The Quest for the Ghost Orchid by D. K. Christi, Bonita Springs resident and author of Ghost Orchid, a mystery novel inspired by the blooming of the "Super Ghost" of Corkscrew Swamp in 2007.
Southwest Spotlight www.swspotlight.com and http://www.swspotlight.com/archives/date/2011/08 , is a monthly print magazine distributed to 20,000 readers and delivered to 17,000 residences in the Bonita Springs area. D. K. Christi is a contributing author with credits and income. The exposure is great and the newsaper is a quality publication.
At this writing, only the July issue is online. You may need to wait a bit to see the August issue that includes D. K. Christi's article below:
We ventured into the wilds of the Everglades, Blair Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, in search of the internationally famous “ghost orchid” (Dendrophylax lindenii) of Corkscrew Swamp. I was the unofficial “tour guide.” Summer squalls surrounded us, but our weather remained rain free. With water, sun hats and mosquito potions “just in case,” we were well-prepared for our quest
As the crow flies, Corkscrew Swamp would be right where Bonita Beach Road might meet US 29. We traveled on Livingston to Immokalee Road and turned east for about twenty miles on mostly four-lane highway. We kept one eye on the threatening sky and enjoyed a lively conversation as the distance flew by until we saw the gate to the sanctuary, a left turn just north of the State Fair Grounds. A sign in the main building said “Twelve Blooms.” Most ghost orchids have only one or two. This ghost orchid produced up to 20 in a season and nearly a dozen in one blooming, a record-breaking orchid plant worth visiting.
Mosquito preparations were unnecessary. The ecological balance allows an occasional deer fly, nat or mosquito as an irritation; but for the most part, a daylight walk is always pleasant, even on a scorching summer day. Evaporation from vegetation under the cypress canopy often creates a swamp breeze that is more comfortable than the unforgiving sun. Definite temperature drops are noticeable.
About a mile along the boardwalk, fifty feet off the boardwalk and about seventy feet into the high canopy, was the subject of our quest, the exquisite ghost orchid plant. At least six of the twelve blooms were dancing in the swamp breeze at the end of their slender, green stems, as though floating untethered in midair in the crook of the tree. The park’s scope brought the details to life. Binoculars helped. Once we saw the ghost orchid with these aids, we transferred that detailed memory to search for the ghost orchid with the naked eye, the splash of white. We remembered the gossamer, white petals with flowing tendrils, dancing in midair that we saw in the scope.
The ghost orchid has no leaves. The chlorophyll is in the roots wrapped tightly around the tree. The “super ghost” of Corkscrew Swamp may be fifty years old. It was discovered in early July 2007 when spotted by walkers searching the sky for owls. This is the only known ghost orchid plant in Corkscrew Swamp. Perhaps a storm cleared away the branches and foliage that previously hid it from view. This rare and endangered ghost orchid is only found in the Florida Everglades and Cuba. Their unusual night pollination by the sphinx moth and their adaptation to unique habitats make them difficult to cultivate domestically. They are treasured by collectors – and thieves. Ghost orchid locations are often kept secret to protect them, especially in the Fakahatchee Strand where more are found. It is illegal to remove this rare and endangered species from the wild.
Rare beauty and the delicate appearance give a feminine quality. Nearly translucent petals and a center resembling a face enhance the ghostly apparition that led to its common name. Legend suggests that placing ghost orchids on graves helps the journey of the soul. Sensuous qualities are said to represent love’s perfection. The ghost orchid takes on personality that evokes human emotions. Everyone who looks through the scope steps back with a smile. Its beauty is catching - so much so that visitors arrive from across the globe.
Most ghost orchids bloom once in a season. Since its discovery in 2007, the “super ghost” has bloomed at least three times each year: early July, mid August and late September. One year there were five bloomings: March, June, August, September and October. A few winter visitors had the joy of viewing the ghost orchid. I’m partial to this ghost orchid plant because it blooms each year on my July birthday. Caught in its aura, I have watched every nuance of its season on daily strolls.
My little tour group enjoyed their first ghost orchid quest. Scarlet swamp hibiscus and stark white swamp lilies, a barred owl, and the swamp symphony were a bonus. Every season is a perfect time to visit for the change in flowers that spread gold, lavender and silver across the marsh. Summer is the time for gigantic alligator flags turning the swamp into a primeval experience. Winter is the time for migrating wading birds fighting over the fish that find their way into the lettuce lakes. Summer is the time I love the most, the season of the “super ghost” orchid. A link to Blair Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary with information and driving directions is found at www.dkchristi.com. A glimpse of the swamp is seen in award-winning environmental filmmaker Darryl Saffer’s trailer with original flute music and video clips.
Author and lecturer, D. K. Christi’s travels include editorial work in Europe and Asia and blue water sailing in the Caribbean. Living “on the economy” in exotic, foreign cultures provides insights shared with readers. A profession as an editor and writer for state departments of education and even a stint as a political intern in Washington, D. C. credentials this Southwest Florida resident. Amazon.com says of D.K. Christi, "… themes of friendship surviving tragedy, love conquering adversity, and the triumph of the human spirit over the hardships of life serve to uplift and inspire…” Novels & short stories include her recent mystery novel, Ghost Orchid, inspired by the 2007 blooming of the “super ghost” at Corkscrew Swamp.
 
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