WASHINGTON, DC.-The Smithsonian’s Horticulture Services Division and the U. S. Botanic Garden will open the 13th annual orchid exhibit, “Orchids: Take a Walk on the Wild Side,” at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History on Jan. 27, 2007. The exhibit, which depicts a growing trend in ecotourism and research known as a “canopy walk,” will feature more than 2,000 of the sought-after plants in 300 varieties. The exhibit will be on display until April 22, 2007.

“Orchids: Take a Walk on the Wild Side” will invite visitors to follow in the footsteps of Smithsonian researchers. A six-foot-wide wooden walkway will take visitors from the rainforest floor up into a tree canopy to learn about orchids in their natural habitats. Along the walkway, visitors will learn about orchid ecology, pollination biology, symbioses, evolution and phylogeny. The exhibit will give visitors the illusion of actually climbing into the treetops and many of the exhibit’s specimens will be displayed as they grow in the wild, as epiphytes (living in trees).

“Like a real canopy walk, we hope this year’s exhibition will raise awareness of conservation and show visitors the importance of preserving a habitat as well as individual species of plants,” said Smithsonian orchid collections manager Tom Mirenda.

The Orchid family, Orchidaceae (OR-kid-DAY-see-ee), is one of the largest and oldest families of flowering plants. Its estimated 25,000 species live in almost every type of environment and on every continent, except Antarctica. The most diverse examples of the species can be found in tropical forests and the plants are a wonderful resource for studying evolution and adaptation. Many orchids have even evolved to attract only one specific pollinator, going as far as to deceive this pollinator, either by mimicking a potential mate or potential food.

Orchid Research - In addition to their own resources, the Smithsonian’s Horticulture Services Division and the U.S. Botanic Garden received assistance from other Smithsonian branches while developing this year’s exhibit.

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, located in Panama, and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, located in Edgewater, Md., work around the world to examine the complex interactions between species and their habitats. Through this exhibit, these organizations will bring real-life science and current environmental concerns to museum visitors.

In the early 1990s, STRI researchers were pioneers in tropical tree canopy research through their use of a crane to reach and explore this almost inaccessible environment. Using the information gathered, scientists learned more about the processes that affect the world’s atmosphere and climate.

Scientists at SERC have developed a method, now used around the world, to plant and retrieve tiny orchid seedlings in the field. This procedure helps them to identify the specific fungus each species feeds upon in order to germinate. By continuing this research, scientists hope to provide information to re-establish endangered orchids and their essential fungi in their natural environments.

Closer to home, the Smithsonian’s Horticulture Services Division applies practical plant-care principles to maintaining a living collection of greenhouse and landscape plants. The Botany Department at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History works to discover and describe plant life in marine and terrestrial environments, and interpret the evolutionary origin of plant diversity, and the complex interactions between humans and the plant world.

Family Day - Visitors of all ages will be able to explore the world of orchids at “Orchid Family Day” on Saturday, March 3, 2007, when the Smithsonian’s Horticulture Services Division and the U.S. Botanic Garden offer free activities in conjunction with the exhibition. Visitors can participate in an “Orchid Murder Mystery,” a scavenger hunt and pollinator activities. There also will be a “pot-your-own orchid” activity.