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Coastal Carolina University, Conway, South Carolina, August 7 to 10, 2004 by Marilyn Light Presented 9/8/2004 |
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MarilyninOttawa The timing of this conference was fortuitous. Not only did the organizers miss the very wet weather of the week previous but they also missed the rain of Bonnie followed by the devastating effects of Hurricane Charley which damaged the Myrtle Beach/Conway region and dealt a blow to the habitats we had visited just a few days previous. Natural systems have a way to deal with weather and fire since they have evolved with such challenges but the impact on human residents can be disruptive and costly. The conference program began on Saturday, August 7. After a welcome from NOC President, David McAdoo, Jim Fowler, Greenville, South Carolina, and author of Orchids of South Carolina, presented an introduction to the orchids of that state. Jim Fowler pointed out that the greatest concentration of species (37 of the 55 state-wide) was in the coastal plain which we later had the opportunity to visit. Here we see the expert photographer at work with Dr. Jyotsna Sharma ready for the next photographic opportunity. Lucy Dueck, Research Coordinator, Molecular Ecology, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, presented a fascinating preview of the Spiranthes Genetics Project, including a peek into the unravelling of mysteries surrounding the identity of Spiranthes for conservation purposes. She reported that one of the S. cernua populations studied had more affinity with northeastern S. ochroleuca. Included in the conference package was her colorful illustrated booklet on the Wild Orchids in South Carolina: the story. Alan Weakley, Curator of the Herbarium, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, provided an interesting overview of orchid habitats in the southeastern US. He explained the role played by fire in the ecology of the North Carolina State Tree, Long Leaf Pine (Pinus palustris), which dominates the coastal plain pine savannah. For more information about this interesting life history, visit button Occasional fire sparked by lightning or through prescribed burns, controls the overgrowth of grasses and shrubs. Here we see the effect of a very recent burn. Pine foliage is scorched and ground cover mostly gone. What we cannot see are the tiny grass shoots already visible amongst the ashes. Control of ground cover not only benefits herbs growing in these places including Platanthera, Cleistes and Calopogon as well as some carnivorous plants but it also 'liberates' pine seedlings from the short 'grass' stage. During this post-fire 'bolting' phase, Long Leaf pines can grow at a rate of 3 to 5 feet a year. Here we can see a young pine in the foreground. Old burned needles hang about a fresh green bolting shoot unharmed by a earlier burn. For Kathy Gregg, West Virginia Wesleyan College, the visit to South Carolina was to a familiar 'stomping ground' since she had previously studied Cleistes bifaria and C. divaricata in some of the places we were to visit. Kathy spoke about the Recovery of Showy Lady's Slippers from Moderate and Severe Herbivory by White-tailed Deer. She illustrated how repeated shoot destruction could weaken plants to the point that recovery was uncertain. Caging of individual plants or of small colonies eliminates herbivory but many years may be needed for the plants to recover vigor. Kathy brought along a butterfly net just in case we saw Platanthera pollinators but none were around when we were there. Wayne Roberts, Roberts Flower Supply, Columbia Station, Ohio, provided tips for the successful culture of seed-raised Cypripedium and other terrestrial orchids in garden situations including bog gardens. After supper, we returned to hear about the Epiphytic Orchids of South Florida from Chuck McCartney. Only one epiphytic orchid is found in the Carolinas (Epidendrum magnoliae). We saw a non-flowering plant growing high up in a tree near a creek. This swamp forest is dominated by Bald Cypress. Cone-shaped cypress 'knees' rise out of the ground ready to trip the careless passerby. The orchid was so high and the setting so shaded that I looked down to see if by chance, pieces had fallen to a much more convenient level. Wonder of wonders there was a large patch of non-flowering plants and these were already somewhat rooted in the muck. The stems were short (2-3 in) but reed-like with 3 or 4 glossy green leaves. The was no sign of buds, spent blooms or fruits. We should realize that this plant is likely gone now because of the massive flooding that would have scoured this river bank. Chuck presented 28 species from the Sunshine State. We were treated to images of 4 species of Vanilla as well as Epidendrum, Encyclia, Prosthechea, Pleurothallis, Cyrtopodium, Oncidium, Tolumnia, Ionopsis, Macradenia, Brassia, Polystachya, Harrisella, Campylocentrum and Dendrophylax. The evening was rounded out by a panel discussion moderated by Mark Rose on the topic 'Ethics of Reintroduction'. Panelists included Marilyn Light, Kathy Gregg, and Wayne Roberts. Points discussed included the relative merit of reintroduction, translocation and supplementation in natural settings. Relatively few terrestrial orchid taxa are in horticultural trade yet these are legally traded across a wide geographic range. What, if any, is the risk of introducing a different genotype into a garden within the natural range of that species? If we are planning reintroduction into a habitat where the orchid once grew, is there a different risk than if we consider reintroducing the same species into a place where the orchid is likely to grow but has never been recorded? Why did the orchid disappear from a site or why did it never become established there, at least in recent times. It was agreed that there are serious issues which require some thoughtful consideration before any reintroduction projects are considered. The second day of presentations was Monday, August 9. Bill Summers of St. Louis. Missouri, provided an animated and colorful talk on the Orchids of the Ozark Plateau. This knowledgeable author of the 'Orchids of Missouri' led us on a trip, often by canoe, along this former front of glaciation. One fantastic sight was of the Showy Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium reginae) flowering along steep dolomitic bluffs. Another interesting sight was of a group of morels (Morchella sp.) clustered with a Showy Orchis (Galearis spectabilis) growing in a pine oak forest. Chuck McCartney followed with a slide program of the Orchids at Granny Squirrel Gap (in the southwestern tip of North Carolina). This provided the audience with a peek at what grew in the habitats far from the coastal plain. Orchids included the Large Yellow Lady's Slipper, the Downy Rattlesnake Plantain and the Appalachian Twayblade (Listera smallii). After a good coverage of the south east, it was time for Jean Stefanik of Manchester, New Hampshire, to present the Native Orchids of Northern New England. Jean chairs the NH Orchid Society Conservation & Education Committee. She showed us a very attractive peloric form of Pogonia ophioglossoides and reported that this plant was in a group of similar flowered stems. Jean also commented how moose create a woodland clearing during their wintering season (yarding), speculating that this might create a more suitable habitat for the Pink Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium acaule). Ken Cameron, Associate Curator, The Lewis B. & Dorothy Cullman Program for Molecular Systematics Studies, New York Botanical Garden, presented on recent DNA investigations of Liparis and Malaxis. The questions being asked include the relationship of species with plicate (pleated) leaves and those with conduplicate leaves (those with one leaf folded over the other one in the bud). Another question involves the possible transition from epiphytic to terrestrial life form and whether this happened once or several times during the evolution of this group. Research has shown that the genus Oberonia is a common ancestor to both genera. Epiphytic and terrestrial species are separately clustered: Liparis and Malaxis are not natural groups. The type for the genus Liparis, Liparis loeselii, is closely related to east Asian taxa with conduplicate foliage. The conference wrapped up with a presentation by Marilyn Light on Long Term Study - The Conservation Payoff. Marilyn, who chairs the North American Regional Orchid Specialist Group, pointed out that some 60% of North American terrestrial orchids are not or have not been tracked on an individual plant basis. She used examples from on-going studies to illustrate how and why we should track individual plants and populations. A conservation team of NOC members was then established to get some studies underway. Field trips are the life blood of orchid conferences. They give an opportunity for people unfamiliar with an area to learn about the orchids, their habitats, diversity, and related conservation issues. One field trip was to the Green Swamp in North Carolina where we were led by a very knowledgeable Frank Galloway. First we saw his lovely garden and how well he grew plants in bog gardens. Then we ventured into the Green Swamp which consists of impenetrable bay vegetation including evergreen shrubs (Sweet Bay - Magnolia virginiana and Red Bay - Persea borbonia) and thorny vines such as Smilax sp. Bookmark this site for browsing at your leisure. This whole area has been flooded since and many trees damaged by the hurricane and tropical storm. There are more open areas or 'islands' where orchids and carnivorous plants grow together in sandy soil with grasses, wildflowers and other interesting things. We saw a variety of habitat including the moist woods around Rice's Creek (Epidendrum magnoliae). Then we visited a 'bay' with a plentitude of Venus Flytraps (Dionaea muscipula) and Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia flava and S. rubra). The Venus Flytraps came a range of colors but there did not seem to be too many traps shut on unwary insects. There were so many, it was difficult not to step on one. Tall Pitcher plants (Sarracenia flava) were seen sporadically and sometimes in great numbers. They resemble big yellow flags. We saw the intriguing 'pocosin' habitat, and the pine savannah of the Big Island. We gradually became familiar with the orchids (Platanthera blephariglottis, P. cristata and P. integra) as well as the co-inhabitants such as Meadow Beauty (Rhexia sp.) and Yellow Eyed Grass (Xyris sp.). Here we see a dry ditch that contained a range of interesting plants including Redroot (Lachnanthes caroliniana). Its leaves form a fan much like Iris to which it is related. The tall sprays of scented blooms attract butterflies. The small pink flowers are those of the Meadow Beauty (Rhexia sp.). A second field trip was to the Francis Marion National Forest in South Carolina. We gathered at the Seewee Visitor and Environmental Center near Awendaw in the Park. While there we discovered a population of Habenaria repens and an alligator! The alligator seemed quite benign floating in the distance so the orchids growing on an easily accessible bank became a delight for the photographers. The alligator was farrrr in the distance. I would not have known it was a gator unless someone had pointed it out. One did not risk trampling seedlings as the orchids were in easy reach. We travelled a short distance to a wooded area sloping towards a creek. There we saw a group of Crane Fly orchids (Tipularia discolor) blooming as they do, without foliage. The deciduous forest was dark so it was difficult to see the orchids unless one knew where to look. There are four blooming stems in the picture but it was a challenge to see them in the gloom just as it will be for you, the viewer of this photo. Further along the creek we found a group of Tubercled Orchid (Platanthera flava var. flava). The flowers were mostly finished but the lip was clearly quite broader than that of var. herbiola more familiar to us up north. Many fruits were forming but some ovaries were not developing which suggests pollinators are needed for this species to set seed. Then it was off to a much brighter open site which had been burned a year or two previous. Prescribed burns control the heavy ground vegetation that would otherwise compete with more delicate herbs. Here we saw the Southern Red Lily or Pine Lily (Lilium catesbaei) here being photographed by Bill Temple of England. There were numerous examples of the tall orange, butterfly-pollinated Yellow Fringed Orchid (Platanthera ciliaris). More modest in height was the Crested Fringed Orchid (P. cristata). After seeing several examples in close proximity, we were better able to distinguish P. cristata from unusually short specimens of P. ciliaris. Here is a closeup view of P. cristata. The Fringeless Orchid, Platanthera integra was less frequently seen but was easily distinguished from the fringe-lipped species. It took a while to get the hang of it but after seeing several examples, they were much more easy to distinguish. The Southern White Fringed Orchid (P. blephariglottis var. conspicua) was seen in many localities including along a wet roadside. There was lots of evidence that the flowers were being visited as indicated by errant pollinia stuck to petals and lips. It was too early to assess fruit set. Lying in wait for a flower visitor was the Green Lynx Spider. Isn't the spider great!! Thank goodness it was green and therefore easy to ID. There were quite a few seen. Platanthera blephariglottis was quite often seen and is stunning. Smartcloud MarilyninOttawa N_Calif_Kathy Smartcloud MarilyninOttawa What was the trip highlight for many were some examples of Platanthera x bicolor, a natural hybrid between P. ciliaris and P. blephariglottis. Here we see a hybrid in the foreground having the long lip of the ciliaris, followed by a specimen of P. blephariglottis and then either another hybrid specimen or the other parent, P. ciliaris. Some 25 orchid species were seen across the three field trips. Regrettably, I did not take part in the 3rd trip and so have no pics to share of that event. All good things must come to an end and after saying fond farewells, we went our various ways, back to a life of enjoying native flora and of sharing our experience with others. Thank you to the organizers, David McAdoo and Mark Rose, to the field leaders, Frank Galloway and Jim Fowler, and to the camaraderie of all concerned. We look forward to the 2005 conference and another opportunity to meet friends, make new acquaintances and observe yet another array of orchid habitats in North America. We will now open the discussion. I found great variation in the stature of Platanthera ciliaris. The ground was dry (not any more!!!) and therefore many plants were short. Where water was available, the specimens were substantially larger. Each time I visit a place, and get a chance to walk on the land, it becomes much more than a dot on the map. I get to appreciate the local challenges: fire, flood, hurricane, critters... In the Carolinas, I learned about fire ants (and how to avoid them). I also learned about chiggers/red bugs and made certain not to get bitten. Ahowle MarilyninOttawa I was fascinated with the coastal plain flora. I can recognize Florida and Caribbean plants and of course, those from further north, but the Carolina flora was something else. I am very happy to have had the opportunity to 'walk' the land. Mauro Brazil Gaile -end |
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Prechat Handout Prechat Handout Native Orchid Conference - Carolina Coast |
