soldier orchid, Zeuxine strateumatica

Soldier orchid is also called lawn orchid. It is an Asian that is now widely naturalized in the tropics in places as diverse as Hawaii and Saudi Arabia. In our south theseare a pest. But for this northerner it was kind of fun to see little orchids scattered across lawns. Soldier orchid synthesizes DNA at a faster rate than many other orchids and plants in general. This gives it a faster rate of growth and greater ability to compete in places where it would otherwise be unwelcome. Soldier orchid grows in FL, GA, HI, LA, and TX. Hillsborough Co FL, 1/24/13. Orchid family, Orchidaceae.