The Ghost Orchid

The Ghost Orchid or Wraith Flower as it was known in ancient times. It is a leafless epiphyte that grows on the surface of larger plants and trees and uses its roots mainly for anchoring and gathers its nutrients from the air and water that flows past it. Its large white ghostly flower and ingredient for powerful spells, has led many to search for its hidden whereabouts in the remote and dangerous swamps that it calls its home.

Unique Abilities

It is said that when danger threatens or trouble is near the orchid, it will phase out or become ethereal for a short time. It is believed that this allows predators and hazards to pass through it as it remains unharmed.

Basic Information

Anatomy

This orchid is unusual in that it has no leaves, only an anchoring root system that attaches it to trees above the ground. This system grows in a mass of long thin roots about 20 inches long and usually less than a centimeter thick. The gray-green chlorophyll laden photosynthetic roots have short, white, dashed markings on them. Occasionally a long, very thin, dark stem will grow out from the plant, where it will produce a very large, singular, white, 5 pointed flower. The top point of the flower is much shorter and more round than the other longer, tapering, wavy points, giving it a ghostly appearance.
The stark contrast between the white flower and dark back ground, allows the stem to fade away unnoticed, which causes the flower to appear to be suspended in midair. This “floating” in air and ghostly shaped flower is thought to be responsible for it name, Ghost Orchid.

Genetics and Reproduction

This orchid is a night blooming flower that blossoms once a year for a week in the hot summer. It can be pollinated by many species of nocturnal phoenix moths, however the most common and efficient is the Blue Giant Phoenix Moth.
For reasons unknown, fewer than 10% of the orchids will bloom and of those only 10% may actually become pollinated. Seeds will develop over the summer and into the fall, but won’t be released until the spring floods. Here they release 5 small seeds into the swampy rainwater, where the high waters can wash them farther up into the trees, where they can take hold and grow into new plants.

Growth Rate & Stages

This is a slow growing plant that may live for several decades if left undisturbed. After several years of root growth the plant may develop a single large, white, sulfur-cinnamon scented flower. The bloom has about 10 days in which to be fertilized. Pollination occurs from phoenix moths, which transfer the pollen form plant to plant as they follow the scent and look for nectar.

Ecology and Habitats

This plant requires specialized conditions in order for it to survive and grow. This rare combination of factors can only be found in a few of the world's cypress swamps. The dense swamps with close growing trees, trap high humidity levels, but shade out and allow mild temperatures. Too strong of light, highly fluctuating temperatures, and dry air, among other variables, quickly kill this delicate plant.

Dietary Needs and Habits

This plant acquires all of its nutrients through its long root system. Water and nutrients are taken in from the water and air that passes by the plant. Additionally the roots containing the chlorophyll will process the suns light during photosynthesis.

Biological Cycle

The stable and consistent environments that the orchid lives in produces only a single long humid season and a single short dry season, this allows it to survive and live all year long. Periods of abundant rain encourages the plant to grow and thrive, but during times of drought, it can become dormant until the rains return. During dormancy it will stop acquiring water and nutrients and rely on those that it has already stored in its roots.  This shrinking and shriveling dormancy will continue to worse until the proper combination of environmental factors return.  If they do not, then the plant will continue to shrivel, lose its color, and finally die.

Additional Information

Domestication

This species is virtually impossible to grow or breed outside of its natural habitat. All know attempts have failed and collected species usually die within a year and often much sooner.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

This rare plant is sought out for its abilities to enhance certain magical effects.
Its pollen is often collected as an ingredient for potions and spells that use or detect etherealness and invisibility.
The extremely rare seeds are said to be used for necromantic spells and rituals that involve controlling or communing with the dead.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

This elusive species is only known to be found in a few inhospitable locales worldwide. So far specimens have been located in the swampy forests of Fellwood, the steamy Greyfire Fens, and murky Grimnhazy.

Average Intelligence

Plant

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

It is still unknown exactly how the orchid knows when danger is nearby. Some believe that it has very refined light sensitive parts to it. Others say that it can read the minds of those nearby. A few have speculated that it is in some sort of primitive, constant communication with the environment around it. Perhaps it can read the souls of those nearby or maybe it has a watchful protector looking out for it from beyond the grave. Whatever the reasons might be, it is extremely elusive and hard to capture for a stationary plant.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

It has recently been recognized that the orchid shares a symbiotic relationship with the rare Black Beard Tree Fungus. This fungus helps the orchid gather nutrients and the fungus receives sugars made by the orchid. It seems that wherever the orchid is established it is always found growing on a tree with the fungus. 
While many species of phoenix moths will visit and pollinate the Ghost Orchid, the overwhelming majority of pollinations come from the Blue Giant Phoenix Moth. The moths gain the nutritious nectar and the orchid’s pollen is transferred to other orchids, pollinating them.

Scientific Name

Dendrophylax Exspiravit

Lifespan

Around 50 years under optimal natural conditions.

Conservation Status

Residents living near these rare species consider them to be an endangered species and they are protected under local law. It is illegal to pick, relocate, or destroy any specimens of this orchid.

Average Height

Approximately 50 cm long.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

This unusual plant does not have any leave and consists of long, thin, grey-green roots with white streaks on them and bright green root tips. Occasionally the orchid will produce a long, thin, dark greenish grey stem, with a single large white star or ghost shaped flower.

“You don’t have any Ghost Orchids for sale?”
“I tried to collect one once. It didn’t work out too well. You might try Salvia Maior in Arcana. Or the Sonians, they seem to have everything.”