Return to St. Edwards University (5/8/22)
Location: Mostly oak forest bordering the northern end of the University. Includes open grasslands as well as areas bordering parking lot.
I returned back to the same location I did back in my previous trip to St. Edwards to photograph the Bletia (Hexalectris) spicata flowers opening. The peak time for these orchid flowers is around May, and this time I found many more spikes open, as well as several new populations. However, many of the flowers were wilting, presumably from the constant 95+ degree temperatures plaguing much of Texas during the time.
All of the orchids were found in thick leaf litter, around oak trees. In addition to the typical colored form and the anthocyanin free yellow form, I came across much lighter colored individuals with pale pink stems, as well as more white color on the lip.
I returned back to the same location I did back in my previous trip to St. Edwards to photograph the Bletia (Hexalectris) spicata flowers opening. The peak time for these orchid flowers is around May, and this time I found many more spikes open, as well as several new populations. However, many of the flowers were wilting, presumably from the constant 95+ degree temperatures plaguing much of Texas during the time.
All of the orchids were found in thick leaf litter, around oak trees. In addition to the typical colored form and the anthocyanin free yellow form, I came across much lighter colored individuals with pale pink stems, as well as more white color on the lip.
Sandy, open area in forest.
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Forest floor, covered with small herbaceous plants and dead leaves. Prime Bletia orchid habitat.
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An especially large clump of B. spicata, close to 15 stalks. Found near the edge of forest, side close to Austin South Congress Road. Growing in thick layer of leaf litter.
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