Outdoors & Nature Insider

Ghost orchid in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Credit: RJ Wiley

There's something exciting going on down in Naples! A rare ghost orchid is blooming at Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, with -- get this -- as many as 14 buds! It's been flowering since July 7, and should continue through September. You can call the sanctuary for the orchid's status at 239-348-9151.

In celebration of this rare event, several restaurants, hotels and resorts are offering special offers for those coming to check out the orchid in person. The Naples, Marco Island and Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau has a page set up detailing all the specials, so make sure to take a look!

Ghost orchids usually have only one or two blooms at a time, so you can see why so many people are interested in this particular "Super Ghost"! 

I've included a few pictures, one being the Super Ghost, and the other ghost orchid images are from Rich Leighton, a nature photographer based out of Tallahassee. I was supposed to go swamp-stomping a few months back with him down in the Fakahatchee to look for ghost orchids, but had a scheduling conflict. Boy, did I miss out! He got some terrific photos.

Head on down to Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, check out this amazing orchid, and take advantage of some great deals as well. Oh, and send me some pictures, too!