A spectacular member of the Orchid family, Cephalanthera austiniae, more commonly known as the Phantom Orchid is a real treat to find. These orchids seem to prefer shady, damper areas near streams. This species is found here and there along the West Coast, and can be either locally common, as it is in California, or quite rare in other parts of it's range.
As you can see, the most striking thing about this orchid is the white flowers and stem, which indicates a lack of chlorophyll. This is because this plant doesn't rely on the sun for energy. It is actually a parasite on fungi, and it recieves its energy and nutrients via this relationship. The fungi themselves are probably parasitic on oak and bay (at elast where this was photographed). This species is an exellent example of the myriad growth forms that orchids can take.
This was taken in Humboldt County, though the exact locale is going to remain a secret (sorry). It was kindly shown to me, along with other things, by David Margolies.
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