Plant Profile: Pogonia ophioglossoides, Rose pogonia

Figure 1. Rose pogonia showing the beard-like labellum.
Photo credit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pogonia_ophioglossoides

This post is one of a series from Botany professor Nisse Goldberg's students at Jacksonville University. Student author: Morgan Derner


Pogonia ophioglossoides is commonly known as the rose pogonia or the snakemouth orchid and is famous for its scent that smells just like raspberry.


Pogonia comes from the Greek pogon for "beard" and refers to his beard-like labellum (Figure 1), and ophioglossoides may highlight the similarities in the orchid’s leaves to that of the fern Ophioglossum (Figure 2). In the months of June through August, this orchid produces one to three flowers per plant. Mostly bees pollinate the rose pogonia, although it provides no nectar.

Figure 2. Rose pogonia growing in a dense patch.
Photo credit: www.uniprot.org/taxonomy/78838

The species can be found from north Florida all the way to the Everglades. Generally, rose pogonias are found in acidic boggy conditions of marsh meadows or grassy seeping areas. They can form relatively dense patches from vegetative growth (Figure 2). Sadly, rose pogonia is also a threatened species to Florida. If the right conservation methods are used and the species is left undisturbed, future generations will be able to experience its beauty.

Works Cited:
Pogonia ophioglossoides. http://www.botany.wisc.edu/orchids/
Pogonia.html

Sagebud. A Directory of Plants. http://www.sagebud.com/snakemouth-orchid-pogonia-ophioglossoides/

United States Botanic Garden. Plant Collections. http://www.usbg.gov/plant-ollections/conservation/Pogonia-ophioglossoides.cfm