Cypripedium reginae - Showy Lady's Slipper
Earlier this year, I packed up my camera gear to go observe and photograph the rare Cypripedium reginae.
Finding this species in the South would be anything but "exceptionally rare," as the range of the species is more widespread in the North. It turns out Tennessee is at the very southernmost tip of its range. Below is a range map of Cypripedium reginae by The Biota of North American Program (BONAP).
The habitats of Cypripedium reginae mostly include wetland areas such as boggy, calcareous slopes or seepage-type areas. This species tends to grow in and require acidic soils, which are found in these wetland areas. Overall, this species prefers constant moisture and variable heliophily, including sunny conditions to semi-shade.
Observing this orchid in person solidifies my love for orchids and their beauty and complexity. It reminds me of a Bible verse that I love: "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end" (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Nature is perfect, without blemish or fault, created by God. Look to nature, and you can see evidence of God's existence.
