Cockroach Barometer

Sort of! This is a photo of the Pigeon Orchid in my backyard. Its scientific name is Dendrobium Crumenatum. This orchid species grows easily in the tropics, and here in Miami too. Looking at these upside down "pigeons"(I have never seen these buds in the right side up pigeon pose,) I can say for certain that about 7 - 9 days ago, there was a drop in temperature of about 10 degrees Fahrenheit in my backyard, probably due to a thunderstorm. Like clockwork, this orchid blooms without fail after such events, and it is growing for over 30 years right here. If you look this species up on the internet, people say that it is fragrant. Personally, I would contest that characterization. It does smell, but not very pleasantly. These flowers smell just like cockroaches. If I were a gambling man, which I am definitely not, I would bet that cockroaches pollinate this species. If you want to know what a cockroach does smell like, come to Miami tomorrow, in the morning when these open. You have to hurry, because they only open for a day.