Sunday, January 24, 2016

Soldier Orchid: diminutive gem

 At less than 6 inches tall, the Soldier Orchid (Zeuxine strateumatica) often goes unnoticed.


RankScientific Name and Common Name
KingdomPlantae – Plants
SubkingdomTracheobionta – Vascular plants
SuperdivisionSpermatophyta – Seed plants
DivisionMagnoliophyta – Flowering plants
ClassLiliopsida – Monocotyledons
SubclassLiliidae
OrderOrchidales
FamilyOrchidaceae – Orchid family
GenusZeuxine Lindl. – zeuxine
SpeciesZeuxine strateumatica (L.) Schltr. – soldier's orchid






 
 
In India and Pakistan it is used as a salep, which is a flour made from the tubers!  They, along with the ancients in Rome, considered a drink made with the salep to be a powerful aphrodisiac!  Our native Seminoles (the tribe, not the college football team) agreed.
 
 
 


Zeuxine strateumatica (L.) Schlechter Soldier's Orchid; Orchidaceae
Seminole Drug (Gynecological Aid)
Decoction of whole plant taken and used as a wash for barrenness.
Sturtevant, William 1954 The Mikasuki Seminole: Medical Beliefs and Practices. Yale University, PhD Thesis (p. 318)

Zeuxine strateumatica (L.) Schlechter Soldier's Orchid; Orchidaceae
Seminole Drug (Reproductive Aid)
Decoction of whole plant used as a wash for impotency.
Sturtevant, William 1954 The Mikasuki Seminole: Medical Beliefs and Practices. Yale University, PhD Thesis (


Hardly noticed on a lawn, this hardy terrestrial beauty is found in full sun, partial and full shade.  Be sure to check your lawn, garden and local roadsides!

These photos were taken with a recently acquired Vivitar Wide Angle/Macro converter.   Works great and under $15!
 
 
 

Monday, January 18, 2016

Florida Bobcat: Lynx rufus

 I did a post of Florida's Bobcats (Lynx rufus) some time back, but it just disappeared from the blog.  I am reposting these photos as I love watching these cats.  We live in a large subdivision bordered by an even larger preserve, so these bobcats thrive.....on rabbits, squirrels, and, I suppose the occasional loose poodle or housecat.

 

 They are crepuscular (more active around dawn and dusk), so hard to get good photos. 



 But, having no enemies other than cars and the very rare male panther passing through the preserve....they often ignore humans.


 Graceful and innocent looking....they can put on an amazing burst of speed when hunting.


Easy to see out in the open....they become almost invisible in the tall grass.
Just part of our wonderful wild side of SW Florida.