Orchids

Stay tuned for exciting developments in Platanthera praeclara pollination projects.

Population Genetics - The Western Prairie Fringed orchid is the only threatened plant species in North Dakota and known from a handful of meta-populations throughout the northern plains.  Restrictions on reproduction and recruitment are only now beginning to be understood. We have used micro-satellite molecular markers developed specifically for this species to examine patterns in genetic diversity, gene flow and isolation among natural populations of this rare plant.