Characterization and Potential of Coelogyne rochussenii Orchids from Bukit Rimbang and Bukit Baling Wildlife Sanctuary as Explant Source

Abstract

Conservation is an effort to return natural resources to their habitat to restore the ecosystem balance, which can be done in-situ and ex-situ. Coelogyne rochussenii orchid conservation efforts are essential to maintain its sustainability. The purpose of this study was to characterize C. rochussenii orchids from Bukit Rimbang and Bukit Baling Wildlife Sanctuary as a source of tissue culture explants to support ex-situ conservation efforts. Orchid plant samples were obtained through exploration in three locations with an altitude of 92 masl, and then the characterization of leaf morphology, pseudobulbs, roots, and fruit were carried out . The characterization results showed that the young pseudobulbs, young leaves, healthy roots, and physiologically ripe fruits of the C. rochussenii orchids obtained could be used as a source of explants to support ex-situ conservation efforts. Keywords:  ex-situ conservation, physiologically mature, young pseudobulbs