Acampe orchid
Acampe pachyglossa

Found growing on trees and rocks of dry tropical forests on the island of Madagascar, the orchid Acampe pachyglossa has evolved thick leathery leaves and the same metabolism as cacti to cope with the dry conditions. They are found in almost every habitat on the island, from the coast to the highest mountain summit, and from the rain forest to the spiny forest.

Madagascan orchids come in all shapes and sizes. Some orchids live on the ground (called terrestrials) whereas others grow perched on trees (epiphytes) or rocks (lithophytes). All orchids are protected in Madagascar and cannot be collected except under licence.

Madagascar is the only country outside the UK where Kew maintains a permanent presence. Our local team, working with Kew UK staff and local institutions, makes a significant contribution to research and conservation in Madagascar and ensures that Kew’s science has maximum impact at all levels from government decision-makers to local communities.

You can adopt this entire species as a gift for £2,000. Your donation will be used to maintain the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership, ensure this species is kept safe forever in the vaults, and to collect more species in the future.

In addition to receiving your adoption pack featuring your certificate and photograph of the species (this will be posted to you, or the recipient, once the Gardens re-open), you will also be invited to a behind the scenes tour of the Millennium Seed Bank, at Wakehurst. You'll meet the staff and see the vaults where your species is stored.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with us by sending an email to adoptaseed@kew.org

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