A: I believed it to be a terrestrial orchid but sent photos to UF Herbarium so they could give me more information. They identified it as Zeuxine strateumatica (L.) Schltr., commonly known as Soldier’s Orchid or Lawn Orchid. It is native to Asia but is commonly found on open, grassy, and disturbed sites throughout Florida.Flowers occur during the fall through winter (Oct–Jan), but occasionally in the spring. It is found most often in moist areas, including lawns, roadsides, nurseries, farm fields, occasionally hammocks and pinelands. Within a few weeks of producing flowers, the plants are gone. The following year, they may return; then again, they may not. We should count ourselves fortunate to have seen these pretty plants as they may not be here next year.

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