Ron Kaufmann wrote:
When I was on Maui a few months back a friend of mine told me that the
naturalized
Spathoglottis plicata are self-pollinating. I saw a number of plants in
bloom, both on Maui and on the Big Island of Hawaii. Nearly every faded
flower on every plant I saw had become a seed capsule, suggesting either a
ubiquitous pollinator and a high rate of fertilization success or support for
the self-pollination theory. I also saw a large number of naturalized
Arundina bambusifolia on the Big Island, but I don't recall seeing any
capsules on those.
Spathoglottis plicata are grown widely as garden plants along the east coast
of Queensland and, yes they frequently self-pollinate. I too have memories of
seeing stands of Arundina bambusifolia along the roadsides on the Big Island,
and of visiting a nurseryman who had them growing like weeds in his orchid
pots, the seed having been carried on the wind through the shadecloth. He, at
least, viewed it as a pest.
Colin Hamilton
Webmaster
Australian Orchid Council/"OrchidsAustralia"
Rockhampton, Qld. Australia
www.orchidsaustralia.com
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