What a revelation it was when I discovered the name of the conspicuous evergreen leaf occasionally seen spreading flat on the forest floor. What's more, this greenish leaf with its striations was a wintertime treat to those of us who take pleasure in knowing our local wildflowers. In the following days of early summer a stem appears, arising from the base of the reclining leaf — a stem topped with a cluster of delicately beautiful floral beauties.
This orchid is somewhat rare, since it prefers rich woodland slopes that have been undisturbed by timber activities or munching cattle.
Copyright © 2006 William T. Hathaway.