Tampa Bay Orchid Society

Native Orchids of Florida-Community Project

Pogonia ophioglossoides-Where are you now?

In cooperation with Joytsna Sharma (UF) There are several members of TBOS that have agreed to search for habitat where this small native orchid might still exist around our area of Florida.

Have You Seen Us?

Habitat: terrestrial in moist, open, acidic bogs, prairies, pine woods, and roadsides
Common name: Rose Pogonia, Snakemouth Orchid
Blooming: March-August
Comments: this species blooms from March through May in Florida, later in more northern regions. The slender stems bear a single leaf midway and another small floral bract just beneath the one-inch (2.5 cm) flower. While usually one flower is borne per growth, sometimes two or even three flowers per growth occur. These flowers are sometimes fragrant, with a light scent of raspberries. An interesting side-note about this species: it not only reproduces sexually but also vegetatively with offshoots growing from its roots.

Range maps and photos can be found on the website mentioned below.
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Great Web-Site for Native Orchid Info
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Photographs:
http://www.premdesign.com/orchidpics/natives_gallery/pogonia_ophio.htm