Wild Orchids at Alishan, Taiwan

Here are some of the wild orchids I saw during a 1/2 day hike in Alishan, Taiwan.  Only the Pleione were in bloom so I could not identify which species of Bulbophyllum and Dendrobium we saw but still considered myself lucky to have seen so many orchids growing in the wild.

Bulbophyllum species #1 (oblong leaf)

Bulbophyllum species #2 (lanceolate leaf)

Dendrobium species

Large Taiwan Cypress, with moss-covered trunks.  The wild Bulbophyllum and Dendrobium grow on the Taiwan Cypress, mostly in moist areas that receive a bit of filtered sun.

Possibly a Dendrobium species.

A large clump of Pleione formosana growing in a clump of moss and grass on a sheer, rock, retaining wall.

A close-up of Pleione formosana

#Alishan, #Taiwan, #orchid, #orchidpictures, #naturephotos

Super Fragrant Orchids

Dendrobium anosmum x Dendrobuim Super Nestor. These orchids are uber-fragrant in a sweet, perfumely sort of way and bloom with a dense profusion of flowers along the leafless canes.

Fresh Anthuriums at the Hilo Farmer's Market

Anthuriums, ginger and orchids for sale, $5, at the Hilo Farmer's market. Amazing, huh? Wow. The "vases" are old coffee cans (think Folgers) nicely wrapped in Ti leaves. It's one of my favorite farmer's markets. Ripe papayas, 5/$1; Ripe Pineapples $3. Just awesome!

Back to the Farmer's Market

I caved in and bought an orchid at the Farmer's Market. It's mainly to decorate the kitchen more than anything else. It has a sweet smell that reminds me of carnations. The best thing about orchids is that they last for weeks.

There was a new guy manning the orchid booth at the market. It turns out it's my good friend Ramona's son. Odd that neither of them ever mentioned that they had a son. Anyhow, I asked him what happened to his dad (who normally mans the booth). He tells me his dad passed away in January. I realize, at this point, that I haven't been to the Farmer's market in a really long time. Wow. I hate having people pass away on me. We both agreed that Tom (his dad) was a real character! ;-) He'll be sorely missed. Guess this blog's for Tom. RIP Tom, hope you have as much fun up there as you did down here.