06/02/2026
The population of this ultra-rare orchid has decreased by more than 90%, with fewer than 1,500 mature plants remaining in the US, with less than half being mature enough to reproduce. Because of their rarity and unique flower shape, this orchid is heavily targeted by poachers. In addition to this, their native wetland habitats are also at risk of degradation by development and water diversion. 🧚
Here in our lab, we are working on hundreds of ethically grown tissue culture Ghost Orchids in hopes of halting illegal collectors from poaching from native habitats, as well as providing additional research of this species to higher education institutions. It has been a slow process, but totally worth it! 👻