Did you know that birds can’t smell sweet scents, so orchids instead use bright reds, oranges, yellows, or purples to attract them? The brilliant minds of Smithsonian Gardens have made a great resource about orchid pollination. The charming webpage explains how birds, moths, butterflies, bees, wasps, and flies fertilize flowers. It also includes beautiful photos, […]
Among many peculiar pollination strategies in the orchid family, some South African species really stand out. The small blooms of Disa chrysostachya offer nectar to entice Malachite Sunbirds to perch on their flower spikes and take a drink. But instead of attaching to their beaks as they feed, the pollen sticks to their claws. Then […]
Even if you can’t visit Ireland to see the remarkable orchid paintings of Glasnevin, you can still enjoy some of them online. Located in Dublin, the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin holds over 2,500 orchid works. Most depict the garden’s own orchids, and were done by two skilled botanical artists, Lydia Shackleton and Alice Jacob. Contact […]
Most people don’t think of orchids when they think of Montana, but Missoula’s Botanica, Ltd. is a great place for orchids. Brenda Oviatt and Bill Nerison have turned their hobby into a business which is devoted to growing endangered species. They specialize in the African Angraecoid family, which includes threatened varieties like Darwin’s Orchid, Angraecum […]
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida begins its exhibit “The Orchid Show 2019: Blossoms of Asia” tomorrow. The event runs from Saturday, October 12th to Sunday, December 1st, and features Asian orchids. It also includes information about orchids’ roles in Asian cultures, arts, and philosophies. Numerous lectures and classes will take place through the […]
British orchid lovers will enjoy this guide from BBC Wildlife Magazine to help identify native orchids. It shows 10 different species, ranging from Common Spotted Orchids to Lizard Orchids to Bee Orchids. There are details about where each is found, and their key distinguishing features.
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.
Want to stay current on orchid science news? Check out the latest at Kew’s Orchid Research Newsletter. Published twice a year, it includes updates on recent orchid papers, name changes, conferences, book reviews, and more. RBG Kew in London is a global center for plant science and conservation.
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.
Vanilla has been in the news a lot lately, with skyrocketing prices contributing to crime problems in Madagascar. The BBC delves into the story, and explains what happens when vanilla costs almost as much as silver.
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