Taxonomy, systematics and conservation of the Orchidaceae

The Orchidaceae are one of the most species-rich plant families on earth currently estimated at over 28,000 species. Orchids are well known as rainforest canopy dwellers (epiphytes), and as the large and colourful specimens in garden shows. But, did you know that the majority of Australia’s orchids are ground-dwelling (terrestrial) and can be found in bushland, heathland and even in the desert? Many of these species have flowers only a few centimetres across, which can be seen for only a few weeks every year.

Orchids represent around 7% of Australia’s native plant species, but they constitute around 17% of Australia’s nationally threatened plants.

Our team studies the taxonomy, systematics and conservation of orchids in Australasia and worldwide. We work to clarify orchid taxonomic status and prepare taxonomic revisions where required. We have a particular focus on threatened orchids, with projects on Rhizanthella species and Caladenia actensis. We are working on the IUCN Red Listing of Australian endemic orchids, and on improving our understanding of rare and threatened orchids on Australia’s island territories, such as Norfolk Island. We have strong research collaborations worldwide, but particularly in our region, including with New Zealand and New Caledonia (where many of the same orchid genera also occur).

In addition to working on foundational molecular systematics within the Orchidaceae, our team is active in the application of this research, collaborating in the development of the open-access Orchidaceae in the Flora of Australia online and in Orchid Taxonomy Advisory Group Australasia. Through both of these projects we are working towards a consistent and evidenced-based orchid taxonomy for Australia.