I becamed to study wild orchids, due to my old pal Giuseppe Candiano, botany graduate (http://geocities.datacellar.net/RainForest/3948), that first about 16 years ago started alone to study the wild orchids of Sicily. He bring me into this wonderful world, first I was attracted for curiosity then like a real drug, I'd must to study all the possible about this world, and now, each sunday in springtime, me, Giuseppe, my wife Daniela, and another friend that in this period was bring into the "disease", Salvatore Caffarelli, going around the hills and the mountains of Sicily, to found as much wild orchids possible, that obviously only we photograph, and measure.
	Is incredible like the wild orchids world , may cause the total dependence to everybody approach with curiosity, sensibility and nature respect.
	Many peoples doesn't know that also in Europe exists wild orchids, about 250species, certainly not so big as the Venezuela orchids, but believe me as much interesting.
	The number of orchid species throughout the world is estimated at over 30,000, marking this family one of the largest in the plant kingdom. It is also one of the most highly developed of the plant groups and of exceptional interest botanically. The most extensive development of the orchids has taken place in the tropics of both the Old and New Worlds, especially in the rain forest.
	By comparison, Europe has approximately 250 species (125 of these in Italy and 60 in Sicily) and is on the fringe of orchid distribution.
	In Europe, orchids are protected by law to a greater or lesser degree depending on the country. Trade in natural orchids is prohibited.
	Orchid Mapping
	Since the 1970s, several map-making undertakings have been started to try and make a comprehensive survey of the distribution of the European orchid species. These special orchid-orientated projects run parallel with wider undertakings which involve the distribution of all seed-bearing and other plant groups.
	In Germany, the map-making is entrusted to the working party on antive orchids, A.H.O. (Arbeitskreisen Heimische Orchideen). In Switzerland and Austria, orchid societies are undertaking the work. Their secretaries will send information concerning the procedure whereby all known sites can be catalogued and described.
	Addresses can be obtained direct from the societies. An orchid mapping scheme including the whole of the Mediterranean area is being undertaken by the Organization for the Phytotaxonomic Investigation of the Mediterranean area (OPTIMA); address: Blumenstr,6, D- 7016 Gerlingen, Germany (c/o S. Kunkele).
	Since there are so many unfilled gaps in our knowledge about the distribution of orchids, accurate information is always welcome, no matter the region concerned, and should be sent to the secretaries. The mapping is supported by many interested parties as a joint project. The larger the circle of enthusiastic helpers, the sooner they will come close to their goal of producing the fullest possible orchid distribution record. The effective protection and conservation of the many endangered groups of palnts explicitly depends on its success.
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	by Luciano Triolo (trilucky@geocities.com) - Last update: 24-gen-1999