Introduction
Chinese crown orchid, Eulophia graminea, is a relatively new invasive species spreading through the state of Florida. It was first found in mulch in Miami, FL in 2007 and is now listed as a Category II invasive species by the Florida Invasive Species Council. The crown orchid is native to tropical and subtropical Asia. It’s a terrestrial orchid with a large pseudobulb and can be found in sunny mulched areas in landscape beds. It may have arrived in Florida from an orchid collector or in bagged mulch and currently has been observed in many counties in peninsular Florida. It has tiny dust-like seeds that are spread easily in the wind.
Management
The Chinese crown orchid can displace native plants in the environment and should be removed. To control the invasive crown orchid, hand remove before it flowers and sets seeds. Destroy the plant by burning or bag and throw in the trash. Do not compost this plant as it may regrow.
Learn more about Chinese crown orchid:
UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants
Florida Atlas of Vascular Plants
Florida State Horticultural Society publication: An Exotic Orchid, Eulophia graminea, invades Charlotte County
Watch our YouTube short on Chinese Crown Orchid
Follow Us!
We have several ways to connect. Follow our UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Eventbrite, Blogs, and Website
If you have any questions, please contact UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at 813-744-5519 or email our plant clinic at hillsmg@mail.ufl.edu.
The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.
3
