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Conservation of rare and threatened plants

Te Papa researcher: Carlos Lehnebach

Understanding interactions between threatened plants and their pollinators and symbiotic partners is fundamental to secure their long-term survival either in their natural habitat or ex-situ collections.

This research aims at documenting the pollination biology of threatened plants and trees, identify orchid mycorrhizal partners and implement methods to propagate orchids from seed for conservation purposes.

Pollination of Bartlett’s Rata (Metrosideros bartlettii). Photo by Rewi Elliot, Otari Wilton’s Bush

Orchid seedling (Drymoanthus adversus) on branch. Photo by Karin van der Walt, Otari Wilton’s Bush

Main collaborators: Karin van der Walt, Ōtari Native Botanic Gardens, Wellington; Andrew Munkacsi, Victoria University of Wellington; Jennifer Tate, Massey University; Bruce Burns, The University of Auckland;   Mahajabeen Padamsee, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research.

Funding: Department of Conservation; Australian Orchid Foundation; NZ Native Orchid Group;  Australia & Pacific Science Foundation; NZ Lottery Grants; Te Papa Foundation

Representative publications: