Plant Science: Areas of interest

Conservation Science

Regional Floristics

platanthera leucophaea (Eastern prairie white fringed orchid)

Platanthera leucophaea

The federally threatened Eastern prairie white fringed orchid (Platanthera leucophaea) has dwindled in numbers for many reasons. It requires an undisturbed prairie habitat, is threatened by aggressive non-native species and has been overcollected because of its beauty.

This showy orchid's reproductive cycle is a virtual mystery, due in part to the small, almost dustlike size of the seeds that require specific conditions for germination. In addition, the moth that pollinates the plant, an agricultural pest, is being eliminated by insecticides.

To alleviate these problems, researchers have been hand-pollinating plants in the wild. However, questions have arisen about whether it is better to use pollen from local populations or from elsewhere. To help resolve the issue, the Chicago Botanic Garden is conducting research on the genetic makeup of different populations of the orchid.

Garden scientists, with collaborators from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Volunteer Steward Network, have extracted DNA from 150 plants found throughout northern Illinois. They are now creating a genetic "fingerprint" for each plant. "The data will help us determine whether plants from different populations should be crossed," noted Director of Conservation Science Dr. Kayri Havens. "With that information, we hope to preserve this delicate and lovely plant."

More than 300 species of plants native to Illinois are listed as threatened or endangered. Chicago Botanic Garden researchers — through genetic analysis, seed collecting, propagation and reintroduction — are attempting to save some of the most threatened plants.

Photo: Carol Freeman.