When people think of orchids, what comes to mind are exceptionally beautiful, showy inflorescence (group of flowers) that brightens up the corner table in a room. The fact is that the vast majority of orchids in the United States are hybridize, cultivated specimens - bred to be rich in color, strong in smell, and full in flower. Because of their popularity, wild orchids have been ripped from their trees and from their ground and placed in private collections. This has happened to such a degree that wild, native orchids have largely disappeared from their natural habitats.
This project endeavors to teach my students, not only about the biology and morphology of orchids, but also the history, and ethnobotanical uses of orchids. Students will use these materials to assist them in reintroducing native orchids back into their natural habitats. Students will participate in trainings, outplantings, maintenance, research, and data collection. The goal is to encourage the survival of these reintroduced orchids by collaborating and sharing researched best practices and find methods that will ensure the success of all reintroduced native orchids species.
About my class
When people think of orchids, what comes to mind are exceptionally beautiful, showy inflorescence (group of flowers) that brightens up the corner table in a room. The fact is that the vast majority of orchids in the United States are hybridize, cultivated specimens - bred to be rich in color, strong in smell, and full in flower. Because of their popularity, wild orchids have been ripped from their trees and from their ground and placed in private collections. This has happened to such a degree that wild, native orchids have largely disappeared from their natural habitats.
This project endeavors to teach my students, not only about the biology and morphology of orchids, but also the history, and ethnobotanical uses of orchids. Students will use these materials to assist them in reintroducing native orchids back into their natural habitats. Students will participate in trainings, outplantings, maintenance, research, and data collection. The goal is to encourage the survival of these reintroduced orchids by collaborating and sharing researched best practices and find methods that will ensure the success of all reintroduced native orchids species.
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