Invasive Chinese crown orchids taking over Florida landscapes
Dear Carol,
Could you write a column about the invasive Chinese crown orchids? They are too abundant in my community and I am continually on surveillance for them when I am on my walks. I have told my neighbors about them, but many still do not know or care or are not able to pull them out. The landscaping company only sprays them, but that does not kill the bulb. I have pulled out hundreds. However, I am not sure how to dispose of them.
Help please,
—Marjorie, Port St. Lucie
A: Marjorie is referring to a recent introduction to the Florida landscape which has become a bothersome garden thug or invasive exotic plant.
Chinese crown orchid, AKA Eulophia graminea originates in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia including Pakistan, India, Nepal, southern China, and the Ryuku Islands of Japan. In its native habitat, this orchid grows in a wide range of conditions from open grasslands to beaches.
Chinese crown orchid forms a structure known as a pseudobullb which is specific to orchids and is a thickening of the stems and storage organ. The flowers are unremarkable, sage green and brownish purple on 3-foot tall stalks. Following the flowers are capsules filled with thousands of dust-like seeds.
Found growing in South Miami in a mulched landscape bed, Eulophia graminea has now spread to 13 South Florida counties. It grows quickly to form dense single-species thickets, crowding other plant species, including natives.
The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) classifies the Chinese crown orchid as a Category II invasive exotic plant. The council's Category II plants are defined as “Invasive exotics that have increased in abundance or frequency, but have not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species. These species may become ranked Category I, if ecological damage is demonstrated.” To view a list of both Category I and Category II invasive plants visit http://www.fleppc.org
It was once thought this orchid was spread in mulch, however, it appears there is a pollinator, or the plant is self-pollinating and produces fertile seed. The Chinese crown orchid has been found invading many Florida systems, including Piney Flatwoods, maritime hammocks, cypress strands and the mainland.
This is a difficult plant to remove from the landscape. It reproduces by multiplying the pseudobulb, root structures, and seeds.
If found in the landscape, do not let it flower. Dig and remove all visible portions of the plant, including the roots, and dispose of all plant parts in the trash, not the compost pile or yard waste collection.
Unfortunately, the rapid reproduction and spread of this plant means it is probably here to stay, but let’s do our part to prevent as much as possible the further disruption of native ecosystems by yet one more pest plant.
Carol Cloud Bailey is a Landscape Counselor & Horticulturist. Send questions to carol@yard-doc.com or visit www.yard-doc.com for more information.