APRIL 2005  (Vol. 17 No.2)

THIS MONTH'S FEATURES:

FRONT COVER:

Phal. Brecko Venflight ‘Warrigal’ HCC/AOC 2004, AOC Award#3273, owned by Graham & Cherly McKay, Queensland. (Photograph by Graham McKay)

Life Memberships in Townsville

Col Neucom reports that at the Townsville Orchid Society’s Annual General Meeting, Life Membership was conferred on two of the society’s stalwarts – Ted Boon and Mick Keith.  The two gentlemen are pictured surrounded by some colourful vandaceous orchids in full bloom.

An Orchid by any other name would smell as sweet

Brisbane orchid grower and photographer, Gary Yong Gee, continues his article that is based on his presentation to the 16^th Australian Orchid Conference in Adelaide in 2003.  It is on species orchids and lavishly illustrated with 21 of Gary’s excellent photographs.  Species include Cattleya, Cattleyella, Guarianthe, Encyclia, Prosthechea, Pseudoencyclia and Euchile.  These updated genera are derived from orchids formerly included as Cattleya, Epidendrum, Encyclia and more.

Selected Species – Euchile mariae

Our regular columnist Peter Taylor has selected Euchile mariae as his subject this month.  As usual Peter delves into the discovery, history, habitat and his growing conditions in Sydney.  Peter’s articles are compelling reading for the species collector and general orchid hobbyist.

Future World Orchid Conferences

Colin Hamilton writes on the process of selecting sites for hosting future World Orchid Conferences. In Dijon in March, the WOC Trust will meet to consider applications from Cape Town, Singapore, Nagoya and Taipei to host the conference in 2011 – the next in 2008 has already been awarded to Miami.  (PS. In the event, the 2011 WOC was awarded to Singapore).

Reichenbach and Reichenbachia

Graeme and Gaye Chequer of Tasmania have written an interesting article in collecting orchids on postage stamps – as some orchid growers are want to do.  The stamps illustrated come from those named by the famed orchidist Reichenbach and his book Reichenbachia.

A Double take – Blc. Blumen Insel ‘Jack Queen Aoki’

Ron Horsey of Brisbane could not believe his eyes when his plant of Blc. Blumen Insel ‘Jack Queen Aoki’ flowered this year.  It bore a complete double bloom!  Six sepals, four petals and two labellems.  Ron provided it to us out of interest to share with other growers.

Once Upon a Time There was a Genus Named Epidendrum

Our Canadian correspondent and regular contributor has provided an insight into the taxonomic break up of what was the genus Epidendrum.  The article is accompanied by eight excellent photographs by husband Michael MacConnaill.

Variety in Today’s Cattleyas

Gary Hart writes on the trend of orchid growers to move away from the large Cattleya orchid blooms to the mini or mid-sized flowers.  How long will this trend last?  Illustrated by 8 of Gary’s excellent photographs.

AOC Judging & Awards Standing Committee Meeting

AOC Registrar General of Judging, Colin Jennings, reports on the two day meeting of Registrars from all States held in Adelaide in late February.  One topic occupying a deal of time was the down-turn in the supply of 35mm slide film and the alternative choices available, eg digital photographs.

Walking the Wimmera in November and December

John Richards continues to report on his wanderings through the Wimmera region of Victoria where he has found samples of Gastrodia, Lyperanthus and Caleana terrestrial orchids in November and December.

Food for Thought

Using some illustrations on stamps from around the world, Graeme and Gaye Chequer take us on a trip to a number of countries where orchids are used as a food and medicinal purposes.  For example Chinese herbalists use Dendrobium nobile to prolong life, but before you rush out and try it, modern medicine has discovered that this species contains high amounts of alkaloids and their preparations probably had the opposite effect.  Fascinating reading.

Flower Aging

Again Marilyn Light from Canada explains the aging of orchid blooms and longevity as affecting exhibitors and florists alike and gives some handy hints to counteract this.  Photography by Michael MacConnaill.