In early summer while hiking the Deception Creek trail, I came upon a remarkable aphid infestation of a Phantom Orchid. It's always a thrill to find wild orchids, but when there's a greater ecological story, I'll definitely be taking the time to carefully photograph. What a remarkable afternoon, and only a short three miles from my home. A temperate forest of giant old-growth Douglas-fir, and a sparse, almost park like understory in which to peruse and find interesting subject matter. Willamette National Forest, Oregon West Cascades.

A Phantom Orchid (Cephalanthera austiniae) under attach by aphids, appears to be thriving despite the severity of its infestation.
This remarkable orchid notably lacks chlorophyll, and is considered is a mycoheterotrophic plant, meaning it derives nutrients through symbiotic relationships with fungi in the soil.
Deception Creek, Willamette National Park. Lane County, Oregon west Cascade mountains.

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