The Species Identification Task Force (SITF) sorts out difficult orchid identities. There are about 30,000 orchid species, and experts with the American Orchid Society work to verify whether awarded plants’ nametags are accurate. Whenever a species receives its first award, it’s automatically reviewed to authenticate its identity. Orchid judges may also ask for confirmation of […]
There’s a treasure trove of Central African orchids at www.Orchid-Africa.net. This growing database offers a look at some uncommon species, and it features lots of pictures. Central African orchids aren’t as well known as their relatives from Madagascar and South Africa, but they should be. They include captivating members of the Angraecum family, Bulbophyllums, Eulophias, […]
Four years ago, many, including me, predicted that Trump would be a catastrophe for the USA. Certainly, he has been. He has failed to face a worsening pandemic, an economic collapse, and climate change disasters. His blatant corruption, incompetence, nepotism, and immorality are on display every day. His poisonous bigotry will continue to do damage […]
Orchid-gami lets everyone to create great orchid art. It’s an educational project from the North American Orchid Conservation Center and the United States Botanic Garden. They’re created templates for 3D models of native North American orchids. Download the files for free, then print, cut, fold, and glue. Teachers, parents, and kids will love assembling orchids. […]
For over 120 years, the UK’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has employed an official artist to render portraits of award-winning orchids. This stunning art is not only beautiful, but also precise in its botanical elements, making it better than photographs for discerning floral details. Since 1897, there have been nine official artists who have painted […]
Six months ago, I did a regular post about March’s upcoming orchid events. It included a note about a few cancellations because of COVID19. I certainly had no idea how much the world would change since then. By April, almost everything was cancelled, and it would have been irresponsible for me to publicize any remaining […]
Chalk this one up to the fact that some orchid lovers behave poorly. The Miami Herald reports on orchid thefts in Coral Gables. Somebody stole $4,000 worth of orchids that residents had attached to trees. Several years ago, a few people started planting Moth Orchids and Dendrobiums to beautify their neighborhood. They were stolen in […]
It’s well-established that gardening is good for our health, and a new British study augments the evidence. Researchers from the University of Exeter and the Royal Horticultural Society analyzed data from almost 8,000 people. The study found the benefits of gardening to health and wellbeing were similar to the difference in health between people living […]
From London, RBG Kew explains how sneaky orchids can be. Many orchid varieties offer nectar or fragrant oils for their pollinators, but others are tricksters. Their colors, shapes, or scents deceptively advertise rewards, but they have none. Some temporarily trap their pollinators, like the remarkable Bucket Orchid, which makes bees squeeze past its pollen to […]
As we begin May, I’ll repeat that if any orchid shows are still happening, you shouldn’t go. I don’t know when big public events will be safe, but it’s still too soon. COVID19 is not contained, and the risks are too great. Orchid shows can wait. So what to do in the meantime? There’s certainly […]
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