Above and below-ground specialisation in Australian orchids and its implications for diversification and vulnerability

Orchids are frequently involved in obligate interactions with other organisms, with important consequences for speciation and extinction risk. In this project, we will investigate the evolutionary, ecological and conservation implications of pollinator and mycorrhizal specialisation in Australian terrestrial orchids. We will first apply an integrated ecological and molecular analysis to reliably identify pollinator and fungal associates. Subsequently we will document the patterns and degree of specialisation. The project will reveal new insights into the mechanisms of plant speciation, identify orchid species with high extinction risk, and guide future in situ and ex situ conservation strategies.