Arachnorchis (Caladenia) rosella Conservation Effort
text and photo by Dr. Randall W. Robinson
Arachnorchis (Caladenia)
rosella insitu
There are only about 140 known
Arachnorchis (Caladenia)
rosella in the wild. They are found in two areas in the world near Melbourne, Australia. One of those habitats was slated for development. The conditions on the developer have proved too great for him to meet and he is in the process of selling the block of land. Local residents, the Dunmoochin Foundation and the Trust for Nature have expressed interest in purchasing the land. Subsequently, there is a proposal to form a consortium of people and groups to purchase the land. Even with all the pooled resources, there is not enough money to make the purchase and mange the plants. We are dedicated to save this special wild orchid species, but we need financial help. Both the
Trust for Nature and
The Dunmoochin Foundation are charitable trusts. You can contact either one.
Cam Beardsell is a very strong advocate for this beautiful species. Over the past 25 years, Cam has been the lone caretaker of this precious orchid. He has protected most of the plants from the Cloughs' and rabbits' diets. The weeds that appear near the plants have been meticulously removed by hand. To read and explore more about
Arachnorchis (Caladenia)
rosellaand the people trying to save it visit
OCC: Arachnorchis (Caladenia) rosella
The Orchid Conservation Coalition (OCC)
Orchid Conservation Coalition is a grassroots organization made up of people, orchid societies, and orchid businesses dedicated to raising awareness and money for orchid conservation.