Calopogon tuberosus


Calopogon tuberosus, the tuberous grass pink, is an orchid native to eastern North America. It is a perennial forb.

Description

The main identifying features of C. tuberosus are the species' prominent hairs positioned on the lip of a petal and the smell produced by the flower.
Individuals have one linear basal leaves. Flowers are magenta, pink, or rarely white in color, and the middle petal is distinctively oblong-elliptic in shape. The flowers of C. tuberosus are unique among orchids for being upside down relative to other orchids. The average maximum root depth has been found to be 7 centimeters.

Distribution and habitat

In the United States, it occurs from as far southwest as Texas and Oklahoma and southeast to the Florida Everglades to as far northeast as Maine and as far northwest as Minnesota. In Canada, it is found in all provinces from Newfoundland to Manitoba. It also is found in St. Pierre & Miquelon, Cuba and the Bahamas.
From April to September, C. tuberosus may be found in habitats such as sandhill seeps, floating peat mats, and savannas. It may also be found in habitats such as fens, bogs, pine flatwoods, and marl prairies.

Ecology

C. tuberosus is pollinated by bumblebees despite a lack of nectar incentive. Bumblebees, while looking for nonexistent nectar, weigh down the hinged lip causing the bee to be moved into contact with the pollinarium. The pollinarium is sticky and then can be flown by the bee to pollinate another orchid.

Subspecies

  • Calopogon tuberosus var. simpsonii Magrath
  • Calopogon tuberosus var''. tuberosus''

Conservation status

It is listed as "G5 - Secure" under the NatureServe conservation status system. However it is listed as an endangered species by the states of Illinois, Kentucky, and Maryland, and as exploitably vulnerable by New York.

Calopogon tuberosus - wild pink orchid.jpg|Wild pink orchid
Calopogon_tuberosus.jpg|Flower and buds in Saco Heath, Maine