Arachnorchis (Caladenia) rosella Conservation Effort

text and photo by Dr. Randall W. Robinson

{{gwi:197154}}Arachnorchis (Caladenia) rosella insitu

There are only about 140 known Arachnorchis (Caladenia) rosella in the wild. They are found in two areas in the world near Melbourne, Australia. One of those habitats was slated for development. The conditions on the developer have proved too great for him to meet and he is in the process of selling the block of land. Local residents, the Dunmoochin Foundation and the Trust for Nature have expressed interest in purchasing the land. Subsequently, there is a proposal to form a consortium of people and groups to purchase the land. Even with all the pooled resources, there is not enough money to make the purchase and mange the plants. We are dedicated to save this special wild orchid species, but we need financial help. Both the Trust for Nature http://www.trustfornature.org.au/ and the Dunmoochin Foundation http://www.dunmoochin.org/ are charitable trusts. You can contact either one.

Cam Beardsell is a very strong advocate for this beautiful species. Over the past 25 years, Cam has been the lone caretaker of this precious orchid. He has protected most of the plants from the Cloughs' and rabbits' diets. The weeds that appear near the plants have been meticulously removed by hand. To read and explore more about Arachnorchis (Caladenia) rosella and the people trying to save it visit http://www.orchidconservationcoalition.org/pr/arosella.html

The Orchid Conservation Coalition (OCC) is a grassroots organization made up of people, orchid societies, and orchid businesses dedicated to raising awareness and money for orchid conservation.

I would be happy to address any question or comments on this forum.

Mark Sullivan