I heard that Calypso Orchids had been spotted on the Benstein Trail on Mount Tamalpais. Since this is one of my very favorite wildflowers, Bob H and I ventured up the mountain this morning, parked at Rock Springs, and started on our search. As you can see from my picture, our efforts were met with success.
The Calypso orchid (Calypso bulbosa) is also known as the fairy slipper or Venus's slipper. It takes its name from the Greek, signifying concealment, as it tends to favor sheltered areas on conifer forest floors.
The Calypso Orchid relies on "pollination by deception", as it attracts insects which it does not nourish and which eventually begin to learn not to revisit it. Avoiding such recognition may account for some of the small variation in the flower's appearance.
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