Canadian Orchid Congress Newsletter - VOL19.3

Spring has burst forth in splendor in the interior of BC and it is my wish that it has done so in your 'neck of the woods' as well.

As you all know, the COC has several slide programs available for loan to societies. I am pleased to inform you about two upcoming new programs: one on Paphiopedilums and Phragmipediums and the other on Phalaenopsis. Watch for the announcement in the newsletter as they should be ready and available by the end of the year.

Remember to send in your concerns or comments of any kind to me or any other executive member.

The Notice Board

Please Forward

Vendors List Update

The COC website has a list of Canadian orchid vendors as a service to the orchid hobbyists. This list is quite useful when you visit another part of the country and would like to visit an orchid vendor there. It can also be of use when you are looking for a vendor who sells the one orchid you wish to have. It would help immensely if you would look at the vendors listed for your neck of the woods to see if someone is missing or maybe somebody is no longer in business. Please let me know via email so we can keep this list current.

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Do you still need this newsletter on paper? Do you like your photos in color? Save trees and email me with a request to send only the pdf file by email. You can also check the website for a copy.

California Orchid Importations

If you are planning to import orchids into Canada, you can look up all the regulations on the COC website. But please be aware that there are other things to consider.

Recently, I was fortunate to get (from Patrick Van Adrichem) the telephone number of one gentleman connected with Environment Canada, Mr. Bruce Graham in Vancouver. We spoke for a while and he reassured me that if there are any orchids (seeing that this is my area of concern), which have to be seized, he will send them to UBC Botanical Gardens with the understanding that they will be kept in the general greenhouses. My big (and dismaying) surprise was that since this procedure had been established, within the past 6 months, there were only three orchids sent to UBC. All the other orchids (that had been confiscated) had come without the correct documentation, particularly without the original Phytosanitary Certificate. This is currently happening to many plants from California because most folks don't realize that we now need special paperwork for plant importations from California because of the `Sudden Oak Death' fungus (Phytophthora ramorum). And as Mr. Graham sadly pointed out, without the proper Phyto, the plants might pose a threat to the Canadian flora and must be destroyed!

Please be advised that even though you may import orchids from the USA without a permit from Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), you need an import permit for importations from California and possibly southern Oregon. Your supplier has to provide the proper declarations with the Phytosanitary certificates to make sure your plants are safe to bring into Canada. Also, CFIA must have original documents, no copies accepted!

Orchid Territory: A Comic Novel

311pp.,2006, Redland Press, (vandas@mindspring.com), 25000 Farmlife Road, Redland, Florida 33031, USA, softcover, CAD $18.75, ISBN 0-9674343-2-7

This novel by Mary Motes is certainly a comic approach to our orchid world. On a practical note, there are tips, sprinkled here and there, on growing orchids in flask, in pots ,and even on getting them readied for a show. But this reader cannot help wondering just who the characters are in real life for this novel does suggest a wealth of real life experience. Orchid Territory takes a light-hearted approach to our hobby and our foibles which seem to be as numerous as there are orchid species. It is heartily recommended this as good summer read. - Marilyn H. S. Light

SOOS Supports Ontario Orchids

The executive passed a motion, from the SOOS Conservation Committee, to donate $10,000.00 to the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority. This authority controls an area west of Kingston, Ontario. They are currently finalizing the purchase of a 239 hectare fen. The property contains 7 orchid species plus associated plants. Although our donation is large, it represents about 1% of the purchase price.

In conversation with the Conservation Authority, we are convinced that this natural area is important and will be managed effectively. This rare type of habitat is critical to the survival of many plant and animal species.

MITCHELMORE, Sarah Ruth Ellen - On April 26, 2007. Everyone who met Sally knows she got tremendous enjoyment from working in her garden and greenhouses. She not only shared her love and knowledge of gardening with everyone, she founded her own business, The Orchid Lady, in her sixties. She "gathered" and imported orchids from all over the world and won many prizes with her rare and lovely plants. She was co-founder of the Central Ontario Orchid Society and was an active member of the Trafalgar Group and the Royal Botanical Gardens Orchid Societies.

COC Slide Programs

Huntleyinae by Ingrid Schmidt-Ostrander
Cattleyas - by Ken Girard.
Oncidiums - by Gordon Heaps.
Fragrant Orchids by Marilyn Light.
Hardy Orchids and Their Culture by Bill Bischoff
Phragmipediums by Ingrid Ostrander
Lycastes by Ingrid Ostrander
Orchid Pests and Diseases prepared by Marilyn Light

More information on ordering the slide programs is available on the COC website.

Chinese Cymbidium and Culture Exhibition

Chinese Cymbidiums have been in cultivation for centuries. Continuous selection of particularly interesting forms from the wild has yielded specimens which are valued for their graceful foliage, and beautiful and often fragrant flowers in shades of pink, green, yellow and white. Selected plants can fetch thousands of dollars. Chinese Cymbidiums are a symbol of friendship and virtue: they have a reputation for longevity. Over the past decade, Chinese Cymbidiums have become a hot commercial item throughout Asia and throughout the orchid world. Perhaps you have one or several in your collection. It was my great honour to be invited to the First Chinese Cymbidium and Cymbidium Culture Exhibition which was held in Beijing, China, January 25 to 29, 2007.

Weather in January is cool and dry. It was about 5°C by day and fortunately, the days during the conference were sunny, clear and not too cold. Exhibitors would be hand carrying their orchids outdoors and I am sure that protection from freezing would have been required if it was much colder. We stayed at the Beijing Hotel. It was a sunny congenial place for conference participants to gather while waiting transport to an event site. Before the conference got underway, we explored the area near the hotel, finding shops selling tea, silk, books and other delightful articles. I wanted to visit a typical courtyard home such as the residence of author and poet, Lao She, now a historic site, was about 1.5 km distant. It was fun to follow our map and ask passersby if we were on the correct side street. We passed through a door set in a wall and entered into a lovely courtyard having two persimmon trees. Of course they were leafless in winter but you could imagine the shade they had provided Lao She during the heat of summer (Beijing summers are typically hot and humid). We also visited the Forbidden City. The 'Emperor' was waving to crowds as they passed through the initial gates. Many of the palace buildings have been restored but this is an ongoing task. Inside the Hall of Peace and Harmony, we could see the throne and other interesting decorations. I took particular delight in visiting the garden where ancient trees grew, where Golden Bamboo spiralled out of hidden courtyards, and where tree peonies were resting in bud, waiting for spring to burst forth in their typically gorgeous fashion.

The conference attracted some 400 registrants, most commercial Chinese Cymbidium growers. Owners were proud to show off their prized specimens, most of which were in flower. I admired pure white-flowered specimens which I believe to be Cym. tortisepalum. The first of two exhibitions was staged in the Great Hall of the People. Each nursery provided a poster which carried their name and a note about their business, pictures of some of their best cultivars, and placed in front, one of their prized specimens. Most plants were growing in a standard clay Cymbidium pot but a few were in very ornamental pots. In most instances, the plant was surrounded by a perfect mound of moss. Cymbidiums which bloom in winter and were therefore blooming at this show include Cymbidium sinense which is called the New Year's plant in China. Fragrant Cymbidium kanran, Cym. tortisepalum, Cym. tortisepalum var. longibracteata, and Cym. serratum were also featured in the show. Flowers were varied and some selected for their peloric nature. I really liked Cym. serratum with its dark green bloom and red-dotted white lip. Some flowers had double and even triple/quadruple lips and segments. One had a pale green flower, so delicate and ethereal, which was another Cym. tortisepalum cultivar. This species comes in a wide range of colours including pink.

The Chinese have been growing terrestrial Cymbidiums for more than 1000 years. Species including Cymbidium goeringii, Cymbidium sinense, Cymbidium ensifolium and Cymbidium kanran grow in cool well drained soil, often in rocky places in groves of bamboo. They must be sheltered from strong sun and summer heat. The long thick roots are the primary storage organs and must be conserved if a plant is to thrive. Over the centuries, interesting forms have been collected from the wild but conservation of the natural resource is a growing concern if new cultivars are to be obtained. For this reason, the scientific presentations centred about a conservation theme. Dr. Phillip Cribb (England), formerly Chair of the Orchid Specialist Group, spoke on An Integrated Approach to Orchid Conservation in Madagascar. Dr. Karasawa Koji (Japan) presented on aspects of commercial production and distribution of Cymbidium in Japan. Dr. Kingsley Dixon (Australia) presented a series of novel ventures of educational appeal. Australia Nature has produced an educational kit popular with school children and hobbyists also. It consists of pasteurized mulch, seeds in sand and a fungal inoculum to start one's very own terrestrial orchids. Great idea! Dr. Peter Bernhardt (Saint Louis University) spoke about pollination of Cypripedium explaining how and why few flowers produce fruits especially Chinese cyps growing above 3000 m where there are fewer pollinators and pollen tubes take longer to reach the ovary. William Rhodehamel (Hoosier Orchids) talked about work of the AOS Conservation Committee and how his nursery, Hoosier Orchids, practices ex situ conservation by maintaining an extensive living collection, disseminating propagules by sale, bring more species into cultivation, and by helping growers in range states conserve populations locally. Marilyn Light (Canada) presented a parallel long term study of Cypripedium reginae in two parks, one a ecotourism park where intervention is permitted, and in a federal park where research and conservation is a primary focus. What is observed in one location can be confirmed in the other park which in turn can assist conservation managers dealing with management challenges including population decline. I understand that the conference proceedings are to be published as a book in both Chinese and English.

Chinese Cymbidiums are raised and displayed in a classic pot which helps keep roots cool. Here is a variegated foliage specimen shown in front of one of the many posters seen during the exhibition.

We celebrated together at a gathering of Chinese Orchid Masters where there was an exhibition of Chinese Orchid Painting and Calligraphy. There were prints of famous works done hundreds of years ago and more recent art also. All featured orchids mostly Chinese Cymbidiums. To finish the week, we gathered for a farewell evening banquet. Featured was a delicious dish Dong Po Elbow which a succulent and tasty pork joint that has been simmered with various spices to render it tender and very, very good. Another dish was a combination of cooked white beans and apricots. What a sweet tasty but simple combination! This was followed by an exciting show of song and dance featuring the stars of stage, television and even the internet. The first act was a singing dance troop whose act was derived somewhat from classic Chinese opera.

This conference was a very worthwhile experience where I had an opportunity to meet Chinese growers, see a wide range of prized Cymbidium cultivars and to experience the warm and friendly Chinese hospitality. All good things must come to an end. I found my last Beijing sunset the perfect memory of a thoroughly enjoyable orchid event.

Temperature is the most critical factor in blooming Chinese cymbidiums. Considering that they are mountain plants, their roots must be kept cool especially during the heat of summer. Chinese growers keep their cymbidiums under heavy shade during summer heat. Once temperatures rise above 25EC, ventilation must be provided . As the summer days shorten, night temperature should be around 50F/10C to initiate flower spikes. Cooler temperatures in winter are recommended 50F/10C nights and 70F/20C days. Chinese cymbidiums like our typical Cymbidiums can survive light frost but flowers/buds can be damaged. Chinese cymbidiums have very long roots so deep narrow pots are typically used. I have found that shallow pots permit more extensive root growth which might be useful with some cultivars. I note also that nurseries only put plants in narrow pots when readying them for sale. Repot after flowering, selecting a pot that will allow for two to three years of growth. I have found my plant `Rainbow' to be a fairly fast grower producing multiple leads every year. There is a growing interest in this kind of orchid in Canada. Perhaps if there are enough growers in your society, you might consider having a class for Chinese cymbidiums (with and without flowers) for your next show.

Getting to Know William Rhodehamel

During the winter of 1979 while at college, William received some orchids from a family friend. The three plants included an Epi. radicans, and the rest is history. Today, William's favourite orchid is 'whichever one sold last'. He is the proprietor of Hoosier Orchids of Indianapolis, Indiana, which likely explains why sales are foremost in his mind. His favourite species is Masdevallia rhodehameliana which he acquired in a batch of plants from Peru labelled as Masd. rudolfii. He sent it to Dr. Luer for identification. The response was 'phenomenal'. This rare species is illustrated at: http://www.pleurothallids.com/masdevallia_rhodehameliana.htm

When asked about his preference in hybrids, he said that he likes orange-fire tones but has no real favourite hybrid. He hybridizes but is especially interested in the challenges of growing tropical terrestrial species.

William started his nursery business in 1989. The driving force behind everything they do at Hoosier Orchids is conservation. They propagate, propagate, propagate, aiming to preserve species through propagation. There are 600-700 species currently in propagation with some 700 capsules being harvested per year. That is a lot of seeds, seedlings and shows the depth of William's commitment to conservation.

North American Region Orchid Specialist Group

The North American Regional Orchid Specialist Group (NAROSG) is soliciting your help in providing any information on past or current projects involving orchid restoration and/or reintroductions in the continental USA and in Canada. Any information is useful, the most critical information being an active contact regarding ANY specific project. If you know of any projects and can provide us with contact information, this will be greatly appreciated. E-mail contact initially is preferred.

During the recent Orchid Specialist Group meeting which took place in conjunction with the 3rd International Orchid Conservation Congress held in San Jose, Costa Rica, March 2007, it became clear that there is a real need for a cross referenced list of reintroduction/restoration projects so that others can benefit from the experience of others. Projects and reports that would not typically be published in private, public or scientific journals are of particular interest. Our orchid conservation efforts have the potential to be more effective and to be carried out more professionally if useful information is readily available in one place. We intend to list restoration/reintroduction projects by State/Province, Genus/species, Project type, Time frame, and Contact information, on the OSG website. Contributors will have the opportunity to share their ideas, processes, successes and failures regarding these projects.

As a member of NAROSG, I am working closely with the others to develop the database of orchid restoration, and/or reintroduction projects that have taken place or projects that are currently under development in the continental United States and Canada. Anyone with any information regarding any such project is asked to contact me by E-mail.

Your assistance with our task could be vital to the overall success of orchid conservation projects.

Matt Richards
Member, North American Regional Orchid Specialist Group
Fuqua Orchid Center Horticulturist
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave. NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
MRichards@atlantabotanicalgarden.org

Ecuador Tour

In March I went on a tour of Ecuador that was conducted by Ecuagenera.
Here are just a few pictures from the three week trip. - Jerry Bolce


First stop - the Ecuagenera outlet near Guayaquil	We climbed the hill to see Epidendrum hexisum
How did our guide, Pepe Portilla, get to the other side of the stream? Rubber boots are in order!	Do you need a hand in this jungle? Hopefully there is a reward here. Below left- Fernandezia subiflora Below right- Masdevallia deformis
We will be spending a lot of time here at Ecuagenera in Gualaceo enjoying the wonderful hospitality
One of many, many flowers in the greenhouses here.	Fishing for supper at an Ecuagenera plantation. The tilapia seemed to have wandered off.

Heading south to Loja and Vilcabamba then on to Zamora, Gualaquiza and back to Ecuagenera. Lots of flora stops along the way.

COMING EVENTS

2007

2008

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

President Faithe Prodanuk
250-542-0248

Past President Margaret Blewett
905-687-9205

Vice-President Jean Hollebone
613-226-2395

Vice-President Terry Zdan
204-488-8988

Treasurer Janette Richardson
306-543-0560

Secretary Ms Robin McLaughlin
416-778-0014

Education Mark Elliott
604-501-2136

Conservation Marilyn Light
819-776-2655


Nice Phragmipedium besseae growing along the roadside.	Last chance to shop- Maxillaria triloris
Yes, it is a cloud forest. Looking down on the hills. Um, mountains.	Right- Telipogon aureus Left- Cyrtochilum macranthum
There are orchids in all that green.	Rough, but someone has to do it. We hit the road tomorrow, north to Riobamba and Baños the next day.
Back at Ecuagenera dinner is happening. Cuy, or you know it as guinea pig.	Steady, steady.
But first some entertainment.	View of Tungurahua volcano from Baños.


The volcano destroyed the Phragmipediums that grew here. We looked and did find some more.	Maxillaria aurea
Huntleya Elleanthus aureus At Hosteria Orchid Paradise in Archidona, Amazon area near the Napo River	Epidendrum macrostachyum
Just hanging around	Odontoglossum cristatellum
A dinner guest	Epidendrum cochlidium
	Hold the boat steady - trying to get a shot of the Phrag. On the Napo river.


Cochlioda vulcanica	Selenipedium
Tricopilia fragrans	Koelesteinia graminia
Had to risk my life to get this one. Odontoglossum pardidum	Cyrtochilum macranthum
The Saturday market in Otovalo. Very colorful.	Some local color.
	I straddle the equator near Quito, nearing the end and the trip home.

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From the President