Muncie Indiana has a hidden treasure just beyond the gates of Ball State University’s Christy Woods.  Inside the tropical gem, red and blue poison dart frogs and purple spotted orchids grace the display dedicated to rainforest conservation.

The Wheeler Orchid Collection and Species Bank has been on campus for 27 years and houses about 1,200 plants.  The greenhouse is open to students and residents and is a popular destination for artists and photographers as well.

The curator, Cheryl LeBlanc, propogates the rare and unusual species to help preserve those plants that are close to extinction.  LeBlanc says that over-collection of plants in the wild threatens many species.

Read the entire article about the Christy Woods Greenhouse.

Interested in buying orchids in bloom?  Visit the Aloha Orchid Nursery for beautiful vivid flowers, and collector plants.  If you are interested in an easy to understand, step-by-step guide to orchid care, visit the Orchid Expert, by Nigel Howell.

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