Q: Catopsis: range and conservation status

A: Catopsis berteroniana ranges from the southern tip of Florida (Collier, Dade and Monro counties), throughout México (Guerrero, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, and Tabasco estados), the Caribbean (Bahamas, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago) and Central America (Belize, Guatemala), and south into Guyana, Venezuela, and Brazil (Bahia, Parana, Santa Catarina). With this wide range, it is fairly secure in the wild.

Unfortunately, its habitat in southern Florida is at significant risk of destruction by invasive species. Although the invasive tree Melaleuca quinquinervia is largely under control by biocontrol work, invasive plants pose new threats. Dioscorea bulbifera (air potato) and Lygodium japonicum (old world climbing fern) might displace remaining populations. Furthermore, a weevil (Metamasius callizona) from Mexico and Central America is now damaging Floridian Tillandsia, and there is concern this pest may also attack the remaining populations of Catopsis berteroniana.

Poor Catopsis berteroniana is in trouble in Florida. It is state-listed as an endangered species. You can help it survive by not poaching any plants of it you might find. I have looked for this plant only once on a trip to Florida, and I did not have very much time to do it. I was unsuccessful, but I hope to try again. I hope there will still be some plants for me to look for on my next trip!

Page citations: Coile, N.C. & Garland, M.A. 2003; Frank, H. 2000; McPherson, S. 2006; Rice, B.A. 2006a; Schnell, D.E. 2002a; USDA, GRIN, accessed 8/2008; personal observations.