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Orchid Science

The ecology of orchids is complex and all of the information needed to develop protocols for propagation, conservation and restoration is not known for any species native to North America. Progress has, however, been made on understanding the ecology of a few species. NAOCC partners have been leading this effort. Dr. Larry Zettler and his students in the Orchid Recovery Program at Illinois College are actively involved in orchid restoration.

Specialized habitats, pollinators, and even fungi play an important role in an orchid’s life cycle. This is why orchids can be a key indicator of the overall health of the environment—and why they are so vulnerable when this cycle is disrupted. Elements of the orchid’s life cycle are shown below.

Orchid Life Cycle and Fungal Relationships

Orchid Life Cycle

Orchid Life Cycle

Orchid lifecycle and fungal relationships.
orchid seeds

Seeds

Orchid seeds are so small that they are referred to as “dust-seeds.” These tiny seeds contain little nutrition to support germination and growth. This is why orchids form mycorrhizas, symbiotic relationships with fungi, early in their lives.
Corallorhiza odontorhiza Protocorms

Protocorms

Germinated seeds are called protocorms and occur in a variety of shapes such as this Corallorhiza odontorhiza.
Encyclia Protocorms

Protocorms

In the tropics, orchid protocorms, such as these Encyclia tampensis from Florida, quickly turn green and produce leaves.
Terrestrial Protocorms

Protocorms

Further north, terrestrial orchids, such as Goodyera pubescens, produce protocorms that may remain belowground for several years before they emerge and produce their first leaves. During this stage, protocorms depend completely on fungi for their growth and survival.
Fungi

Fungi

Each orchid life stage is dependent on specific fungi, but very few of these fungi have been identified because they rarely form fruiting bodies (mushrooms).
Fungi

Fungi

This large and brightly-colored Russula is a rare exception – an orchid mycorrhizal fungus that produces mushrooms.
Orchid Seedlings

Seedlings

As orchid seedlings grow, they may depend less on fungi, but continue their association with them to supplement their nutrition especially during stressful conditions.
Peloton

Peloton

Orchids restrict mycorrhizal fungi to their roots. Inside orchid roots, fungi form coils of hyphae called pelotons. Orchids digest these pelotons to obtain nutrients needed for growth.
Flowering Plant

Flowering Plants

Mature orchids, such as this Pogonia ophioglossoides, produce highly modified flowers designed to attract specific pollinators. Successful pollination renews the orchid’s life cycle for the next generation.

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