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Tipularia discolor
This is one of our rather common and often overlooked native orchids. Small brown-looking flowers (closer inspection shows the color is realty more a mottled purple and yellow) on this specimen make it difficult to see against the dry leaves on the ground. This plant is pollinated by moths - so no energy is wasted on bright colors that would attract butterflies or bees. The orchid's pollinaria attach to moths' eyes and is carried to other orchids in this manner.
Distribution USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MA , MD , MI , MO , MS , NC , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , WV Found in moist, humus-rich soils of deciduous forest along slopes and stream terraces, and in areas with acid soils, such as oak-pine forests.
Spotted along the Bear Creek Trail Ellijay GA
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