1. To increase the number of angraecoid species cultivated ex situ to improve the likelihood of species survival;
2. Foster the in-situ conservation of angraecoids by establishing a free-trade orchid nursery in connection with the protection of a threatened habitat; and
3. Actively educate orchid growers and the general public about these endangered plants, the rampant destruction of the habitat and further educate to ensure successful cultivation and ex-situ conservation.
These three missions will dictate the Alliance's course.
The Ex-Situ Conservation (ESC) project will be a cooperative effort involving angraecoid growers from around the world. This collaboration will "increase the number of angraecoid species cultivated ex situ to improve the likelihood of species survival" by contributing pollen, setting seed pods and sharing seed and ultimately distributing the flasks and seedlings to as many collections as possible.
You can read more about the ESC program in our newsletter--available as a PDF here.
Some commonly asked questions:
Can people or institutions outside of the United States participate?
Yes, absolutely! The Angraecoid Alliance is based in the US, but already has members in several other countries. Pollen and seed sharing as well as flasking will be done worldwide. As flasks or seedlings become available the Alliance will work to legally distribute them to donors and members worldwide.
Are Angraecoid orchids from Africa included, or just Madagascar?
Yes, the Alliance includes all Angraecoid orchids, including those found in Madagascar and those from Africa.
How will plants from the ESC program be distributed?
The Alliance's objective is to distribute these species as widely as possible. Seedlings (and flasks if yield is sufficient) will be distributed as follows:
- The donors of the pollen, the pod plant and flasking services for each particular seed capsule will have first option to receive the resulting seedlings and/or flasks.
- Next, any Angraecoid Alliance member with ESC status may obtain plants. There will necessarily be some costs involved, but they will be kept minimal as possible. ESC status is obtained by members who actively participate in the program. Again more details can be found in our newsletter. These growers will recieve the plants with the understanding that they are to be cultivated specifically for ex-situ conservation purposes. The Alliance will privately maintain a list of where these plants have been distributed so that should additional pollen or seed be needed, it can readily be found.
- Members of the Alliance and the public. The sale of these plants may include some donation to the Alliance in order to assist with flasking costs or the cost of distributing plants internationally to members. The details about this distribution will be determined by the Alliance members.
How can I join the Angraecoid Alliance?
It is very simple. Fill out the member information form available here. The annual dues of $10 can be mailed to the address on the form or paid via paypal on our webpage.
