The Ghost Orchid, Dendrophylax lindenii, is one of the most fascinating and elusive flowering plants found in Florida.
It thrives in the swampy, humid environment of the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, often referred to as the “Amazon of North America.”
The rare orchid is renowned for its distinctive and ethereal beauty, characterized by white, spider-like petals that give it a “ghostly” appearance.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Ghost Orchid is its method of pollination. It relies on a specific species of night-flying moth, the Giant Sphinx Moth, for reproduction.
The moth is attracted to the orchid’s intense fragrance, which only occurs at night, and as it goes for the nectar, it inadvertently transfers pollen from flower to flower. The Ghost Orchid’s reliance on such a specific pollinator adds to its vulnerability and rarity.
Human activity and habitat loss have led to its status as an endangered species, making sightings of its blooms even more special and infrequent to the delight of avid orchid enthusiasts and conservationists.
The plant plays a pivotal role in the non-fiction book The Orchid Thief, by Susan Orlean.
About The Author
John Bagnasco has been in the gardening industry for over 50 years, starting with a horticulture degree from Michigan State University and following a stint at Frank’s Nursery and Crafts in Detroit.
After publishing his first book “Plants for the Home Vol. I” in 1976, he moved to California to become regional manager and buyer for the Nurseryland division of Sunbelt Nursery Group.
He then became the head buyer for Armstrong Garden Centers based in Glendora, California. John had a part-time affiliation with Creative Promotions for ten years before joining them full-time in October 2000 as a senior editor and radio personality for Garden Compass.
John has also taught horticulture classes at Palomar College and San Diego State University.
He is the host of the DVD “The Essential Guide to Roses,” which also features Bryan Main and Bruce and Sharon Asakawa.
His most recent book is “Planting Designs for Cacti and Succulents”.
Currently, John is a co-host on “Garden America,” an interactive live gardening show that additionally provides podcasts of the broadcasts accessible on all major platforms.
You can contact John here.