Orchids have conquered nearly every continent on this planet except for Antarctica. In fact, there seems to be no end to the diversity in color, form, and habit of the world's largest family of flowering plants. Still, it might surprise many to learn that some orchids have even taken to water. Indeed, at least three species of orchid native to Latin and North America as well as a handful of islands have taken up a semi-aquatic lifestyle.

Most commonly encountered here in North America is the water spider orchid (Habenaria repens). It is a relatively robust species, however, considering that even its flowers are green, it is often hard to spot. Though it will root itself in saturated soils along the shore, it regularly occurs in standing water throughout the southeast. Often times, it can be found growing amidst other aquatic plants like pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata) and duck potato (Sagittaria latifolia). Because it can reproduce vegetatively, it isn't uncommon to find floating mats of comprised entirely of this orchid.