Platystele jungermannioides Monteverde, Costa Rica Feb. 27, 2011 Willy suggested we visit the Monteverde Orchid Garden ("Jardín de Orquídeas"). It was not on our itinerary, but it was well-worth the $10 entrance fee. The garden has over 450 species of orchids (out of aprox. 1400 species) from Costa Rica. It was a real thrill to see the world's smallest orchid! This tiny plant is an epiphyte, its flower is only a couple of millimeters across.
Lepanthes comet-halleyiMonteverde, Costa Rica Feb. 27, 2011 This was an interesting little orchid at the Orchid garden. It was fascinating how the flowers were tucked inside their leaf.
Aster Family There are many different yellow asters and they can be difficult to identify. I photographed this plant at Big Ridge State Park. Perennial Where seen: Big Ridge SP, Great Smoky Mountains NP
