The Power of Local Orchid Conservation

The Pink Lady Slipper, or Cypripedium acaule, used to grow wild in the Philadelphia area, but now is uncommon. It’s one of the most enchanting and elegant orchids native to the Eastern USA and Canada. When local plants were discovered last June, experts from nearby Longwood Gardens jumped into action. They hand-pollinated the flowers, and collected the seed capsules. Now, Longwood has dozens of seedlings growing in their lab. They hope to return the young plants to the wild next year to bolster the population.

The Pink Lady Slipper isn’t considered endangered in other regions, but it is rarely grown, even in botanical gardens where it could be protected. Longwood is testing methods to learn more about cultivating these unusual plants. This will help with related Lady Slipper species, most of which are rare and highly endangered. In addition, this project has brought together several different groups. Longwood is cooperating with the University of Pennsylvania’s Morris Arboretum, Garden Clubs of America, and the Springside Chestnut Hill Academy. They’re all working towards a common goal, and laying a path for future conservation work.

Explore posts in the same categories: Botanical Gardens, Conservation, Cool Growers, In the News

Subscribe to the About Orchids Blog:
AddThis Feed Button

Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Comments are closed.