OrchidSafari ARCHIVES*

Present were 19:

colinham (Colin Hamilton, glorious Rockhampton, Australia)
RichardWPB - Florida
Guy Cantor - Sydney
John Y - S Calif
Machiela - S Fla
SparkySteve - S Fla
Ellen,Smithtown,NewYork
orchidnut (Sam in Lincoln, NE)
Andy NVA- Virginia
paulav (Paula in Boca Raton, Florida)
Jane5536 (Huntington L.I. N.Y.):.
johngingarland - Texas
marylois (northwest Louisiana)
soobie me (Sue in NC)
Fleur (Tasmania)
bradwinn - Wisc
Lanceps (Thamina from Manhattan Beach, Calif.)
peeteilis - Kentucky
KB Barrett - N Calif
marilyninOttawa

colinham (Colin Hamilton, glorious Rockhampton, Australia)
Dendrobium bioculare was discovered in 1904 by J. J. Smith in Papua New Guinea. It was officially described and published in Rec. Trav. Bot. Neerl. 1:148 (1904) and was then lost for over 90 years! Cribb referred to its disappearance in Kew Bulletin Vol. 38 (2) 1983. This long lost orchid was rediscovered in 1996 by a team from the National Capital Botanical Gardens (NCBG), Port Moresby, during an expedition to the Torricelli Mountains in Sanduan Province, north-west PNG. This map shows the approximate vicinity of the province (red square). The red dot is Port Moresby, the capital of PNG.
http://www.orchidsafari.org/pngmap.jpg

GUEST Guy (302) (Guy in Sydney)
Colin - Didn't the same sort of thing happen to D. alexandrae? [Yes, though not as long. --CH]

colinham
The orchid has now flowered (and subsequently produced seed - more of this later.) and photographed for the first time. The photos were released for publication in Orchids Australia v.10 no.5, October 1998. Needless to say we were very proud to have been chosen to bring this historic find to the orchid community. So proud we featured it on the cover of that issue!
http://geocities.datacellar.net/~marylois/coveroct.jpg

A complete report on this amazing discovery will be published in an upcoming issue of Lasianthera, the scientific orchid journal of Papua New Guinea. (Due to be published half-yearly and available on subscription from the NCBG, PO Box 7270, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea.)

orchidnut (Sam in Lincoln, NE)
Very interesting flower!

Fleur (Tasmania)
Looks almost as good here as on the Magazine.

GUEST Guy (302) (Guy in Sydney)
Colin - so Phil Spence took the photo? I heard he was working up there.

JCY8S (John in Arcadia, CA)
Fleur - do you have this dendrob?

Fleur (Tasmania)
Gosh no. I don't have that kind of contacts. *grin*

soobie me (Sue in NC)
Is it fragrant?

JCY8S (John in Arcadia, CA)
Just a hope, Fleur!! LOL

colinham
Yes, Guy. I stayed with Phil.

johngingarland
How about some new Bulbophyllums, Colin? Any? Ann12 would be glad to hear the news. [Yes, but you will have to wait for details. I should add as a postscript that one the last expedition to the north, and they left the area a day before the huge sunami devastated the care, I understand that some 20 new species were collected in 10 days. --CH]

GUEST Guy (302) (Guy in Sydney)
Colin - is Phil flasking the species up there ? Or able to send seed out?

colinham
The following is an extract of the original description for Dendrobium bioculare J. J. Sm. In Rec. Trav. Bot. Neerl. 1:148 (1904) Type: New Guinea, Zippel (hototype L!) A medium sized, ?pendulous, epiphytic herb. Pseudobulbs clustered, sub-clavate, 8 - 26 x 1cm dull yellow, 2-leaved at apex. Leaves relatively thin-textured, elliptic-ovate, acute or acuminate, 14 x 4.5 cm. Inflorescences up to 15cm long, few-flowered; peduncle slender, wiry, bracts narrowly elliptic, acute, 6mm long. Drawing http://www.orchidsafarii.org/dendraw.jpg

colinham
NO material is officially coming out of PNG - yet.

Flowers medium-sized. Dorsal sepal ovate, acute, 1.35 x 0.7 cm; lateral sepals obliquely ovate, acute, mentum broadly conical, 5-6mm long. Petals elliptic-lanceolate, acute, 14 x 3.5mm. Lip 3-lobed, 1.4 x 1.5cm; side lobes erect, lamost as large as mid-lobe, elliptic, rounded in front; mid-lobe transversely oblong-reinform, apiculate; callus fleshy, with apex free for 2.5mm and 2-lobed. Column 1.5mm long, with 2 hook-like apical stelidia, foot 5-6mm long. Distribution: West New Guinea only. Here is a close-up of the single flower.
http://www.orchidsafari.org/biocular.jpg

orchidnut (Sam in Lincoln, NE)
What is the PNG government doing to stop the hordes of people from coming over and trying to get plants or seed?

soobie me (Sue in NC)
Colin- is this flower fragrant?

colinham
Fragrance has not been mentioned in material I have.

GUEST Guy (302) (Guy in Sydney)
Sam - it would be very difficult to get plants, it's very wild and remote country, and that's if you can safely get to it [The terrain is such that some areas can only be reached by air. --CH]

colinham
Philip Cribb added in the 1983 Kew Bulletin: "This species is allied to Dendrobium convolutum but is readily distinguished by its large side-lobes which overlap the mid-lobe when the lip is flattened and by its bilobed callus which is free at the apex. It has not been recollected since its original discovery." The NCBG laboratory currently has seed germinating in its laboratory. They intend making legal supplies of PNG orchids available to the orchid community in a couple of years. Their laboratory is only just up and running.

- Photos and line drawing by Phil Spence, NCBG, Port Moresby. Thanks.
- My sincere thanks to Justin Tkatchenko and Phil Spence for their cooperation and hosting my visit to Papua New Guinea. (August 1998)
- Colin Hamilton Publications Director Orchids Australia

orchidnut (Sam in Lincoln, NE)
Still I assume that some would try, wouldn't they? I'd think that many growers would want to be the 'first kid on the block' to have these plants.

soobie me (Sue in NC)
How big a population was rediscovered? [Not known, but it was in an area which was far from where the original 1904 discovery was supposed to be. Some explorers didn't tell the truth so that others could not find them. --CH]

Port Moresby is not all that far from Rockhampton (2600kms or about 1625 miles). I left here at 6.40am and after spending 3 hours in Brisbane between flights, arrived in Port Moresby a little late at 2.10pm. After being met at the airport, I was taken straight to the Gardens where all staff were franticly trying to complete the decorating before the official opening ceremony at 5pm. They were waiting on cartons of cut flowers that had arrived on my flight so they could complete the spectacular floral arrangements. During the interim I was taken on a tour of the Gardens which are magnificent. There is a large aviary with a display of some varieties of Birds of Paradise and the Yellow Hornbill. The very dangerous Cassowary is also on display - a large ostrich type bird which can kick like a kangaroo to maim its prey or man. The grounds have large separated public areas which are available to hire for functions, and these are popular for weddings. The total area is about 50 acres. aerial view http://www.orchidsafari.org/orchaus.jpg

It was a VIP occasion with government officials, diplomatic representatives, contractors, 'heap bik pella' press, and me. Security was heavy but later I found out it wasn't just because of the attendance of the Governor, the Hon. Phillip Taku, and the Prime Minister, the Hon. Bill Skate. These dignitaries arrived a little late and the official proceedings began as the sun was sinking, providing some relief from the tropical heat. (Port Moresby is by no means lush and tropical. It is relatively dry and hot. The summer rains had not fallen for two years. I was informed last week that rain has now arrived (end of October.) The Prime Minister opened the Orchid Haus.
http://www.orchidsafari.org/haus.jpg

colinham
This massive shadehouse, in a stylised outline of Papua New Guinea, is capable of housing many thousands of orchids and other flora. Within the structure, the pathways designate the 13 provinces of PNG.
http://www.orchidsafari.org/inside.jpg

colinham
Mr. Skate outlined the Gardens project which goes far beyond the orchid house. It was the brainchild of former Gardens Curator, Justin Tkatchenko when he took up the position only five years ago. Bill Skate was then District Governor. What has been achieved in that short time is amazing. Some K2 million (A$1.8 million) has gone into the project: (K is Kina, the local currency) [picture]
http://www.orchidsafari.org/skate.jpg

GUEST Guy (302) (Guy in Sydney)
Sorry I gotta go, meeting with the Boss.

colinham

• The sinking of a bore to save precious water for the city (currently in a two year drought)
• Construction of a new aviary for a small collection of Birds of Paradise, etc.
• Restoration of the run-down gardens area
• Construction of a laboratory for scientific research and propagation of plant material Recognition of the Botanical Gardens as the authority for the orchids and other flora of PNG, including the CITES authority for the country
• Publication of their own orchid scientific journal "Lasianthera" No.3 is about to go to press
• Development of the Orchid Haus as a recreational and tourist attraction
• Development of huge orchid beds of terete Vandas etc, Heliconias, foliage, etc., to supply their flower shop
• A flower shop (there are no commercial florists) which supplies flowers and arrangements for the major hotels, government departments and official functions as well as weddings etc.
• Eventual export of flowers and plants.

Den. lasianthera, a dark form, after which the PNG scientific journal has been named and is used in the logo of the Botanical Gardens.
http://www.orchidsafari.org/lasianth.jpg

Talking with Mr. Skate after the opening, he is obviously a very proud man and proud of his country, his people, extremely proud that he allowed Justin to twist his arm to finance the project and of Justin's achievements, which are not confined to the Gardens. He is also working on a beautification programme for Port Moresby that is most evident at present at the new airport terminal and along the new highway from the airport to down town

Justin was recently appointed Deputy City Administrator and as such has the Gardens under his supervision. (Justin is Australian, from Melbourne, and has married Catherine from Manus Island. They have two young children. Catherine is strikingly beautiful and coffee coloured rather than black as most of the nationals of PNG.) Pictured here are Justin with the United States Ambassador, Mrs. Arma Karaer, her mother Mrs. Ida Szezepanski (from Finland) and Mr. Yashar Karaer.
http://www.orchidsafari.org/justin.jpg

The second "opening" by the Governor was to mark the occasion of the "First PNG Orchid Spectacular", held on 29th and 30th August. The Orchid Haus and part of the gardens were open to the public free of charge to come and see the results of the hard work. (Some of the "hard work" is just getting things done.) Orchid plants and flowers, flower arrangements, postcards, shirts etc were on sale.

Some Cymbidium cut-flowers were shipped up by an Australian nursery, and created a great deal of interest. It was a colourful parade (in more ways than one) of people passing through all day, just never-ending. Thousands of visitors flocked to the Gardens. A drinks van had sold out of their weekend supply by soon after lunch on Saturday! Food stands ranged from traditional devonshire teas to Mumu (food cooked in aluminium foil in the coals in the ground). The scene was repeated on Sunday at least until I had to leave to catch my flight home.
http://www.orchidsafari.org/market.jpg

Fleur (Tasmania)
It sounds like a very good day you had there.

peeteilis (blooming idiot)
The jungle has defeated me. I sink among the greenery.

colinham
The Orchid Show was not what we would expect. On this occasion it was to show off the new orchid house and the project. The timing was rather strange since a lot of the orchids at the gardens were not in bloom and many hundreds of sprays of cut flowers were flown in from Malaysia to make the place look good. In time the orchid house will be really something to see. I must mention that in the section representing the Triborand district, there were quite a number of totem poles displayed. These are only about 5 to 6 inches in diameter, and around 8 feet high, carved and decoratively painted. They are completely different from the North American indian totems. (This pix is long and narrow).
http://www.orchidsafari.org/statue.jpg

Fleur (Tasmania)
Very colourful, those poles.

colinham
Plans are afoot to mount an international orchid show at the gardens in spring of 1999. However, as I rewrite this (Tuesday 17th Nov.) the PNG Government has just announced the slashing of 7000 public service jobs. No doubt this will impact on the Botanical Gardens too. After the official opening and cocktail party in the grounds, I attended a dinner at Parliament House. It was fund-raising for a new village church somewhere along the coast and was hosted by the Speaker. The villagers provided the food and representatives of large companies provided the cheques towards the building fund. The buffet meal was served poolside and the villagers gathered beyond the eating area and sang mainly songs of praise to the accompaniment of a couple of string guitars (not amplified). I was told that the songs were being sung in different dialects. The harmonies produced by these happy nationals provided very pleasant dinner music. The buffet was extraordinary. Vegetables, chicken, pork and seafood cooked mainly mumu style [Wrapped in foil instead of banana leaves these days, and cooked in the ground.] The men from the village went out in their boats and came back with an unbelievable array of fresh fish and seafood: tuna, small crabs, clam meat, mussels, squid, king prawns and whole lobsters. The squid tubes were stuffed with a coconut mixture. There were also several varieties of sago and banana mixed together (a firm consistency) and rolled up like sausages - yummy. I wasn't sure if this was to be eaten with the main meal or as dessert. Then there was fresh tropical fruits and a very untraditional icecream!! This was a most memorable evening under the stars on a balmy PNG night.

Unfortunately electricity, water and telephone services in PNG are unreliable. For some hours it seemed I would have to attend a VIP dinner under the patronage of the Prime Minister on Saturday night without the benefit of a shower. The water was off all afternoon but fortunately was restored in time. Electricity went off at 10.45am Sunday and was till off when I left. This apparently happens five days a week for about four hours at present. The city relies on hydro electricity but because of the two year drought, resources are being rationed. Security guards and dogs, steel bars on all windows and doors, and razor wire on top of fences, even around homes, are a constant reminder to be on one's guard and not to venture anywhere alone. Security is THE growth industry of Papua New Guinea. Being from a small city and a relatively easy going country, I found this type of environment very disconcerting.

PNG is a country of incongruities. Unemployment is very high and probably many nationals aren't able to work due to lack of education, etc. Yet they are very much Christian and will spend hundreds of thousands of Kina on a new church for their village. According to the newspaper I read at the airport, the army is not feeding its soldiers three meals a day due to lack of money, yet that week the army took delivery of two new vehicles worth K275,000 (A$250,000). There is no mail delivery. Everyone has to have a Post Office box. There is no newspaper delivery. Because of the unreliability of electricity, many houses still have wood fired stoves, so some poor people sell bundles of firewood by the roadside.
Here are a few little charmers. They were wearing Bird of Paradise feathers, golden possum skin, boars teeth, shells and not a lot else.
http://www.orchidsafari.org/pickinin.jpg

Fleur (Tasmania)
Colin, they are delightful.

colinham
Probably Papua New Guinea is no more dangerous that many other places in Australia or the rest of the world. What makes it seem worse is that the security personnel and equipment such as the razor wire on top of fences, is so highly visible. And tourism? Well there is some, and perhaps the atmosphere outside Port Moresby is somewhat different. I would hope so, but there is not much else to see and do in Moresby after seeing the Gardens except prop up a bar or catch a plane home.
Colin Hamilton
Publications Director/Editor, OrchidsAustralia,; Rockhampton, Qld. Australia.

KB Barrett (Kathy in N Calif)
A wonderful report, Colin! I almost feel the need for shots and a passport!

Fleur (Tasmania)
Apart from the Raskel problem, did you have a good time, Colin?

colinham
THE NEWS: Ten years ago noted authority on the orchids of PNG, Andree Millar wrote a book titled Orchids of Papua New Guinea. It has been out of print for a number of years. Andree was in the process of rewriting the book and had almost finished it when she died in December 1995. After a long struggle, and with her photographer friends Roy and Margaret McKay finishing the book, the completely new edition is about to be published. It was to have appeared before Christmas 1998. My latest information this week is that it will be (quote) in the first half of 1999. I reminded them that they should try to get it out before the WOC, since it is being printed by Timber Press. Anyone interested could assist by hassling Timber Press. The announced price in Australia is $39.95 (AUD). Hard cover, 128 pages, 300+ photos.

That's all folks. Kathy, you will need more than a few shots. Malaria is still present and you need medication for two weeks before, during your visit, and two weeks after you come home. This can have side effects too. Fleur, I had a good time to a point. It was 3 days but there isn't a hell of a lot to do around Port Moresby.

marylois
Your part of it was fantastic, Colin.

colinham
Any questions from the floor (there are only 9 of you left)

Fleur (Tasmania)
Are you going back, Colin? is a show you would recomend in a year or two.

marilyninOttawa
I was wondering if there is an estimate of how many undescribed orchids exist in PNG or in Australia for that matter?

colinham
Michael Ooi asked me to pass on that the dates for the World Orchid Conference in Malaysia have been set - 18th to 26th May 2002. They will be doing 'big' things in Vancouver to attract your attention.

KB Barrett (Kathy in N Calif)
Colin, the food sounded wonderful, are you planning a trip back? No way in Hades, eh? Colin, On another subject, I passed along my back copies of the OA to Barbara (BTague on this group) hopefully she'll become a subscriber too!

Fleur (Tasmania)
An excellent presentation, Colin.

marylois
I had half a dozen messages from folks thanking me for the announcement of your talk, Colin! Know all will be looking at the archive transcript.

Fleur (Tasmania)
Kathy I don't let mine go anywhere, they are bound and live in the lounge where I have access to them.

marilyninOttawa
Same here Fleur. OA is always at hand in my study.

colinham
Sorry I have been waiting ages to get this text box to come back. Hi Marilyn - you missed a real TREAT - all that could go wrong did! I would have to really think twice about going back to PNG. For one thing, the airfares from here are outrageous. It is cheaper to fly to London and have a good time girl than pay $1650 AUD for economy seat from here to Brisbane to Port Moresby, and even cheaper to Hawaii. I used Frequent Flier points this time. As to an orchid show - I would expect to see a lot more than I did this time around. In the end of my text there was reference to a shake-up this week by the Govt. and that may have implications for the plans by the Gardens.

Fleur (Tasmania)
Kathy, we also have another very good publication over here put out by the Australian Native Orchid Society, well worth a look if you can get a copy.

colinham
Thanks Kathy. Fleur, there is a special section next month on Masdavallias - Clive Halls. Start of a series.

KB Barrett (Kathy in N Calif)
Fleur, Marilyn, Colin: I have been trying to figure out why the OA is so much more entertianing than the AOS mag. I think it has to do with Colin's style, the variety of articles, and it's just chock full of info. Plus I just got the Orchid Digest and its got a nice section on Phrags, I hope our Ellen is a subscriber.

Fleur (Tasmania)
I'll look forward to that, Colin. Kathy, yes the Digest is very good.

colinham
Lois - the info on the book by the late Andree Millar, you might be able to get a deal over there for the group????

marylois
Good idea, Colin - I'll find out how many would be interested and contact them.

fleur
The price quoted, was that Australian?

marylois
Yes - but I'll bet they ask at least that much here as well - don't see hard cover orchid books under $30US.

colinham
Yes, Fleur. Info is in Oct. OA. I forget which page, but it is in a nice lilac coloured box bottom right hand corner.

marilyninOttawa
Goodbye all until next time.

colinham
Sorry folks I have to get back to the office. (1) I am leading a team in 3 cities to get our Year 2000 bug problems sorted out. (2) We are waiting on a document which will spell out what research projects/staff are being given the chop from Christmas thru to June 2000.

KB Barrett (Kathy in N Calif)
Night, Colin! Thanks so much for your talk!!

marylois
Bye, Colin - thank you for a wonderful presentation...work shows!

Fleur (Tasmania)
Thank you, Colin, for a very good talk. Good luck and see you soon.