The Ugliest Orchid in the World
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the discovery of the ugliest orchid in the world has been big news. The newly identified Madagascan Gastrodia agnicellus has small, brown blooms that look like little pieces of rotting fruit. Like other members of the Gastrodia genus, this species is leafless, and takes its energy from fungi in the forest floor. With their fleshy roots, they’ve earned the nickname “Potato Orchids.”
This homely orchid has received considerably more media attention than many plant discoveries, but the stories failed to report that it was found during a tour sponsored by the Orchid Conservation Alliance (OCA.) The OCA is a wonderful conservation group that deserves your support. Their trips to orchid hot spots like Madagascar have been an important source of their income, but COVID19 has forced them to postpone tours and forego those funds. You can help the OCA by making a donation or becoming a member.
Explore posts in the same categories: Conservation, In the News
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