Habenaria monorrhiza (Tropical Bog Orchid)

Native from southern Mexico through much of tropical America and the Caribbean, this terrestrial orchid grows in moist forests and other damp habitats. An upright leafy stem carries pointed leaves whose sheathing bases can have dark spots. A dense terminal raceme produces many white flowers. Each flower has divided petals and a three-lobed lip, with slender spreading side lobes and a long, hanging nectar spur. It can self-pollinate without an insect visit. The flowers develop into capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. Photographed in Colombia.