Wild Coco (Eulophia): A Native Orchid Worth Knowing
If you’re looking to add some native flair to your garden, you might have stumbled across the intriguing wild coco, scientifically known as Eulophia. This lesser-known native plant belongs to the orchid family, which might surprise gardeners who think of orchids as purely tropical houseplants or exotic greenhouse specimens.
What Exactly Is Wild Coco?
Wild coco is a perennial forb, meaning it’s an herbaceous plant without significant woody growth above ground. Unlike the woody shrubs and trees that anchor many landscapes, this plant keeps its growing points at or below the soil surface, helping it survive through various seasons and conditions.
As a member of the orchid family, wild coco represents a fascinating group of plants that most gardeners rarely consider for outdoor cultivation. While we often think of orchids as finicky indoor plants, many species like Eulophia are actually quite capable of thriving in garden settings.
Where Does Wild Coco Call Home?
This native beauty has quite an interesting range. Wild coco is native to the lower 48 states, certain areas of the Pacific Basin (though not Hawaii), and Puerto Rico. Currently, you can find it growing naturally in Florida, Palau, and Puerto Rico.
This limited distribution suggests that wild coco has specific environmental needs and preferences, making it a potentially valuable addition for gardeners in these regions who want to support local ecosystems.
Should You Plant Wild Coco in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While wild coco has the appeal of being a native species (which is always a plus for supporting local wildlife and maintaining ecological balance), there’s limited information available about its specific growing requirements, appearance, and garden performance.
The pros of considering wild coco include:
- It’s a native species, supporting local ecosystems
- As a perennial, it should return year after year
- Being in the orchid family adds uniqueness to native plant gardens
- Herbaceous growth habit means it won’t take over your space like woody plants might
However, there are some considerations:
- Limited availability in the nursery trade
- Specific growing requirements that aren’t well-documented
- May be challenging to establish without proper expertise
Growing Wild Coco: What We Know
Unfortunately, detailed growing information for Eulophia as a genus is quite limited. Like many native orchids, wild coco likely has specific soil, moisture, and light requirements that differ from typical garden plants.
If you’re determined to try growing wild coco, your best bet would be to:
- Contact local native plant societies in Florida, Puerto Rico, or Palau
- Reach out to botanical gardens in these regions
- Work with specialists who focus on native orchid cultivation
- Ensure any plants you acquire are ethically and legally sourced
The Bottom Line
Wild coco represents an intriguing piece of native plant diversity, but it’s not your typical grab it at the garden center kind of plant. If you’re in its native range and passionate about supporting indigenous species, it might be worth investigating further through local expert networks.
For most gardeners interested in native plants, you might want to start with better-documented native species that offer similar ecological benefits but with more readily available growing information. Consider exploring other native perennial wildflowers or grasses that are proven garden performers while you research whether wild coco might be a good fit for your specific situation.
Remember, the best native garden is one that actually thrives – so sometimes patience and research pay off better than jumping in with both feet!
