Many-Flowered Grasspink

(Calopogon multiflorus)

*Species description adapted from Chafin, 2000.

FAMILY:

Orchidaceae (Orchid Family)

RANKS:

G2G3/S2S3: Insufficient data leads to a range of rank for this species between very rare and imperiled, both globally and in Florida.

RANK REASONS:

Much of the habitat for this species is gone.  It has an historically wide range but is rarely seen any more, in part due to fire suppression, habitat destruction, and also possibly prolonged drought.  The number of currently verified populations is low (6).  This species is difficult to find since it may not flower for years and the flowers only last a few days.  It is most conspicuous when it comes up after a spring fire.

LEGAL STATUS:

• US--none
• FL--Endangered

WETLAND STATUS:

• US-FACW
• FL-FACW

HABITAT:

Frequently burned wet pine flatwoods, wet prairies, and savannas.  Dependent on frequent fire to induce flowering.

BEST SURVEY SEASON:

Flowers March-July, primarily April.

RANGE-WIDE DISTRIBUTION:

Throughout Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.

CONSERVATION STATUS:

Although known historically throughout FL and on many managed areas, this orchid is now rare due to fire suppression and conversion of habitat to pine plantations.

PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT:

Burn flatwoods every 2 - 3 years during the growing season.  Protect wet flatwoods from draining, bedding, and other soil and hydrology disturbances.