Arkansas Orchids: Lady Slipper, Showy Orchis, & Spring Coralroot
1 comments Posted by John Gardner at 2:35 PMIf you are a plant geek, you're going to love these rare beauties...
The Spring Coralroot is a very interesting orchid. It is a nonphotosynthesizing orchid. It is able to take up nutrition from mycorrhizal fungus. Pretty cool, huh? Also back in the good ol' days, this plant was used to assist in breaking high fever and used as a mild sedative. But do not go out looking for this plant for that reason. Corallorrhiza is a rare plant and its habitat should be left alone!
Some people would say that I'm one of the lucky ones and I would have to agree - I did find a job after finishing my degree! Can you believe it? I am on my second week of work and I still can't believe it!
The garden which is now known as Compton Gardens was donated to the Peel House Foundation in 2002. The creator and former owner, Dr. Neil Compton is the man responsible for America's First National River - the Buffalo River.
Today, the garden offers enthusiasts a look of Arkansas' native flora - from Alum Root to Yellow Root and the list is growing! In fact, just the other day I was planting the native orchid Spiranthes cernua. And rumor has it that we're getting some other interesting plants... keep that on the down-low.
On my lunch break I decided to shoot some photos of these great Arkansas plants to share with you. I want you to have a good idea about the potential of this wonderful garden - and believe me, this place has way more potential that you think.
Let me tell you that the flowers of Eryngium yuccifolium smell of honey. Very impressive summer plant. This plant is on my recommendation list. :)
Next up, we have Vaccinium elliottii. This is one of our native blueberry bushes. If you're a fan of natives and enjoy eating blueberries, this plant is definitely for you.
Another edible is Ribes odoratum, the golden currant. This is an all around great shrub. It has nice foliage and bears edible fruit. However, it is deciduous (keep in mind if use for a screen).
Well, that's all I have for now. Soon, I will post pictures of Compton Garden's Champion Trees! Ciao.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
I returned to Artist Point near Mountainburg, Arkansas to search for the Galearis spectabilis - common name: Showy Orchis. Two years ago, I noticed this plant nestled in the lush moss only a foot or so away from the walking path. I wanted to revist the location the following year to catch the bloom so that I would be able to correctly identify the plant. I failed again. Up until recently, I promised myself to be on time - I would not miss the flower a third time! Sunday as I searched desperately to find the orchid, my mind began to wonder if something had happened: poachers, harsh weather, pollution, physical damage by fallen trees or animals. Having given up, I began to accend up the hillside when I noticed a familiar location next to a young Beech tree. My eyes focused on a little clump of dead orchids. Something did happen, but I am not sure what killed the Showy Orchis.
While in the area, I spotted some of nature's intricate designs:
We even decided to stop by the recently completed Lake Fort Smith and see how the fish were doing.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
I left for Artist Point in Mountainburg, Arkansas. I was there last year and discovered a unique plant. However, it was not flowering. My plan was to catch the plant in flower so that I would be able to identify it. But once again, the plant had already flowered nor was any fruit attached to the plant. One difference from last year, there seems to be many more of these plants than last year! I wont miss it another year! Ha!
After studying the foliage and the fruit of the plant from last year. I think this plant is Galearis spectabilis. It flowers from April - July (I was totally wrong about going out there this time of year). Anyway, I will be looking for this plant next year! Wish me luck!
Silvia and I were at the end of the trail near the small waterfall. Very wet area, great place for strange creatures! As I was digging through the dead leaves and turning over logs, we discovered a beautiful spotted salamander. 
Hiking through the Ozark Natural Forest is always a pleasurable experience. I was accompanied by a team of artists, gardeners and photographers as we explored the beautiful wilderness. After passing through a wonderful grouping of beech trees, one of my team members discovered a beautiful millipede!
When we arrived at our first lookout point, I first discovered a beautiful colony of Spiranthes species. I have attempted to identify the species; however, I am not confident enough to clarify the name of these flowers.
Next to the Spiranthes, another flower caught my eye. This is something that is unknown to me. Polygala sanguinea, commonly known as Milkwort. This plant is commonly found in fields. It also has some kind of medicinal value.
As the sun dropped below the horizon, it seems that the hills caught fire. A great way to end the day, I say!
This week I will be working in the glasshouses at the RBGE. As one would say in the Arkansas native tongue, "Damn, shure is hot up in thur." I didn't think it was possible to break a sweat in Scotland.
Since I began my work indoors, I have come across some beautiful little orchids.
Dendrobium hellwigianum
[Photo1]
Dendrochilum filiforme
[Photo1] [Photo2] [Photo3]
Dracula bella
[Photo1] [Photo2]
Masdevallia nycterina
[Photo1] [Photo2]
Phreatia
[Photo1] [Photo2] [Photo3]
Poroglossum echidnum
[Photo1] [Photo2]
Scaphosepalum punctatum
[Photo1] [Photo2] [Photo3]
I've also been recording daily weather from the garden's weather stations. A record of temperature must be taken in the air, at ground surface and below ground. Other things that are recorded are wind speed and direction, state of ground, cloud density, visibility and hours of sunlight. To make these observations, I am required to climb the ladders to the top of the largest glasshouse. Don't worry, I promise I wont fall and be shredded by falling through panes of glass. I will post some pictures soon.
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