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Navasota Ladies’ Tresses






Photo courtesy of Hugh Wilson
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Navasota Ladies Tresses
Photo courtesy of Hugh Wilson

Navasota Ladies’ Tresses (Spiranthes parksii)

Among the endangered plants and animals is the Spiranthes parksii, more commonly known as the Navasota Ladies’ Tresses. It is a type of orchid and ranks as one of five endangered species of interest that occurs in the Brazos River basin.


Description

An erect, 5-15 inch tall plant, with a single row of creamy white flowers that spiral around the upper portion of the stalk.


Protection Status

Federally and State Endangered


Current Range Map

Click Here To View Map . Map courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.


Habitat

Navasota ladies’ tresses occur primarily in openings of post oak woodlands in sandy loam soils, often over an impermeable clay layer. They are often found adjacent to drainages and seasonal streams. Orchids live in fungi-rich soils that provide the plant with nutrients. Because fungi are so important to Navasota ladies’-tresses’ survival, the distribution of the root fungus likely influences the orchid’s range and survival (Wonkka 2010).


Life Cycle

Flowering occurs from October to December.


Ongoing Research/Conservation Efforts

The City of College Station received a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Section 6 Recovery Grant to purchase property along Alum Creek in Brazos County where the Navasota ladies’ tresses were known to occur. This property is now part of the city’s Lick Creek Nature Center. More information on the Nature Center can be located here.


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Citations


Read more about the other endangered species of interest here.