Rather limited amount of data published on the
development of terrestrial orchids in early stages in the
life seriously hampers efforts to protect their populations.
This is mainly because the seeds are so minute and much
of the process occurs out of sight underground (Scott and
Carey 2002). Propagation under in vitro conditions can
not only provide amounts of genetic material for
repatriations but also shed light on the intimate life stages
of these rare plants.