news

Contents

From the President

During the past few days, fall has arrived. For gardeners, this means cleaning up the old flowers and putting everything to bed for the winter. For the orchid grower on the other hand, it means that now the flowering season gets into high gear!

The days may be getting shorter but the spikes on my orchids are getting longer. The sun is going farther away from us, but the cattleya buds are becoming larger and plumper now. I am glad that orchids are my hobby and that breeders, it seems, have concentrated on giving us more orchid flowers during the winter season than at any other time of year. Of course, this depends a little on what kind of orchids you grow: If the Miltoniopsis are your favourites, then I suppose you look forward to May and June, when they are at their best. However, the majority of our tropical orchids have just gone through a nice warm and sunny season and therefore, they have built up lots of energy to put into the flowers that will cheer us up during our long and dark Canadian winters.

With this in mind, I wish you a beautiful flowering winter, Happy Holidays and

All the Best for the New Year!
Ingrid Schmidt-Ostrander

MidAmerica Orchid Congress
Canadian Orchid Congress
SOOS Orchid Show
April 4-6, 2003

Presentations by -

"Mystery Speaker" - MAOC CONSERVATION LECTURE

Tom Harper - DEVELOPING RED PHALAENOPSIS
Everyone wants a fire-red flower. Species as well as several hybrids, such as Brother Purple, must be carefully combined to achieve this goal. Tom Harper of Stones River Orchids in Franklin, Tennessee is a founding member of the International Phalaenopsis Alliance and an A.O.S. Judge. Both the Orchid Digest and Orchids, the American Orchid Society publication, have published his articles on Phaleanopsis.

Howard Liebman MD - GENUS CYRTOCHILUM
The Cyrtochilums produce a stunning show with their enormous inflorescences and spectacular results when they are used in hybridizing. Howard Liebman, an A.O.S. judge from Pacific Palisades, California, has done extensive hybridizing in the Oncidium/Odontoglossum alliance for the past 35 years.

Andy Easton - SIX DECADES OF ORCHID CULTURE CHANGES
The orchid hobby has grown and changed significantly. Andy's experience in New Zealand, Australia, Japan as well as Europe and the United States gives him a unique perspective. Andy Easton is a Senior A.O.S. Judge, Emeritus judge of the Cymbidium Society and Director of Education/Orchid Operations at A.O.S. headquarters.

The entire show and conference will be at the Inn on the Park, Eglinton Avenue East at Leslie Street in Toronto.

For details and registration see:
Southern Ontario Orchid Society
http://www.soos.ca/

Attached is a copy of the registration form.

The Position of the Society Representative for the Canadian Orchid Congress

Each orchid society belonging to the Canadian Orchid Congress is expected to appoint a society member to the position of COC Representative. The COC Representative acts as the liaison between the COC and the orchid society and will inform the COC of issues in the society for which the COC may be able to provide assistance as well as inform the society members of the services provided by the COC.

The COC organizes an annual meeting, usually in association with an orchid show, the purpose of which is to discuss and vote on matters pertaining to the operation of the COC. At this meeting, each member society has one vote, which may be cast by any duly authorized society representative. If personal representation is not possible, a written submission of the society's concerns may be sent before the meeting to the COC President.

The COC produces a bimonthly newsletter that is distributed to the President, COC Representative and Newsletter Editor of each society. The newsletter is also posted on the COC website. The Representative is expected to make other members of the society aware of the newsletter and articles of interest and will write or solicit articles for the COC newsletter from time to time.

The COC maintains a web site containing a variety of information of interest to orchid hobbyists in Canada, including consolidated lists of orchid society show dates, contact information for each Canadian orchid society, and a list of local orchid vendors. In order for this information to be timely and accurate the COC needs the COC Representative in each society to periodically review this information and notify the COC webmaster of any required changes.

Each orchid society is encouraged to maintain their own website but in the event that they lack the resources, the COC is willing to mount one page of information designated by the society. The COC Rep is then expected to notify the COC webmaster if any changes are required.

Because of the extent of this country, the preferred method of contact between the COC and society representatives is by means of electronic mail. It is hoped that the COC Representative would have access to an Internet email account.

What is the Canadian Orchid Congress?

The Canadian Orchid Congress is an association of Canadian orchid societies that is dedicated to serve the orchid growing public of Canada. The COC works to represent affiliated societies on Canada-wide issues and to provide assistance for Canadian orchid societies and their members. The COC promotes the cultivation of orchids through hybridizing, exhibition, publications, lectures and seminars; it supports the conservation of orchids; it makes awards in the form of medals or trophies for excellence in the development and culture of orchids.

The COC executive council members reside across Canada, precluding monthly meetings - they communicate using the Internet and more traditional means. Each year, usually during the spring show season, a member society hosts the COC Annual Meeting during their show, where the COC Executive and representatives from member societies meet to conduct business and share our hobby. Generally, there is an auction to raise funds for the activities of the COC.

Our goal is to increase communication by the following means:

• Communication and distribution of information on member society shows and activities through a newsletter and internet web site.
• Publication of information of interest to the orchid hobbyist such as orchid culture, conservation, nomenclature, etc. through a newsletter and a web site.
• Organization of a speaker tour, at various times, bringing a notable orchid expert to present programs to the societies.
• An annual convention, in conjunction with a show, to bring orchidists together to share their hobby. During the course of the convention, several talks on orchid related aspects are presented.
• Preparation and distribution of slide programs for the use of the member societies.
• Representation of orchid related interest on national and international issues with the federal government - most notably on the importation/exportation of orchids by orchid hobbyists.
• The offering of national recognition for contributions to the improvement of orchid growing and conservation in Canada.
• Internet discussion groups to facilitate discourse and decision making.

There are about twenty-five member societies in the COC, representing about 3,000 orchid hobbyists. Each member society supports the COC with an annual due proportional to their membership.

The COC does not sell orchids or orchid supplies and does not represent orchid vendors.

THANK YOU TO COC POSTER DESIGNER

James Biro of the Vancouver Orchid Society designed our poster. Thank you James for all your work on this project. A poster will be sent to each society to be used at their meetings and annual shows.

I am sure everyone will be proud to display it.

Thanks

SLIDE PROGRAMS

The Phragmipedium program is now ready.

The slide programs may be ordered from:
Janette Richardson
38 Straub Crescent,
Regina, Sask., S4T 6S6

Phone: 306-543-0560
Email: dale.richardson@sk.sympatico.ca

Importing Orchids into Canada - for Hobbyists

Marilyn H. S. Light

Importing orchids should not be overly challenging or worrisome but fear of the consequences of a slipup cause many potential importers anxiety and apprehension. What if I do not have the correct documentation? Will the parcel be seized? Will the plants languish on a shelf somewhere while waiting for expert identification? Will the plants die and the investment be lost? The importation process need not be source of anxiety. Certainly, there are regulations to respect, forms to complete and fees to pay, but if all is done in the proper sequence and within the regulations, then we have little to worry about except taking good care of the imported plants once they are in our care.

Orchid importations are controlled by two agencies, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (plant health) and the Canadian Wildlife Service (CITES). Depending upon what you intend to import, you may require permits from one or both agencies. Your importation will require certification by the exporting country that the plant material is healthy (Phytosanitary Certificate) and may also require documentation that the plant material can legally leave the exporting country (CITES Export documents). What is needed when and for what is summarized in the Table below.

Orchid importations are regulated under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) http://www.cites.ca/ and by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (plant health) http://www.inspection.gc.ca Regulations are updated from time to time so it is best to verify the requirements and fees before ordering plants.

Fees for permits and certificates issued abroad vary from country to country and from state to state in the USA. Not all nurseries ship internationally so again, it is best to check first before starting the process at the Canadian end.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency - CFIA (plant health)

The CFIA issues Import Permits and requires Phytosanitary Certificates to accompany importations. See the Table below for details.

The requirements for importation can be obtained at the following web page: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/protect/dir/directe.shtml
Please re-check before planning any importation. Regulations can and do change on a monthly basis. Directive D94-14 regarding permit requirements for importation from the continental US is currently being revised. Please contact the Permit Office if you have specific questions.

All importations of wild or artificially propagated species and hybrid plants and flasks from anywhere require a Phytosanitary Certificate.

Importations from the continental USA

A CFIA Import Permit is not usually required but there can be exceptions. A Phytosanitary Certificate is needed for all orchids including plants in flask.

A Permit to Import is now required for the states of California and Oregon (Curry county only). See CFIA Policy Directive D01-01 revised September 5, 2002

Regulated Commodities
Soil or growing media alone or in association with plant material (including soil or media associated with terrestrial orchids).

Flasks may require a Permit to Import. Please inquire.

Commodities Exempt
Epiphytic orchids with the bark of non_host species (see D01-01-Appendix 1). The requirements for the import of orchids are specified in policy D_96_09.

Please always verify current requirements before making plans to import plant material. You can request e-mail notification of new directives as they are issued. http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/protect/dir/directe.shtml

Importations from outside the continental USA including Hawaii

CFIA Import Permit and Phytosanitary Certificates are required for all orchids including plants in flask.

One can download a Permit Form at the following url or request that one be sent by mail.
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/oper/opere.shtml

Print the form, enter all necessary information in capital letters or using a typewriter. Fax or mail the form with payment well in advance of your intended importation.

The Fee for CFIA Permits to Import plants and plant material - $35 (as of August 2002)

Apply for permits well in advance!

Send the completed application:

Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

CITES Appendix I

CITES Permits to import orchids into Canada only apply to artificially propagated Appendix I species their seeds, pollen and pollinia, and cut flowers of artificially propagated plants. Permits for hobbyists to import plants are free but you must complete an application form.

Appendix I includes all species of Paphiopedilum and Phragmipedium as well as Cattleya trianaei, Dendrobium cruentum, Laelia jongheana, Laelia lobata, Peristeria elata, Renanthera imschootiana and Vanda coerulea.

Importation of wild-collected Appendix I plants from anywhere is prohibited.

To enter Canada from any country, artificially propagated Appendix I species need a CITES Import Permit issued by the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) as well as a CITES Export Permit issued by the CITES Management Authority of the exporting country. No parts of Appendix I species are exempted from a requirement for permits including seeds, pollen and pollinia, and cut flowers of artificially propagated plants.

CITES Appendix II

Artificially propagated Appendix II species (which includes all orchid species other than those listed in Appendix I) do not require a CITES Import Permit issued by the CWS but they do require a CITES Export Permit issued by the CITES Management Authority of the exporting country. Parts of Appendix II species are exempted from a requirement for CITES permits including seeds, pollen and pollinia, and cut flowers of artificially propagated plants. Also exempted are fruits, parts and derivatives thereof of artificially propagated Vanilla.

All orchid seedlings (App. I and II), if in sterile flasks of solid or liquid medium, are exempted from a CITES Import Permit.

All orchid seedlings (App. I and II) in sterile flasks of solid or liquid medium imported from outside the continental USA require both an Import Permit issued by the CFIA and a Phytosanitary Certificate but do not require a CITES Import Permit.

Refer to the following table for permit requirements.

*Appendix I includes all species of Paphiopedilum and Phragmipedium as well as Cattleya trianaei, Dendrobium cruentum, Laelia jongheana, Laelia lobata, Peristeria elata, Renanthera imschootiana and Vanda coerulea. Appendix II includes all other species. No plants native to Canada and the continental USA are listed in Appendix I.

**Parts of Appendix II orchid species are exempted from a requirement for CITES permits including seeds, pollen and pollinia, and cut flowers of artificially propagated plants, and fruits, parts and derivatives thereof of artificially propagated Vanilla.

*** A Permit to Import is now required for the states of California and Oregon (Curry county only). Always verify current requirements before making plans to import plant material. http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/protect/dir/directe.shtml

My recent experience.

When I decided to visit Malaysia and the 17^th World Orchid Conference, I wanted to obtain appropriate permits to have in hand in case I found anything of interest. I did not know what I was going to find. How could I list species that I intended to import months beforehand? I was aware that there would be Malaysian officials on hand to assist foreigners with the documentation of their purchases. This is often the case with large international shows.

FIRST - I made a decision not to import Appendix I species which meant that I did not need to apply for a CITES Import Permit.

SECOND - I applied to the CFIA for an Import Permit for myself, travelling in Malaysia. This means that I did not have to have a particular nursery source in mind but would pick and choose as I travelled. I listed plants intended for import as Orchidaceae spp. and orchid hybrids of the genera I expected to purchase. I also indicated that I intended to import seedlings in sterile flasks as well as bareroot plants, just in case I was tempted by something unexpected at the show. I took the Import Permit with me so that the Malaysian authorities could know any specific declarations needed by Canada.

THIRD - I made my WOC purchases at the earliest opportunity. I bought six flasks which was what I could safely carry home. It also was as much as I wanted to grow on later. I received some orchid hybrid plants as a gift. I took my purchases to the inspection kiosk before the last day. I showed them my import permit which they needed to prepare the Phytosanitary Certificate and Export permit. They inspected the plants, I paid my fees, and received the papers. These I kept together with my purchases which were in my checked baggage. Then all I had to worry about was whether the luggage got lost which, thankfully, it did not. I declared the plants on return to Ottawa, showed my papers, had the material examined, then passed on through. The seedlings are now happily adapting to our summer existence.

CONCLUSIONS

Planning is the key to successful importations. Decide what you wish to acquire then find out what permits, etc. are needed to make the importation happen. Acquire your permits well before you order plants or plan to travel. Be aware that not all foreign dealers export orchids neither do all countries permit export of orchids. Note that only CITES Export Permits issued by the CITES Management Authority of the exporting country are valid. Verify that permits are duly dated, stamped and signed.

Only the larger international shows arrange for inspection during the show. Always ask about this before formulating your plans as it is an invaluable service. If this service is not available at a show, lengthy and costly measures sometimes are needed to get your plants legally permitted and certified.

Never give in to the temptation to smuggle orchids.

Marilyn H. S. Light

Notes on a Polystachya

As I was packing plants for the display at the Fraser Valley Orchid show, I decided to take along our Polystachya luteola, mainly because its rather small, yellow flowers exude a rather heavy, sweet scent; they are also non-resupinate and look like little golden helmets.

Then while trying to fit my plants to the schedule classes, I found out that the Polystachyas have no recognized affinities with any other orchid genus. Even on the Wildcatt program, they stand there, all alone.

Of course, I became intrigued. So instead of resting up for that show with its busy set-up, judging, selling, socializing into the late hours and frenzied take-down with the usual mad dash to catch the ferry, I started to look into books. There was not much to be found in my library. Neither could I find much on the computer. Then I looked into the program from the German Orchideen - Gesellschaft _ haha! There was the name of `our' Polystachya luteola, except it is a synonym to Pol. concreta, which has another synonym as Pol. mauritania. (Could this one have come from Mauritius?) Further into their article, I read that altogether this plant has had, up to now, 52 different names; not all of them were as Polystachyas. The oldest name goes back to 1760 where Jacquin had it written up as Epidendrum concretum. Of course, in those days, every epiphytic plant was called an Epidendrum, which just means it lives closely attached to a tree. The species correct epithet means `close together, compact' and likely refers to the habit of the inflorescence, where the flowers grow in close clusters.

Our particular species has an almost worldwide distribution: it can be found in Asia from Sri Lanka to the Philippines, in Africa, Madagascar and neighbouring islands and in the New world from Mexico and Florida through the Caribbean south to Brazil. From this distribution, by the way, you can see that it is a tropic to sub-tropic plant. It grows throughout the year without much rest and likes fertilizing during our summers. Actually, I put some cow manure in with the mix and it has grown very well this past summer.

The flowers of most of these plants of Pol. concreta are a bright yellow or green-yellow; only the ones from the Madagascar region can be orange to brown.

There are 13 species of Polystachya listed on Wildcatt - there are probably more. Up to now (Fall 2002) there have been 12 hybrids listed, none of them with 'our' species, probably because it flowers are quite small, only 0.8 cm top to bottom. Some of the other species have flowers over two cm across. Perhaps we should get a few of those - if they also have a nice scent.

Pol. concreta is the type species for the genus, but because it grows in so many different places, the taxonomists are not certain that it is not hiding a few other species among its numbers. However, it has the distinction, according to my source, to present the most difficult and complicated chapter in the orchid kingdom.

I. Schmidt-Ostrander

COMING EVENTS

2002

• Nov 2-3: Victoria Orchid Society Mall Orchid Show. It will be in the Hillside Mall, Hillside and Shelbourne. Contact: "Ingrid Ostrander" email: ifl@telus.net 250-652-6133
• Nov 9-10: Niagara Region OS, Queen Elizabeth Centre, Facer St. (QEW and Niagara St), St Catherines
• Nov 16-17: Les Orchidophiles de Quebec Orchid show, Pavillon Envirotron, Laval University, Quebec, QC
  info: orchidophilesquebec@hotmail.com

2003

• Feb 21-23: Orchid Society of Alberta. in the Grant MacEwan College, Millwoods Campus, 7319 - 29 Ave. Edmonton, Alberta. This is an A.O.S. judged show. For more info contact me at rmerz@telusplanet.net or call (780) 483-0137
• Mar 1-2: Victoria Orchid Society Spring Orchid Show will be in the Students' Union Building, University of Victoria.
  Contact: "Ingrid Ostrander" email: ifl@telus.net 250-652-6133 "http://www.members.shaw.ca/bearman1/"
• March 8-9: London Orchid Society Orchid Show, Wonderland Gardens, 284 Wonderland Road South, London, ON
  For show information: http://los.lon.imag.net/losshows.htm
• March 29-30: Orchid Society of the Royal Botanical Gardens, 680 Plains Rd., Burlington, ON.
  Show chair is Ben Boers, email bmboers@hotmail.com.
• April 4-6: The 2003 Mid America Orchid Congress, COC meeting and Show is being hosted by the Southern Ontario Orchid Society at The Inn on the Park at Eglington Avenue East and Leslie Street. "http://www.soos.ca/"
• April 4-6: The Manitoba Orchid Society "http://www.mosorchids.com/"
  For more information, email: info@mosorchids.com
• April 5-6: The Regina Orchid Society annual show and sale at the Core Ritchie Community Centre, 445 14th Ave., Regina.
  Contact Janette Richardson, (306)543-0560
  email: dale.richardson@sk.sympatico.ca
  
• April 26-27: The Ottawa Orchid Society show, Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave., Nepean

The purpose of COC news is to inform members of the meetings, policies of the COC, to profile members, and to provide technical information regarding happenings, trends and techniques in orchid culivation across the country and around the world.

We welcome your suggestions and contributions. Deadline for each issue is one month before the issue dates previously announced.

Recipients of this newsletter are strongly urged to pass a copy on to other members of their society

Officers of the Canadian Orchid Congress

COC Web Site - http://www.CanadianOrchidCongress.ca/
Please send in your show information - date, location, contact, etc.

COC Home | COC News