“Plant blindness” is a tendency not to notice plants. People are generally much better at noticing animals. With increased urbanization, and more time spent looking at screens, the problem has worsened. Most don’t appreciate how important plants are, and that weakens support for plant conservation. As orchids and other plants face extinction, protecting them is […]
The 7th International Orchid Conservation Congress is a five day conference starting on May 28th. Scientists and conservationists will meet for this year’s event at Jodrell Laboratory in London’s Kew Gardens. Topics will include the illegal orchid trade, climate change, habitat restoration, propagation science, and much more.
Smithsonian magazine reveals the secret orchids of Palau. The tiny South Pacific nation is spread across 344 small islands. With sun-drenched beaches and coral reefs full of vibrant fish, it’s known as one of the best dive sites in the world. But Palau is more than a biodiversity hotspot for fish. It’s also a hotspot […]
There are lots of edible orchids besides vanilla. I’ve blogged about chikanda before, a traditional African dish made from orchid tubers. The tubers are ground up with peanuts and chilies, and cooked into a savory loaf. Over the past few decades, chikanda has gone from being a rural famine food to a trendy urban staple. […]
In conjunction with the upcoming Pacific Orchid Expo, the Orchid Conservation Alliance is hosting a dinner, auction, and talk by Costa Rican orchid expert Steve Kirby on Saturday evening, February 23rd. Ticket availability is limited, and all proceeds go to orchid conservation.
With his recent London visit, Dave was able to enjoy some of Kew Garden’s wonders, including the remarkable Temperate House. Dating to 1863, the glasshouse had closed for five years of upgrades and renovations, and reopened last May to much fanfare. It’s the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world, and houses many rare plants which […]
Check out the video below for expert tips on how to attach orchids to trees. As part of Florida’s Million Orchid Project, biologists are trying to teach the public how to mount orchids. Whether it’s a native species, or a favorite non-native variety, growers can mount them using the techniques explained in the video. In […]
All of these organizations have been highlighted before on this blog as great conservation groups, doing the herculean work of saving plants on our increasingly imperiled planet. Please consider giving to them this holiday season. They are all non-profits, so donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. American Orchid Society Australian Orchid Foundation Botanic […]
Orchid lovers have more reasons than ever to join the American Orchid Society (AOS.) Of course, there’s the great monthly Orchids magazine with gorgeous photos and superb care advice that comes with membership. But now, the AOS has also greatly expanded their online resources. All of their old magazines, going back to 1932, are now […]
Check out a colorful infographic explaining how taking plants from the wild endangers orchid survival. Many rare species are openly sold online despite conservation laws. But with limited resources, almost no money is spent to stop it. That same topic is being addressed in light of a recent London conference on the illegal wildlife trade, […]
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