Rare Orchid Discovery Halts Aussie Racers

Rare orchid populations have stopped plans for an Australian race park. Orchid lovers found Leafless Tongue Orchids near the planned track. That’s pitted nature lovers against racing fans, but local officials have stated that the building plans had many flaws, including the fact that the area is home to lots of endangered species. The Leafless Tongue Orchid, Cryptostylis hunteriana, is one of many strange Australian plants. It’s a terrestrial found only near the country’s southeastern coast. With no leaves to photosynthesize, it’s believed to draw nutrients from fungi __and decaying leaves. The orchid has been classified as vulnerable __and is protected by Australian law.

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