Tropical Dispatch May 2009

Marie selby

botanical gardens

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nuMber 2

spring/suMMer 2009 Selbytropical dispatch

Beautiful New Phragmipedium

Described by Selby Scientists

Guatemala Beckons

New Bonsai Exhibit

Competing with Plants

Selby Gardens on TV

Special ArticleCattleya maxima ‘Königin Silvia’and its journey

to successful preservation

2 Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Dear Friends of Selby Gardens,

M y first month at Selby has been gratifying and demanding at the same time. I learned

a long time ago there is only so much anyone can do in one day. My first task, and the most enjoyable one, was to get to know the staff. Equally enjoyable: while at the Asian Festival, I met as many volunteers as possible throughout the weekend, and I continue to meet more every day. I very quickly found there is a common thread among volunteers, staff and board members: a deep and abiding love for Selby Gardens and a desire for the organization to be successful.

The best quality of a garden is that people of all ages and cultures know how to experience its resources, whether it’s to seek solace or to enjoy with family and friends. Selby Gardens is an esthetic experience that often leads the visitor to want to know more about plants and ways that plants can enrich their personal life.

Two of Selby’s greatest assets are our beautiful gardens and Display Greenhouse, which reflect exceptional plant combinations and use a wide selection of collection plants. In a garden setting, we have the opportunity to introduce new visitors to the beauty of tropical plants. At Selby, we also have the opportunity to display the diversity of epiphytes, particularly orchids, bromeliads and gesneriads. These dramatic plant groups stimulate a lifelong interest for the experienced and novice plant enthusiast.

Selby Gardens hopes to inspire new visitors to join the ranks of our members and get involved with our education and research programs. As I meet with many of you, my question will be, “How we can ensure the long-term financial stability of Selby?” I will be asking for your ideas about how we can accomplish this goal so a talented and professional staff will continue to inspire and educate present and future generations.

Cordially,

Thomas Buchter, CEO Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

The Tropical Dispatch is a publication of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Please send address changes to Carol Montgomery, Membership Manager, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236. E-mail: [email protected]. Telephone: 941.366.5731, ext. 266

Marie Selby botanical GardenS

Board of Trustees Thomas B. Luzier, Esq. – Chair

Nora Johnson – Vice Chair

Michael Saunders – Immediate Past Chair

Pete Biegel – Treasurer

Dr. Laurey Stryker – Secretary

Bill Gamble

Steve Hazeltine

Elaine Meshad

Susan L. McLeod

Carlyle Luer, M.D. – Trustee Emeritus

Linda Bush – Associates President (ex-officio)

Chief Executive Officer Thomas Buchter

Education Donna Krabill

Events and Facilities Dan Johnson

Finance and Administration Bill Lewis

Horticulture Mike McLaughlin

Marketing and Communications and Dispatch Editor Debby Steele

Membership and Development Carol Montgomery

Research and Conservation David Benzing, Ph.D. John R. Clark, Ph.D. Stig Dalström Bruce Holst Wesley E. Higgins, Ph.D. Harry E. Luther

Volunteers Emily Lane

Mission StatementTo further the understanding and appreciation of plant life, with emphasis on epiphytes, and to provide enjoyment to all who visit the Gardens.

Program SponsorsSelby Gardens programs are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Division of Historical Resources, Division of Cultural Affairs, Sarasota County Arts Council and Tourist Development Council.

Cover photo: Phragmipedium manzurii by David Manzur.printed on recycled

paper

3The Tropical Dispatch Spring/Summer 2009

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Cattleya maxima ‘Königin Silvia’

Cattleya maxima, regular highland form

IT All BEGAn in an isolated, flea-infested hut, tucked away in the Ecuadorian mountains near the

sleepy town of Vilcabamba. This town had developed a reputation for a clean environment, which keeps people healthy, resulting in unusually long lifespans. At least that is what the villagers like to believe, but in fact, according to a health department study performed years ago, one hundred percent of the population used to carry a plethora of intestinal parasites.

Cattleya maxima ‘Königin Silvia’

and its journeyto successful preservation

by Stig Dalström

One morning my host Dennis D’alessandro was weak from a nasty parasitic worm. While he was in this weakened state, I decided to try to talk him out of a piece of an exquisite orchid, a white form of Cattleya maxima. Unusual color forms of this species are rare and jealously treasured by orchid growers in Ecuador. The species used to be widespread along the coast, where it appeared as a sturdy epiphyte with up to one-meter tall stems, carrying numerous pale pinkish flowers. It also occurred at slightly higher elevations in the mountains as a much more compact plant with fewer but darker purplish colored flowers. Plants of Cattleya maxima are no longer common in nature and have vanished completely from much of its historic distribution. There are still isolated populations surviving here and there in the southern part of the country, but you need to search far and wide to find them. Somehow, a white- flowered plant was discovered near the town of Cariamanga in the south and ended

up in a private collection in loja, closely guarded by a proud and protective owner. Dennis talked the owner out of a small division, which he proudly exhibited. The plant did not look very healthy, and I had tried for days without success to persuade him to split his treasure in case something happened to it Anyway, the worm incident seemed to mellow Dennis’ resistance. I managed to bring up the Cattleya discussion again while he was in a vulnerable state of mind. It turned out relatively successful. He agreed to part with a portion of it which consisted of two tiny back-bulbs, the size of my little finger. I figured that was better than nothing and handed the plant over to my travel partner Thomas Höijer, who had a better chance to nurse the little runt


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back to life at the Botanical Garden in Stockholm. A few years later, the seemingly impossible was a fact. Thomas had not only been able to keep the tiny plant alive but also to nurture it to the point of exploding with new growth. The plant looked and acted weird though, and instead of producing a single growth that would increase in size and finally flower, it put out a multitude of little growths in all directions. The good part was that this made it easy to divide and produce more plants. The bad part was that it was exceedingly shy aboout flowering. When it finally did flower, it revealed a beautiful and well-shaped, single white blossom per inflorescence. Eventually, a division was given to a professional German orchid grower who added some magic to the treatment and soon had a large and impressive plant that he displayed at a show in Germany. He was rewarded with a silver medal for the effort. The orchid was given the clonal name “Königin Silvia” in honor of the Swedish queen. A second division of the Swedish plant was also donated to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. The plant liked the Florida sun so much that it soon became a huge ball of stems and leaves but only occasionally displayed single blossoms during flowerings. Despite its reputation as an orchid that is both finicky and difficult to flower, Selby Gardens’ excellent orchid grower, Angel lara, has mastered the cultivation and reveals that this plant needs to be placed in very bright and warm conditions in order to show its full potential. The survival of the puny bulbs of Cattleya maxima ‘Königin Silvia’ is a rare success story. not only did the plant survive in cultivation, it has been propagated and widely distributed in several countries, including a return to Ecuador. This also demonstrates the importance of sharing rare plants when possible since both the original plants in loja and Vilcabamba have perished.

Cattleya maxima ‘Königin Silvia’ continued

Phragmipedium manzurii flower

T HIS ExCITInG nEW species is described by Wesley Higgins, Ph.D., and Paula Viveros, a former Selby Gardens

intern. The new species is named Phragmipedium manzurii to honor the discoverer, David Angel Manzur, a retired professor of the Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales. The plants come from wet slopes in the Department of Santander, Colombia. This new species is similar to Phragmipedium fischeri and P. schlimii but differs in the shape of the staminode and color of flowers. The flowers are pale green with a yellow center and a white pouch that is flushed pink. Paula Viveros traveled to Colombia to examine the plants, since Manzur was unable to send a specimen due to governmental restrictions. Professor Manzur has discovered eight plants of this species, and he is growing plants from seed for distribution. This discovery has created much excitement in the orchid world. Color photos have been requested by Orchids Magazine, Orchid Digest, Die Orchidee, Orchideen-Freund, and Lankesteriana for publication.

Beautiful New Phragmipedium Described by Selby Scientists

Paula Viveros and Wesley Higgins

Phragmipedium manzurii growing in its natural setting in Colombia


I recently returned from a trip to Guatemala at the invitation of the Minister of the Environment and

natural Resources (MARn) and the Guatemalan Association of Orchidologists (AGO). In Guatemala City, I presented a lecture on the orchid genus Prosthechea and judged the AGO orchid show. In the mountains south of Guatemala City, I visited a protected cloud forest (elevation 2000 m) on a private finca (farm) guided by members of AGO to view orchids in their native habitat. Fredy Archila, a research associate of Selby Gardens, took me to an area

BeckonsGuatemala

in the mountains (elevation 900 m) of Alta Verapaz where a new road is under construction. Here we collected gesneriads and bromeliads for the Gardens’ living collection and 100 orchid specimens for the Selby spirit collection. Three new Guatemalan Encyclia species will be described by Archila and me in the forthcoming issue of Selbyana. The MARn is concerned about a non-native orchid occurring in Tikal national Park (elevation 200 m), a World Heritage site. I confirmed that the plant is a tropical African species, Oeceoclades maculata. Orchids are not commonly

regarded as invasive, but this species has become invasive and generally associated with habitat disturbance. However, this aggressive terrestrial species has remarkable ecological adaptation and does penetrate old growth forests such as Tikal national Park. Selby research scientists focus on tropical plant inventory, classification, and conservation of habitats. The Gardens’ mission is to further the understanding and appreciation of plant life, with emphasis on epiphytes (especially Bromeliaceae, Orchidaceae, and Gesneriaceae). This expedition

Oeceoclades maculata growing in Tikal National Park

Lycaste skinneri, national flower of Guatemala in the wild

Asociacion Guatemalteca de Orquideologia orchid show

was made possible by a donation for orchid research by Dick and Mary Perry. Projects over the past five years have taken staff to Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. The ongoing generosity of forward-thinking donors like the Perrys will allow Selby Gardens to continue our important work in remote locations like these.

Article and photography by Wesley E. Higgins, PhD, Head of Systematics


plantsIN THE GARDEN

by Harry E. Luther, Curator of Living Collections,Director, Mulford B. Foster Bromeliad Identification Center

T he Marantaceae, the Prayer Plant family, is comprised of more than 500 species in 30 genera. Most are

native to Tropical America with a few in Africa, Asia and even temperate north America (Thalia). Because no species in this family are epiphytes, I am frequently asked why Selby Gardens maintains a large collection (nearly 200 accessions) of these plants. First and foremost, the smaller species, which make up the bulk of our collection, are colorful and attractive. In addition, as mostly understory specialists, they demonstrate a number of features thought to be of survival value on the floor

Prayer Plants

of the rainforest. Patterned foliage breaks up their silhouettes, serving as camouflage, and may appear to be damaged or diseased prompting herbivores to seek snacks elsewhere. Many of their leaves have red undersides, a feature thought to redirect scarce sunlight back through the blade for a second shot at photosynthesis. Some species are polymorphic for leaf color and pattern: plants of the same species in different areas, of different ages, under different conditions may look completely different. To sort these out, botanists need living plants to learn which characters are genetic and which are age and environment

dependent. Finally, this collection is one of the best in north America as the result of decades of collecting and research by Dr. Helen Kennedy, a Selby Gardens Research Associate. Many Calathea, Maranta, Stromanthe and Ctenanthe species are permanent residents in the Tropical Display Greenhouse. A few also can be found in protected spots in the open gardens. The majority of the collection is container-grown in one of the research houses and makes occasional public appearances when beautiful and colorful foliage appears.

Calathea leucostachys, inflorescence

Calathea musaica Calathea regalis

Calathea roseo-picta, inflorescence

Maranta bicolor

Calathea libbyana ‘Windows’


T HE SElBy GARDEnS Horticulture Department enjoyed another strong year on the orchid show circuit! Our new Display House Horticulturist, Angela Weber, worked with Greenhouse

Manager Angel lara to design our “Got Epiphytes” exhibit, which won two first place awards. loyal and talented volunteers Joan Irwin and Richard Cardozo helped to set up our exhibit at three shows around the State: Sarasota, Venice, and Miami. Volunteer Douglas Stewart skillfully created the backdrop for this and future orchid show exhibits. Angel and his crew of expert volunteers grew the spectacular orchid specimens that won two trophies and 19 ribbons. Participation in these orchid shows not only allows us to promote Selby Gardens and display our fascinating specimens to a wider audience, but it also helps us to further our mission of educating the public about epiphytes and the crucial role of plants in our world. none of this would have been possible without the continued generous support of the Marie Selby Gardens Associates, a volunteer service organization that entirely funded our participation in this year’s orchid shows. A special thank you to President linda Bush and the Associates!

2009 PlantShow Awards

Sarasota Orchid Society Show (January 3-4)

First Place ribbons• Cattleya lueddemaniana (cattleya species 5” and

over) • Dendrobium glomeratum ( Dendrobium species)• Dendrochilum convallariforme (coelogyne species

and hybrids)• Dendrobium ‘roy tokunago’ (Dendrobium hybrids)• Maxillaria splendens ‘selby’ cbr/aos (Maxillarieae

subtribe species and hybrids)• Gongora gibba (Genera other than above)

seconD Place ribbons• Pleurothallis matudana (Pleurothallidinae subtribe

species and hybrids)

thirD Place ribbons• Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis (bulbophyllinae

species and hybrids)

Venice Area Orchid Society Show (February 7-8)

troPhies• Most outstanding Plant of Diversified Genera

award for Acriopsis liliifolia var. liliifolia• best Dendrobium of show trophy for Dendrobium

capituliflorum

First Place ribbons• educational exhibit• Acriopsis liliifolia var. liilifolia • Dendrobium capituliflorum (Dendrobium species)• Paphiopedilum ‘st. swithin’ (Paphiopedilum

hybrids)• Trichoglottis geminata • Epidendrum paniculatum (epidendrum species) • Maxillaria setigera (Maxillaria species)

seconD Place ribbons • Dendrochilum cobbianum ‘selby’ • Guarianthe X guatemalensis (cattleya species)• Dendrobium amethystoglossum (Dendrobium

species)

thirD Place ribbons• Maxillaria densa (Maxillaria species)• Epidendrum secundum (epidendrum species)

South Florida Orchid Society Show (February 27- March 1)

troPhies• First Place award and ribbon for educational

exhibit

Competingwith

PlantsMike McLaughlin, Director of Horticulture

Photography by Dr. Phil Nelson

Dendrobium amethystoglossum

Dendrobium capituiliflorum Cattleya lueddemaniana


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A lthough it looks as if I am posing for a picture at the Florida State Fair with my award-winning, organically-modified enormous potato, this is in

fact the corm of an Amorphophallus titanum. Better known as “Titan Arum” or “Mr. Stinky” and weighing in excess of 33 pounds, this immense corm was started at Selby from seed in 1994. Selby horticulturists Gail McDaniel and Doug Bueche, along with Thomas Höijer, unearthed the large corm from its nutrient-deprived home in an effort to refresh and amend the medium. Indigenous to the tropical forests of Sumatra and rare in cultivation, this amazing aroid is known for having the largest unbranched-inflorescence in the world. Its claim to fame is its putrid odor, which is reminiscent of rotting flesh. Hopefully, with its new and improved home, this alluring aroid will soon astonish Selby visitors with its amazing inflorescence.

A spectacular Amorphophallus titanum cormAngel Lara, Orchid Collection Horticulturist and Greenhouse Manager

From left to right: Suzy Hagglund (Selby Greenhouse Volunteer), Dechen Lham (Director of the Royal Botanical Garden in Serbithang and Selby Intern), Angel Lara (Greenhouse Manager), Thomas Höijer (seasonal Selby Volunteer from Stockholm, Sweden)

Amorphophallus titanum

Rainforest Masks 2009 of the Borucan Indians of Costa Rica

RAInFOREST MASKS ExHIBITIOn

Marie Selby Gardens is pleased to report another successful Rainforest Masks exhibition. Proceeds from mask sales

help support the mission and programs of Selby Gardens. Thanks go out to this year’s sponsors, la vista verde, the Tourist Development Council, WUSF and Comcast. The artists of Boruca, Costa Rica, represented in the show appreciate the opportunity to exhibit their work at Selby. look for Rainforest Masks to return to the Gardens in March, 2010.


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Officials of both Selby Gardens and the Sho Fu Bonsai Society of Sarasota welcomed the public to Southwest Florida’s only public, permanent exhibit

of bonsai during the 4th Annual Asian Cultural Festival. Planning and collaboration on the project have been ongoing for well over a year. Funds were raised by Sho Fu Bonsai Society of Sarasota for both the exhibit and the bonsai trees, while Selby Gardens provided the venue in the Gardens just outside the Tropical Display House. Sho Fu has accumulated an inventory of eleven trees and two forests for the small but impressive exhibit through a combination of donations from Sho Fu members and from noted area bonsai artists. The artists include Alan Carver, Clif Pottberg, Hal Mahoney, Erik Wigert, Mary Madison, Ernie Fernandez and Dorothy Schmitz. Some of the trees have been in training for more than twenty years. Erik Wigert, President of Sho Fu Bonsai Society of Sarasota and Curator of the permanent exhibit, said, “This is a wonderful example of collaboration at its best. We get to exhibit specimen bonsai in a world class botanical garden. I would like to recognize Sho Fu members John and Cindy Petterson who first made the connection with Selby Gardens in planning for the first Asian Cultural Festival four years

Becker Holland and Greenhouse Manager Angel Lara filmed a segment of Florida Homegrown under the watchful eye of producer Leslie Gaines.

Erik Wigert and Mike McLaughlin at exhibit.

A iring now on local public broadcasting station WUSF Channel 16 is a gardening mini-series featuring Selby Gardens and Selby staff. leslie

Gaines, a Sarasota resident and Emmy Award-winning television producer, approached Selby Gardens in november about the possibility of filming a gardening series with Selby staff expertise. Director of Horticulture Mike Mclaughlin has become the informal host of the Florida Homegrown gardening series, seen by approximately 45,000 viewers each time a segment airs, a great exposure for Selby Gardens. Covering a broad range of gardening topics, the segments are 90 seconds long and are shown between regular programming. The segments come on twice each weekday evening between 7:30 and 10:00 p.m. you can also see them on weekends along with other gardening programs on Channel 16. Initial funding for the project was provided by a sponsorship from Blake Whisenant, the inventor of the Earth Box growing system. you can see an Earthbox demonstration garden in front of the Horticulture Department at Selby Gardens. Subsequently the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has also supported the project with a co-host, Hillsborough County Extension Agent Marina D’Abreau. A total of 13 segments will be produced this year. Tune in to get some gardening tips by watching Florida Homegrown for yourself.

ago, and who, along with another Sho Fu member, Mike Knowlton, worked with Selby officials Jessica Ventimiglia and Mike Mclaughlin to make this happen.” you will want to plan a visit to the Gardens to better understand this ancient Asian living art form. Also, members of the public are welcome to attend monthly meetings of the Sho Fu Bonsai Society of Sarasota. Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Great Room by the Bay.

Collaboration Results in Southwest Florida’s Only Public, Permanent Bonsai Exhibit

Selby Gardens Gardening Series on TV!


Volunteers who contributed more than 500 hours during 2008:

Zita Kasza 502 Center for Tropical Plant Science & Conservation, AssociatesJean Glynn 504 Welcome Center, Shops, Special EventsDan Reskow 598 Facilitieslinda Bush 611 Associates, Special EventsHeather Hill 626 Center for Tropical Plant Science & ConservationDr. Philip nelson 710 Center for Tropical Plant Science & ConservationMary Jane Fabik 766 Center for Tropical Plant Science & ConservationPep Ruddiman 987 Center for Tropical Plant Science & Conservation

Volunteers

Selby Gardens celebrated its volunteers at “Hats off to Selby’s Volunteers,” on Wednesday, March 25. Attendees enjoyed a Spanish-themed buffet

and heard from new CEO Tom Buchter, Trustees Chair Tom luzier, and others about the importance of their contribution to the Gardens. During 2008, more than 500 volunteers gave in excess of 46,000 hours of their time to the Gardens, an increase of about 15% over the previous year. nearly one-third received the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a national recognition based on the number of hours worked. “Since its earliest days, Selby Gardens has depended on its volunteer workforce,” says Volunteer Manager Emily

lane. “In tough economic times, their contributions become absolutely crucial to our ability to achieve our mission of research, conservation, education and horticultural display. But most important, our volunteers are part of the Selby Family.” Gardens volunteers assist in everything from scientific research to plant care, guest services, special events, fundraising, and even maintenance. Active volunteers outnumber staff by nearly eight to one, and the time they contribute is valued at nearly $1 million. See below for a list of some of those who were recognized for their 2008 contributions.


Pic BaileyDonna BakerJoyce BakerFlo Bennett

Jacquie Berns*Pete BiegelKay Bruns

Sheila Cafferillo Ed Carl

Mary CaroHunter Carpenter

Pat CaseGloria Cervoni

Bob ChaseAlison Christie

Pattie ClendeninBart CoelinghCarol Collier

*Marty CooperPaul Corologos

Sharon CorologosRichard Cowan

Jo DavisJoyce De Maria

lloyd “Doc” DoctoroffTom Dodson

Kathleen DrakeJim Edmundson

Penny EnnisAnn EsworthySarah FinazzoElaine FosterJoe Fouraker

Jo FranzBarbara FreyTom Giles

Alan GoldbergFrank Golderlarry Grajek

Marilyn GullifordMaureen HagerSuzy HagglundBarbara Hansen

linda HellerKathy Higgins

Diane HochmanIan Holst

leah HolstJanice Iversen

Bob JasynVivienne Jefferies*nora Johnson

Marie JonesCynthia Joseph

Carol KastElly KeeffeJoe Kelly

Jim KennedyKeith KirschnickKaren laBontenorman lee

Denise leschinskinancy levineleone levyBetty linerStan liner

David luger*Tom luzier, Esq.

Sally lynchPat MacleodJean Maier

Gretchen MandellBetsy Marks

Martha Mascia-StricklerCharles Mayer

Judith McChesneyDoris McColgan

nathalie McCullochMelissa McDowell

Bruce McleanMargaret Mclellan

*Susan McleodRuth Mendelevitz

Joanne MillerMaggie Minehardt

Evelyn MinkEleanor MooneDon nardoneCathy nemeth

Hannah neubauerBob normandieMollie nurczyk

Ginny O’DohertyJane Paulishak

Marjorie PflaumWendy PoelkeJudy Reskow

Judy RobertsonTeresa Robson

Wes Rouselouanne Roy

nancy Rutledge*Michael SaundersTerri Schlosberg

Russell SchoenfeldKaren SchunkCarol Seiersen

Barbara Shafer-HockettHannah ShullaRenee SmithAnne Spindel

Barbara StaffordKaren Stewartlaurie Stoner

*Dr. laurey StrykerTerri Tumlin

Shelby TwiningSarina WattsPaul Welty

Peter WilsonJames WolfsonPatricia WoodJetty Zarfos

Wolfe Zucker

* Trustee

President’s Volunteer Service Award WinnersJanuary 1 to December 31, 2008

*linda BushMary Jane Fabik

Jean GlynnHeather HillZita Kasza

Dr. Phil nelsonDan Reskow

Monica RiersonPep Ruddiman

criteria:Ages 5-14 100+ hoursAges 15-25 250+ hoursAges 26 and above 500+ hours

criteria:Ages 5-14 75-99 hoursAges 15-25 175-249 hoursAges 26 and above 250-499 hours

criteria:Ages 5-14 50-74 hoursAges 15-25 100-174 hoursAges 26 and above 100-249 hours

Marge AlbrechtFred Bigio

Richard CardozoSharon Carpenter

lou Colombolisa CrumpElla Deprez

Theda Donovannicole Duke

Pam EiselePat Evans

Barbara FeinbergSharon Giles

Kay HaleRuth HartmanBillie HultinJoan IrwinSue King

Brooke KrabillFoster KrabillBob la Roe

linda lestock

Ken lucasSue MillsSu Potter

Tom RaboneMarilyn Rheingold

lee RogersStephie Safford

Sue ScullyJoan Shaver

*David Staats

silver Award

bronze Award

Gold Award


THE MARIE SElBy Botanical Gardens’ Illustrated Dictionary

of Orchid Genera is a collaborative project of Peg Alrich and Wes Higgins, Ph.D., of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Orchid Identification Center. The dictionary is the most comprehensive collection of orchid genera nomenclature to date, with more than 3,800 names. This easy-to-navigate, full-color book contains more than 500 pages which present the current status of orchid taxonomy and the history of generic names, making it an important reference for botanists, taxonomists, orchid lovers and horticultural specialists. Easy to read and understand, its color-coded, fact-filled pages are complete with color illustrations or line drawings for each genus. Each genus description includes the author(s) name, and publication name, as well as page number and year of publication. Accepted genera include subfamily, tribe, and subtribe placement. The etymologies have been carefully researched and greatly

THE MARIE SElBy BOTAnICAl GARDEnS

Illustrated Dictionary of Orchid GeneraPeggy Alrich and Wesley Higgins

Bruce Hansen, Robert l. Dressler, Tom Sheehan, and John Atwood, editorsForeword by Peter H. Raven

expanded from other listings. Each entry lists the genus’ type species or lectotype, the number of species credited to the genus, and the species distribution. Also included is a brief description of the plants and flowers of the genus. Additionally, the dictionary includes an introductory overview of the orchid family by David Benzing, the well-known epiphyte

ecologist. The appendices include a list of the taxonomists along with their birth/death dates and genera authored, a listing of the standardized publication abbreviations used in literature, and a listing of species illustrations used.

Supplementary Material:• A list of book/periodical

abbreviations used in the dictionary

• A glossary of technical terms used to describe orchids

• The International Code of Botanical nomenclature (ICBn) rules for naming genera (reprinted with permission)

• A list of illustrations by species name

• A classification of Orchidaceae that accords with the most recent findings from phylogenetic studies

• An index of taxonomic authorities • A list of selected reading on

Orchidaceae

On the other side of the world lies the land of the Thunder Dragon, popularly referred to as the ‘last Shangri-la’, or the Kingdom of Bhutan. It is a country known for its unique culture

and traditions, benevolent governance, and rich biodiversity. dechen lham, Director of the Royal Botanical Garden at Serbithang is from Bhutan. She is currently an international intern at Selby Gardens. Bhutan’s Royal Botanical Garden is a part of the national Biodiversity Center, under the Ministry of Agriculture, and it is the first in the country. The garden includes 29-acres and has a staff of 27 people. While at Selby Gardens, Dechen will experience hands-on horticultural training, identify orchids and bromeliads, and work with various members of the staff in order to learn about the management of Selby Gardens. She expects to take home many new ideas for projects to further develop and enhance the Royal Botanical Garden at Serbithang. Many thanks to The Orchid Society of Arizona, David and Tatiana Staats, Stig Dalstrom, and Jessica Ventimiglia for their sponsorship of Dechen’s internship.

The Bhutanese arrive at Selby Gardens

Dechen Lham at Selby Gardens.

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MARIE SElBy Botanical Gardens hosted this exciting event for the fourth year on February 28 and March

1, 2009. The Sarasota Ikebana International, Bonsai and Sumi-e Societies brought the sights, sounds and smells of the Orient to the Gardens. On Saturday the 28th, the festivities began with opening ceremonies, including performances by taiko drummers and a lion Dance by Tang Martial Arts.

There were shows of ikebana flower arrangements, bonsai and sumi-e ink paintings. Demonstrations on origami paper folding, bonsai cultivation and Chinese brush painting were offered throughout the event. Even though the weather turned a bit disagreeable on Sunday, it was still an educational, entertaining and fun-filled weekend for all those attending.

Asian Cultural Festival at the Gardens

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Matsuriza Taiko Drummers Lion Dance by Tang Martial Arts

MAy 10, 2009Catered by Michael’s on East

Three Seatings Available:

9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Reservations Only

Brunch tickets include admission to the Gardens.

Selby’s Spring Music Series will feature The Venturas

from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. under the Banyans

Selby GardenS’ 4th annual

Mother’s DayBrunch

Treat your Mom to a delicious brunch served inside Selby’s Great Room overlooking Sarasota Bay


‘White Mischief’ is the result of complex, yet subtle flavors of pomegranate and

guava. High in antioxidants, White Mischief is lovely hot or iced.

•‘Goji Green’ is a Japanese Sencha green tea with “superfruit” Goji berries and a

splash of blue cornflower blossom. Not only do you get a fabulous looking tea but

also a powerhouse of nutrients.•

‘Red Hat Rooibos’ is a double dose of red, triple-loaded with vitamins

and antioxidants. An exotic fusion of cranberries and pomegranate blended

with Rooibos and naturally caffeine free.

T HE ASSOCIATES of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, an allied organization open to all members of Marie Selby Botanical

Gardens, is dedicated to supporting the mission of the Gardens through volunteerism, special events, education and ambassadorship. The last meeting of this season will be held on May 11, 2009, in the Great Room by the Bay. The luncheon and Annual Meeting will include a presentation by the new CEO of Selby Gardens, Tom Buchter. RSVP for the event to Barbara McDaniel at 941-586-9070 or [email protected]. Reservations required for lunch. Activities on a smaller scale will be scheduled throughout the summer months, and a formal meeting schedule will resume on Monday, October 19, 2009. All members of the Gardens interested in joining the Associates are invited to contact Sharon Giles, (941)355-7807, [email protected], or Pat Knasiak at [email protected].

The Associates of Marie Selby

Botanical Gardens

Selby Gardens is pleased to announce the following grant awards:

T HE BAnK OF AMERICA Client Foundation, Virginia Clark White Fund, awarded a capital grant of $50,000 to assist in funding the

construction of the Children’s Rainforest at Selby Gardens. In appreciation, a naming recognition will be provided for the Canopy Education Station. The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation awarded a capital grant of $40,000 to fund the purchase and installation of gas heaters and a generator for Selby’s greenhouses. The new equipment will ensure the preservation of Selby’s priceless living collections. The Triad Foundation awarded an operating grant of $5,000 to the Gardens.

Local Coffee + Tea added three new teas to their wonderful selection available at the Tea Tasting room at Payne Mansion.

These teas will also be available at the Selby House Café. Tea Tasting begins at 11:00 a.m. with samples of three premium loose leaf teas in the local Coffee + Tea tasting room at Payne Mansion. learn about the origin, processing, preparation and health benefits of tea. you can also shop online at www.localcoffee.com. Tea appreciation classes are offered and private tea tasting can be arranged by calling (941) 567-7177.


to register contact: donna Krabill 811 south palm ave. sarasota, Fl 34236 941-366-5731 ext. 237 FaX 366-9807 or register online at www.selby.org

Session 1 June 1-5 Director’s Camp* Session 2 June 8-12 Fun with Plants Session 3 June 15-19 GREEn Kids Session 4 June 22-26 Be a Botanist Session 5 June 29 – July 3 Gardening for Kids

Summer Camp Lookout 2009 For Nature Lovers ages 6 to 11 –•– Certified Teachers - 20 Students per class Bring lunch, afternoon snack provided. –•– Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Member Tuition: $185 –•– Non-Member: $200

SpeCiaL: Save $40 by registering for all four regular sessions! Member Tuition: $700 –•– Non-Member: $760

Tuition due at registration. Full refund within 7 days of the beginning of camp minus $25 administrative fee. Confirmation package to follow. Forms also available at www.selby.org.

Session 1: Director’s Camp (Limited to 10 students) June 1-5, 2009 ages 8-12 NeW! Member: $425 Non-Member: $450 (proceeds benefit the Center for environmental education)This rare opportunity allows only 10 students to spend an incredible week in the Gardens with Selby’s Education Director, Donna Krabill. Students will enjoy hands-on experiences in research and horticulture, work with the poison dart frogs, and get involved in great creative projects. Meet special guests and enjoy this highly-personalized educational experience. Don’t tell the kids, but FCAT science standards are imbedded in this immersion experience.

Session 2: Fun with plants June 8-12, 2009 ages 6-11 NeW! Join the fun as we create art with plants, play plant games, taste plants, and explore the plants in the Gardens.

Session 3: GReeN Kids June 15-19, 2009 ages 6-11Turn your kids GREEn! They will be the envy of the neighborhood with the new skills and knowledge they develop through fun activities, games and projects during this week of GREEn fun! They can even participate in a coastal clean-up along our bayfront. Topics include gardening, water, energy, recycling, composting and much more! Captain Compost returns for a special visit!

Session 4: Be a Botanist June 22 -26, 2009 ages 6-11NeW! Travel the world at Selby Gardens to explore some crazy plants from around the globe. Kids will examine orchids, carnivorous plants, and other really cool plants to gain a better understanding of the important role of plants and how botanists study them. Students will use microscopes and plant presses, visit the greenhouses and research center, and meet plant specialists.

Session 5: Gardening for Kids June 29–July 3, 2009 ages 8-11 NeW! Kids will learn all the fun ways to grow plants including container gardening, hydroponics, hanging gardens, repotting, and much more.

Student name_________________________________________ Age_____ M___ F ____Parent name _____________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________City_______________ Zip ___________Phone #1_____________________________Phone #2 ____________________________Email: __________________________________________________________________ Payment method: Check number: _______________ MC/VISA/AE/Disc. # ___________________________________exp. _______________list allergies: ______________________________________________________________Medical Issues: ____________________________________________________________Emergency Contact: ___________________________Phone: _______________________

please use separate registration form for each student.

Are you a member? yes _____ no______

T-shirt Sizen Child Small n Child Medium n Child large n Adult Smalln Adult Medium

Office use onlyAccess: _________________ # ____________________Fee processed ____________Info mailed _____________ Forms received ___________

List Member Price List Non-Member Price

GRaND TOTaL

$700 $760

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Each session is filled with information, crafts, inside and outside activities, and special guests!Student presentation each Friday at 3:00 p.m.

Save $40 by registering for all 4 regular sessions! Member: $700non-member $760

yes, I will register for all 4 regular sessions (2-5) for the additional $40 savings.

* Note special pricing

non-ProFit orG.U.s. PostaGe

PAIDPerMit no. 509

Manasota, FloriDa

811 SOUTH PAlM AVEnUESARASOTA, FlORIDA 34236

WWW.SElBy.ORG

tropical dispatch is printed on 100% recycled paper, and class/lecture/exhibits insert on 10% recycled paper, with vegetable-based ink.

Shop in the Gardens!THE GARDEn SHOP, a plant lover’s paradise, offers

some of Sarasota’s finest orchids, bromeliads and tropical plants. Our world-class plant experts will assist you with best-in-bloom purchase recommendations and ongoing quality care consultation. you will also find traditional and contemporary containers, as well as great garden accessories.

The Garden Shop is introducing a line of elegant, handcrafted serveware and giftware from Mariposa Brillante. Known for its casual, sculpted elegance, Mariposa is made

of 100% recycled aluminum by artisans using an entirely ecologically sound process. Brillante is food safe and exceeds FDA requirements for aluminum serveware. It may be warmed in the oven up to 325 degrees for serving hot food or chilled for summer and outdoor entertaining. Most important, these pieces are timeless and classic and possess an heirloom quality that you will want to keep in your family for generations to come.

Selby Gardens offers gift cards that can be applied to community classes, special events and memberships as well as items in the Garden Shop. Gift cards make great corporate incentive and hospitality gifts, wedding party gifts, client gifts, and more! For volume purchase discounts, please call (941) 366-5731, extension 242.

Store hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week, and you can enter direct from Palm Avenue. Proceeds from purchases at the Garden Shop go to further the mission of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

A FreshNew Look – Lots of Great

Gift Items

Tropical Dispatch May 2009

Documents

Transcript of Tropical Dispatch May 2009