Now is the time when Florida butterfly orchids (Encyclia tampensis) bloom, and the large live oaks (Quercus virginiana) at the south Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area held an abundance of beautiful blooms along with Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) and southern needleleaf (Tillandsia setacea) when we took an orchid stroll on June 27. The nearby sliver of freshwater wetlands provides the moisture to support this abundance of epiphytes.
Florida butterfly orchid is the most common orchid in Florida, and even within the confines at ORCA, the color of the flowers is quite variable …
Check out these Florida butterfly orchid photographs from Mary Ester and George Bollis …
Look carefully in the treetops for the Florida butterfly orchids …
Enjoy the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area 