MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: 6 January 2026
Breakthrough offers new hope for critically endangered Australian midge-orchids
The future is looking brighter for two critically endangered native orchids, Corunastylis insignis and Corunastylis branwhiteorum, following a major scientific breakthrough by researchers at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
Newly published research led by Dr Noushka Reiter, in collaboration with Richard Dimon as part of the Orchid Conservation Program, has identified the specific mycorrhizal fungi required for the successful germination and growth of midge-orchids (Corunastylis spp.). The discovery unlocks new conservation and translocation pathways for a genus with more than 25 species currently threatened with extinction.
All orchids depend on symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi to germinate in the wild. Until now, however, the fungal partners essential to Corunastylis species were unknown, severely limiting conservation efforts.
“This research fills a critical knowledge gap,” said Professor David Cantrill, Chief Botanist, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. “Without understanding the fungi these orchids depend on, it has been extremely difficult to propagate them successfully for conservation. We can now do that with confidence.”
The research team isolated fungi from orchid roots collected at multiple sites and analysed their genetic identity. They found that both endangered species form associations with fungi from the Rhizoctonia group (family Ceratobasidiaceae). C. insignis was associated with two fungal species, while C. branwhiteorum relied on a single species. [1]
Importantly, the scientists demonstrated that both orchids can be reliably grown from seed to adult plants using these fungi under symbiotic conditions. One growth medium, Modified Oatmeal Agar, resulted in significantly higher germination rates than alternatives tested.
“Our results show that symbiotic propagation of these orchids is not only possible, but highly effective,” said Professor Cantrill. “This significantly improves the outlook for reintroduction and long-term survival in the wild.”
The study also revealed variation in germination success between different fungal isolates of the same species, highlighting the importance of maintaining fungal diversity in conservation programs.
To maximise resilience and adaptability, the researchers recommend using a range of fungal isolates when propagating orchids for translocation, ensuring plants have the best chance of thriving across different soil and environmental conditions.
The Orchid Conservation Program, based at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, is a nationally significant initiative dedicated to the protection, propagation and recovery of threatened orchids. The program integrates scientific research, seed banking, symbiotic propagation and reintroduction to secure these species for the future.
Australia is home to an estimated 1,800 species of terrestrial orchids, many of which persist in critically low numbers due to habitat loss. Without targeted conservation action, many of these small, isolated populations face extinction.
This breakthrough provides a powerful new tool for safeguarding some of Australia’s most threatened orchids and reinforces the essential role of science-led conservation. The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Orchid Conservation Program is currently growing more than 230 species of threatened Australian terrestrial orchids and, in partnership with collaborators, has reintroduced orchids to more than 50 sites — resulting in measurable population recovery and self-sustaining wild populations.
“There are many native orchids at immediate risk of extinction if we don’t continue this critical work,” said Professor Cantrill. “But our conservation facility is now at capacity. To scale up conservation science, safeguard more threatened plants, and support collaborative research, we need to expand our facilities to protect Victoria’s extraordinary biodiversity for generations to come.”
This work was supported by volunteers, grants and funding from NSW Government’s Saving our Species (SoS) Program, Department Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
The paper can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1071/BT25058
Dropbox link to images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/hme00a5ny9fb7a0fbrfmv/AEPjVztkMeipWSju1xBd6q4?rlkey=rxaa9mo2w75k1y3ylcmx2e9yh&st=jn8186sk&dl=0
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For more information or interviews please contact:
Maraika van Wessem
Director Marketing, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Maraika.vanWessem@rbg.vic.gov.au or 0497 200 989
[1] These fungi are yet to be described and so have been assigned temporary operational taxonomic units (OTUs) based on DNA profiles.
