by Kevin L. Davies Since the 1970s, the opportunities for studying botany, both at school and at undergraduate level in the UK, have diminished considerably. At UK universities, botany is now seldom taught as a subject in its own right, but merely as an aspect of biological sciences, and in many instances, university botanical gardens have long been converted into staff car parks. Even so, it is still possible for those orchid growers … [Read more...]
Bot-Banter
The Finer Features of Orchid Flowers
The Finer Features of Orchid Flowers One of the great advantages of holding our monthly meetings at the National Botanic Garden of Wales is that, whenever required, we have access to a wide range of resources. On March 11th 20017, our visiting speaker was Dr Helen Millner, who conducted a practical session involving dissection of Phalaenopsis flowers at the Garden’s Canolfan Tyfu (Growth Centre). Here are some of our members engrossed … [Read more...]
British Orchid Meadows, by Dr Wilson Wall
Dr Wilson Wall, Bewdley Orchids www.bewdleyorchids.com During the twentieth century, a great deal of highly biodiverse land has been lost. This is not just meadows such as lowland grassland, but downs, orchards and woodland as well. It has not been lost by being built upon, or even a nominal change of agricultural use. Changes have been more subtle and slow, associated with application of fertilizers and herbicides rather than over … [Read more...]
An Integrated Taxonomic and Cultivation Database for Orchids, by Marios Giannakoulias
About the author I was born in Greece and, after studying for my botany degree at Aberystwyth University, Wales, I researched and co-authored a book about native Greek orchids, only to find that there is much confusion over what exactly constitutes a species (e.g. species of Ophrys). For the last 4 years, I have attempted to address this issue, while working as taxonomic advisor for the Greek Orchid Society (GOS), and have sought … [Read more...]
Charles Henry Vance Smith – a pioneering 19th century microscopist based in Wales
by Kevin L. Davies During the 19th century, there was considerable interest in the microscope, both as an instrument for educating serious students of biology and medicine, and as a source of entertainment, the whole family often gathering around to observe animal, plant and mineral specimens on long Winter evenings. As a result, and in order to satisfy the great demand for prepared specimens, many microscope manufacturers offered … [Read more...]
Bot-Banter two visiting speakers
TWO INTERNATIONAL ORCHIDOLOGISTS CONVERGE ON NBG WALES In July 2013, the National Botanic Garden of Wales was visited by two eminent orchidologists from contrasting parts of the world. The first was Dr. Nicola Flanagan who, on July 6th, addressed members of the OSG. The topic of her talk was: Conservation and sustainable use of Vanilla diversity in Colombia, and this was well received by all who … [Read more...]