Rare Ghost Orchid Blooms, Sparking Exclusive Naples, Fla. Deals

NAPLES, Fla., July 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A rare ghost orchid has exploded into bloom with flowers opening in succession and a total of 14 buds at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples.  This is the fourth consecutive summer the flower has produced multiple buds and blossoms, and the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau has compiled a list of value-oriented ghost orchid specials exclusively for orchid fans from area hotels, restaurants and attractions.

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A variety of Naples and Marco Island hotels are providing special ghost orchid rates for flower enthusiasts, ranging from $49 to $119 per night, with some including extra amenities such as breakfasts and dinners. Restaurants such as Naples Tomato, The Dock at Crayton Cove and Riverwalk at Tin City are offering "buy one entree, get one free" specials. Discounted attraction tickets are available at the Naples Zoo and the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, among others. Visit www.paradisecoast.com/ghostorchid to see a complete list of offers.  

Extremely rare, the ghost orchid's delicate white flowers are beginning to blossom and should be in flower through July. Earlier in March, 2010, one blossom was discovered, mysteriously early in the season. Since 2007, the elusive flower has bloomed in June or July. Area biologists nicknamed this specimen the "Super Ghost," since typically ghost orchids might have between one and three blossoms per year, if they bloom at all, and this one regularly produces multiple buds and blossoms.  

"This number of blooms is unprecedented, and promises to be the best ever blooming of the ghost orchid," said Ed Carlson, director of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

The ghost orchid (Polyrrhiza lindenii) is an epiphytic orchid that grows without leaves on the trunks of trees in a small concentrated area of Southwest Florida.  The plants are usually only visible to intrepid adventurers who must hike through hip deep water in the area's cypress, pop ash and pond apple sloughs to reach them. Preyed upon by  poachers, the flower was the subject of bestselling author Susan Orlean's book The Orchid Thief and the subsequent movie Adaptation.  

For the past three summers, the plant experienced multiple bloom events and was in flower for months at a time, with thousands of people visiting to catch a glimpse of the rare plant in bloom. Travelers continue to visit the sanctuary as it offers the only opportunity in the world for the general public to easily view a blooming ghost orchid from a public boardwalk with a spotting scope.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is located just northeast of Naples, 15 miles from I-75 on Immokalee Road (Exit 111).  Hours are 7 am to 7:30 pm until September 30 with the last guests admitted by 6:30 pm each day.  Cost: Adults, $10; full-time college student with photo ID, $6; National Audubon Society member with ID card, $5; student (6-18 years old), $4; children younger than 6, free.  Visitors are advised to call the sanctuary at 239-348-9151 for daily updates on the flower's status.

For more information on Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades - The Paradise Coast, call 1-800-688-3600 for a free visitors guide from within the USA, or dial 1-239-225-1013 from outside the USA; or go at the area's official visitor information Web site, www.ParadiseCoast.com.  

For photos or more information: Traci Romine, Audubon Communications, [email protected], 786-295-0309

CONTACT: JoNell Modys, +1-239-252-2425, [email protected], or Maria Sabale, +1-757-497-4811, [email protected], for Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau

SOURCE Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau