Some Beauty For Saturday...!

Sometimes beauty can last forever, but it isn't likely without help.

Call it fate, call it luck, call it divine intervention! Whatever you call it, you have to admit that it's sort of a minor miracle that the plant is still here!

Ghost Orchid

Epipogium aphyllum

The Ghost orchid is a fascinating rare plant that was presumed extinct for almost 20 years, only recently did it rear its head again. The plant is so rare because it is basically impossible to propagate. It has no leaves, does not depend on photosynthesis and does not manufacture its own food. Like the Lady slipper, it needs a specific fungus in close contact with its root system, which feeds it. The Ghost orchid never grows leaves, and will therefore always depend on the fungus for its nourishment. The Ghost orchid can live underground for years, without showing any external signs and will only bloom when all conditions are optimum. This explains why some orchid enthusiasts search for years and years just to have a glimpse of this elusive flower.

You know, when something like this just refuses to go away you have to consider that it is here for a reason. Some force, some hand is partly responsible for the long lasting beauty that only shows itself from time to time. Maybe we should just leave well enough alone!

Coffee in the kitchen this morning. There is a bowl of fresh fruit on the table, so help yourself!