In addition to the surveys for previously known populations, biologists will survey Stokes and other state properties for new populations of small whorled pogonia. In the case of this species, fungi not only provide nutrients for the orchid but they also help break the dormancy cycle prompting the orchid to emerge from the soil. ![]() Research indicates that small whorled pogonia, like many other orchids, depend on soil organisms to thrive, especially fungi. “That’s one of the mysteries of this orchid – suitable habitat exists throughout its range, but populations of small whorled pogonia are rare.” “Small whorled pogonia previously occurred in Bergen, Hunterdon, Passaic and Sussex counties, but the orchid has not appeared on many of these sites in decades,” said Bob Cartica,Īdministrator of the Office of Natural Lands Management. They revisit sites where the orchid once grew to attempt to confirm its presence. Because the orchids emerge inconsistently, biologists carefully monitor the known occurrences annually. The small whorled pogonia does not appear above ground every year and may remain dormant underground for years. Martin Rapp, a biologist with the DEP’s Office of Natural Lands Management, found the new population on June 6 while surveying potential sites that could support small whorled pogonia. It prefers drier upland sites, usually in mixed deciduous forests. However, the orchid has never been a common species and typically grows in small populations. ![]() Historically, the small whorled pogonia’s range comprised 21 eastern states and parts of Canada. “I’m thrilled that biologists discovered this elusive orchid in a state park where we can monitor, manage and protect this rare find.” ![]() “While small and inconspicuous, this plant’s presence indicates a healthy and thriving forest ecosystem,” said New Jersey Parks and Forestry Director Olivia Glenn. The orchid showcases one or a pair of grayish-green flowers that bloom in May and June. It grows up to 10 inches tall and features a whorl of four to five leaves that encircle the stem. The small whorled pogonia ( Isotria medeoloides) is listed as endangered in New Jersey and as threatened by the federal government. The other known occurrences are also in Sussex County. (18/P058) TRENTON – Biologists with the Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Natural Lands Management have confirmed a new occurrence of a globally rare orchid, the small whorled pogonia, within Sussex County’s Stokes State Forest.Ĭonsisting of just a single plant found on stony ground in a forested area of Stokes, this is just the third occurrence of this rare orchid known to exist in the state. DEP DISCOVERS GLOBALLY RARE ORCHID IN SUSSEX COUNTY’S STOKES STATE FOREST
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