Fairy Slipper- Calypso bulbosa 'Calypso', circumpolar in distribution, is found across the boreal forest region. Calypso is named for the beautiful nymph in Homer's Odyssey. Bulbosa is the Latin meaning "bulbed," as this plant rises from a bulbous corm. The single leaf is ovate, solitary, basal, 2-6cm long and 2-4.5cm wide. The Calypso Flower is solitary, pendent, and terminates on a 5-15cm tall stem (in this region). The sepals, which are 1-2cm long and 2.5-5mm wide, are purplish-pink to purplish-white. The Calypso petals are similar to the sepals. The Labellum is whitish-pink, and streaked with purple. The "apron" has a brush of yellow hairs near the opening to the labellum. It is hard to mistake the Calypso as it is unique in appearance.

Calypso flowers from late April to early May in our area. Calypso is known to be pollinated by Bumblebees. The bees are attracted by the yellow bristles assuming a reward of pollen or nectar, but upon visiting the flower, find neither.

Calypso is said to be in decline particularly in the southern part of its range. This may be attributed to global warming and/or modern forest practices. In Manitoba, you can find Calypso in the Sandilands Forest Reserve (NOCI study area), the Gull Lake Wetlands, throughout eastern Manitoba, and north as far as the Hayes River.