Calypso
bulbosa, neidonkenkä
Calypso is an very exotic sceen in a northern woods, expecially
so when it grows under the last snows of the spring. It is extremely beautyful
plant. It has a single flower on a 15 cm (6") -long stalk. The flower is
few centimeters (about 1") broad and there 
are
two spurs in the bottom of the lip. There is no nectar in the flowers.
The column is large, it almost looks like one of the petals. Sepals and
petals form a nice crown abowe this all. Plants have one dark, round leaf
lying on the ground. It withers in summer and grows back in autumn. Calypsos
often grow in groups.
In
Finland Calypso is a rare orchid growing in northern Finland, in
areas near to Kuusamo and Kemi. In south, it can be found as far as Mikkeli
and Savonlinna. In old times it growed in Hämeenlinna, which was the
southernmost place in Finland with Calypso, but species has died
from there. It reguires old and mossy, limey Picea-wood to grow
well. It does not stand coast.
This plant flowers from May (eastern Finland and Kemi area) to June, even as far as July (Kuusamo).
Calypso is protected in Finland.
I will go to see Calypsos next summer (2002), but until then:
Does anyone have a photo of C. b. var. bulbosa?
