Greenfly Orchid

Description:

Epiphytic orchid with yellow-green and pink-brown petals. The roots really grasp down onto the bark, as seen in photo 4. There were many of these orchids on the trees in the area, but this was the only one blooming. I have found conflicting information on the bloom times for these; it seems sporadic, so my guess is that they quickly send out flowers when the conditions are right rather than being picky about sending out the blooms. They are supposed to have a lovely fragrance at night, but unfortunately it was too early in the day and I couldn't smell anything. They are thought to be pollinated by moths at night.

Habitat:

On a large Magnolia Tree alongside some bromeliads on a trail with mostly hardwood trees in the Homosassa Wildlife Management Area