First naturalization of the orchid Cymbidium aloifolium, a population found in southern Florida
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/hpb0yr65Keywords:
biological invasion, epiphyte, fruit set, phorophytes, Pine Rocklands, suburban residential areaAbstract
The first naturalization of the orchid Cymbidium aloifolium in the world is reported in a residential neighborhood in southern Florida near Miami. A survey for naturalized plants of this epiphytic orchid, which is native to South and Southeast Asia, found 101 plants growing on 38 different trees belonging to 13 different species. Of these 101 plants, 53 were mature, capable of reproduction, 37 were juveniles, and 11 were seedlings. Seven plants bore a total of 86 fruit. The tree hosts with the most plants were the palms Phoenix roebelenii and Thrinax radiata, and a mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla). A small remnant of the Pine Rockland within this residential area had three native tree species with four plants of this orchid, indicating the potential of the orchid to invade this unique, rare plant community. Cymbidium aloifolium’s occurrence at higher latitudes and altitudes in its native Asia than where it has naturalized in Florida suggests that it should be able to live farther north in Florida.
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