THE ECOLOGY AND CULTIVATION OF TERRESTRIAL ORCHIDS OF ARGENTINA.

A study of the ecology and culture feasibility of 9 species of native orchids from Argentina: 2 belonging to the genus Sacoita, 1 species of Skeptrostachys; 1 species of Pelexia; 3 species of the genus Habenaria and 2 of the genus Chloraea were performed. The individuals were cultivated in the City of Buenos Aires from propagules or adult plants in pots with soil from the collection sites. The production of aerial and reproductive stems, as well as storage organs, was observed. The watering was managed according to the climatic conditions of the collection place. After at least one period of growth the adaptation to culture was evaluated. The species under study live in different ecosystems from forests to grasslands. Most of the species responded positively to their cultivation in containers. We discuss the possible use of these species for gardening, the suitable conditions for their cultivation and the importance of the data obtained in the ex-situ conservation of these terrestrial orchids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]