05/30/13 20:46 UTC
Being in horticulture, I deal with rare plants all the time.  It's still something completely different to find them in their natural setting.  Great pic Tom, thanks for sharing.  I may have to find some of those some day.  :) 
Title: Re: a rare beauty.....
Post by: t-billy on 05/31/13 00:16 UTC
That's awsome Tom. Thanks for sharing. A rare and beautiful find like that, and a nice sack of shrooms makes for a happy day.---Tim.
Title: Re: a rare beauty.....
Post by: WALLEYE WACKER on 06/01/13 21:49 UTC
TOM & MA I ALWAYS GET GREAT PLEASURE WHEN I READ ABOUT YOUR LIFE TOGETHER. AND CAN GET LAUGH AND START THE DAY RIGHT AFTER READING YOUR POST. I LIKE THE ROAD TRIPS AND HELPFUL TIPS. GREAT PIC. MIKE 8)