"The effluates which reach the orchids are dilute and contain very low concentrations of nutrients ions...
Orchids have evolved a number of features that enable them to survive under such conditions. One of them is the accumulation of "trash baskets' in the root masses, as with Coryanthes .... and Cyrtopodium in the American tropics and Grammatophyllum scriptum ... in Asia. .... These organisms accumulate debris, which can be a source of nutrients." (pp. 595-596).
Additionally, Arditti published two illustrations with the following captions :
"Coryanthes albertinae, a Brazilian orchid that accumulates a "trash basket" around its roots." (p. 588)
"Grammatophyllum scriptum, an Indonesian orchid that accumulates a "trash basket" around its roots... piebald anggrek (Grammatophyllum scriptum) growing on a calapus (coconut) tree" (p. 589).
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Our colleague, general manager of the National Capital Botanical Gardens, Port Moresby, posted the following on this list :
"Grammatophyllum scriptum ... needs to be able to develop its upwards growing 'catch roots'. That particular 'feature' of the species"
source : http://orchidguide.com/pipermail/orchids_orchidguide.com/2005-April/001771.html
later, he wrote : "trash basket is another good name for that particular feature. The species much larger 'brother', Grammatophyllum speciosum var. papuana forms such large trash baskets that they are referred to here as 'eagle nests'.
source : http://orchidguide.com/pipermail/orchids_orchidguide.com/2005-April/001783.html
I have been unable to find other authors who use the _expression_ 'catch roots'.
Since our colleague considers it is another good name to describe the feature other authors call 'trash baskets', I wonder if the _expression_ 'catch roots' is used in scientific articles or books written by Bandisch or other authors.
Thanks in advance for clarifying the concept.
Please provide references with any comment.
Regards,
Viateur
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