Kusamono with Native Orchid

Originally Posted by malhomme

Ryan,

Spiranthes are annual so if they've gone to seed, you won't find any stock in the field until next year. I collected these in late November.

What you will see, true their spiral form, is spiraling rosette of pinnate leaves surrounding a single 1-2 inch stalk. Most lose their leaves as they send up their spike. You will have success collecting them before they this. The roots are fleshy and white, just like epiphytic orchids.

When collecting be certain to bring along a lot of their native soil as they have a symbiotic relationship with fungi in the soil. This fungi is required for next years crop of seeds to germinate.

Also note that Florida may have laws enforcing the collection of native orchids.

I'm glad to see that someone else has taken intrest in these unassuming "weeds". I just think they are perfectly beautiful.

Good luck,
Jim

Originally Posted by Bone-sigh

What If I collect the spikes that have faded flowers? I checked yesterday and there are a few remaining where there was at least a hundred or more a few months ago.
Because they are annual, does that mean that if I collect them now I won't see any growth until next season? Do the seeds sit dormant all year until the temperature changes? I am not at all familiar with annual plants and their habbits.