Orchid Research
Cigar orchid monitoring in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
Each year orchid researchers wade through waist-deep water in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Florida in order to check on the condition of rare flowers such as cigar orchids. Once abundant throughout the park poaching activity has caused these orchids to decrease dramatically in numbers. Several years back, however, researchers from Atlanta Botanical Garden, started to regrow cigar orchids in their lab and transferred them onto trees – attaching them with simple cable ties – in Fakahatchee Strand. Dedicated conservation work for a delicate beauty!
Portfolio by Christine Sonvilla.
Photos were provided to Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden and Disney Conservation Fund.
