Phantom Orchid
Phantom orchid, Cephalanthera austiniae.
Seattle, Washington State, June 27, 2015.
This orchid is rare and getting rarer, as its preferred deep, moist forests are developed, and it's extraordinary to find it here in the city. If you see it, please let it be.
Non-photosynthesizing orchids are myco-heterotrophic, parasitizing fungi (that share nutrients with other plants) to steal their nutrients instead. Since the orchid has no chlorophyll, it has nothing to share.
Phantom Orchid
Phantom orchid, Cephalanthera austiniae.
Seattle, Washington State, June 27, 2015.
This orchid is rare and getting rarer, as its preferred deep, moist forests are developed, and it's extraordinary to find it here in the city. If you see it, please let it be.
Non-photosynthesizing orchids are myco-heterotrophic, parasitizing fungi (that share nutrients with other plants) to steal their nutrients instead. Since the orchid has no chlorophyll, it has nothing to share.