Epipogium roseum

(Ghost Orchid)

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A leafless saprophyte, this orchid is commonly found in rainforest and shaded forest. It produces a white fleshy flower stem up to 60cm tall bearing a dozen or more cream lateral flowers (see below).

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Like all saprophytic orchids, it cannot be successfully transplanted or cultivated in the home garden. In the absence of chlorophyll in the leafless plant itself, it survives by living in a complex symbiotic relationship with a mycorrhizal fungus in its roots which provides the necessary nutrients for growth and reproduction. The fungus itself derives nutrients from a nearby source, either tree roots or rotting organic matter.