Desperation bloom.

9 years ago

Sometimes a dying orchid or an orchid who thinks it's going to die, will bloom as a last contribution to the reproductive survival of the species. I have seen this before but never like this.

This is Dendrobium Hilda Poxon Yondi Mere x Kingianum 'Black Beauty, an Australian hybrid which has at least a dozen healthy canes. It blooms later in the year on sprays of 10 to 15 flowers. One of the canes broke off or something else happened to it, in any case it's turning brown and is definitely dead. I was getting ready to remove it when I saw this flower emerging from the end.

Literally with it's last ounce of energy it made a flower, it's last contribution to the well being of the entire organism. It really has no reproductive chance as even if a pod developed, there is no nourishment for the growing pod. In any case, this is an example of a desperation bloom.

Nick

Comments (5)

orchidnick
Original Author
9 years ago
Another view. The brown cane feels empty and is definitely deader than a doornail. I don't believe it can contribute to the well being of this flower. Normally the plant makes a spray with multiple flowers, this dying cane had enough energy left for one flower. I should give it well deserved a medal before it goes in the trash.

Nick
vtandrea
9 years ago
Fascinating! And sort of sad in a way.
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allymarie
9 years ago
It's going out with a bang.The power of nature is amazing.

Allymarie
jane__ny
9 years ago
I have a no-name growing two keikis. The cane was definitely hollow and dead. Surprised me. The cane was dried up and laying on the ground.

Would not have found it if the dog didn't pull it out. Ran around with it in his mouth.
{{gwi:176776}}

Dry as a bone!
{{gwi:176779}}

Then I noticed these on the end. The dog saved them...
{{gwi:176781}}

Interestingly, the rest of the plant is very healthy. My guess is this either rotted off or was snapped off (probably by the cat). Whatever, I'll pot them and give them away.
Jane
James _J
9 years ago
Nick, you should take the pollen and cross it with another flower. He deserves a chance to live on