Endangered Orchid

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Efforts are underway in Korea to revive the Neofinetia falcata, an endangered species of orchid that mostly grows on coastal cliffs and trees. It often falls prey to orchid collectors because of its nice aroma and beauty. Here’s more.

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A nameless rock towers above the South Sea. Officials from the Korea National Park Service plant something on a steep cliff dozens of meters above the sea. It's a plant called the Neofinetia falcata. The officials plant seedlings that have been grown by the Species Restoration Technology Institute in their natural habitat. They carefully place the seedlings in the soil so that they can firmly take root, and cover them with wet moss. Each plant is marked with a number tag.

[Soundbite] "We are marking them with numbers to keep track of how many specimens will survive every year."

With a graceful appearance that enables them to withstand gusty winds and a fragrant aroma, these orchids often fall victim to collectors who sell them for thousands of dollars. They are an endangered wild species with only 100 specimens left in the nation. More than 1300 specimens of Neofinetia falcata have been planted in the natural habitat of the South Sea area so far. About 70 percent of them are expected to survive.

[Soundbite] Moon Myung-keun(Official, Hallyeohaesang National Park) : "It took us much effort to produce seedlings because few Neofinetia falcata are left. This project will contribute greatly to species diversity in the national park."

The Korea National Park Service has also launched restorations of other endangered indigenous wild species as well.