June 6, 2017 - I saw Ram's Head Lady's Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium arietinum). This was the first time I got to see this orchid, and it was beautiful. They are very small, these were about 6 inches tall with the flower itself slightly less than an inch.
The next orchid here is called Tuberous Grass Pink (Calopogon tuberosus). This orchid is also quite small, these were around 5 to 6 inches tall, with the flower being only
1 1/2 inch in size. I saw the Grass Pink on June 26 this year.
June 27 2017 Betsy and I went to see the Rose Pogonia orchid (Pogonia ophioglossoides) and this time I remembered a quarter for size comparison. A quarter is almost an inch across, ~ 11/12 of an inch. As you can see this is another small orchid. Around 5 inches tall, with the flower about one inch in size.
This last orchid is commonly called Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium reginae) and it is a bit larger than the other Lady's Slippers. In the photo below, the orchid was about 28 inches tall and the inflated pouch was nearly two inches in size. This group was under the cover of trees and were in great condition. The Showy Lady's Slipper in the bottom photo was out in the open and was starting to turn brown on its petals. I saw these on June 26 and some were passed their prime. Still beautiful.
So I'm jumping ahead with this blog but wanted to share this while it is still June.
And the reason I plaster my name on the images is because once an image is uploaded to the internet (even if you try to protect it) it is out there worldwide forever. I see my images all the time on different sites, usually giving credit to the Plants Amaze Me blog. That's not the issue.
But I have also discovered that some one in Asia copied and pasted all my posts making it their blog. Many other sites are trying to sell the images.
But I'm sharing these any way. Some people are not able to get out and see these plants so that is why I continue to blog.
What a beautiful post! Orchids are special.
ReplyDeleteToo bad about the websites thieves.
M :)
Wow! These are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing your photographs with us.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you've had trouble with people stealing your photos and taking credit for them. It is annoying, but sadly one the risks of posting photos in this internet age. Don't you wonder what kind of a little life someone must live to want to take all of another person's photos and make their own blog pretending that they took them? Really sad. My sister-in-law had to stop posting photos of her kids because some woman was stealing the pictures of her (very cute) daughter and claiming it was herself as a child. What a terrible self-worth that person must have.
I have used a few of your photos with links back to your site. I'm glad you post photos of my home state because I have not been back in years and, as a plant and flower lover, it makes me happy to see these things, especially when you post pictures of some of our old stomping grounds. :-)
Thanks M :)
ReplyDeleteIt is because of you I get to see this great wild plants!
:)
Mary E. Stephens, Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThe orchids are beautiful, with the close up photos they look huge but in fact are very small.
Yes it is unfortunate about the internet thieves. Maybe they put ads on their newly swiped blog then make money from it? But with writing the blog, it has put me in touch with so many nice and interesting people. It does take a lot of time though. Usually I would rather be outside or just spending time with family.
I have no problem with people referring to the blog to share it. Occasionally I will read other blogs and go to some of the blogs they have listed. But I'm a casual blogger and a casual photographer. Just keep it fun.
So you are originally from west Michigan?
Chris :)
I am also from West Michigan and love to read your posts. Your pictures inspire me.
ReplyDeleteAh yes. The ads. That would be the obvious reason for stealing photos. I don't use ads myself so I didn't think of it. :-) Blogging is a lot of work, and taking, watermarking, and posting photos takes time, I know from experience. Thank you for your efforts.
ReplyDeleteI was born in Kalamazoo and lived in Western Michigan off and on till I was about 24, the last period there being about 13 years long. Maybe someday we'll visit that area and I can take some of my own photos. :-) Flower photography is now a hobby of mine too.
Do you divulge the locations of your photos?
ReplyDeleteA Rams head orchid has been on my bucket list.
For over 12 years I have been photographing flowers and wildlife in Red Lake, Ontario, in the boreal forest a full day's drive north of the border. You can drive a boat for hours and not see another human being. The rare wild flowers up there are amazing, twinflower as an example. Bunchberry and Canadian mayflower are two others.
But, alas, no Rams head orchid.
I am a native of St. Joseph, Mi.
Joel Raak The location of this Ram's Head orchid was Wilderness State Park. I don't use a GPS for locations of plants. As far as sharing locations, it depends who told me about the orchid. Sometimes it is not my location to share. Other locations would be difficult to share, since I don't use GPS.
ReplyDeleteI can tell you this orchid was seen at Wilderness State park in the northern lower peninsula of Michigan. It was along the main road near a turn off, maybe 100 yards into the woods. I would have to go there again to find the exact place. I hope this helps?
:) Chris
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteIs there anyway I can e-mail you? I have some questions I'd love to run by you! My e-mail is alice.wilson.alw@gmail.com
Thank you!