BY KAREN BOSSICK
Idaho in no way mirrors the tropics, which is commonly thought of as home to the beautiful orchid.
But the Gem State does have 28 native orchids among the 25,000-plus species of orchids that inhabit the planet.
Idaho species include the Calypso bulbosa, also known as the fairy slipper, which is a beautiful magenta-lavender colored orchid found in montane forests. And epipactis gigantea, one of the most abundant orchids of the Pacific Coast and Northwest with it burgundy colored forage.
Learn about “Idaho’s Intriguing Native Orchids” when the Wood River Chapter of Idaho Native Plant Society presents an online talk on Tuesday, Jan. 19
The talk will feature Dr. Lynn Kinter, lead botanist at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game since 2007. The 6:30 p.m. Tuesday talk is free to the public. To get a link to attend, call Kristin Fletcher at 208-721-2583.
During the 1800s Europeans’ obsession with orchids reached such a fever pitch that it was dubbed “Orchidelirium.” In fact, Victorian-era collectors paid thousands of dollars for a single orchid plant.
Idaho’s orchids attract similar delight when found here because they are so unusual. They occur in an amazing array of colors, shapes and sizes and some attract insect pollinators in unusual ways. A few lack chlorophyll and parasitize other plants, and all are uniquely beautiful.
Kinter has more than 30 years of experience in plant research with the Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service and Wyoming Fish and Game Department, in addition to her current position. She has taught botany and biology at Boise State University.
To get a link to attend, call Kristin Fletcher at 208-721-2583.
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