Lucky visitors to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary are in for a treat today as they meander along the boardwalk in Naples, Florida. The extremely rare blossoms of a Ghost Orchid were just discovered living high in the boughs of an ancient cypress tree in the preserve.

The Ghost Orchid, featured in one of my favorite books, “The Orchid Thief” and the spin-off movie, “Adaptation,” knows how to bring the drama. The endangered flower lives only in South Florida, Cuba and the Bahamas, and hasn’t been seen in the area in over twelve years. You can imagine the elusive plant will draw quiet a crowd with its nine priceless blossoms. Visitors can view the flower only from binoculars and under the watchful eye of the sanctuary’s staff. The flower hangs over 150 feet high, safe from anyone who might be picturing it in their living room.

Skip the trip to the swamp and marvel over a more common variety of orchid, like the oncidium or the cattleya , which can be delivered right to your door, no security needed.

Rachel