Mar 11 2020
Although most orchids are found in the tropical mountain systems of the world (e.g., the Andes, New Guinea), orchids occur in almost every habitat on Earth, from tropical rainforests to deserts, fire swept prairies, and arctic tundra. Within eastern North America, New York state is the most species-rich, with 61 species. One of these species, Spiranthes arcisepala, the Appalachian ladies’ tresses, was newly discovered and named by me in 2018. Although orchids are some of the most beautiful of New York state’s wildflowers, they are also some of its most endangered, with threats ranging from poaching and overgrazing by deer, to ecological succession and climate change. The next time you’re out on a hike, keep an eye out for Cypripedium (ladies’ slipper), Goodyera (rattlesnake plantain), and dragon’s mouth (Arethusa).