Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
Northwest Territories to Labrador in Canada, south to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Illinois
north to Minnesota and west to British Columbia. Disjunct populations are known from California and
Colorado (USDA Plants Database).
USDA Plants Database at:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/county?state_name=Minnesota&statefips=27&symbol=MABR5
CNF and DNR data indicate that this species is known within the Study Area from 27 distinct locations.
According to the DRM, about six new locations were found for this species in the summer of 2009 by
DRM and DNR personnel in Beltrami County.
Risk Factors
USFS (1999 cf. Schultz, 2003) suggests, “The major threat to Malaxis brachypoda appears to be changes
to the wetland hydrology of sites supporting this species, either from human‐caused drainage, or from
fluctuating water levels due to beaver or climatic changes.” Case (pers. comm. cited in Schultz, 2003)
observed that Malaxis brachypoda occurrence is much more localized due to “destruction and drainage
of the land, lack of suitable cover, and in open habitats with over warm soil temperatures.” According to
the USFS (2000 cited in Schultz, 2003), in Region 9, 50 percent or more canopy cover is best for Malaxis
brachypoda. A major threat to Malaxis brachypoda is logging which removes or reduces canopy cover
through clear‐cuts and heavy thinning (USFS 1999 cf. Schultz, 2003). Other risks include peat mining and
conversion of peat lands to other land uses.
4.2.5.27 Bog adder’s mouth (Malaxis paludosa)
Bog adder’s mouth is listed as DNR Endangered and DRM Endangered.
Potential effects for this species are described in the following Guilds: Cedar and Mixed Conifer Swamp.
Species Description
Malaxis paludosa has 2‐5 alternate, basal leaves that subtend a pseudobulb. Leaves may also develop
marginal bulblet‐like reproductive structures. The inflorescence is spicate and very slender with up to 30
tiny, yellowish‐green flowers with ovate petals. Malaxis paludosa bears a superficial resemblance to the
somewhat larger M. monophyllos (white adder's mouth), which differs in having a single leaf, linear
petals, and a long‐pointed lip (Smith, 1993).
Species Habitat
Minnesota populations are found in rich conifer swamps of Thuja occidentalis (white cedar), Picea
mariana (black spruce) and Larix laricina (tamarack). In its chosen
habitat, M. paludosa generally occurs on hummocks of Sphagnum spp.
(sphagnum moss). Individuals sometimes appear to be perched on the
moss as if they were not actually rooted. Most populations consist of
only a very few individual plants (Smith, 1993). It is not only rare but
also easily overlooked. This is because of its small stature (its flowers
may be the smallest of any North American orchid), and its habit of
growing on moss hummocks where its greenish color makes it difficult
to see. Furthermore, the leaves are often concealed beneath the
mosses and only the slender inflorescence (sometimes only 2‐5 cm tall;
0.8‐2 in.) is visible above the moss carpet.
July 2010 Species and Associated Habitat Page 4‐68