Orchids of the Pine Barrens
Orchids are the most developed and numerous members of wildflowers with over 15,000 species. Most of these grow in tropical regions.
There are approximately 30 species found in Southern New Jersey. They are long lived and some have very complex and colorful flowers. Some species flowers mimic insects. They produce dust like seeds and many species take years to grow large enough to produce a flower.
Most Orchids have a symbiotic relationship with underground fungus. The orchid supplies the fungus with sugar in exchange for nutrients from the soil. The fungus cannot be transplanted, making orchids nearly impossible to move.
White Fringed Orchid