Seed capsules of Aplectrum hyemale (Putty-root orchid)

There are three orchid species in the Southeast that have leaves that are green during the winter. This is one of them - Aplectrum hyemale or Putty-root orchid. In the early summer, when the orchid plant sends up a flowering stem, the leaves begin to wither, turn brown, and die back. After the flowers are pollinated, the seed capsules form to produce seeds for future generations.

Please take a look at the full story of this orchid field trip on www.jfowlerphotography.com/.