RESEARCH
Epipactis


I study the population ecology of the introduced orchid, Epipactis helleborine. One aspect we have looked at is the development of the perennating bud and what environmental conditions affect the formation of flower buds within it. This perennating bud was harvested in August and already contains flower buds for the following July blooming season. Insufficient rain in August+September or too much rain in the following May could cause the abortion of the flower buds.