In 1976, two indonesian scientists discovered a remarkable orchid species, Cymbidium hartinahianum. The plant is known locally as ‘Anggrek Ibu Tien’ in recognition of the wife of Indonesia’s second president, Raden Ayu Siti Hartinah. This endemic species thrives in the highlands of North Sumatra, specifically near Lake Toba within the village of Baniara, Samosir Regency.

The terrestrial orchid flourishes at altitudes between 1,700 and 2,700 meters above sea level. It’s leaves are ribbon-shaped with pointed tips, measuring around 50 to 60 cm. The flowers are star-shaped, with thick, waxy petals and sepals of almost equal size, giving them a robust structure. They bloom in shades of greenish-yellow to light brown, with distinct dark markings near the center, making them visually striking. The orchid’s labellum, or lip, is adorned with intricate patterns and a vibrant contrast of colors, which are key for attracting pollinators in its natural habitat.

 

Unlike many other orchids, Cymbidium hartinahianum is adapted to thrive in the cooler, open areas of Sumatra’s highlands, making it highly specialized to its native environment. Despite its stunning appearance and unique characteristics, this orchid faces severe conservation challenges due to habitat loss, making it one of the most endangered orchids in the region.

Conservation in Action

Conservationist Dr. Richa Kusuma Wati from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) highlights the increasing rarity of Cymbidium hartinahianum in its natural habitat. In 2010, the Samosir Botanical Garden made efforts to collect samples of this orchid from Partukko Naginjang Village, but despite extensive searches, only one small seedling was discovered. This finding underscores the critical situation facing the species.

While there is an urgent need for collective action to conserve this rare orchid, many locals remain unaware of its significance, which can lead to detrimental activities. For instance, a major reason for the orchid’s decline is its misidentification as common grass, resulting in neglect and habitat destruction. Educating the community about the orchid’s value is crucial to preventing such harmful actions.

Reintroducing this orchid into the wild is a complex task that requires meticulous planning. Dr. Richa Kusuma Wati explains that successful reintroduction hinges on recreating the specific soil and environmental conditions found in its original habitat. Furthermore, engaging the local community is essential; villagers must understand the importance of the orchid, as their support is vital to ensuring that reintroduced populations are not neglected and can thrive once more.

Challenges of Conservation and Reintroduction Efforts

Efforts to conserve the Ibu Tien orchid are not limited to its natural habitat. Teams at Bogor and Cibodas Botanical Gardens, located on the island of Java, have been working on acclimatizing the orchid in controlled environments. This process involves carefully transitioning the plant from lab-grown conditions back into the wild. Unfortunately, these efforts have faced setbacks, as the orchid struggles to survive outside it’s native environment.

Emerzon Siadari, a field staff member from the Samosir Botanical Garden, explained that the collected seedling has been nurtured in a pot for seven years but still hasn’t flowered. One critical factor in the orchid’s ability to thrive is its reliance on a specific type of mycorrhiza, a fungus that forms a symbiotic relationship with the plant. This fungus is essential for nutrient absorption, and it is suspected that it may only be found in the orchid’s original habitat. Without this specific mycorrhiza, the orchid’s chances of successful growth and reproduction in non-native environments are significantly diminished.

 

Cymbidium hartinahianum is listed as a protected species (according to Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. 106 of 2018), highlighting its ecological significance and the need for conservation. Despite legal protection, the orchid’s habitat in Baniara Village is facing serious threats due to forest conversion for agriculture and other land uses. The encroachment of agricultural practices not only disrupts the delicate ecosystem but also leads to the loss of biodiversity, impacting not just the orchid but other native flora and fauna.

Additionally, the expansion of settlements and infrastructure in the area exacerbates habitat fragmentation, making it increasingly challenging for the orchid to survive. To ensure the survival of this rare species, it is crucial to implement effective conservation strategies that involve local communities, promote sustainable land use practices, and raise awareness about the importance of protecting this unique orchid and its habitat.

A Call for Conservation Support

The plight of the Cymbidium hartinahianum serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving endemic species and their habitats. For conservation students, researchers, and donors, this species offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conservation efforts aimed at saving one of North Sumatra’s botanical treasures.

Supporting projects within the Hariara Institute’s Lake Toba Conservation Initiative can make a significant difference. Together, we can protect these delicate ecosystems and ensure that endangered species like the Ibu Tien orchid thrive for generations to come.