9/13/2012 12:03:45 AM

The month of September has had six different species of orchids in flower at The Levy Preserve. Our Encyclia plicata located near the Welcome Center was collected in Andros, as well as the Polystachya foliosa  and Encyclia fehlingii located along our Mangrove Boardwalk.

Along our epiphyte trail, the beautiful Encyclia gracilis are finishing up a late bloom, emitting the wonderful scent of ‘vanilla peppermint’ throughout the air. The unique fowers of Enyclia cochleata, or the Shell Orchid, are quite striking in appearance and fantastic to observe opening from the bud.

The collection of Oncidium floridanum on our epiphyte trail surprised the Levy Preserve staff with its bloom, adding a touch of yellow to the trails.