Bernard [Gerrard] wrote : "finding orchids in presumably prime habitats is not by any means a sure thing."
That has been my experience too, in Colombia. The best advice would be to ask the locals if they know [or know somone who knows] where you could possibly find orchids. In Latin America, orquídeas are often designated with the popular name 'parasitas'. It is fine to ask about 'orquídeas' but you may get better help in locating some if you use the word 'parasitas'. If you are more serious about looking for orchids, it would be a good idea to contact a local orchid society or a botanical garden. You might be surprised how helpful some people might be when you show interest in their native species. *********** Bernard also wrote : " "Showy" plants were to be found relocated to private gardens and park entrances." That has also been my experience in Colombia : - I saw some cattleyas in bloom in the garden of a hotel in San Agustín (Huila) ; - anguloas, Miltoniopsis vexillaria in a private garden (El Irún, in Fusagasuga [Cundinarmarca]) ; - miltoniopsis at the Hacienda Fizebad [El Retiro, Antioquia, 32 km from Medellin.] ; - Encyclia cordigera in El Gallineral park and cattleyas in bloom at a local restaurant (San Gil, Santander del Sur) ; - cattleyas in private gardens in Piedecuesta and Bucaramanga (Santander del Sur) ; - cattleyas in the garden of the chapel in Pitiguao (Santander del Sur) ; - at private houses, in Mogotes (Santander del Sur) and El Libano (Tolima). - on La Corota Island, a natural reserve [Narino] some orchids are to be seen. In Costa Rica, south of Puerto Limon, I found what was probably Trichocentrum cebolleta, in a palm plantation. In the mountain, behind the National Park in Bogotá, Colombia, one can easily find reed-stem epidendrums, odontoglossums and pleurothallis species. In a village close to the capital, La Calera, you can also find odontoglossums and pleurothallis. *************** Bernard also wrote : "Oaxaca in Mexico... One Encyclia (vespa?) growing terrestrially" I have not seen any collection data confirming the presence of the species Prosthechea vespa in Mexico. *************** Bernar also wrote : "handmade signs started to appear with the word "trucas--->"... a vague association with trucks... "trucas--->" sign led to a group of buildings... a TROUT (trucas) farm!" 'truca' is the Spanish word for the machine used to create special optic and sound effects in cinematography and television. for trout, the word is 'trucha'. *************** Bernard also wrote : "a restaurant... in window boxes... the elusive choice orchids we had hoped to see while hiking. Encyclia (Prosthechea) vitellina, Rhynchostele cervantesii, Rych. aptera and others were gloriously in flower. ... these plants had been salvaged or collected in the forests and reestablished where they could be enjoyed." Some of the species might have been collected a few kilometers away. I would have asked where. **************** Bernard also wrote : "The bottom line here is that the orchids are there but finding them in situ requires a great deal of time and foot work." That is right. One should not expect to find orchids easily in Nature. You have to look for them and be prepared to make the necessary efforts. Of course, with a good guide, your chances would increase (smile...). **************** Thanks, Bernard, for a most interesting post. Regards, VB _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
