A SOUTHERN PINES FAIRYTALE

Fairies and fairytales hold a special allure in the hearts and minds of children and adults alike. We grow up enchanted by the possibilities of magic and often wonder if such possibilities are real. In Southern Pines, this question seems a bit less far-fetched. We are home to the world’s oldest longleaf pine tree and are known for our old-growth forest. What other towns have an annual festival celebrating a tree’s birthday? It seems only fitting that it should have a fairy named after it, too.

If fairies do exist, then their form surely would be fleeting and ethereal. Whether you call them woodland nymphs, pixies or sprites, one thing is certain: They are rare and special. Only the most fortunate may catch a glimpse. To capture one in a photograph, timing must be perfect. One such sprite has been seen, documented and officially confirmed by the Species Identification Task Force. No kidding.

When Dendrobium tipuliferum ‘Southern Pines Sprite’ was presented to American Orchid Society judging on Aug. 13, 2023, conditions were just right. Native to Fiji, this diminutive orchid is capable of blooming multiple times a year, producing flowers that are so delicate and ephemeral that they often go unnoticed. The whimsical blooms have an intoxicating watermelon fragrance. Like many other orchids, the more fragrant the bloom, the shorter its life. The flowers of Dendrobium tipuliferum last less than 24 hours, so it’s not entirely surprising that this was the first time this species had been exhibited for judging.

The plant received a Certificate of Horticultural Merit with a score of 86 points for its form, color, floriferousness and overall aesthetic appeal. The judges commented that the filamentous petals, serrated lip and brilliant yellow color were especially striking. The photos speak for themselves.

The clonal name ‘Southern Pines Sprite’ was chosen as the stellate flowers seem to wave and beckon you closer, just before hitting you with the magical watermelon fragrance. Since this was the first award ever granted to the species, one of the blooms had to be carefully dissected, measured and described for official verification by the Species Identification Task Force.

Some plants and flowers have anthropomorphic features that give them seemingly human qualities. Dracula flowers, or monkey-faced orchids, are one such example. Dendrobium tipuliferum is truly a special species as its flowers look like fairies gracefully dancing in the breeze. The flower chosen for the award photograph is especially cheerful as it looks like it is waving hello.

It seems the fairies in Southern Pines are rather friendly and have a propensity for making people smile.