OCSA_Bulletin2013-02 - Orchid Club of South Australia Inc.

THE ORCHID CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA INC.
Published by The Orchid Club of South Australia Inc.
Next Meeting
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN
Enfield Community Centre
540 Regency Road, Enfield
February 7th at 8:00pm
PROGRAM 2013
DATE
PRESENTER
TOPIC
th
Graeme Hazledine
Phalaenopsis in Holland
th
7 March
Ron Parish
Pleurothalidinae Culture
4th April
Brian Noone - Propagation & Cloning of Capers
7 February
ORCHID
BULLETIN
February 2013
Web Site: www.orchidclubofsouthaustraliainc.com
Print Post Approved PP500080/0019
DAY GROUP MEETINGS
Enfield Community Centre,
540 Regency Road, Enfield
(Bus Stop 119 Bus No 300 Circle Line)
2:00pm to 4:00pm
DATE
th
8 February
8th March
12th April
PRESENTER
TOPIC
Graeme Zerbe
Virus Information
Panel
Question & Answer
Auctioneer
Auction
DIARY DATES FOR THE 2012/2013 SEASON
7th April 2013
Bunnings Barbecue –Woodville Store
th
st
20 – 21 April 2013
Festival of Flowers – Enfield Community Centre
th
th
13 – 14 July 2013
Winter Show – Enfield Community Centre
nd
2 November 2013
Socializing with Sarcs. – Enfield Community Centre
th
th
6 – 14 September 2013
Spring Show – R.A. & H.S.
Registrar’s Choice Dendrobium Sydney ‘Doreen’
Grown by Roger Herraman
A Member of the Australian Orchid Council Inc.
OCSA
24
February 2013
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORCHID CLUBS
ORCHID CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA - LIFE MEMBERS
1966
1970
1974
1975
1975
1976
1978
1979
1980
1984
1985
1985
1985
1985
1985
1985
1985
1986
1987
1987
1988
1988
1990
1992
Neil Christoph†
H C England†
Bernie Hansen†
Rex Thompson†
Syd Monkhouse
John Lewis
Mick Chenoweth†
Merv Strout†
Colin Jennings
Merv Donhardt†
Russell Schultz†
Harry Lambert
John Harris
Kath Harris†
Barbara Clayton
Lorraine Cottle
Myrnie Jennings
Nick Packard†
Margaret Hewitt
Shirley Monkhouse
Don Gallagher
Kel Staples
Allan Sullivan†
Bill White†
1992
1994
1994
1996
1996
1997
1998
1999
2001
2002
2003
2007
2007
2007
2007
2007
2008
2008
2009
2009
2010
2012
2012
† Denotes
Roy Hargreaves†
Reg Shooter
Enid Brooking
Ted Chance
Marjorie Chance
Eric Furness†
Cyril Clifford†
Don Nesbitt
Sally White
Richard Fishlock
Bob Collins†
Reg Faulkner
Pat Faulkner
Peter Hills
Coralie Hills
Judy Penny
David Harmer
Pat Harmer
Russell Job
Edda Viskic
Gordon Hewitt†
Murray Baulderstone
Leo Micenko
Deceased
NOTES FOR FEBRUARY 2013
Next OCSA Judges Meeting: 7.30pm 11th February 2013 at Enfield Community Centre.
Regional Judging Panel –7.30pm 18th March 2013 at Pultney Grammar School.
JUDGES ROSTER FOR FEBRUARY 2013
OPEN:
FIRST:
)
L. Nesbitt (L)
R. Rankin
S. Howard
T. Garard (R)
P. Rankin (L)
R. Shooter
R. Riggs
J. Argent (R)
OPEN
W. Lodge
SECOND: )
WHAT
CAUGHT THE
JUDGE’S EYE:
FIRST
J. Gay
SECOND
D. Gallagher
RESERVES:
P. Harmer
K. Minne
COMPUTER:
B. Gay
L. Fenton
HOSTS:
Chris Moncrieff
OCSA
2
Cymbidium Orchid Club of S.A.
Secretary: R. O’Donohue
Ph. (08) 8445 6923
2 Ross Avenue, Seaton SA 5023
Gawler Districts Orchid Club
Secretary: Murray Page
Ph. (08) 8250 0689
PO Box 32, Gawler, SA 5118
Millicent Orchid Society
Secretary: Robert Wood
Ph. (08) 8723 2953
c/o 37 Wehl Street North Mount Gambier
Sth. Aust. 5290
Mount Gambier Orchid Society
Secretary: Thea Shaughnessy
Ph. (08) 8725 9051
PO Box 2455 Mount Gambier SA 5290
Murray Bridge & Districts Orchid Club
Secretary: Wendy Schmerl
Mob. 0435 909 246
PO Box 652, Murray Bridge, SA 5253
Native Orchid Society of S.A.
Secretary: Robert Lawrence
Ph. (08) 8294 8014
PO Box 565, Unley, SA 5061
Northern & Eastern Districts Orchid
Society
Secretary: Tony Fawcett
Ph. (08) 8331 8956
103 Beulah Rd, Norwood, SA 5067
Port Augusta Orchid Club
Secretary: Coral Ellis
Ph. (08) 8643 6016
PO Box 1752
Port. Augusta SA 5700
Port Lincoln Orchid Club
Secretary: Shirley Rawlins
Ph. (08) 8682 8237
PO Box 1335 Port Lincoln SA 5606
Port Pirie & Districts Orchid Club
Secretary: Rob Worden
Ph. (08) 8633 0894
42 Ferme Street, Port Pirie
Sth. Aust. 5540
Riverland Orchid Society
Secretary: Marianne Lynch
Ph. (08) 8588 7384
PO Box 746, Berri, SA 5343
South Australian Orchidaceous Society
Secretary: Trevor Jacob
Ph. (08) 8346 6155
PO Box 161, Brooklyn Park SA 5032
South Coast Orchid Club of S.A.
Secretary: Lucy Spear
Ph. (08) 8381 4420
6 David Street, Happy Valley, SA 5159
Sunraysia Orchid Club
Secretary: Dianne Cavanagh
Ph. (03) 5023 5411
PO Box 1818 Mildura Vic. 3502
Whyalla Orchid Club
Secretary: Bill Davidson
Ph. (08) 8645 4198
PO Box 566, Whyalla, SA 5600
INFLATION: One of the benefits of inflation is that kids can no longer get sick on a
dollars worth of sweets.
February 2013
OCSA
23
February 2013
Miles Harper – Club Solicitor
Can help your legal transactions
Wills and Estates are a speciality
First interview FREE for OCSA members
262 – 266 Pirie Street, Adelaide, SA 5000
Ph: 7100 5458 Email: [email protected]
Garden City Plastics
An OCSA Preferred Supplier of your Potting & Horticultural Needs
Available from the OCSA Trading Table
The Official Bulletin of The Orchid Club of S.A. Inc.
Patron:
Mrs. Liz Scarce
Management Committee
President
Russell Job
PO Box 10
Forest Range SA 5139
Ph (08) 8389 8402
[email protected]
Senior Vice President
Murray Baulderstone(VP)
Ph (08) 8276 3771
Show Marshal
Trevor Camac
Ph (08) 8396 4414
Secretary
Edda Viskic
G.P.O. Box 730
Adelaide SA 5001
Ph (08) 8389 8402
[email protected]
Junior Vice President
Graham Hein (VP)
Ph (08) 8396 1989
Day Group Coordinator
Pat Harmer
Ph (08) 8250 0718
Treasurer
Graham Hein
566 Milne Road
Banksia Park SA 5091
Ph (08) 8396 1989
[email protected]
Registrar of Judges
Ron Yates
Ph (08) 8264 6973
Editor
David Harmer
Ph (08) 8250 0718
Social Events Coordinator
Edda Viskic Ph 8389 8402
Adelaide Digital & Reflex Printing
Your OCSA Preferred Printer for Best Quality and Consistency
Ph: (08)8349 9511
[email protected]
Committee
Dave Harmer Ph 8250 0718
Pat Harmer Ph 8250 0718
Trevor Camac Ph 8396 4414
Email: [email protected]
Allan Stewart Ph 8248 2775
John Drummond Ph 8248 1739
Editors Contact for Copy: [email protected] or 8250 0718
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor or the
Committee of The Orchid Club of South Australia Inc.
Registrar’s Choice ‘FLOWER of the MONTH’ digital image by David Harmer.
Simply Ice
Your OCSA Preferred Supplier of Food Grade Ice for your function
Available at a Foodland Store or Selected Service Stations near you
Supporters of OCSA
& The Festival of Flowers
Manufacturers of all your fertilising needs for garden, potted plants & Orchids
Website: www.neutrog.com.au
COPYRIGHT: All contributions to this Bulletin which have acknowledged authors are automatically covered
Contents
Life Members
Notes & Judging Roster
President’s November News
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Subscriptions for 2013
Guest Speaker for February
Guest Speaker – Day Group
Day Group Reports
Cultural Observation for February
Registrar’s Choice
What Caught the Judge’s Eye
How the Best were Grown
What’s in a Name
2
2
4
4
4
5
5
5
6
8
9
10
11
Registrar’s 2012 Report
Species Meeting
Cymbidium suave
Dendrobium jenkinsii
Orchids In Schools
Vale Peter Galpin
Annual Aggregate Points
Did you Know
Bunnings Barbecue Report
December Floral Results
Classified Advertisements’
SA Orchid Club Contacts Details
Coming Events Program
12
12
14
15
15
16
17
17
18
18
21
23
24
by copyright. We believe that most authors would be willing to allow free use of articles if written approval is
sought from them through the Secretary of the club.
OCSA
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February 2013
OCSA
3
February 2013
President's Report 2012
SUPPORT YOUR CLUB SPONSORS
It has been an interesting and challenging year, my first as President and I thank
the committee and the members for the pleasure of the experience. We have enjoyed
meetings and workshops, with a variety of speakers and presenters to provide informative
orchid growing and showing tips. The topics covered included Mysteries of the
Cymbidium World with Dr. R. Robinson, Phalaenopsis culture by S. Howard, Virus
Awareness by G. Zerbe, Singapore Orchid Show by C. Jennings, as well as Asbestos
Information and Carnivorous Plants.
Thanks for your assistance and support of our activities during the year including
the Auction, Raffles, Donations for Workshops, Trading Table plants and donations to our
High Schools program.
Special thanks to all members who give time and energy to support our Autumn, Winter
and Spring Shows as well as Socialising with Sarcs. night. Thanks to those members who
roster on Sausage Sizzle Promotion Events and lend a hand at meetings with setting up the
hall and rooms and providing the refreshments, your efforts are much appreciated.
Committee is developing a questionnaire to assist with the Five Year Plan to
guide our future programs. Please assist us with your responses so we can use your ideas
and continue to provide positive items on orchid culture.
I have enjoyed being a member of such a friendly and active team and wish you
well in the coming year.
Russell Job, President.
-ooo0ooo-
NOTICE OF THE 2013 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Annual General Meeting of the Club will be held on Thursday 7th February 2013. At
this meeting the positions of President, Vice President(2) Secretary, and Committee
members fall vacant.
Nomination for those positions were called in December and nominations received were:
President: Russell Job, Vice President: Trevor Camac, Secretary: Edda Viskic, Treasurer:
Graham Hein and Committee for a two year term were Chris Heysen, Trevor Garrard and
Peter Lukeman. Any casual vacancies will be filled by committee at their next meeting on
the 4th March.
Edda Viskic - Secretary
-ooo0ooo-
Major Sponsor of OCSA’s Spring Show
The Royal Adelaide Show is held September 7th – 15th 2012
weathersafe™ shades
SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR 2013 ARE NOW DUE
Your committee has decided to keep annual subscriptions for 2013 the
same as they have been in the past. Subscriptions for 2013 will be:
$35 for a Family
$30.00 for a Joint
$25.00 for a Single
Payment may be made by post or to the Treasurer’s Desk at the next
Monthly Meeting. Thanking you.
20 Bennet Avenue, Melrose Park
Ph: 8276 1111
website: www.weathersafe.com.au
Your Supplier of Shadecloth, Shade Sails and Fixtures
Graham Hein Treasurer
OCSA
4
February 2013
OCSA
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February 2013
Oncidiinae – Species
1. Onc. sphacelatum
Paphiopedilum – Maudiae Category
1. Paph. Love Maud
Paphiopedilum – Non-Standard Shape Hybrid
1. Paph. Vera Pellechia
2. Paph. Duo de Citron
3. Paph. Saint. Swithin
Other Genera – Hybrid not listed elsewhere
1. Lycaste Unknown
Orchid Seedling (Any Genera)
1. Paph. Duo de Citron
GUEST SPEAKER FOR FEBRUARY
Wendy Lodge
Kris Kopicki
Brian Coombe
Allan Jeffries & James Argent
Brian Coombe
Our February night meeting speaker on the 7th February will be Graeme
Hazledine with a presentation on ‘Phalaenopsis in Holland’. Graeme and
Maureen recently had the pleasure of visiting a Phalaenopsis Nursery in
Holland whilst on holidays and Graeme has put together a wonderful presentation on these
sensational plants. Don’t miss this one as I am sure you will be amazed.
-ooo0ooo-
Wendy Lodge
GUEST SPEAKER - FEBRUARY DAY GROUP
Allan Jeffries & James Argent
SECOND DIVISION
Dendrobium – Hybrid – Other than Australian Native
1. Den. Unknown
Allan & Jillian Kilsby
Laeliinae – Non-Standard Shape Hybrid 60mm to 100mm
1. C. [Bc.] Tropical Pointer 'Cheetah'
Allan & Jillian Kilsby
2. C. [B.] perrinii x Gur. aurantiaca
Chris & Lyn Heysen
3. Ctt.( Chicanery x Madge Fordyce)
Trevor & Gwen Camac
Oncidiinae – Hybrid containing Odontoglossum
1. Onc. [Wils.] Hilda Plumtree 'Purple Wings'
Trevor & Gwen Camac
2. Onc. [Colm.] Space Race
Chris & Lyn Heysen
3. Onc. [Odtna.] Debutante 'Oxbow'
Chris & Lyn Heysen
Oncidiinae – Oncidium Hybrid
1. Onc. Gower Ramsey
Trevor & Gwen Camac
Phalaenopsis/Dor. – Non-Standard Shape Hybrid
1. Dtps. [Phal.] I-Hsin Sun Beauty
Chris & Lyn Heysen
2. Phal. Baldan's Kaleidoscope
Chris & Lyn Heysen
Phalaenopsis/Dor. – Standard Shape Hybrid over 80mm
1. Phal. Unknown
Chris & Lyn Heysen
2. Phal. Unknown
Chris & Lyn Heysen
Other Genera – Species not listed elsewhere
1. Bif. harrisoniae
Trevor & Gwen Camac
The ‘Day Group’ meeting will be held on Friday 8th February from 2.00pm to 4.00pm and
our ‘Guest Speaker’ will be Graham Zerbe. Graham will give us a presentation on ‘Virus’
which as we all know is an extremely important subject necessary for the well being of our
orchid collections. Graham will show us some images of virus in many different plants
which will help you to recognise this unwanted disease. Don’t miss this meeting as it is a
very important one
Pat Harmer – Speaker Coordinator
-ooo0ooo-
2012 DAY GROUP REPORT
Once again we have experienced a very successful Day Group. We were entertained with
some very expert ‘Guest Speakers’ throughout the year on some very interesting topics.
Our yearly auction was again an extremely successful one raising many dollars for our
club. Thank you to all my ‘Day Group’ members who support this occasion. Our
beginner’s group has been a big highlight of the year with members learning all the
necessary information for good orchid growing. An excellent showing of plants brought in
by the members and commentaries given by our expert judges has also been a wonderful
part of the year. I must say a very special thank you to all the people who help in any way,
without you our ‘Day Group’ would not run as successfully as it does. To all our members
I say thank you for your support throughout the year and I look forward to entertaining
you for the 9th year of our ‘Day Group’.
Pat Harmer – Day Group Coordinator
-ooo0ooo-
MEMBERS PLEASE CHECK THIS LIST
WITH YOUR PLANT LABELS
THE FOLLOWING ORCHIDS HAVE BEEN REGISTERED
Grower Number
Crossing
Registration
Paph. Duo de Citron
433
Paph. (primulinum x Gold
Dollar)
70
Dtps. Ever Spring Prince x
Dtps. Dendi’s Prince
Phal. Dendi’s Lip
PLEASE CHANGE YOUR LABELS TO THE REGISTERED and/or
NAME CHANGE, thank you.
OCSA
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February 2013
DECEMBER DAY GROUP REPORT
What a fun day we had at our Xmas break up meeting. 32 members and friends were
entertained with a video presentation from David Harmer. David showed us some
extraordinary presentations on bird life, butterflies, cactus flowers, digital editing and a
few comical interludes put together with beautiful relaxing music. Thank you David for a
wonderful presentation I know you put a lot of work into creating them. Thank you Reg
Shooter for taking the beginner’s group and again I know our members really appreciate
your efforts. We had some very nice plants benched and Richard Fishlock and Ron Yates
once again gave a very informative commentary. Our ‘Gift Exchange’ segment went very
well with everyone getting a little surprise for Xmas. At this point I must sincerely thank
OCSA
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February 2013
you the members for your support throughout the year and a very special thank you to the
following people who without their help I could not successfully present our ‘Day Group’.
Margaret Hewitt & Murray Baulderstone, Ron Yates, Trevor Camac, Yvonne Arthur, Reg
Shooter, Richard Fishlock, Don Gallagher, Iain Kilpatrick, Trevor Garard and David H.
By the time you all receive this report I hope you have enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and
are on the way to having a happy and healthy new year.
Pat Harmer – Day Group Coordinator
-ooo0ooo-
CULTURAL OBSERVATIONS FOR FEBRUARY
The peak of our heat and dryness is now upon us and with it comes
maximum care. One single day of 40 plus temperatures will ruin
new growths and dry up tender new growth root tips. A heat wave
can obliterate an entire collection. It would be wise to have a
backup plan to look after plants during these extremes. This can
range from a heavy watering in the morning, followed by regular
misting and wetting the ground to keep that all important humidity
up as well as providing additional shading. In some cases placing
soft plants under benches and even bringing them inside the house
is an option. Some growers will spray plants with an anti
transpiration agent to prevent water loss thru the leaves. It would pay to check plants from
last year that suffered signs of heat stress and intense light. Sunburnt patches, tip die back
and pitting caused by cell collapse are all signs of a plants lack of tolerance to heat stress
and these should be the first plants offered protection. This should be another diary entry.
For example in my collection it’s Cym. tracyanum, Sarco. falcatus, the entire Masdevallia
collection and my Den. monophyllum that all go inside the house when over 40C as all
these plants suffer badly. Also any of my awarded plants are treated the same. I take no
chances here. Many of the hanging plants are dropped to the ground, e.g. Oncidiums,
Stanhopeas and the Brassia’s and some of the soft leaved Lycastes go under the benches.
Sarcochilus go under a wet sheet held 2 feet above them that is kept that way all day (I
have a good wife). Most orchids come from places where the growing season is also the
wettest so 40C and 2% humidity is foreign to the bulk of our collections. Somehow
Adelaide does not know the meaning of wet unless you happen to be fortunate to be
underneath one of those all too rare thunderstorms one afternoon and even then they move
too fast for the rains to be of any benefit.
Despite the heat we get this time of year growth in the orchid house is rapid. Now is the
time to start cooling down the cymbidiums with a fine spray in the evenings to give the
plants the required temperature drop to commence spike initiation as well as change to a
more balanced fertiliser with a higher potash level. For those with a collection of late
flowering Cyms, those with Cym. devonianum or the Australian trio in the background,
now is a good time to divide them as they perform better when divided in the warmer
months than they do in the cooler months..
Many of our Cattleyas and Laeliinae tribe now have new growths well underway and a
new crop of roots showing indicating reception to water and feed which should be around
3 to 4 times a week for the water and once on the feed unless you feed at every watering
OCSA
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February 2013
1. C. walkeriana 'Kerry'
Suzanne Saunders
2. E. aromatica
Ron & Irene Parish
3. L. [C.] purpurata var. coerulea
Richard & Beryl Wilson
Laeliinae – Standard Shape Hybrid 60mm to 100mm
1. Rth. Twentyfour Carat x Ctt. Aussie Sunset
Richard & Beryl Wilson
Oncidiinae – Oncidium Hybrid
1. Onc. Sydney 'Doreen'
Roger Herraman
2. Onc. Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance'
John & Bev Gay
Paphiopedilum – Non-Standard Shape Hybrid
1. Paph. Song of Love
Suzanne Saunders
2. Paph. Vera Pellechia
Graeme & Maureen Hazledine
Paphiopedilum – Species
1. Paph. esquirolei
Suzanne Saunders
Phalaenopsis/Dor. – Non-Standard Shape Hybrid
3. Dtps. Dendi's Prince
Russell Job & Edda Viskic
Phalaenopsis/Dor. – Species
1. Phal. mariae
Ron & Irene Parish
2. Phal. mannii
Ron & Irene Parish
3. Phal. parishii
Ron & Irene Parish
Vandeae – Non-Standard Shape Hybrid
2. V. (Meryrl Velthuis x Coerulea)
Fred Cawse
3. V. [Mkra.] Chark Kuan Delight 'Strawberry'
Fred Cawse
Vandeae – Standard Shape Hybrid
1. Ptra. Blue Boy 'Jill'
Russell Job & Edda Viskic
2. Srts. Toowoomba Sparkle 'Hubba
Iain & Ros Kilpatrick
3. Vasco. Pine Rivers 'Udom's Blue'
Russell Job & Edda Viskic
Zygopetalinae – Hybrid Inter-generic
2. Zba.[(Elfin Jade x Tarcoola) x Z. Helen Ku
Russell Job & Edda Viskic
Other Genera – Hybrid not listed elsewhere
1. Phrag. Calurum
Graeme & Maureen Hazledine
2. Mas. Marguerite
Russell Job & Edda Viskic
Other Genera – Species not listed elsewhere
1. Pths. viduata 'Fox Den'
Ron & Irene Parish
2. Dda. edwallii
Ron & Irene Parish
3. Coel. flaccida
Russell Job & Edda Viskic
Orchid Seedling (Any Genera)
1. Paph. Song of Love
Suzanne Saunders
FIRST DIVISION
Australian Native Epiphyte - Species
1. Sarco. australis
Kris Kopicki
2. Sarco. hillii
Kris Kopicki
3. Sarco. hirticalcar
Kris Kopicki
Cymbidium – under 60mm Red/Pink/Brown
1. Cym. Phar Lap 'Geyserland'
Andrew Koch
Laeliinae – Non-Standard Shape Hybrid 60mm to 100mm
1. Psh. Green Hornet
Rito & Rosetta Silvestri
OCSA
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February 2013
Report on Bunning’s Barbecue
Our latest barbecue at Bunning’s was held on Sunday 16th December.
Despite quite a windy day everything went very well and our Treasurer
was pleased with our profit of $1800. Seventeen members worked
throughout the day to whom I must say a very special thanks, without
these dedicated members we would not be able to earn such an
incredible amount of money for our club. Thank you also to those
members who brought some amazing plants for us to show the public although it was hard
to keep them from blowing over in the wind they were much appreciated.
Pat Harmer
-ooo0ooo-
DECEMBER MONTHLY FLORAL RESULTS
BEST ORCHID OPEN DIVISION AND REGISTRAR’S CHOICE
Oncidium Sydney ‘Doreen’ grown by Roger Herraman
BEST ORCHID FIRST DIVISION
Paphiopedilum Love Maud grown by Kris Kopicki
BEST ORCHID SECOND DIVISION
Phalaenopsis Unknown grown by Chris & Lyn Heysen
BEST SEEDLING
Paphiopedilum Song of Love grown by Suzanne Saunders
OPEN DIVISION
Australian Native Epiphyte - Hybrid
1. Sarco. Heidi
Russell Job & Edda Viskic
2. Cym. Little Black Sambo 'Black Magic'
Gordon & Coralie Hime
3. Sarco. Sweetheart
Russell Job & Edda Viskic
Australian Native Epiphyte - Species
1. Cym. canaliculatum 'Gladstone'
John & Bev Gay
2. Sarco. fitzgeraldii
Nesbitts Orchids
3. Sarco. hartmanii
Nesbitts Orchids
Australian Native Terrestrial - Species
1. Diuris drummondii 'Buttery'
Nesbitts Orchids
Cymbidium – 60mm to 90mm Yellow/Green
1. Cym. Hearts of Gold 'Enfield'
Nesbitts Orchids
Cymbidium – under 60mm Any Other Colour
1. Cym. Iris Bannochie
Les Burgess
Laeliinae – Non-Standard Shape Hybrid 60mm to 100mm
1. Lc. Tropical Pointer 'Cheetah'
Graeme & Maureen Hazledine
2. C. [Slc.] Fire Magic
Russell Job & Edda Viskic
Laeliinae – Non-Standard Shape Hybrid Cluster
1. Ctt. [Lc.] Trick or Treat
Iain & Ros Kilpatrick
2. Epi. Pacific Whimsy
Graeme & Maureen Hazledine
Laeliinae - Species
OCSA
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February 2013
with a diluted feed which I prefer. Don’t forget to let them dry out in between watering.
Oncidiums also in the same growth stage but would be a little further advanced compared
to the cats with some already starting to fill out. They love moisture around the roots this
time of year, especially the mounted ones but keep to a weaker feed as they are not hungry
as some other genera. A half strength mix is fine. Potted plants are watered twice weekly,
even more if very hot and daily if mounted. Onc flexuosum hybrids and species are in
flower now as well as that old favourite that everyone should have, Gower Ramsey.
Our Paphiopedilums should have maximum shade now and be frequently watered using
rainwater. Salt levels in Adelaide tap water over summer are at their highest and can
damage salt sensitive plants such as the Paphiopedilums and Phragmipediums. Some early
varieties are already in spike. Remember to keep the water out of the leaf axils otherwise
they will rot off and there goes a year’s work. Terrestrial re potting should be finished by
now but it’s not too late. Up until March is still OK but the later you leave it the higher the
risk of the tubers sprouting and being damaged in the process.
Native epiphytes should have new growths well advanced and some that are only just
starting. They grow quickly. Keep the water out of the growths as well to avoid fungal
problems such as spotting and damping off (boil, as it is sometimes known as). Keep and
eye out on the leaves. Any sign of pitting is generally heat related which means these
plants need more care when it’s hot. This is most noticeable on those with thicker leaves
such as Den. speciosum and related hybrids. As you get to know your plants you soon
learn which ones have problems at different times of year.
Pest problems are the two spotted mites that relish the dryness of summer. Check the
undersides of the leaves for the telltale fine threads of webbing, the silvery appearance
they leave and if your eyesight is really keen you can actually see them. Control with
Mavrik™ as a contact spray and ensure leaves are covered both sides and Rogor™ as a
systemic that will kill them and you if you if you are not careful! Eco oil and Natrasoap™
are a couple of other preparations that are more eco friendly to the habitat and the user! I
find that Cyms, especially the green ones are most susceptible to the mites, in fact any of
those Cyms with broader leaves seem to be the preferred plant for the mites. Other softer
leaved orchids such as Lycaste, Zygopetalum and Oncidiums do have their problems as
well, but not as bad as the humble cymbidium. They don’t mind the odd native either and
especially seedlings. Another new problem child this year is the plague thrip. He carries
some of the worst diseases known with spotted wilt on tomatoes the worst. I know. My
entire Sarcochilus flowering went from fab to stuffed in a couple of days when these
blighters moved in. This was my fault though, as it was in my diary that late October was
the time to start spraying. I should read my own notes someday!! I also lost most of my
hippeastrums and gladioli to the same pests. They can suck sap from an infected plant and
transfer it to a healthy plant and given the heightened awareness of viral problems this is
the last thing we want.. Best with a contact spray such as Malathion™ or pre infestation
use a systemic. Earwigs and millipedes are bad this year as well as well as the humble
cockroach.. Carbaryl™ and the humble blue snail pellet fixes them up. If you see roots
getting chewed off and you cannot see the culprit go out at night with the torch to see
what’s on the go or put the pot into a bucket of water with the level up to the edge of the
pot. This will force out any nasties in the bark and you will be surprised what crawls out. I
had a hanging and expensive orchid losing root tips and could not work out what or why
so I did the same test. Being a hanging plant how could the bugs get in? The culprit was a
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February 2013
cockroach (yes! they can fly) and a heap of slaters that I guess came in with the bark I
used. Another lesson learnt that I should treat the bark or boil it first. The same bark also
has provided me with several centipedes, not what I want in my indoor phalaenopsis
collection. I am not scared of spiders but centipedes scare the living daylights out of me.
So it is obvious that these sneak into the bark somewhere along the line before I use the
bark.
There is never many plants in flower this time of year and for those newer growers it is
time to see what is benched and try them. Most will grow OK with the natives and the
Cyms. Brassia verrucosa, Onc. flexuosum & Gower Ramsey, Neofinetia falcata and
Sartylis are all flowering OK in my house and if I can grow them so can you. If you can’t
get a reed stemmed Epidendrum and if that won’t flower may I suggest a new hobby!!
The main chore this month is keeping the moisture and humidity up but don’t overwater as
can be the case when it’s hot. Pick up a plant and feel the pot. If it’s light then water but if
heavy then don’t and don’t forget the finger in the mix test either. Even in the wettest
zones it does not rain every day. You cannot overwater a mounted plant. Remember to
observe those plants that stress and show damage when it’s hot. Remember these and take
action before the next bout of heat. Do this and you are on the way to helping your plant
cope and it will make you a better grower.
I hope everyone had a great Xmas and look forward to a successful new year.
Steve Howard
-ooo0ooo-
REGISTRAR’S CHOICE FOR DECEMBER
Registrar’s Choice and the Orchid of Open Division announced by Colin
Jennings was Onc. Sydney ‘Doreen’ grown by Roger Herraman. This impressive orchid
carried a single upright inflorescence with approximately 150 yellow/greyed purple
flowers on 20 lateral branches. Colin suggested that Roger may have a special potting mix,
since the judges could identify a number of ingredients such as small bark, coco husk,
perlite, diatomite and some gravel. This hybrid contains the species Onc. leucochilum and
Onc. sphacelatum and is a worthy plant in any collection.
The Orchid of First Division was Paph. Love Maud grown by Chris Kopicki. The
parents of this hybrid are Paph. Love Song and Paph. Maudiae, with the ‘Maudiae’ shape
being very evident in this orchid. Paph. Love Song was registered in 1989 and is a primary
hybrid of Paph. acmodontum and Paph. sukhakulii. This was a well grown plant with a
strong stem indicating good culture.
The Orchid of Second Division was another Phalaenopsis Unknown grown by
Chris and Lyn Heysen. The orchid presented a single inflorescence displaying 9 pristine
white flowers with 2 buds on a lower branch. The plant was obviously well grown with a
healthy and extensive root system evident in the clear plastic pot. The potting mix
appeared to be small bark and perlite.
Congratulations to the successful growers and to all members who brought orchids to
share with us all.
Ron Yates. Registrar of Judges.
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February 2013
ANNUAL AGGREGATE POINTS 2012
SECTION
Australian
Native
Cymbidium
Dendrobium
Other
Laeliinae
Oncidiinae
Other genera
Paphiopedilum
Phalaenopsis
Vandeae
Zygopetalinae
Annual Totals
OPEN
Nesbitt Orchids
Les Burgess
I & R Kilpatrick
Nesbitt Orchids
E & P Leske
G & M Hazledine
R Job & E Viskic
37
18
15
27
9
9
8
R & B Wilson
34
J & B Gay
29
C & C Dally
24
C & C Dally
15
R & I Parish
12
G Voskamp
11
R Job & E Viskic 30
R & R Parish
24
G & M Hazledine 12
Nesbitt Orchids
28
G & M Hazledine 21
R Job & E Viskic 12
R Job & E Viskic 23
R & I Parish
14
R Job & E Viskic 20
Nesbitt Orchids
17
I & R Kilpatrick
5
R Job & E Viskic 18
Nesbitt Orchids
16
I & R Kilpatrick
9
R Job & E Viskic 147
Nesbitt Orchids 125
R & I Parish
74
FIRST
K Kopicki
J Argent & A Jeffries
34
12
A Koch
G Hein
W Lodge
G Hein
J Argent & A Jeffries
J Argent & A Jeffries
W Lodge
R & R Silvestri
J Argent & A Jeffries
W Lodge
R & R Silvestri
W Lodge
K Kopicki
J Dunn
J Argent & A Jeffries
K Kopicki
B Coombe
20
19
9
5
4
22
16
15
12
6
6
3
3
3
13
8
7
R & J McRedmond
G Hein
A Koch
W Lodge
J Argent & A Jeffries
G Hein
K Kopicki
2
15
9
3
66
48
45
SECOND
W Thomas
P Lukeman
A Stewart
T & G Camac
A Stewart
14
11
11
6
8
T & G Camac
A Stewart
29
15
T & G Camac
C & L Heysen
18
15
T & G Camac
3
A Stewart
3
C & L Heysen
A Stewart
W Thomas
C & D Moncrieff
P Lukeman
T & G Camac
A Stewart
C & L Heysen
28
3
3
6
5
63
48
23
-ooo0ooo-
DID YOU KNOW
In 1969 a polygraph expert, Cleve Backster whilst experimenting stumbled on some most
unusual findings. When watering a plant in his office in New York he decided to attach the
galvanic skin-response section of the polygraph machine to a leaf to determine any change
in the conductivity of the leaves as the plant absorbed moisture. To his amazement the line
tracing on the chart went down as he expected. In a human such a reaction indicates some
sort of emotional response. Using the polygraphist’s standard “threat to well-being” to test
for a reaction he decided to burn a leaf with a match flame. The polygraph pen almost
leaped of the chart. After many different tests on the plant he came to the conclusion that
plants not only felt emotion but remembered things and also do a pretty good job of
reading our minds.
NOTE: Remember always be nice to your orchid plants and they will reward you.
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February 2013
Mr. Allen Anderson, one of the supervising teachers
was at the OCSA December meeting and accepted the
introduction pack on behalf of the Mt. Barker High
School Orchid Club. The students have taken on the
role of Mt. Barker Orchid Club ambassadors and will
lead the charge to get new members in the 2013
school year. They have also indicated a willingness to
participate in a presentation I will give to the OCSA
day group later in the year.
As usual OCSA members have responded well to my requests for donations of plants and
other equipment with pledges of more in the New Year. Any small items available from
the club trading table (fertilizer, bundle of stakes etc) are always appreciated as well as
plants and pots. The program is especially interested in donations of terrestrial tubers,
both native Australian and non native.
Co-ordinator - Trevor Garard
-ooo0ooo-
.
VALE – PETER WILLIAM GALPIN
3/06/1944 – 26/11/2012
After a long illness Peter has finally passed on to the ‘big
orchid house in the sky’ where I am sure he will join with
many other of the orchid community that are in that ‘big
house’ tending the many orchids we have already sent there.
The orchid community has lost another character from its
flock with the passing of Peter. A ‘mans man’ who had an
unusually dry sense of humour, that touched many of us over
the years.
In his younger days Peter’s sporting prowess shone out, he
rubbed shoulders with the likes of sporting great Barry Robran and many others along the
way. In later years he was a passionate supporter of the Adelaide Crows. Coming from
Whyalla to Clare and then to the city where he continued to be competitive but in a much
slower environment, orchid growing.
As a hobbyist grower he was still very competitive, a trait carried from his younger
sporting days. Although Peter grew a number of different genera he had a passion for
miniature dangly Cymbidiums with an Australian flavour or influenced by the species
Cym. devonianum. He also tried his hand at hybridising and had registered a number of
Cymbidium crosses, Cym. Sebastian Bailey and Cym. Te Pee are a couple that come to
mind. Peter was an accredited Australian Orchid Council Judge, unfortunately health
issues prevented Peter enjoying the full benefit of the years of training and study required
to attain this status.
Peter and I enjoyed judging orchid shows together in the city and country. Another
passion was supporting the Crows and we attended many home games together with a real
highlight the day we attended the new Crows establishment, the Westpac Centre we spent
some four hours going through the venue and the history of Club together.
Our heart felt sympathies are offered to his wife Carmen and children Ann and David.
Graham J. Zerbe
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February 2013
WHAT CAUGHT THE JUDGES EYE IN OCTOBER
OPEN DIVISION:
JUDGE:
Reg Shooter
PLANT:
C. walkeriana
GROWER: Suzanne Saunders
COMMENTS: Cattleya walkeriana is an attractive species
endemic to Brazil, it is distinguished by its spade shaped
labellum and good shape. The usual colour of the flowers is
in lilac shades. But the plant that was benched by Suzanne
carried two 8cm creamy white flowers held well clear of
the foliage with lilac/purple labellum. Unlike many in the
Cattleya group this species retains its compact growth habit throughout its life making it
ideal for a small collection.
There is some contention as to whether this is in actual fact Cattleya walkeriana as some
botanists contend that the true species has the unique habit of producing its flower spike
not from the apex but from the extending rhizome. The plants that generate spikes from
the apex are probably a natural hybrid between C. walkeriana and C. loddigesii as both
these species are found in the same area. But what does it matter? To us it is still a very
attractive orchid whatever the name!
FIRST DIVISION:
JUDGE:
Noel Oliver
PLANT:
Paph. Primcolor
GROWER:
James Argent & Allan Jeffries
COMMENTS: A nice array of various good quality plants were
benched in First Division. The plant that attracted my attention
was a primary hybrid registered in 1979 and also having been
awarded on six previous occasions in the USA. It is a crossing of
Paph. concolor and Paph. primulinum and has the appearance in
shape substance and colour of its parent Paph. concolor together with the progressive
flowering traits of this species. Paph. concolor is found in Burma, Thailand, Vietnam and
S.W. China near the ocean and streams and is found growing on limestone cliffs where it
receives reflected light from the water. The roots of the plant extend into cracks in the
limestone amid humus and moss and are continually damp. The other species Paph
primulinum is found in Northern Sumatra growing on limestone hills in humus on the
forest floor. This small plant was very well grown and presented with its very attractive
flowers by The now well know combination of James & Allen.
SECOND DIVISION:
JUDGE:
Colin Jennings
PLANT:
Bifrenaria harrisoniae
GROWER:
Trevor & Gwen Camac
COMMENTS: The plant selected as best in Second Division
at the December meeting was Bifrenaria harrisoniae, owned by
Trevor & Gwen Camac. This healthy, well-grown plant carried
six inflorescences, each with the usual two flowers per stem.
This plant, which almost filled the pot in which it was growing,
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February 2013
had healthy green leaves demonstrating good culture. Often this species is presented in this
state with very yellowish leaves and the characteristic black spots (something like those
we see on Zygopetalums) – this plant was free of the spots.
Bifrenaria harrisoniae has been grown for many years and usually flowers in the latter
months of the year in South Australia, although it has been known to flower out of season
and could be seen as early as the Spring Show. The species is native to lowland areas in
Brazil, where it is said to grow in full sun, but in Brazil this would also suggest that it likes
a relatively humid environment. Too often we take full sun ‘at its word’ & grow it here in
a drier, sunny environment which adds to the yellowing of the leaves.
Flowering can be shy and some years, for no apparent reason, plants looking healthy will
produce no flowers at all. An epiphyte or occasionally a lithophyte, it can be grown on a
hardwood mount but seems to grow best here if in a pot, with a medium which drains well
but is not allowed to dry out completely. A bark-based medium works well with regular
additives such as perlite, scoria, and charcoal etc. with coco-peat a more recent inclusion.
This species is a worthwhile addition to a collection of species and should be obtainable,
along with several other species in the genus such as Bif. tyrianthina, Bif. inodora and Bif.
tetragona. A well-grown plant of the first named of these was shown at the December
meeting in the Open Division.
-ooo0ooo-
normal large Cymbidium type pot but with the eucalypt rotted wood as the medium. They
also resent being re-potted, divided or disturbed and most growers avoid this unless it is
absolutely necessary.
David Harmer
Ref: Orchids of Australia
-ooo0ooo-
Dendrobium jenkinsii
Jenkin’s Dendrobium is a species orchid occurring in north-east India also in Hainan
China, Eastern Himalayas, Nepal, Myanmar and Laos and is found on the trunks of trees
in open forest at elevations to 1500 metres. It is often referred to as Den. aggregatum. This
species is a small sized plant and flowers in spring on a short up to 150mm raceme with 1
or 2 yellow 30mm flowers which arise from near the base of the small leafed pseudobulb,
It has clustered flattened bulbs with a single shiny leaf . Often confused with Den. lindleyii
which is larger and produces many more flowers. Best grown on a tree fern slab hanging
up and keeping it on the dry side in winter but with plenty of light. In Adelaide we grow
this in a cold glass house and fertilise weekly with weak organic fertilisers and in the
growing season is watered every other day
D. & P. Harmer
HOW THE BEST WERE GROWN
FIRST DIVISION:
Kris Kopicki was the grower of the orchid selected for
First Division with Paph. Love Maud. Chris grows his
plant in intermediate conditions and the orchid receives
very little water during the cooler months of the year, as
the plant gets all it needs from the heavens. Once the
weather starts to warm up Kris commences to water
every 5 days. Watering is increased as the temperature
goes up and then once per day if the temperature
increases over 35°C and he only uses rainwater.
Fertilising is generally every second watering, time
permitted. Kris alternates between Manutec ™ Orchid
Fertiliser, Manutec™ Orchid Bloom Booster and a mix
of Powerfeed™ and Seasol™. He uses all his fertilisers at 10% of the recommended
concentration (amount of Seasol is 10% recommendation for ferns). The potting medium
is 1 part perlite (5-7mm), 1 part marble chips (5-7mm) and adds a small handful of
dolomite lime per 2-3 litres of potting media. This plant is grown outside under shadecloth for most of the year, except when flowering when it comes into the house to keep the
flowers in good condition. As most of the potting media in mostly inorganic it is much
more tolerant to heavy watering with most of Kris’s plants situated in close proximity to
mounted epiphytes. The plant sits on a lower bench in the shade-house and is partially
shaded for some of the day but can be bright at certain times particularly in the mornings
when the light streams through the 50% cloth walls,
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February 2013
Den. jenkinsii
Den. lindleyii
-ooo0ooo-
‘Orchids In Schools’ Update
Mount Barker High School
After the final presentation given by ‘The Two Trevs’ (and John Dunn ) at the 2012 Royal
Show I was introduced to Mr Allen Anderson who showed an interest in having Mount
Barker High School join the ‘Orchids in Schools’ program. He was invited to have a closer
look at the OCSA display and in particular the plants entered by Willunga and Woodville
High Schools.
He and a couple of friends were suitably impressed by the display and the OCSA members
they met. I told him I would be in touch to arrange a time for a more formal OIS
presentation for any interested students and teachers. In October I went to Mount Barker
High and gave the presentation to 3 teachers and 4 students. The amount of interest among
the attendees was high and it was decided that we would have an immediate start instead
of waiting for the new school year. As the lessons went on one student retired from the
group but was quickly replaced by another. All students and teachers have shown an
aptitude for their orchid growing pastime and the group is progressing well. The reason for
the early start was to enable the students to display their plants at as many OCSA shows as
possible in 2013.
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February 2013
SECOND DIVISION:
Dryadella edwardii
Restrepia cuprea
Pleuro.restrepioides
Reg Shooter
-ooo0ooo-
The orchid selected by the judges as best in Second Division was
grown by Chris & Lyn Heysen. This is a different Phalaenopsis to
the one that was flower of the division in October. Phal. Unknown
hybrid is grown in a glass house with 50% shade cloth over the
roof. The growing area has under bench heating set to 17°C for
the colder nights and plants are misted in the summer for cooling
and a small fan is used for air circulation. In winter watering
occurs once per week and in the summer months every 2-3days depending on the
temperature. The plant is fertilized every 2 weeks with half strength Cambells Growth™
from October to February and then Cambells Bloom™ March to September. It is potted in
60% small bark, 30% perlite and 10% charcoal.
-ooo0ooo-
Cymbidium suave
Cymbidium suave is one of the three Australian
Native species and would be the hardest of the three
to maintain in our collections. It may help if we
understand where Cym. suave comes from and how
it grows in its natural habitat. It is mainly found
growing on the east coast of Australia extending
north from southern New South Wales to north of
Brisbane in Queensland. The climate ranges from
moist temperate to moist sub tropical. It is found
growing in holes and splits of eucalypt trees with its
root system extending down into the rotting core
wood of the trees and is found in both living and
dead eucalypts. It is also found in old fallen trees,
stumps and even eucalypt fence posts. The root system extends down for many metres and
may when adjacent to a crack or hole in the trunk form a stolon growth and a new plant
will be established. It can now be seen that to establish Cym. Suave in our limited Adelaide
conditions would not be easy. There are a few growers who have had the luck to establish
and grow this unique species and some information has been gleaned from them. Those
that were able to divulge some clues all agreed that you need to replicate as closely as
possible the conditions similar to where this species comes from and all agreed that Cym.
Suave seemed to have more and different requirement to other Cymbidiums. Growing this
species in a medium of rotting eucalypt wood is one of the main successes to maintaining
good growth and longevity and is reported to be far better than the various and typical
Cymbidium medium used by most Cym. growers. It has been recorded that the pH level of
the rotting core of the eucalypt in nature is between 4 and 4.5 so if this can be achieved in
our growing area then you are well on the way to successfully getting Cym. suave to
establish and survive. Also in nature the very thick outer wood layer of the eucalypt
insulates the root system so successful growers cultivate theirs in a hollow eucalypt log 1
metre to 1.5 metres long and about 300mm across. Other suitable containers used are
concrete or clay pipes filled with rotting wood and double pots insulated with styrene.
Once established as a large plant some success can result in growing Cym. suave in a
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February 2013
WHAT’S IN A NAME
Sir Jeremiah Colman (1859-1942)
Sir Jeremiah Colman was the eldest
son of Jeremiah Colman of the
Norwich-based ‘manufacturers of
mustard, starch, washing blue and
cornflower’ J & J Colman. He was
educated at Kings College School,
London & St John’s College,
Cambridge. Upon completing his
education he joined the family
business and in 1896 he became the
chairman. He was much sought after
for service in public offices and was a considerable
philanthropist. He was created first Baronet for these services.
All through his life he had two passions; orchids and cricket. His interest in cricket began
at an early age and in 1882 he captained the St John’s College first eleven. From 1916 to
1923 he was President of Surrey County Cricket Club. During this time he assembled a
large collection of cricket pictures which are now in the Lord’s Museum at the M.C.C. At
his magnificent home of Gatton Park in Surrey he amassed one of the finest collections of
orchids in Britain, including many rare species. He was responsible for the introduction of
many hybrids created at Gatton Park, perhaps the best known is Dendrobium Gatton
Sunray (Den. chrysotoxum x Illustre) registered at the
RHS in 1919. This is an untidy rambling plant with
long pseudobulbs carrying clusters of bright yellow
flowers with a deep magenta throat it grows under
intermediate conditions and because of its hardiness
was flowered by many enthusiasts in England. In
1936 it was awarded an FCC by the RHS. In 1914 a
library to serve the needs of the recently formed
Department of Biochemistry at Cambridge University
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February 2013
was established. It struggled for finances over the years then in 1924 a gift of 2000 pounds
(a huge sum in 1924) was donated by Sir Jeremiah Colman enabling the Department to
purchase its own purpose built building ‘for a Library for the school of Biochemistry’ and
to purchase books and also for ongoing costs. The original Colman Library is still in use
today with its floor to ceiling oak bookcases lining the walls. It has grown over the years
and has expanded to occupy a disused research laboratory. Through Jeremiah Colman’s
philanthropy in those earlier years many botanists and researches have been able to use the
facilities of the library to further their research.
Reg Shooter
-ooo0ooo-
Registrar’s Report for 2012.
The club had another successful year with the quality of the member’s orchids of a high
standard. All shows were well attended and the displays were appreciated by all. The
judging panel has been reduced in recent years so I look forward to the graduation of two
members, Trevor Garard and James Argent who are currently students of the AOC training
program. Some difficulties at the spring show placed pressure on the judging panel to
complete the task as quickly as possible and with considerably less floor space available.
However it was achieved just in time. The involvement of the country judges has been a
bonus for all and I know they benefit from the experience as we do their company. I wish
to thank all the judges for their support and special thanks to Colin Jennings, Wendy
Lodge, Dave Harmer, Bev Gay, Leslie Fenton and Graham Hein whose support I depend
upon. The first show for 2013 is not far away and planning is already in hand.
Ron Yates. Registrar of Judges.
-ooo0ooo-
Species Group Meeting 11/11/12
On a very warm Sunday in November, 15 members met in the cooler suburb of Beaumont
in the Adelaide hills where we had the privilege of seeing the largest collection of many
varieties of the Australian species Cymbidium canaliculatum. The colours ranged from
dark reddish brown through various shades of green with brown markings to pure light
greens, and this was before we looked at the species brought in by the members. There
were many colour varieties of the South American species Cattleya skinneri one of which
was the Alba form, pure white clusters of 2 to 12 flowers about 7.5cms across held well
above the foliage. Another was the type form; lilac/purple in colour, this species is the
national flower of Costa Rica where it is quite common. It also grows in many other of the
Central American countries from Mexico in the south to Colombia & Venezuela in the
south. This is an easy species to grow here in Adelaide under shade house conditions.
Coming from further south in South America is a similar species Cattleya intermedia. The
form we see more often in collections here is the white form Cattleya intermedia var. Alba
often labeled var. Alba. In fact it is not a true Alba as it does have traces of yellow in the
throat. We were lucky to see the colored variety benched. This has petals and sepals of a
very light lilac colour with a brilliant purple throat the flowers are much larger than C.
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February 2013
skinneri. This species is very similar to another orchid benched with which it is often
confused, Cattleya loddigesii (incidentally it was the first Cattleya grown and flowered in
England in the late 1800, s).
The last of the many Cattleya’s benched was C. amethystoglossa a species endemic to
Brazil. By comparison a much larger plant having tall pseudobulbs in nature growing up to
a metre tall carrying many large 10cm. pink flowers with maroon spotting. This species
was once considered a variety of C. guttata differing only in the colour of the flowers but
it is now recognized as a species in its own right. A species we very rarely see is Vanda
tricolor a rather untidy rambling, branching plant but with many long lasting white flowers
flushed with pale magenta. This species comes from Java & Bali. It was once thought to
be an Australian species. It was reported to have been collected in coastal Northern
Territory and a specimen, along with other orchids collected from Timor & Java was sent
to Ferdinand Mueller, the Government Botanist for Victoria, for identification. It is
thought there may have been a mix up and Mueller recorded it as coming from coastal
Northern Territory. Since then no further specimens have been authentically collected in
Australia and is now regarded as an exotic species. Another species not often seen is
Papilioanthe vandarum a species from India & Burma closely related to the genus Vanda.
It has a scrambling nature with stems up to 60cms tall and many narrow terete leaves. The
flowers are about 5cms across creamy yellow in colour, and very long lasting. Another
plant with a scrambling nature is the African species Ansellia africana a genus of just the
one very variable species, on Sunday we saw plants with flowers varying in colour from
pure yellow through yellow with brown markings to almost pure brown. This species
looks very tropical but can be grown here in Adelaide in a cool glasshouse. It will grow
into a very large plant quite quickly and this should be taken into consideration as stories
abound of growers having to remove doors etc to get it out of the house, however if it is
divided and repotted regularly it can be kept under control and is a rewarding species to
grow.
A species that got everyone’s interest was a 20cm pot of Lycaste aromatica containing 5
or 6 bulbs carrying 42 flower stems; unfortunately they were still in bud but with a little
imagination we could see what a picture it will be when they all open their yellow
perfumed flowers. Other species benched were: two nice Cymbidiums, one was labeled
Cymbidium devonianum and the other Cym. floribundum both carrying small arching
racemes of brownish creamy flowers. Two plants of Bifrenaria harrisoniae one with
almost white flowers the other creamy in colour both very fragrant. The genus Oncidium
was represented by Oncidium maculatum a species from Mexico, Guatemala & Honduras
with large yellow/brown flowers. Three species of Phalaenopsis were benched all with
small attractive flowers Phal. mariae from Philippines and Borneo, Phal. parishii from
Burma, Thailand & India, Phal. venosa from Sulawesi. A delightful little Angraecum
magdalenae with pure white flowers from Madagascar was benched. A small plant but
with relatively large 5cms long white perfumed flowers Leptotes bicolor a species from a
genus of just three species, all from Brazil. There were many species from the
Pleurothallidinae, Pleurothallis platystachus, P. viduata, Restrepia cuprea, Rstp.
nittorhynda and Dryadella edwallii all from South America. A very small species
Pomatocalpa mcphersonii with small yellow/brown flowers from tropical Queensland and
Bulbophyllum wendlandianum from the Cirrhopetalum section rounded off a very
interesting day.
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February 2013