Articles
EX SITU ORCHID CONSERVATION – A CASE STUDY FROM THE SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS
Article number
878_1
Pages
21 – 28
Language
English
Abstract
Some 226 species of native orchids have been recorded in Singapore.
Of these, 178 are considered to be extinct, 40 are critically endangered, one is endangered (Bulbophyllum vaginatum), two are vulnerable (Vanilla griffithii, Bulbophyllum trifolium), and only five are considered to be common (Arundina gramminifolia, Bromheadia finlaysonianum, Dendrobium crumenatum, Eulophia graminea, Spathoglottis plicata). The orchid conservation program at the Singapore Botanic Gardens aims to monitor existing species, explore ways to conserve their germplasm, and increase their number for subsequent re-introduction into appropriate habitats, including managed parks and roadsides.
Thus far, we have successfully re-introduced Grammatophyllum speciosum, Bulbophyllum vaginatum, Bulbophyllum membranaceum, Cymbidium finlaysonianum and Cymbidium bicolor. A special designated area at the National Orchid Garden has been set up to showcase the rich diversity of native species.
The Orchid Cryo-Seed Bank began several years ago and is showing some promising results.
We have successfully stored seeds of several native species including Cymbidium finlaysonianum, Cymbidium bicolor, Grammatophyllum speciosum, Dendrobium crumenatum, Spathoglottis plicata, Bulbophyllum vaginatum, and Dendrobium anosmun.
Of these, 178 are considered to be extinct, 40 are critically endangered, one is endangered (Bulbophyllum vaginatum), two are vulnerable (Vanilla griffithii, Bulbophyllum trifolium), and only five are considered to be common (Arundina gramminifolia, Bromheadia finlaysonianum, Dendrobium crumenatum, Eulophia graminea, Spathoglottis plicata). The orchid conservation program at the Singapore Botanic Gardens aims to monitor existing species, explore ways to conserve their germplasm, and increase their number for subsequent re-introduction into appropriate habitats, including managed parks and roadsides.
Thus far, we have successfully re-introduced Grammatophyllum speciosum, Bulbophyllum vaginatum, Bulbophyllum membranaceum, Cymbidium finlaysonianum and Cymbidium bicolor. A special designated area at the National Orchid Garden has been set up to showcase the rich diversity of native species.
The Orchid Cryo-Seed Bank began several years ago and is showing some promising results.
We have successfully stored seeds of several native species including Cymbidium finlaysonianum, Cymbidium bicolor, Grammatophyllum speciosum, Dendrobium crumenatum, Spathoglottis plicata, Bulbophyllum vaginatum, and Dendrobium anosmun.
Publication
Authors
T.W. Yam, F. Tay, P. Ang, J. Chua
Keywords
endangered, epiphyte, propagation, reintroduction, seed bank, terrestrial
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