A BOOK introducing the city’s 96 species of wild orchids in 48 categories was recently published by Shenzhen Orchid Conservation and Research Center, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported yesterday.

Orchids are a large family of flowering plants, the Orchidaceae. At present, more than 30,000 species of wild orchids have been discovered around the world.

China is reported to have over 1,700 species of wild orchids while nearly 100 species of wild orchids have been spotted in Shenzhen.

Shenzhen started recording species of wild orchids in 1983. Information and pictures of the 96 species of wild orchids so far discovered in the city were all included in the book.

Several of the precious pictures were provided by local plant lovers.

Chen Jianbing, director of the city’s orchid conservation and research center, said that the situation of wild orchids to some degree can be regarded as an indicator to the ecological environment of the region.

Chen observed that the book reflects the city’s achievements on environmental protection, adding that the book is of significance in protecting and researching wild orchids.

Orchids are of high value for medicine, food and ornamentation. All wild orchids are included on the list of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) at present.

The plant was regarded as the “panda of the plant field” in China as illegal harvesting plus the destruction of environment seen in recent decades have threatened the growth of wild orchids.

Beyond publicizing the book, the center plans to enhance the protection of orchids and spread orchid-related knowledge to citizens so as to encourage residents to gain an awareness to protect wild orchids, said the report.

(Wang Jingli)