As Seen on CPC’s Rare Plant Academy
CPC’s Rare Plant Academy is one of the tools CPC uses to connect plant conservationists, amplifying their knowledge and experience to save plants. One part of the Academy is the Forum, where expert and novice plant conservationists can exchange questions and expertise online.
Earlier this year a member of RPA posted a question regarding treatment and storage of a Piperia species of orchid. Julianne McGuiness of the North American Orchid Conservation Center (NOACC), a CPC Participating Institution, consulted one of their key orchid experts for a detailed response. Orchids often need precise treatments for propagation and storage, and very little research has been done on the individual species in this large family. NOACC and CPC institutions are taking the lead to study some of the many U.S. species in need of conservation.
Julianne highlighted the importance of collecting roots from which orchid mycorrhiza fungi can be isolated, grown, and cultured for future use. Mycorrhiza are nodules of fungus that develop in certain plant roots, forming symbiotic relationships. These fungal associations are often key to successful germination studies, propagation, and restoration experiments. Their importance for orchids and orchid propagation add another layer of conservation and research need.