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Wild Orchids in Texas – Dichromanthus cinnabarinus

Wild Orchids in Texas Dichromanthus cinnabarinus in the United States are a very uncommon sight. While on a trip to Big Bend National Park in the Summer of 2007, I came across a splendid specimen of one of the native Wild Orchids in Texas. It is commonly called Scarlet ladies tresses.

Specifically it is a rare perennial.  Found on open slopes and in small pockets of shallow soil mostly surrounded limestone. In particular this species undergoes flowering from July-October on rocky mountain slopes, grassy hills and canyon meadows, often in limestone. These beauties thrive near 1800 meters elevation in Texas, Mexico, and in Central America (Guatemala). This specimen was in the peak of its flowering cycle and quite beautiful. Due to the rare and delicate nature of this species, I am not at liberty to divulge the location. However enjoy the photos and know that Big Bend is a wild and special place.

UPDATE to Wild Orchids in Texas – Dichromanthus cinnabarinus. Recently I returned to the area and discovered additional orchids. On a trip in September 2016 I hiked to the location and found seven specimens in full bloom. Likewise these new photos are posted in my trip report. Find them here. Chisos Mountains Summer Rain. Meanwhile I will continue to check out this area in subsequent years. Additionally I have a few other places to check rumored to have more Dichromanthus cinnabarinus.

Wild Orchids in Texas - Dichromanthus cinnabarinus
Scarlet ladies tresses Dichromanthus cinnabarinus
Wild Orchids in Texas - Dichromanthus cinnabarinus
Dichromanthus cinnabarinus Scarlet ladies tresses

6 thoughts on “Wild Orchids in Texas – Dichromanthus cinnabarinus”

  1. Enjoyed your post very much, I will be exploring your site, looks great. We were in Big Bend this week and found it much as you described. The flowers were incredible. I am assuming that you saw the Dichromanthus cinnabarinus which I posted about today – http://www.bobbarnes.us/Bob_Barnes/Blog_-_The_Journeys_of_Bob_Barnes/Entries/2016/9/17_Entry_1.html. If not I will describe the location so you can add it to your list.

    I am interested in your GPS and mapping system. For my blogs, at bob.barnes.us and blackrange.org I have used cell phone apps with a defunct program from Google called myTracks. But I have always had trouble with dropped signals in the canyons. I am looking for a replacement and the map/chart in your post is the type of information I would typically post. Thanks. Bob

  2. Lawrence Green

    I wish someone could provide me with a source for this lovely plant. I would love to trial it in my rock garden.

    1. Extremely rare in the US. More common in Mexico…Someone may be cultivating in the US. Don’t know about that …Sorry

  3. As an amateur horticulturist, I would like for someone to gather and cultivate seed of this plant and offer it for sale.

    1. This plant was in a protected area in a National Park….gathering seed from it would be a good way to get a big fine and a visit to a Federal Detention Center.

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