Cameroon orchids

Every year Kew Gardens present their Orchid Festival and every year I think “Been there, done that” and then every year I visit and I’m delighted again! This year the fabulous display was inspired by Cameroon and I learned much about this vast, west African country with its rainforests, volcanic mountains, coastal plains and savannas. Some of the world’s most delicate and threatened orchids can be found in Cameroon though their actual locations are secret as they are so rare. Scientists at Kew have been working for over twenty years with their fellow scientists in Cameroon to protect many more threatened plant species in what is recognised to be a haven of biodiversity. Dramatic changes in land use including unsustainable logging, mining explorations and new rubber and palm oil plantations are not only threatening plants but also wildlife such as gorillas and chimpanzees.  In addition, local communities want to protect their ancestral homelands and together all are working to persuade the Government and industry leaders that developments must work in harmony with the rich natural environment. It’s quite a story they are telling there at Kew, all starting with a few exquisite orchids.