Triphora Trianthophora

Around this time of year a very special native orchid blooms.  Triphora Trianthophora is commonly known as the "Three Birds Orchid."  It is not supposed to exist in Connecticut, but it does.

My wife knows of a very special site where this gem can be found.  She refuses to divulge its location to the general public, fearing that it would be trampled by adoring fans.

It lives on slopes facing a certain direction that contain a high concentration of Beech leaves.  Having been to the site, I can assure you that it is difficult to get there, difficult to get out, and difficult to photograph successfully.

That said, here is one of my wife's (Eleanor Saulys) shots from yesterday:

What a beautiful plant, especially considering that the above view represents a 2-3" vertical expanse.  Look at the glistening petals.  (Click on the image to view a larger, magnifiable version.) This is an incredible little plant.

Not to steal the show, but here is an image I took of the same flower back in 2009:

This is one of my favorite photographs,  and is the background on my Android phone.