Ghost Orchid with Dr. Melissa Abdo
From Plant People by New York Botanical Garden
March 16, 2026 · 27 min · Season 3 · Episode 4
About this episode
Dr. Melissa Abdo discusses the ghost orchid and its conservation challenges.
In this episode we’re joined by Dr. Melissa Abdo, a Floridian whose work in conservation has brought her face to face with countless captivating yet threatened plants in the swamps of the southeast—including the ghost orchid. Long coveted by poachers, and central to the plot of author Susan Orlean’s bestselling book, The Orchid Thief , this ethereal flower faces an uncertain future, inspiring calls for its protection under the Endangered Species Act. Join us as we dive into this orchid’s story, one of passion and even obsession.
People in this episode
Guest: Dr. Melissa Abdo
Topics covered
- conservation
- ghost orchid
- endangered species
- plant protection
- swamps
- biodiversity
Keywords
- ghost orchid
- conservation
- endangered species act
- Florida
- plant poaching
- biodiversity
- The Orchid Thief
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: The Orchid Thief
Places: southeast, Florida
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