Hand pollination of a Cryptostylis hunteriana flower. (Dr Chris Howard)

Native orchids on the road to recovery

Scientists at the Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research (CPBR) in Canberra have spent the last four years researching the natural history of three rare and endangered orchids on Alum Mountain, Bulahdelah NSW. (6:00)

3 June 2010

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Their knowledge will be applied to a relocation project which aims to ensure that the orchids survive when an upgrade of the Pacific Highway is carried out in the area.

In this podcast, a CSIRO Plant Industry scientist working within the CPBR Dr Chris Howard explains how the study, commissioned by the NSW Roads & Traffic Authority, is providing knowledge of the habitat and growth needs of the orchids.

This will make relocation of these threatened plants possible and provides each species with the best chance for long term survival at this site following construction of the bypass.