Cym. Spicy Khan 'Comet' HCC/AOC (2001)
(Front cover) received a total of 78.2 points from the judges for its owner Greg Bryant at the National Cymbidium Show held in the Spring of 2001.  This introduces an article on the AOC awarded cymbidiums for that year, numbering eleven. All of these are illustrated.  Text by the AOC Registrar General of Judging. (Photo:Garrie Bromley)

Selected Species:Lepanthes calodictyon
Once again Peter Taylor provides us with a fascinating look at one of the more unusual (and rarer) orchids of South America - one that is both small and graceful, and has very striking patterns on its foliage.  Two excellent photographs by David Banks.

From Seedling to AOC Awarded Plant
Rex Johnson reports from Tasmania on the awarding ofCym.Cricket 'Minnie' ACC/AOC, owned by Alan and Ada Kelly.  (Award of Cultural Commendation).  The accompanying photograph leaves no doubt as to why this award was given.  The beautifully groomed plant had a complete curtain of pendulous rows of flowers which compltely hid the pot from view. Alan and Ada divulge their secrets to growing such a beautiful specimen.  

Learn from Your Mistakes
Queensland nurseryman Ross Maidment spoke recently at a meeting of the Caboolture Orchid Society (just north of Brisbane).  We reproduce an extract of that talk in which Ross explains five mistakes we have all made at some time growing orchids, and what to do about them.

Orchids in the Wine State - the 2003 AOC Conference
A timely reminder from Adelaide that the next AOC Conference is on its way, September 2003, and Russell Job runs through some of the advance information to whet your appetite.  We will be keeping you updated on information in the coming months.

Stenoglottis longifolia'Little Gem' HCC-ACC/AOC (2001)
Colin Jennings, AOC Registrar General of Judging, reports of this beautiful terrestrial orchid presented last year for judging by the South Australian Regional Judging Panel.  The plant carried 34 inflorescences with approx. 900 flowers.  The average length of the flower stems was 46cm.

This spectacular and beautifully arranged plant is owned by Ros and Tom Fitzgerald.

Colin Jennings researched some orchid books and magazines and provides us with some interesting information about the genus and this particular species.

FREE - AOC Orchid Screensaver
AOC President, Murray Aldridge SC, announces the release of the AOC Orchid Computer Screensaver, featuring all 12 orchids awarded an FCC up to December 2001.  This is now available to download from this website.  Follow the link from the Main Menu page.  We show two of the 'screens' used with the announcement.

WOC 16 Proceedings - they are on their way.
We report that at long last the Proceedings of the 16th World Orchid Conference are on their way come mid March.  The book also will contain a CD of 200 photographs of the Conference not used in the Proceedings.  (Addendum: The Publishers are currently contacting all who ordered the Proceedings to confirm their current address.)

Tissue Culture - Recipes for Success (Part 4)
Kevin Western, of Western Orchid Laboratories/Orchids concludes his series of articles on tissue culture of orchids.  This has provided our readers with a fascinating insight into how orchids can be multiplied and replicated.

Paphiopedilums - a Good Choice for Novice and Experienced Growers
NSW Paph. fanatic, Gary Hart, gives a run down on some good choices for the Paph. grower from his long experience.  Gary also provided all eight photographs, including a stunningPaph. bellatulumformaalba.

Awarded Masdevallia Hybrids
Colin Jennings provides a collection of Masdevallia hybrids awarded by the AOC Judging panels during 2001. There are some stunning orchids shown and some have very vivid colours.  Six colour photos illustrate the article.

Just Browsing... with Colin Jennings
Colin has been doing some more reading of old orchid publications from the UK, including The Orchid Review.  These snippets provide a fascinating insight into the world of orchid collecting and growing 100+ years ago. This month he reports on how the RHS Awards came to be hand painted rather than photographed; Fertilization of orchids by insects; and specimen orchids.

Book Reviews:
We have three book reviews for you this month:

• Native Ecuadorian Orchids- by Calaway H. Dodson (reviewed by Bruce Gray)
• Orchids of Sumatra- by Jim Comber (reviewed by Rod Rice)
• Bulbophyllums and Their Allies: A Grower's Guide- by Emily S. Siegerist (reviewed by Des Pike)

Plus… - 
All the regular features of Computer Corner,  what's winning at Shows around the country, Cultural Notes for various parts of Australia, and our list of upcoming International orchid events through to 2005. There is also a surprise for some lucky Australian subscriber - Orchids Australia free for one year, provided it is claimed in 14 days.