Oeceoclades maculata, also known as the Monk Orchid or African Spotted Orchid, is a terrestrial orchid species native to tropical Africa. It has now naturalized in South and Central America, the Caribbean, and Florida in North America.
The African Spotted Orchid was first described by the English botanist John Lindley as Angraecum maculatum in 1821, based on a specimen collected from South America. It was first found naturalized outside of Africa in Brazil in 1829.
Discovery and Spread
The orchid was later found throughout the Neotropics, specifically in Puerto Rico in the mid-1960s and in Florida in the early 1970s. Discovered in Florida in 1974, this orchid is rapidly colonizing new habitats in the central and southern portion of the state, making it one of the most successful invasive plants.
Taxonomy
When Leslie Andrew Garay and Peter Taylor resurrected and revised the genus Oeceoclades in 1976, they recognized O. maculata and two related species, O. mackenii and O. monophylla. All three were described as being very similar in appearance. According to Garay and Taylor, the species could be distinguished by the proportions of the labellum, allowing for easy identification in preserved specimens or in the field.
Oeceoclades mackenii was said to have a labellum that was shorter than wide and possessed a branched inflorescence, while the labellum of O. monophylla had a "distinct elongate isthmus." Garay and Taylor also recognized the subspecies O. maculata subsp.
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Plant Description
This invasive orchid has a solitary, dark green leaf with silver mottling that extends from the apex of a pseudobulb. The inflorescence of 5-15 white and purple flowers is produced from the base of the immature pseudobulb. The white labellum is lobed with pink blotches and has a curved spur.
Habitat and Distribution
Eulophia maculata (syn. Oeceoclades maculata) grows among leaf detritus and rocks. By 2001, it was found in more than 70 conservation areas throughout south Florida from disturbed uplands, pine rocklands, prairie, rockland hammocks, pine flatwoods, maritime forests, and hardwood hammocks. It is able to inhabit dry and wet forests, as well as coastal forests and disturbed areas.
It tolerates a wide range of environmental factors, reproduces efficiently and grows rapidly. This fast-growing species is capable of growing from seedling to reproductive stage in approximately one year.
Flower Characteristics
The complete, perfect, zygomorphic flowers are arranged in terminal racemes up to 50 cm in height (typically shorter) and contain 3-10 flowers. The flowers have triangular bracts and the calyx has 3 greenish sepals that turn brown with age. The corolla has 3 petals with one forming the labellum. The labellum is white and 3 lobed developing reddish purple lines as the flower ages. Two smaller erect lobes of the labellum wrap around the white column. The corolla has a nectar spur and 2 pink spots where the labellum and other petals connect. The column is formed from a fusion of the stamens and ovary into a single structure.
Impacts as an Invasive Species
Monk orchid has a variety of traits which contribute to its ability to invade natural areas. Each fruit produced by this plant can produce thousands to millions of small seeds.
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In 2001, it was classified as a Category II invasive species by FLEPPC and targeted for removal from commercial production by Florida Growers Associations.
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Control Methods
There is limited data for the chemical control of monk orchid.
Preventive Measures
Regular monitoring and removal of plants can prevent the spread and establishment of monk orchid. Programs to educate homeowners on proper plant identification will also reduce the spread of this species. While monk orchid remains commercially available, it is advised to refrain from planting this aggressive nonnative.
Cultural/Physical Control
Plants should be dug out and fruits should be bagged and disposed of properly. However, it may be impractical for dense infestations.
Mechanical Control
Hand-digging is effective for removing monk orchid from the landscape, though this method may present challenges in heavily infested areas.
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Biological Control
There are no known biological control agents for monk orchid.
Other Information
While there are no medicinal uses of Eulophia maculata, like all orchids they are prized for their beautiful flowers.
