Encyclia tampensis

This is the time for several of the Florida native orchids to bloom, especially the epiphytic ones. For the east coast this far north (Daytona) it is unusual to see this species. Especially one this large.

The plant attaches it self by its roots to the bark of a tree. Here it is attached to one of its favorites Quercus virginiana - Live Oak. Itself a remarkable 200 years old. Its heavily creviced bark provides a strong foothold for the pseudobulbs. The flowers are about the size of a US quarter.

A friend who has watched it for 30 years told me where to find it. It lived up to its common name as I approached it. I was 20 feet from it and smelled the warm sedating fragrance of honey and vanilla. Thus its common name Honey Orchid. I am deeply honored by the Orchid God.