- The ghost orchid is a leafless, epiphytic orchid that has three pure white petals and three sepals and a spiraling network of bright green, white and gray roots. The distinct shape of the ghostly white flower is similar to a frog. The ghost orchid is one of only three "leafless" orchids, though the plant has leaves when young. The flower has a 5-inch nectar spur, which is pollinated by the giant sphinx moth.
- A mature ghost orchid releases a dust-like seed, which floats through the air before landing upon a host tree. Host trees include swamp trees such as bald cypress, pop ash and royal palm. The young seed germinates, often from the moss growing on the tree. The plant produces one or two roots, and small leaves that eventually drop off within the first year. The orchid receives additional nutrients from absorbing water from the host tree. Years later, the maturing plant sends up a flower spike in late winter or spring.
- The ghost orchid typically only flowers with one flower at a time, though it may in rare instances produce up to 10 flowers. Known as the "Super Ghost," a ghost orchid at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Florida produced 12 flowers at one time. Mature plants may go years without flowering at all. Flowers appear between May and August, with each flower growing to be between four and a half to five inches long. Each flower lasts for between 10 to 14 days.
- As of 2011, Florida has approximately 1,200 ghost orchids. About 800 of them reside in Big Cypress National Preserve, with an additional 300 or so living in the Fakahatchee Strand. The rest are elsewhere in protected areas of southern Florida. Florida lists the ghost orchid as an endangered plant. It is illegal to take a ghost orchid form the wild, but despite this, orchid enthusiasts frequently poach the plant. The ghost orchid is extremely difficult to keep alive in captivity.
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