Vivi's Orchid Corner

Dear Orchid Friends:

June is upon us and yes, the June article went up a tad late.. I had the opportunity to do some awesome hiking in the Rocky Mountains.

On one adventure, we hiked Wild Basin (Elevation 8500 ft.) in the Rocky Mountain National Park towards Calypso Falls (Elev. 9250 ft.).. The trailheads in this area have vistas of Copeland Mountain (Elev. 13,176 ft.), St. Vrain Mountain (Elev. 12,162 ft.), waterfalls and the Continental Divide in the distance. Douglas fir, blue spruce and aspen line the mountain sides. Much to my great surprise and delight I spotted the flowering fairy slipper orchid, Calypso bulbosa. I was so struck by the beauty of this tiny orchid that I thought I would share my lucky find with you.

The Calypso orchid blooms in early June in moist, shady areas of the cool montane and subalpine elevations. As the month passes and warmer temperatures occur, these orchids bloom only in the yet higher elevations. Its habitat is thick, wet, mossy grounds especially near creeks, rivers, falls. It is classified as a terresterial orchid, which grows on the ground in soil. The presence of the Calypso orchids indicate the woods are relatively old and undisturbed.

The Calypso orchid is light pink/pale lavender in color. It has 2 sepals and 3 petals of light pink in a "crown formation" on top of flower. A pale slipper cup (similar to a paphiopedilium) has markings of dark purple delicate stripes on inside of slipper. The center of the slipper is lemon yellow with minute yellow hairs. The orchid has a single flower on a slender stalk. Plant height is 3-6". Flower size is 11/2". The leaves of the Calypso orchid are quite unusual: two opposing, thin, heart-shaped leaves. Picking the flower destroys the flower and the plant.

The fairy orchid is absolutely magnificent in its delicate splendor. I regretted not having a better camera along to catch this beauty on film. It was a lucky find! The rangers were not aware the Calypso orchid had started to bloom.

A great hiking adventure made even more memorable by spotting the fairy orchid, Calypso bulbosa.

Until next time,

Vivi