Reproductive Phenology and Asymbiotic Germination for Conservation of Endangered Miniature Orchid Specklinia digitale

Specklinia digitale is an epiphytic orchid endemic to Mexico. The destruction of its habitat has resulted in it being regarded as an endangered species, and, to our knowledge, no effort has been made to establish ex situ conservation programs. Here, we describe an in situ assessment of flower and fruit phenology and subsequent in vitro germination. We also established a successful protocol for asymbiotic in vitro germination and acclimatization using Murashige–Skoog (MS) medium at full (full-MS) and half (1/2 MS) strength as well as activated charcoal (AC). All-year flower and fruit production was confirmed. Nevertheless, we observed a low pollination occurrence. No significant difference in germination rate was found for the four treatments tested; however, after protocorm evaluation, full-MS plus AC emerged as the best treatment for S. digitale in vitro propagation. Germination of up to 90.53% was achieved in full-MS. The acclimatization survival was 95%. These observations and our effective germination protocol can be used in a comprehensive approach for conservation efforts of this species.