Hexalectris spicata (Crested coralroot orchid)

We made a trip on August 2, 2009 to look for and photograph a beautiful, native terrestrial orchid called Crested coralroot. This orchid does not have leaves, and it uses an underground fungus to provide its food. In my opinion, it is one of our prettiest native orchids.

Oddly enough, it usually prefers a basic (not acidic) soil type, so it is very unusual that it be found on top a granite dome. However, here they were. This particular species and location is mentioned in Stan Bentley's book, "Native Orchids of the Southern Appalachian Mountains".