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Orchid Science

The ecology of orchids is complex and all of the information needed to develop protocols for propagation, conservation and restoration is not known for any species native to North America. Progress has, however, been made on understanding the ecology of a few species. NAOCC partners have been leading this effort. Dr. Larry Zettler and his students in the Orchid Recovery Program at Illinois College are actively involved in orchid restoration.

Specialized habitats, pollinators, and even fungi play an important role in an orchid’s life cycle. This is why orchids can be a key indicator of the overall health of the environment—and why they are so vulnerable when this cycle is disrupted. Elements of the orchid’s life cycle are shown below.

Orchid Life Cycle and Fungal Relationships

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