Federal wildlife officials are warning that the ghost orchid, one of Florida’s most iconic flowers, may soon vanish forever if urgent protection efforts are not made.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has proposed adding the ghost orchid to the federal Endangered Species Act, citing its rapidly shrinking population. The agency is calling on the public to comment on the proposed listing, with the consultation period running through early August.
Found only in the swamps of Florida and parts of western Cuba, the ghost orchid is known for its eerie beauty. It is a leafless plant that grows high on tree trunks, using its roots to cling to the bark. Its bright white flowers seem to float in midair, giving the orchid its ghostly nickname.
According to the FWS, there are now fewer than 1,000 ghost orchids left in the United States. Less than half of them are mature enough to reproduce. Experts blame the decline on several threats, including habitat destruction and environmental changes. But poaching is the most serious danger.
Because of concerns about illegal harvesting, the agency has decided not to propose a designated critical habitat for the orchid. Officials believe that identifying exact locations would increase the risk of poachers targeting the rare plant.
All orchids, including the ghost orchid, are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This international treaty requires a permit for the trade of these plants across borders for any purpose. However, it does not regulate the movement or collection of orchids within a single country—leaving a major loophole for poachers operating domestically.
The FWS hopes that formally listing the ghost orchid as endangered will help prevent its extinction. Members of the public are encouraged to submit their comments on the proposal before the deadline later this summer.
