Conservation Biology of Mycoheterotrophic Orchid: Case Study of In-Vitro Culture of Dydimoplexis Pallens (Orchidaceae)

Didymolexis pallens is terrestrial orchid species, and almost associated with clumps of Bamboo particularly Gigantochloa spp. Although it is widely distributed, the orchid rarely attracts attention as it leafless and is erratic species in terms of flowering and fruiting. In Bogor Botanic Garden D. pallens grows in a restricted area, in a bamboo clump along particularly in one location. The site is highly vulnerable and there is little known of the biology and ecology of the spcies in terms of the growth and development of the species. Growth and development of this orchid in aseptic condition was observed. However, information gained from invitro culture in the laboratory did not necessarily present condition occurred in the wild. Thus, long term survival of this species could not depend on this method alone. More detail study involving seed baiting experiment in its habitat is required asses population dynamics of this species. This is important to determined conservation management strategy of this species. ICBS 2009 BIO-UGM Yogyakarta, October 16-17 2009. Hal. 889-891