STRATEGIES FOR THE RECOVERY OF ENDANGERED ORCHIDS AND CACTI THROUGH INVITRO CULTURE

Orchids and cacti have many members vulnerable to extinction because of over-collection and loss of habitat. Efficient propagation techniques are urgently required to help stop disappearance of these endangered species. We propose in-vitro techniques as a strategy for the recovery of threatened species for both the Orchidaceae and Cactaceae. We cultured nine orchids and three cacti species in vitro, and after acclimatization some of these species were restored into their natural environment where they continue their life cycle. The near-extinct Mammillaria san-angelensis (Cactaceae) specimens, with just five individuals left in the wild, were successfully restored to the site. Individuals of this species derived in vitro flowered and produced fertile seeds after being restored.