DNA Barcoding the Atlanta Botanical Garden Orchid Collection

There are approximately 2,000 orchid species in the Garden's permanent living collection. Through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Garden has begun the curation and DNA barcoding of its orchid collection. As a result of this project, DNA barcodes, species images and collections information are being submitted to the open access database BOLD (the Barcode of Life Database), and herbarium vouchers of the living collection are being deposited at Columbus State University.

Furthermore, a DNA library is being created from orchid species and will be housed at the Garden. These activities will result in an improved understanding of the diversity housed in the permanent living orchid collection as well as a starting point for more focused studies of orchid biodiversity. This project will facilitate open access to plant biodiversity information and natural history resources for future orchid conservation.