Orchids in the wild are very different from orchids found in greenhouses and in gardens
. These orchid types are very much dependent of the natural providence they find around them. Some of them cannot live in the confines of our houses. That is why there are some wild orchids that must just be left alone.
Sharing a name with the beautiful daughter of the Titan, Atlas is an orchid with a similarly beautiful flower known as the Calypso. Taken from the Greek word which means 'concealment', this orchid is pretty hard to find and is very rare.
Although this orchid is very small, growing from 2 inches to a maximum of only 8 inches, its beauty is regarded as one of the best in the orchid world.
The Calypso bulbosa also known as the Fairy Slipper or the Venus Slipper is considered to be endangered in many parts of the United States. It can mostly only be found in undisturbed montane forests where rainfall is lush and the temperature is cooler. If you find a Calypso, you must leave it alone because it is such a rarity and moving it will kill it.
This particular species of orchid is very difficult to cultivate because of the way it lives. Unlike most orchids, this plant practically has no leaves. Instead it has a partner fungus that helps it create food. This particular fungus lives in its roots and provides nourishment for it. It is virtually impossible to cultivate a Calypso orchid without the help of this particular fungus.
Another impressive thing about the Calypso orchid is the way it spreads its pollen. Although it has a beautiful flower and incredible vanilla scent, it does not produce any nectar. It is pollinated by fooling bumblebees with the hair-like features on its flowers. They act as deceptive tools that seem to offer nectar.
Its flowers come in shades of pink, purple and even red with a white lip with several pinkish-purple spots on it and whitish hair-like follicles on its center. You wouldn't mistake it for anything else once you've see it in person. And consider yourself lucky if you do because these orchids are simply rare.
Calypso orchids when encountered in the wild should be left alone. Enjoy their beauty for a moment and then move on. Take a picture but never try to move it for this would just kill it. Consider yourself lucky and be on your way.