Walkwithme let's together cultivate orchids

Sofi said the threat of extinction of orchids is also increasing, because Indonesia is a tropical country, where it is the area that became the majority place for the development of orchids in the world. "The level of endemic Indonesia is very much, one tenth of the diversity of orchids in the world, it's among them in Indonesia," he said.

In Indonesia alone, Sofi explained, the number of orchids recorded and live freely in the wild or cultivation, reaching 5,000 species. However, he is very confident, the actual number of species of orchids in the country can reach more than 6,000 species. "Why so, because we believe, there are orchids that before we find it was extinct first. The threat of extinction is a daunting thing for the continuity of orchids now, "he said. On average, Sofi added, orchids living in Indonesia are orchids that live as epiphytes or hang on trees. Of all the existing orchid species, about 70 percent of it belongs to the epiphytic group. "So you can imagine how the threat of orchid life is very heavy. Once the tree is not alive again, it is finished also live the orchid, "he said.

Orchid, or in its Latin term known as Orchidaceae, is a plant known for its beauty. Its simple shape with its striking yet gentle colors always attracts anyone's attention. No wonder, for a long time, orchids are widely known as ornamental plants. In Indonesia, orchid plants have always been excellent because of its distinctive and beautiful look. In addition, orchids belong to a group of plants that can be cultivated easily, so it can grow anywhere. However, according to Curator of Orchid Center of Plant Conservation at Bogor Botanical Gardens, Sofi Mursidawati, orchid plants are actually a rare and endangered species. That's because the orchid's life is unique and very dependent on one item only. Typically, Sofi explained, orchids are very heavily dependent on one tree. Orchid like that, usually is a wild orchid whose habitat is in the wild directly as in the forest. The dependence, making orchids into a species of flora is very unique. "If the tree where he stuck is not there, can be felled or died, then the orchid also his life will be threatened. Orchids may die, or if they survive, their lives will not last long, "he told Mongabay at Martha Tilaar Center, Jakarta, yesterday. Threats facing this orchid, said Sofi, make the flora as one of the endangered. Although, the orchids from time to time the number of species very much. However, because the dependence of breeding is very high, then from year to year also the number continues to decline.