The Philippines has a very rich and diverse orchid flora, which is composed of more than a thousand species distributed among the country's more than 1,700 islands. Many of the orchid species are endemic and have become parents of some of the beautiful and colorful orchid hybrids of today.
Some of the more familiar and noteworthy Philippine orchid species belong to the genera Aerides, Amesiella, Arachnis, Ascocentrum, Bulbophyllum, Cirrhopetalum, Dendrobium, Dendrochillum, Doritis, Epigeneium, Eria, Euanthe, Flickingeria, Coelogyne, Grammatophylum, Kingidium, Liparis, Macropodanthus, Paphiopedilum, Phaius, Phalaenopsis, Renanthera, Rhynchostylis, Spathoglottis, Trichoglottis, Vanilla, and Vanda. Orchids have been a favorite houseplant for Filipinos due to their beautiful flowers, its exoticness and mystery. Due to this, Europeans in the 1700's searched through our forests. They have now living specimens of almost all of our species. Most of our orchid species are sought after my foreign orchid collectors and value them very much.
Some noteworthy orchid species worth collecting: Amesiella philippinensis, Aerides quinquevulnera, Arachnis longicaulis, Ascocentrum miniatum, Bulbophyllum spp., Dendrobium anosmum, Paphiopedilum philippinense, Phaius tankervilleae, Phalaenopsis amabilis, Phal.equestris, Phal. roeblingiana, Renanthera philippinensis, Ren. monachica, Spathoglottis plicata, Vanda lamellata, Vanda roeblingiana and a lot more.
Some expensive orchids: Vanda sanderiana var. immaculata, Vanda sanderiana, Vanda merrilli var rotorii, Trichoglottis brachiata, Aerides lawrencea var. alba, Dendrobium taurinum var. album, Phalaenopsis micholitzii, Phalaenopsis mariae, Paphiopedilum anitum, and Dendrobium anosmum (Sanggumay puti).
The Philippine forest is a natural home for orchids. In any given place, there could be about thousands to millions of orchids clinging high up in tree branches, in shaded forest floors, in open grasslands, in large rocks near rivers or the sea, or in limestone cliffs. In their natural habitat, orchids reproduce successfully on their own, without human intervention. This due to the fact that their natural pollinator is present and also with the help of a symbiotic fungus or mycorrhiza which provide nourishment to the germinating seeds. Some orchid species literally grow wild like weeds, wherein they overly populate some tree branches together with some ferns and other epiphytes. Some are even widely distributed (like some Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Dendrochilum, Flickingeria, Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, and Spathoglottis) that they are found all over the country. Also the fact that orchids produce thousands to millions of seeds, thus, they could successfully repopulate orchid collecting areas as long as the area is not destroyed.
However, some of our orchid species have become threatened due to the destruction of their natural habitats and the conversion of these forests into agricultural, industrial or residential areas.
On the other hand, some orchid species are only found growing in certain areas (e.g. Paphiopedilum anitum). They are found only in specific sites, very hard to find, and are very difficult to cultivate them out of its habitat.
The rarity of some orchids and its high demand prompted the increase of prices of some orchid plants. And because of these, more people are attracted to conduct widespread and indiscriminate collection in the forest. Without a halt and caution, in this widespread collection and destruction of its habitat, some orchid species will certainly become threatened or extinct. Philippine orchids are national treasures and it is the obligation of Filipinos to conserve them for future generations.
Conservation is a very big issue and a word not very much understood.Wild species (this includes animals, plants and microorganisms) are protected by CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). This is an international agreement prohibiting or regulating the trade and sale of threatened or endangered species from one country into another. It was first organized to protect endangered animals, and now include plants. Every member country (the Philippines is one of its signatories) has adopted its own conservation policies patterned after CITES.
The 1992 Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) adopted Resolution Conf. 8.19 which called for the production of a standard reference to the names of Orchidaceae. The orchid genera identified as priorities (Recommendation 6 prepared by the Royal Botanical Garden, Kew) in the Review of Significant Trade in Species of Plants included in Appendix II of CITES (CITES Doc. 8.31) are as follows: Aerangis, Angraecum, Ascocentrum, Bletilla, Brassavola, Calanthe, Catasetum, Cattleya, Coelogyne, Comparettia, Cymbidium, Cypripedium, dendrobium, Disa,Dracula, Encyclia, Epidendrum, Laelia, Lycaste, Masdevallia, Miltonia, Miltoniopsis, Odontoglossum, Oncidium, Paphiopedilum, Parapahlaenopsis, Phalaenopsis, Phragmipedium, Renanthera, Rhynchostylis, Rossioglossum, Sophronitis, Vanda and Vandopsis. The following taxa were listed in Appendix I at the time of publication: Cattleya trianaei, Dendrobium cruentum, Laelia jongheana, Laelia lobata, Paphiopedilum spp., Peristeria elata, Phragmipedium spp., Renanthera imschootiana & Vanda coerulea
The Orchid Species Group was set up in August 1984 following the 11th World Orchid Conference. The group has more than 90 members worldwide. The group is assigned to create a list and evaluate species which will be placed in the Appendix I, II, and III of CITES.
One problem with CITES is how each member country interprets it. Sometimes, the country implementing it would make much stricter laws that that in CITES. Also, conservation laws of different countries still have many problems and loopholes which when analyzed, actually does not protect orchids in the wild, or sometimes are not practical in today's highly technological age. One example is the law that prohibits collecting endangered or threatened orchid species from the wild. If the site where the orchids (orchids growing in big trees or located near river) are growing will be cleared off for agricultural development, construction of highway, be flooded for dam building or threatened by flood or volcanic eruption, then surely the that orchid is doomed. Sometimes, orchid in the wild are threatened by introduced pests and diseases, or its pollinators are now absent due to the use of pesticides, and these will surely affect their natural way of reproduction. Another is the fact that orchids produced thousands or millions of seeds, and by just reproducing them in the laboratory, could surely repopulate the forest.
The Philippines must adopt its own version of orchid conservation plan which is practical. Through orchid societies, like the Philippine Orchid Society, information on orchid conservation could be disseminate to Filipinos. By coordinating with government offices, protection of the orchids' natural habitat could be done and plans for mass propagation started.
Here are some conservation recommendations for conserving endangered and threatened orchid species (including other plants) from the Orchid Conservation Committee of the Philippine Orchid Society:
Identify which orchid are endangered, threatened, and which are not. The Philippines has its own Orchid Specialist Group (OSG), which is based at the Botany Division of the National Museum. The OSG is part of the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). The Orchid Conservation Network of the Philippines, which is composed of a local group like the Philippine Orchid Society, the Botany Section of the National Museum (Red List Group), Ferns & Nature Society of the Philippines, the Philippine Horticultural Society, and other orchid societies are tasked to create a Red List which is an accurate list of which of the orchid species are endangered, threatened, and which are not. Once the data is produced, the group could concentrate on which orchid species will be prioritized for mass-propagation.
Mass Propagation of Orchid Species. Embryo culture is a powerful tool in mass producing orchids. It is a fact that orchids produce thousands to millions of dust-like seeds per plant. If enough orchid plants could be pollinated and produce a capsule, the seeds could be grown in designated plant tissue culture laboratories and could be later be used to re-stock the forest or the ones used for trade. With this, the habitat where the orchid species are collected will not be touched.. Priorities could be given to endangered and threatened species and also to those highly demanded for trade. Knowledge with breeding and genetics is a requirement in this in order to prevent producing weak and inferior plants.
Mass Propagation of Orchid Species. Embryo culture is a powerful tool in mass producing orchids. It is a fact that orchids produce thousands to millions of dust-like seeds per plant. If enough orchid plants could be pollinated and produce a capsule, the seeds could be grown in designated plant tissue culture laboratories and could be later be used to re-stock the forest or the ones used for trade. With this, the habitat where the orchid species are collected will not be touched.. Priorities could be given to endangered and threatened species and also to those highly demanded for trade. Knowledge with breeding and genetics is a requirement in this in order to prevent producing weak and inferior plants.
Also, learn how to vegetatively divide your plants. Both private and government sectors could be tapped for this.
In collecting specimens from the forests, do not get all the plants. As much as possible, be responsible enough to get only the seedlings, and leave enough matured plants that could survive and reproduce for the next generation.
Protect natural habitats of orchids. The main problem of orchid conservation is habitat destruction. Let us support in the creation of national parks and nature reserves.
Salvage plants from damaged or threatened areas. Do travel in areas where there are forest clearing to give way to road building, logging, dam building, agricultural development, mining, etc. and save these orchids from being killed.
Establish rescue centers for salvaged or confiscated plants. Do create centers in coordination with the local orchid society and the government which will care for salvaged or confiscated plants, and where the plants could be used for education, propagation and conservation purposes. The center needs to be well equipped with physical facilities (like a nursery, greenhouse, a laboratory) and technical expertise.
Help create new habitats from damaged areas, including urban environments. This could be in the form of small parks or conservatories, wherein a small patch of land could be protected for the growth of its native orchid species and other plants. Within this new habitats, orchid species which are found naturally, could then be reintroduced. These sites could later be used for eco-tourism.
Educate the amateur collectors to collect only for their own and to follow a certain code of collecting plants. Amateur collectors need to be trained not to collect indiscriminately, from the wild, and always follow the code of orchid conservation ethics. Collect only a number of plants per each species which you can take care off. As much as possible, collect only seedlings and leave enough matured plants in the area for future generations. Do salvage orchids from threatened areas and learn to cultivate them.
Educate native orchid traders on how to take care of the plants. Traders need to be taught on how to take care of the plants they trade, and to establish the plants before selling them in the cities. Also, they need to be taught on how to divide plants for propagation, and also how to establish plants in their nursery. Also, they need to learn potting techniques, controlling pests and diseases and how to rejuvenate stressed plants, specially those that are not sold.
Recognize & Purchase only Plants that will live in your Locality. There are cool-upland growing and lowland-warm growing orchids. Purchase and collect only the plants that will grow well and flower in your place. Also, buy only plants that are well-rooted, well-established, and free from pest and diseases.
Grow Your Plants Well. Resolve to give your plants the best possible culture. Apply fertilizers and pesticides, and provide the necessary environment for your plants. If you do not have success with a certain species, learn how others succeed with it before obtaining another plant.
Share Your Plants. The best insurance for your rare species or clone is a division of it in another's care. Be willing to share divisions, and trade with other growers. Consider propagating seed from rare plants in your collection.
Networking through your local orchid organization is an ideal way to meet interested participants. Excess plants could also be donated or sold to other orchid enthusiasts. You could also trade or change pollinia, seeds, seedlings, or matured plants with other growers here or around the world.
Protect Your Collection. In addition to sharing your plants, you should protect your collections by providing structures or gadgets for the healthy growth of your plants like a small slat-house or greenhouse, humidifiers, providing proper ventilation in your garden, a secured fence, practice sanitation and integrated pest management to prevent disease and pest out-break.
Do not disclose the localities where threatened orchid species are collected, especially to people whom you do not have utmost confidence. A sure way to destroy an existing orchid habitat is by reporting nationally or internationally that a certain orchid species is found in a certain locality. This will prompt collectors to go to this place over-collect all the orchid plants until there is nothing left, and sometimes destroying the whole area as well due to colonization of people.
Plan for Emergencies. Many collections are lost when the owner or caretaker, for various reasons, is unable to care for them. Plan for these events. Leave written instructions on how to take care of your plants if leaving the plants to someone. Indicate which plant is rare or important. Indicate where records of your collection are stored. Designate a contact person (who grows orchids well) for family members to contact in the event of your disability or death, and plan ahead for how plants should be disbursed or disposed of, so that important plants are not simply lost.
Educate the people and provide orchid conservation awareness information through various means. Education is still the best tool to implement orchid conservation. Conservation advocacy could be done through print, radio and tv media. The best people to teach are the children and also the once who are fond of plants.
Create linkages with other conservation groups. People doing conservation or orchid research could have more advantages by linking or networking with other groups locally or abroad. They could tap individuals specializing in certain genera of orchids, institutions doing orchid research, government or orchid societies. With this, funding, information, and facilities could be shared.
Be Vocal on Conservation Issues. Be willing to speak out in support of conservation. This could be in the form of writing letters to editorial boards, contacting elected representatives, supporting local and national legislation, help revise government policies which is against conservation and speaking out in your community on conservation issues. Also, stay active in your local orchid society, and help it to pursue conservation issues. Report to appropriate authorities illegal activities that could result in the destruction of orchids and their habitats, including illegal collection on public lands.
Support Orchid Researches. There is much to learn about orchids. This includes orchid biology and physiology, taxonomic classification, identifying new species, information on orchid habitat, orchid geographical distribution, cultivation, propagation, genetic diversity, pollinators, the orchid-mycorrhizal relationship, and others. By being part of these researches, information dissemination or help in allocating funds for such research would greatly help in orchid conservation.
