DECEMBER 2005  (Vol. 17 No.6)

THIS MONTH'S FEATURES:

FRONT COVER:

Angraecum leonis

Owner/Photographer: Mick Keith of Queensland

This pure white small Angraecum serves to introduce a major article in this month’s edition, titled Madagascan Orchid Species I Have Grown by Mick Keith of Townsville.  Mick has been growing orchids since 1960 and is currently Patron of the Townsville Orchid Society.  He had his own nursery there from 1972 to 2003.  The article is based on a lecture given at the 16^th AOC Conference in Adelaide in September 2003.  Ten photographs accompany the article. 

AOC Orchids of the Year 2004 – the Results

The results are in and the Council ratified the results at its October meetings in Melbourne.  The best of the best for the year 2004 were all from Queensland enthusiasts:

Orchid Hybrid of the Year – Blc. Burdekin Dream ‘D.J.’ FCC/AOC 2004

          Owned by Charlie Truscott, Award No. 3270

Orchid Species of the Year – Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum var. esquirolei ‘Jim’ AM/AOC 2004

          Owned by Jim & Marie McCubbin, Award No. 3317

Award of Distinction of the Year – Den. Dal’s Stunner ‘David Littman’ HCC-AD/AOC 2004

          Owned by Ron Greinke, Award No. 3229

Notes on the Awards are given along with some details from the growers themselves.  You can view the set of Awards on this site – Click here.

Selected Species – Paphiopedilum insigne

Peter Taylor has written this column for something like 10 years now and I still find it as interesting and informative as ever.  This month’s topic is the delightful species Paphiopedilum insigne, a robust ‘slipper’ orchid which is a good introduction to the genus for beginners.  Peter’s writing style provides the historical background, discovery and recommendations for successful growing.

South Australian Regional Judging Panel

In November the South Australian Regional Judging Panel held their annual ‘graduation’ dinner. This year a further seven judges received their credentials – badge and graduation certificates. The SA panel is one of the strongest in the country and a credit to the Panel organizers.

Western Australia Orchid Spectacular 2005 - Report

Tony Watkinson and Phil Chadd have provided a report on this highly successful regional conference and show held in Fremantle, WA, in September 2005 (and I can attest to that). Included are photographs of the Champion Orchid, Lycaste Abou First Spring ‘Darsh’ (Ezi-Gro Orchids), and Reserve Champion Orchid, Paph. James Watson (Paphanatics, California USA). 

Bulbophyllum echinolabium

This huge Bulbo. gained Champion Exotic Species at the WA Orchid Spectacular for Tony & Mavis Watkinson.  A rare species it is also one of the largest flowered of the genus.  Its only drawback is its unpleasant smell.

Wollemi Pines (and are they relative to orchids?)

The ancient Wollemi Pines made history in Sydney in October at an auction conducted by the world famous firm, Sotherbys, selling 292 seedlings for an astonishing A$1,590,162.00.  Why?  Because these pine trees are the ancient of the ancient and found in recent times near Sydney – the only stand in existence.  Our Conservation Officer, Alan Stephenson, reviews the event and wonders whether there are orchids of equal rarity still out there awaiting discovery.

Australian Orchid Council Meeting

The results of election of executive and other officers of the AOC was held in Melbourne in October and the report on the new Council make-up list the results.

Have You Noticed?

Colin Jennings asks if you have noticed the increased used of orchids as floral decorations in TV shows and movies of late?  In fact the programme ‘Midsomer Murders’ one week featured a Miltonia orchid as decoration, only to be topped the following week by an episode devoted to a murder investigation related to an orchid club.

Some Orchids at the International Orchid Spectacular

Rex Johnson visited what is Australia’s biggest annual orchid show in Melbourne at Garden World and reports in both words and photographs on what he saw.  Six photographs accompany this essay.

Book Review – Growing Orchids in Your Garden

Former nurseryman, Robert Friend, has published a handbook on growing orchids in the garden.  His years of experience places him well to advise on this topic.  Colin Jennings reviews the book for us. 

Hurricane Wilma

Florida based Andy Easton reviews the havoc and devestation wreaked by Hurricane Wilma on the southern states of the USA in October.

Ontario Company fined for illegally importing Traditional Chinese Medicines

In October in the Ontario Court of Justice in Mississauga, Canada, fined Shiyitang Herbs North America Inc., for the illegal importation of traditional Chinese medicines derived from theGastrodia orchids and Saiga antelope horn.  The company was in breach of CITES regulations.  The Gastrodia orchids are listed as threatened under the CITES Appendix II.

Going Bush

Robin Wood of Mount Gambier, SA, set out with her husband on an orchid expedition to the South East of South Australia and shares their experiences with us.

Index of articles and photographs Volume 17, 2005