A recently run article entitled “Illinois College is a safe haven for rare orchids” illustrates the need for continued conservation of all species of orchids. Exactly 36 orchids of the variety, Platanthera Holochila, exist outside a laboratory.
Found in Hawaii, this rare orchid is one of many species of plants, birds and animals that are facing extinction on the island chain that was once isolated from the main-lands. With the introduction of non-native plants and animals, Hawaii now has the distinction of having the most endangered species in the United States, according to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Thus, the Jacksonville laboratory now has 255 endangered species of orchids from Hawaii that are carefully maintained in special chambers to mimic the Hawaiian climates. Through this orchid-recovery program, the college students are also protecting orchids from other parts of the world such as Mexico and Costa Rica. Their goal is to at least double the number of existing native plants.
To read the entire article, see: http://www.wickedlocal.com/ghs-newsservice/features/x2072231683/Illinois-College-is-a-safe-haven-for-rare-orchids
