Family: Orchidaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Spathoglottis plicata, commonly known as ground orchid, is a terrestrial orchid native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and the Pacific. It is valued for its attractive pleated leaves and showy flowers, which range in color from purple and pink to white. This hardy ornamental is widely cultivated in gardens, landscapes, and containers because it flowers throughout much of the year and adapts well to warm, humid climates. Its ease of cultivation and striking appearance have made it a popular choice in tropical horticulture worldwide.
Risks & Threats
Ground orchid is naturalized on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island, where it occurs in disturbed habitats and grassy areas from mesic to wet environments. This species possesses traits that are cause for concern, including the ability to reproduce readily, spread beyond cultivation, and establish self-sustaining populations. As a result, it has the potential to detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems by expanding into natural and semi-natural habitats and competing with native vegetation. Because this species is already widespread in Hawaiʻi, gardeners and land managers should avoid planting it near natural areas and prevent its spread into locations where it is not yet well established. When suitable low-risk or native alternatives are available, those options are recommended to help protect Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems.
High Risk Traits:
- Naturalized and spreading in Hawaii, Florida, Puerto Rico, and Dominica
- Naturalized on all main Hawaiian Islands (Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi).
- Environmental weed that reduces native orchid reproduction via shared herbivores
- Grows from lowlands to 1,500 m elevation
- Tolerates wide soil pH range and full sun to shade
- Self-pollinating; produces copious viable seed
- Reproduces vegetatively via pseudobulb fragmentation
- Dispersed by wind, water, intentional cultivation, and human activity
- Prolific, extended flowering and fruiting
- Seed-to-flower in ~15 months
- Benefits from division/cultivation
Low Risk Traits:
- No spines, thorns, or burrs
- Not toxic to humans or animals
- Not a fire hazard
- No bird, external animal, or gut-passage dispersal
