Okinawa Merashima Foundation Research Institute Awarded 'Conservation and Cultivation Technology Prize' for Cryopreservation of Endangered Orchid 'Okinawa Sekkoku'

The General Foundation Okinawa Merashima Foundation Research Institute (Headquarters: Motobu Town, Okinawa Prefecture; Director: Keiichi Sato) has been awarded the 'Conservation and Cultivation Technology Award' by the Public Interest Incorporated Association Japanese Association of Botanical Gardens (Tokyo), an honor given to organizations demonstrating outstanding achievements in plant cultivation and conservation.

This award was granted to only two organizations nationwide, making this achievement the sole recognition among institutions in Okinawa Prefecture. This marks the third time the institute has received this award, reaffirming the high regard for its sustained efforts and research outcomes in plant conservation.

The institute has conducted research aimed at protecting and conserving 'Okinawa Sekkoku' (Dendrobium okinawense), a wild orchid species endemic to the natural forests of northern Okinawa Island (Yanbaru region). In this study, published in the association’s journal, the team scientifically demonstrated that cryopreservation at -196°C using liquid nitrogen is highly effective for long-term seed storage and germination of Okinawa Sekkoku. This breakthrough in establishing long-term seed preservation techniques for critically endangered wild plants was recognized as a significant contribution to future plant conservation efforts, leading to the award.

Building on this recognition, the institute will continue advancing initiatives for species protection and conservation.

■ Publication Details

Journal: Japanese Association of Botanical Gardens Journal, Issue 59 (April 2026)

Paper Title: 'Effects of Storage Temperature and Duration on Seed Germination of Okinawa Sekkoku'

Authors: Ken Tokuhara, Hiroyuki Sato, Atsushi Abe

■ Key Points

● Seed preservation is crucial for conserving endangered species. This study investigated the effects of storage duration and temperature, revealing that cryopreservation at -196°C using liquid nitrogen is highly effective for Okinawa Sekkoku seeds.

● The findings of this paper were recognized as a major scientific insight for seed preservation technologies aimed at species conservation, resulting in the award from the Japanese Association of Botanical Gardens in May 2026.

Okinawa Sekkoku

Scientific Name: Dendrobium okinawense

・Characteristics: A wild orchid species endemic to Okinawa Island, growing as an epiphyte on tree trunks in mountainous natural forests of northern Okinawa. Its stems grow in clusters and hang downward, producing delicate white or pale pink flowers about 5 cm in size. Once commonly observed, its habitat has drastically declined due to overharvesting for horticulture, deforestation, and flooding of natural habitats from dam construction, leaving only a few scattered populations.

・Conservation Status: Designated as an endangered species by both the national government and Okinawa Prefecture (Environment Ministry: Endangered IB, Okinawa Prefecture: Endangered IA) and listed as a 'Nationally Rare Wild Fauna and Flora Species (Category I)'—one of the most critically protected species in Japan.

General Foundation Okinawa Merashima Foundation Research Institute

The General Foundation Okinawa Merashima Foundation Research Institute is a research hub dedicated to the study, technological development, and public dissemination of knowledge on subtropical flora and fauna, as well as Okinawan history and culture. Leveraging accumulated expertise, the institute advances research on environmental conservation and sustainable resource use, contributing to societal implementation of results and enhancing regional sustainability through domestic and international collaboration.