Photos: Colombian clones orchids on the brink of extinction

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Photos: Colombian clones orchids on the brink of extinction

Agricultural technologist Daniel Piedrahita made it his mission to preserve the flowers

Published: July 23, 2024 22:29 Compiled by Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor

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Copy of 700177-01-02-1721759567875 — Agricultural technologist Daniel Piedrahita, 62, has made it his life's mission to preserve the flowers at his sanctuary dubbed "The Soul of the Forest" in La Ceja, a town in the department of Antioquia. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 700234-01-02-1721759556978 — In nature, most orchids rely on a specific species of insect, bee or bird for pollination. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 700235-01-02-1721759555426 — In the laboratory, Piedrahita pollinates them to get what he calls a "pure clone," a seed capsule, the fruit of the orchid flower which can contain millions of seeds. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 701553-01-02-1721759553376 — Getting an orchid to flower from the seeds can take years. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 700230-01-02-1721759560001 — He grows exotics and natives, given, bought and even cloned, in an effort to save endangered species from extinction. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 700215-01-02-1721759565923 — Around the world, the unique flowering plants are increasingly threatened by the slashing down of forests, where most orchids are found. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 700225-01-02-1721759564571 — "An orchid? I'll define it for you in one word: perfection," Piedrahita told AFP. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 700226-01-02-1721759563079 — He describes his collection of over 5,000 species as a "genetic bank that I am responsible for... to ensure that each one reproduces perfectly." Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 700227-01-02-1721759561506 — The reserve is home to about twenty species that are endangered worldwide and that Piedrahita dreams of returning to their original habitats. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 700231-01-02-1721759558488 — He describes his mission to return the orchards to nature as his "moral, personal duty." Image Credit: AFP

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