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Description of the different stages of the project
| 1998 |
Seeds of C. calceolus that were harvested by S. Sprunger in Langenbruck, were seeded in Vitro and piqued for one to two times (Malmgren 1992).
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| 1999 |
Acclimatization of the young plants in a septic milieu (mixture of expanded clay).
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| 1995 - 2006 |
Cultivation of the young plants and repeated repotting into a more and more organic milieu.
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| Sept. 2005 |
Designation of an adequate habitat for the resettlement at the location "Chilpen" (After the authorization of M. Paul Imbeck, Amt für Raumplanung Liestal and M. Ueli Berchthold Pro Natura, Basel).
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| März 2006 |
Planting of ten seedlings on two convenient locations at "Chilpen" and the planting of five reference plants at Langenbruck.
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| 2006 - 2009 |
Growth control of the plants.
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| 2009 |
Report of the results. Detailed documentation in a learned journal in case of a successful project.
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Advantages of the habitat "Chilpen"
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The location is already known for its orchid population. To protect these, a nature protection area had been created. The existence of this area is guaranteed for a longer time.
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The location is close to Langenbruck were the seeds used in this project come from.
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The continuous observation of the already existing orchids can include the new planted C. calceolus which allows a fast action in case of problems.
Disadvantages of the habitat "Chilpen"
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As far as we know, the historical appearance of C. calceolus at "Chilpen" is not confirmed.
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Because of the high frequentation of visitors, an optical discreet planting is required.
Conclusion
Because of the accessibility and the periodic controls, the habitat "Chilpen" is a perfect location for this project.
Expected results
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As far as we know, this is the second attempt to reintroduce C. calceolus out of seeds in the nature. The first project was lanced in England. The exact approach and the results were never published.
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This experiment should give some knowledge about the methods of how to reintroduce these plants. (planting, irrigation during the acclimation, protection, elimination of competing species)
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Estimation of the success rate of the reintroduction of C. calceolus. The small rate of test plants available (three times five plants) does not allow a big assay. Because of the cultivator's long standing experience with the cultivation of orchids the considerable and important factors can be located. Because of the high price of the plants and the difficulty and rareness of the growing process an assay in a big scale is not possible. If the results of this pilot project are encouraging other essays based on this project can be started.
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The gained experience can be used to reintroduce C. calceolus in other locations in the canton Basel-Land where the historical asset of this orchid disappeared.
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Swiss Orchid Research Award
