[OGD] Prasophyllum uroglossum (fuscum)
The facts (another very sad story) about Prasophyllum uroglossum (fuscum) began in the 1970's when a farmer whose property adjoined the Wingecarribee Swamp decided to mine the peat bog he had found on the property. P. uroglossum preferred the wet edges of the swamp. All was well for a few years (very profitable) until the then National Parks and Wildlife Service Threatened Species Unit found the mining operations had begun to drain water from the orchid habitat and subsequently orchid numbers were diminishing. A lengthy process then began to bring the farmer into line using the laws in force at the time. These laws were sufficient to prosecute, however the enforcement of them by the government of the day was negligent. As this government was replaced in 1996 with one of a different persuasion more was expected, as the new government had a better environmental focus. However, this government also failed the NPWS and the farmer later decamped to another state (without prosecution), leaving a rapidly escalating environmental disaster, a raft of unpaid bills and several unpaid employees. My contact is a senior officer with the Department of Environment and Conservation and in his words of 2005 there are approximately 18 plants remaining in the colony (world) and the situation has deteriorated so far I do not see any way to rectify the situation, as the water cannot be returned to the orchid site. Now we have the problem of the tapping of the adjacent Kangaloon Aquifer to gain access to the subterranean water body to use for the water hungry New South Wales capital of Sydney, the population of which is growing by 1,000 people per week and all will need water for normal household activities. This situation is exacerbated by the decrease in the residential lot size, as this and all other local and state governments seek to squeeze more people into a given area despite the uncertainty of the water supply. Most of the rivers in NSW are blessed (cursed) with a dam or two and the building of more water storage facilities will not help unless we have something with which to fill them (rain). An article outlining this and other problems associated with habitat destruction appeared in Orchids Australia, February 2004 pages 56-59. Alan W Stephenson National Conservation Officer Australasian Native Orchid Society Conservation Director Australian Orchid Council___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] conservation officer (Australia) / a note of appreciation
A note of thanks to Alan W Stephenson for informing us on conservation issues in Australia. Every national orchid society would need such a dedicated orchidophile. Who is your orchid conservation officer in your region or country ? *** Regards, VB ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] IOSPE problems
Dear OGD's Please pass the word that IOSPE or www.orchidspecies.com has been deleted from the net temporarily until I can figure out server problems. I am sorry. My server changed the rules without letting me know and as such the site is gone. I am working with them to restore it but it may take a few days. The company changed hands and ultimately they say that the site when moved and fixed will be cheaper to maintain [hard to believe that they want to charge me less to have more but who am I to complain]. I was taken by surprise and am extremely sorry that this has occured and am doing all i can to restore the site. On a good note, I have been able to compile my Colombia trips into a viewable pictography and as soon as the site returns it will be avialable to view off of the index page. Or go direct to www.orchidspecies.com/colombia06.htm. There are a hundred or so photos of Colombian landscapes, habitats, culture and people. I am very happy with it and I think you will too -- Jay Pfahl ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Conservation
Oliver writes that we are headed toward a population of 9 bn people. I would like to suggest a population control project to keep things in check: Keep President Bush in office. There is no telling how many more people he can kill off if given the chance. One 'encouraging thing' is that the next three generations of U.S. citizens will be so busy working to pay off the national debt they won't have time to make babies. PAX, I wish. But to reverse paraphrase Chaimberlain I fear it is, Not for our times. Jerry in IN Oliver, 1. I think I read that Bird Flu is coming back. 2. The only reason biofuels are so big in the US is because Senator Lugar of Indiana (along with a few others trying to get re-elected) are stroking the CORN farmers. And of course the Norte' Americano is too egotistical to drive a small car that actually meets her/his needs. I think I will just go out and smell my Miltonia Laurie Kathleen and C. Bob Betts. ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] 1% for Orchid Conservation
With all the talk lately on the OGD of extinction, habitat destruction, and decline, I though it would be a good time to put in a plug for 1% for Orchid Conservation (1% FOC). Organizations that participate in 1% FOC commit to budget 1% or more of their net revenue towards in situ orchid conservation projects of their choice. The goal is to raise awareness and money for orchid conservation. Orchid societies and businesses worldwide can participate. While 1% of an orchid society's net revenue may be a small amount, if every orchid society in the world made a small commitment to in situ orchid conservation we can make an impact. In situ orchid conservation and habitat preservation are the first line of defense for safeguarding orchid species for the future. For more information on how your orchid society can participate: http://www.orchidconservationcoalition.org/program.html 1% for Orchid Conservation is a program of the Orchid Conservation Coalition. The Orchid Conservation Coalition (OCC) is a partnership of orchid societies, businesses, and conservation organizations dedicated to raise money and awareness for orchid conservation. The OCC takes in no money and distributes no money. It is a “true” nonprofit organization. There are no membership dues. Membership is by participation. The OCC is a coalition around a common interest- orchid conservation. Currently in this partnership are 5 orchid societies, 5 businesses, and 5 non-profit conservation organizations (names of participants at: http://www.orchidconservationcoalition.org/participants.html). The OCC has been endorsed by the Orchid Digest, and recently by the AOS. I have little knowledge of any difficulties at the AOS or the direction they intend to go. I can say that at the AOS's November meeting the AOS conservation committee and the AOS trustees voted to endorse the Orchid Conservation Coalition, and the Orchid Conservation Alliance. I take the AOS's endorsement of these conservation organizations as steps to be proactive, to be responsive to concerns orchid growers, and to start charting a new direction. The AOS is a big ship in the orchid world which leads to stability, but not nimbleness. Changing direction takes the participation of many people and time in an organization like the AOS. Conservation is an activity that requires an effort of many. Turning around the continuing decline of the health of the planet is going to take more time and effort then turning a ship like the AOS especially with the hurdles (population growth, energy requirement, etc.) we face now and in the future. Health of the planet and conservation are a quality of life issue that effects each of us. When Alan Stephenson talks about the destruction of orchid habitat in Australia, Simon Wellinga and Peter on species extinction and energy use, and Oliver Sparrow on population growth and its ramifications, we are talking about quality of life for each of us and future generations. Conservation is about using the earths resources smartly. 1% for Orchid Conservation, I realize is like sticking your finger into a large dam to stop a leak, but the dam is cracking everywhere. You have to start somewhere even if it is a small step in a bigger picture. Getting started is often the hardest step. Part of 1% FOC purpose is to help orchid societies and orchid growers get started. How can an individual make a difference? Lobby your orchid society to make a commitment to in situ orchid conservation. Have them consider participating in the OCC and 1%FOC. Join a conservation organization that take individual membership like the Orchid Conservation Alliance: http://www.orchidconservationalliance.org Take the first step. Our collective action today will determine the state of orchid species for future orchid growers. Hopefully, conservation efforts of orchid growers now will leave healthy populations of orchids in situ for future orchid enthusiasts. We do have a say today in the preservation of orchid species. Mark Sullivan http://www.orchidconservationcoalition.org ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] pebbles in trays for humidity
Hello all, I hear and read over and over again that orchids in the home should be grown sitting over trays of water with pebbles to keep the pots out of the water, yet I seem to recall reading somewhere that this doesn't help raise the humidity at all. What do you experts have to say about this? Has anything been published? Thank you, Sjean in California - Any questions? Get answers on any topic at Yahoo! Answers. Try it now.___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
Re: [OGD] pebbles in trays for humidity
Hi Sjean,In an open air environment it may not even make a 2% difference in RH. If the tray is covered witha clear plastic dome, the RH can be controlled very nicely, up to a very high value, by opening or closingthe air vents in the top. If there are no vents, cut some in the dome and use strips of tape to open and close them.peterSjean who said:..trays of water with pebbles to keep the pots out of the water, yet I seem to recall reading somewhere that this doesn't help raise the humidity at all. ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
Re: [OGD] pebbles in trays for humidity
Did anybody try using terrarium glasboxes for orchid growing? an example: https://sklep.aquael.pl/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10001storeId=10001categoryId=10925langId=-1parent_category_rn=10508top_category=10508 regards martin ps. I am think of buying one ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
Re: [OGD] Humidity Trays PS
There was an article published in Orchids magazine around 1996. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
Re: [OGD] pebbles in trays for humidity
Sjean in California, I use pebbles and stainless steel trays. I have 21 square feet (2 square meters) at two different locations on two levels of the house. Most of the orchids are placed in open baskets on the rocks. Most of the orchids (and bromeliads) are in clay pots which pass water vapor (rather than plastic pots) creating additional humidification of the surroundings. The plants create their own humidity through transpiration. The house is heated (when needed) with a humidifier built into the forced air furnace system. Common sense helps distribute water vapor within the house. As other readers noted, circulating air is helpful. The timing of showers, clothes and dish washing throughout the day/evening will add humidity. And, of course, a house that doesn't leak good air! These efforts provide a comfortable atmosphere for me. I need humidity as a medical necessity. I have learned to maximize opportunities for an overall cumulative effect. I always look for more ways to conserve or add humidity I am not an expert on humidity in the home. I practice common sense. Also, I'm sure my that my location helps. I wouldn't tolerate the North or a desert. --Stitz in Maryland, USA ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Humidity Trays
Sjean, Since water itself weighs 8 lbs/gal, using pebbles in the trays increases the weight significantly. You might want to consider using 2 layers of eggcrate instead. Not to be confused w/the foam mattress topper, these are white acrylic or styrene lighting panels or louvers, usually used in commercial lighting fixtures. The panels are ~3/8 thick the squares are 1/2 wide. Each panel is roughly 2' x 4' cost is ~US$10. Here's a site where you can see what eggcrate looks like if you're not familiar with it: http://www.professionalplastics.com/cgi-bin/main/co_disp/displ/prrfnbr/85316 /sesent/00/Eggcrate-Louvers---Lighting It can be cut to size. I found the easiest way is using a small pair of wire cutters, but I've also used a hacksaw. The plastic is hard brittle. If you stack 2 sheets you won't have to fill the trays as often. Our homes are so dry this time of year the water evaporates faster than you'd think. Adding a few drops of Physan (RD-20 or Consan 20) to each tray will help keep the algae down too. And as others have said, using some kind of tent increases the benefit. Good growing. Sandy Hardy Savannah, GA Would you like to share my orchid photos? Please be sure to sign the guest book. http://community.webshots.com/user/sthardy ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
Re: [OGD] Conservation
Gerald wrote: Oliver, 1. I think I read that Bird Flu is coming back. 2. The only reason biofuels are so big in the US is because Senator Lugar of Indiana (along with a few others trying to get re-elected) are stroking the CORN farmers. And of course the Norte' Americano is too egotistical to drive a small car that actually meets her/his needs. hey, HEY! I drive a Saturn SL2. and this after convincing several people at work that no, I don't want my next vehicle to be a truck. no, I'm not a truck person. no, if I need to haul something I'll go to UHAUL and rent a van. no, I still feel cool driving a Saturn and not a GMC Denali or a Hum Vee. Gas mileage is for me. I'm an average north american,... (well, maybe not). ; ) : ) and another point is that from what I've read or heard, biofuels are trendy but they use more energy than what they create. What is the point? Another one of those things that seem great on paper or in the boardroom. Of course, we in the horticultural wholesale business know that the best way to get rid of a weed is to domesticate it. I think we can propagate oxalis, dandelions, golden rod and other plants notable as invasives and make great biofuel out of them. Just about the time those plants get domesticated they will get all sorts of pests and diseases, people will dig them up, and they will become rare. (tongue slightly in cheek) to make this an orchid post, my yellow phrag besseae is in flower again (with even a third bud on the way). Phals sumatrana, schilleriana, stuartiana, several equestris' and venosa all in flower. Phal sanderiana flower spike still growing into lights and burning back, and last but not least fragrant Burrageara Kilauea 'Hawaii' is in flower after benign neglect after acquiring at orchid club raffle table (neglect because I didn't know what to do with something that wasn't a 'phal', wasn't a species and was probably a box store orchid). Despite all of those points, I've decided I like it and will keep it. Winter has decided to make a comeback, I just hope it doesn't decide to stick around as long as Rocky Balboa. regards, charles -- charles ufford oriskany, ny usa ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] 2007 IPA Symposium at Taiwan Orchid Plantation March 9-11 with an orchid tour through Thailand before Feb 23-Mar 9
Have you thought about travelling to the 2007 IPA Symposium? (at the Taiwan Orchid Plantation, March 9-11 plus the two day trips to the orchid nurseries March 12 13) I have! But to go all that way, why not see more? I just returned from a December orchid sojurn through Southeast Asia... spending several days each in Bangkok, Singapore, Bali and Hong Kong. I attended the December Horticultural Fair in Bangkok where there were orchid entries from 17 countries. I've posted some highlights at Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/classicorchids/ More will follow. The IPA event was just the excuse I needed to go back. You see I have travelled with Mr. Ed Boyett from Atlanta on a few orchid trips to Ecuador. I would like to continue his 20 year history of leading orchid enthusiasts on tours to Thailand and other destinations in the Orient. I've just checked the air travel to book a roundtrip from Atlanta to Taiwan on the major airlines. Tonight economy airfares were from $3600 to $4200 USD. I've put together an itenerary to tour through Thailand and then have the option of going on to the IPA Symposium. comes to $4007 and the option to travel on to the IPA Symposium is just $505, which again includes flights and ground transportation, hotels and most meals including taxes. I have space for 15 people. If you're interested please send an email or to learn more please check my next email. Lee Bredeson [EMAIL PROTECTED]___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
Re: [OGD] Prasophyllum uroglossum (fuscum)
Alan Stephenson wrote : there are approximately 18 plants remaining in the colony (world) and the situation has deteriorated so far I do not see any way to rectify the situation, Alan Rome burnt whilst Nero fiddled What is the Australian Orchid Council doing to try and grow this species from seed and trying to keep it alive in cultivation? If you can get it to grow in cultivation then there will always be a reservoir of plants available to reintroduce it somewhere. Even though it may have no commercial value I am sure that there are enough species nuts who would welcome the challenge to try and grow it. Keep well and kind regards Mike South Africa -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.9/623 - Release Date: 2007/01/11 ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Itinerary for Thailand and 2007 IPA Symposium in Taiwan
Email # 2. This adventurous tour originates in Atlanta Feb 22 and some may join us in Los Angeles. We arrive in Bangkok to stay at the ROYAL ORCHID SHERATON HOTEL and activities include the Royal Grand Palace, two orchid nurseries, the Temple Dawn, Damnernsaduak Floating Market, Nakorn Pathom with the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia, Thai village show and enjoy the orchids at the Royal Rose Garden. Flight to Ubon Ratchathani visiting Khong Jiam at the confluence of the Mekong and Mun rivers, visit Sao Chaliang and Pha Taem Cliff for a view of the Mekong River and Laos, Wat Supattaram Woraviharn (the architecture of the main temple is a mix of Thai, European and Khmer styles), Wat Thung Si Muang constructed in the reign of King Rama III (1824-51), visit Ubol National Museum (formerly the palace of King Ram VI) with a stop at Chong Mek on the border to Laos, an evening to enjoy a selection of northern Thai cultural performances and fine cuisine. Next a full day tour visiting an elephant camp to see elephants at work, ride an elephant into the forest crossing the river, enjoy and oxcart ride and a bamboo rafting adventure. Travel to Koi Angkhang visiting an orchid farm enroute, visit the Royal Angkhang Agricultural Station Project set up in 1969 under the King's auspices. Visit an orchid nursery near Chiang Mai. Travel to Chiang Mai airport for the flight to Mae Hong Son. Ride through the jungle on elephants followed by a drive through the jungle to visit the Long Neck Karen Padaung Village. The women in this village wear numerous brass coils around their necks and legs, and a boat ride on the Pai River. Flight via Chiang Mai to Bangkok. Viisit an orchid nursery where you can buy orchid flasks with documents for legal transport on our flights home. Some orchid travellers will go on for the 2007 IPA Symposium arriving back in US on March 15th. Others may have opted to return to the US arriving in Atlanta on the March 10th. There are 15 spaces available for orchid travellers. If you'd like to join us please send an email. Lee Bredeson [EMAIL PROTECTED]___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
