When people think about orchids, many may think of tropical rainforests or maybe the orchids you see in grocery stores. Though there are thousands of tropical species, orchids are one of the most widespread and diverse plant families in the world. South Carolina is home to dozens of species of orchids, but unique among them is Greenfly Orchid (Epidendrum conopseum) one of my favorite native plants. 

Unlike our other native orchids, Greenfly Orchid is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on the bark of trees, using their roots to grip into the tree bark. Greenfly Orchid is the most northernly distributed epiphytic orchid in North America and is the only one found outside of Florida in the contiguous United States. Greenfly Orchid can be found in swamplands along the gulf coast from Louisiana to Florida, and the Atlantic coast northward into the Carolinas. 

While common here at Beidler Forest; Greenfly Orchid is fairly diminutive and can be hard to spot high up in the trees that it grows on and may be one of the few plants here that is better viewed through binoculars. There are some easily viewable patches along the boardwalk however. Here at Beidler, they can be seen in flower throughout the month of June. Its small greenish-white flowers are pollinated by nocturnal moths. 

This orchid is reliant on intact and healthy swamplands. While currently not listed as endangered; logging activity, habitat alteration, and poaching are all serious threats to this species. Through Audubon's ongoing efforts, this species will remain protected here at Francis Beidler Forest Center and Sanctuary.