[OGD] Re Catch roots
This has been a veryinteresting discussion, so I went andchecked onmy three Ansellia where they were hiding under the bench after some shadehouse re-organising. One had 'catch roots' starting in one corner of the square pot, nothing on the others. Margaret in NZ ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] catch/trash roots
Regarding the function of the upright roots, that really is still open for investigation. What benefits the orchid may receive from secondary functions seemly remains only at the speculative stage. The nutrient acquisition potential of these roots is likely not different from other roots. At least I do not see any structure differences between them and the normal entanglement beneath them. The few research articles on the subject tend to focus on the potential of the plant obtaining nutrients from leaf debris and compost that develops among the pseudobulbs and trash roots, or from wastes produced by ants that build nests among the roots and accumulated plant debris. Nutrient acquisition from compost and ant wastes was examined starting in the late 80's by Rico-Gray et al. by Schomburkgia tibicinis, which is one of those species that has hollow pseudobulbs often used by ants; such structures are called domatia by the plant ecologists and some reviewers and speculators have implied a coevolutionary scenario for this relationship. Too, this is considerably different from a trash root situation in which the litter and compost are exposed to the environment. Part of the problem with assuming potential nutrient gain from trash root accumulations is that proportionately few plants actually accumulate any compost among the trash roots, and in many cases do not grow in a manner in which significant amounts of litter could accumulate. The decomposition process in the perennially wet tropics is extremely rapid, and leaf-fall is constant not innundative as in drier seasonal forests. For example, many of the orchids that I was studying in Bolivia last week, including Stanhopea/Gongora, Epidendrum, oncidiines, misc. pleurothallids, and others, in cloud forest lacked litter or compost to any significant degree if they were growing on the sides or beneath branches or trunks of trees. However, plants that grow atop more or less horizontal branches do have thick layers of compost developing, but also huge volumes of mosses, liverworts, lichens, and other epiphytes, with massive root masses [BTW, some of the insects of my particular interest are in this habitat]. Over time larger plants growing on trunks in cloud or rain forests will accumulate these same associates and then a bit of compost will develop. Nevertheless, trash roots do hold leaves and other material and given the right conditions may accumulate a little compost. Trash root effectiveness in utilizing or seeking nutrients in compost accumulations would be related to the amount of debris accumulated, with root length greater than compost depth in most cases that I have seen, or with an exceptionally efficient nutrient extraction method. However, the holding of decomposing litter by trash roots is a likely source of nutrients for the main root mass that is on the receiving end of the results of litter decomposition. A few correspondents have dwelled upon the water seeking potential of upright roots. This is a possibility, especially with seasonal forest species that may rely upon condensation from the atmosphere, or during dry periods in wet forests. One writer used the term pneumatophore to describe these roots. To my familiarity, this term is normally reserved for the roots of mangroves and other estuary or swamp plants that have inundated roots in low oxygen waters. These conditions are rarely met on tree branches, but high moisture conditions do exist for great lengths of time. A few other quick notes: 1) trash roots of stanhopines and catasetines are rather fragile and die quickly in dry conditions. From my observations, birds, frogs, and lizards are not bothered by the roots. 2) ant colonies in epiphytic orchids tend to be in the main root mass, not the trash roots as a generalization. 3) symbiosis is indeed a generic term that encompasses more specific forms of organismal relationship, such as mutualisms, commensalisms, and parasitisms; this broader notion is used in general biology texts for simplification. However, in practice evolutionary biologists tend to segregate the terms with symbiosis being used more specifically for obligate relationships where one species is completely dependent upon another, which is not the case for mutualisms or usually for commensalisms. Similarly, ecologists have varying applications of these terms, and many others, with symbiosis often more commonly equated with mutualism, but not necessarily. 4) my own observations are largely based on neotropical experiences. It has been a long time since my last trip to SE Asia, so it would be best for O'Byrne, Bandisch, or another resident of the tropical Asian-Australian area to provide comments on their situations. paul On 10 Apr 2005, at 06:46 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I almost hate to weight in on this...but the discussion has been most interesting. I'd enjoy hearing more from people
[OGD] Perpetual inflorescences
Many, many years ago when my interest in orchids had not yet developed into a full blown hobby, I used to wonder at the ubiquitous crucifix orchids found growing in many gardens around Sydney, Australia and indeed other parts of the world. I think the orchid is more formally known as Epidendrum Burtonii (orange yellow flower) or Epidendrum X obrienianum (red flower). The flowers kept on continually being produced from the inflorescence. Is there a scientific term for this phenomenon and what other orchids display it? For example I have Thrixspermum centipeda which, although a one day wonder, has several inflorescences which are still producing flowers seasonally for at least the last 3 years with no sign that each has spent. Also, interestingly, each inflorescence produces one flower at a time which seem to open and close at the same time. Cheers...Steve ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Lycasteria Darius.
Title: Lycasteria Darius. David, good to hear from you! Please don't ruin my reputation by alluding to times past when I suffered fools more gladly!! But seriously, I remember Jim and Marie's plant of the so-called Lycasteria Darius and never thought of it as anything more than a poor Angulocaste. In the absence of any cytological study, I will stay with that viewpoint but maybe in the future we will have some good orchid cytologists like the late Don Wimber and we can get answers. It was he who debunked another great orchid myth, that of Phaiocymbidium Chardwarense, when he showed that all its chromosomes could be traced to the genus Phaius. Andy Easton ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] orchids by the church...
England's Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site, this week won the Destination prize in the annual Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. Sue Lawley walked the first half of the coast with a group of friends in 2003, from her home in East Devon to Abbotsbury in Dorset. They went back recently to complete the 100-mile trek... Ringstead to Lulworth... It's a stiff climb out of Ringstead up to the pretty wooden church of St Catherine's... the little patch of land outside the church is host to a carpet of wild orchids - the delicate pyramidal orchid see full diary : http://travel.telegraph.co.uk/travel/main.jhtml?xml=/travel/2005/04/09/etjurass09.xml *** pyramidal orchid = Anacamptis pyramidalis see http://www.imagesofdorset.org.uk/Dorset/055/06.htm *** Regards, Viateur ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] E-mail for Rudolf Jenny
Hello Icones, I believe this address for [EMAIL PROTECTED] is current. Best, Cynthia ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] our colleague, in the news
Link to a news story about Charles E. Bracker, published yesterday in the Journal and Courier (Indiana): http://www.lafayettejc.com/news20050410/200504102local_news1113152763.shtml *** Regards, Viateur ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Barkeria shoemakeri
Richard Sharp recently asked about the rest period for Barkeria shoemakeri. This species is from western Mexico in the states of Michoacan, Guerrero, and Oaxaca at elevations near 2000 ft. (610 m). In the habitat, rainfall is moderate to heavy for four to five months in summer and early autumn. The remainder of the year is very dry with only small amounts of rain recorded each month. Conditions are so dry in late winter and spring with humidity so low that even moisture from dew may be uncommon. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily while actively growing, but they must dry rapidly after watering. Water should be greatly reduced after new growths mature in autumn. During the dry season, rainfall is very low, averaging 0.5 in. (12 mm) or less each month for six to seven months from autumn into spring, but the very large range in day to night temperature often results in some additional moisture from early-morning dew. Therefore, cultivated plants should remain rather dry during this period, but they should be given occasional early morning mistings, especially on clear, sunny mornings. I hope this helps answer your question. Suggested cultural requirements for many species, including the Barkeria species, that is based on climatological data from their habitats may be obtained from our web site http://www.orchidculture.com Charlie Baker ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] cheap imports from Taiwan
The latest attempt by Hawai'i farmers to block competition from has failed. ... The Hawai'i Orchid Growers Association, which represents about 150 members, wanted U.S. courts to ban imports of potted phalaenopsis orchids from Taiwan. But the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. ruled against the Hawai'i growers late last month. The growers, fearful that Taiwanese imports will jeopardize the state's $24 million orchid industry, have vowed to continue their fight. However, with free trade efforts creating an increasingly global marketplace, they realize they may be fighting a losing battle. ... Before January, orchid growers in Taiwan could only export young, bare-root plants to the United States, where they would be potted and grown before being sold as older, more expensive plants. This year the U.S. Department of Agriculture changed the rules, allowing Taiwan farmers to export the more mature, pricier potted orchids directly into the United States. The Hawai'i orchid growers argue the Taiwan imports could bring plant-eating thrips and other pesky insects... Apart from environmental concerns, local growers worry they won't be able to compete with Taiwan growers who receive large government subsidies and have lower land and labor costs. ... Consumers may eventually benefit from lower prices. The cost would come in the form of lost jobs... source : http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2005/Apr/10/bz/bz03p.html *** Regards, Viateur ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Roots
You can see aphotograph of these roots in a book (ISBN1-84309-209-3) Orchids a practical handbook by Brian Willma Ritterhausan on page44. My objection to Catch roots, Trash roots etc. is that all orchid roots gather deteritous of varying types to feed the plant. I was trying to find a word that described the root not its function as all roots gather feed. Phototropism is a new word for me but having looked it up it may be a good description - phototropic roots. I had 3 Cirropetalum Elizabeth Ann Bucklebury growing together on the bench. Only one developed these roots. If they are Phototropic why only one? Regards ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Cypripedium calceolus, rare in the UK
From a BBC news story : orchid ... part of which was stolen from a golf club in Lancashire - is showing signs of regrowth. ... The Lady slipper - Cypripedium calceolus - is believed to be the rarest orchid in the UK. ... It thrives in UK conditions - wet winters and warm summers. Mr Petley-Jones said English Nature is currently involved in a programme of reintroducing more of the Lady Slipper orchid to the wild. see the complete news story : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/lancashire/4434427.stm *** Regards, Viateur ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: gramatophyllum
I can only assume the Illinois Orchid society show has not seen Herman Pigors plant for the last 2 yrs is because it will no longer fit in the truck! It was an amazing thing to see here in the "Northland" probably took a forkift to move! Kathy in MN ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
