Johannesburg - Orchid enthusiasts across the world are gearing up for the 21st World Orchid Conference at the Sandton Convention Centre from September, 10-14 next year (www.woc21.org).
There are 466 indigenous orchid species in South Africa, 40 of which grow in and around Joburg. There are 25 000 species of orchid, the largest plant family on the planet.
Aside from the mammoth task of organising such a large event, three Gauteng orchid societies have joined forces to launch a campaign to highlight the importance of local indigenous orchids.
The Witwatersrand Orchid Society, Orchid Society of Northern Transvaal and the East Rand Orchid Society are all members of the SA Orchid Council.
The societies believe that indigenous orchid species are important for eco-tourism and biodiversity. Even more importantly, they are calling on plant lovers to help to conserve the local orchids.
“About 90 percent of all the world’s orchids grow as epiphytes (air plants) in trees in the tropical areas where temperatures are warm and constant, and humidity is high,” says Bill Mincher of Witwatersrand Orchid Society.
“In contrast to this, all of the orchids found in Gauteng are terrestrial (grow in the ground), due to the lack of humidity and harsh temperature fluctuations.”
Joburg’s terrestrial orchids have underground tubers, and after flowering they die down. They remain dormant during the cold, dry winters, but new growth can appear in July for the early-flowering species. The late-flowering ground orchid species can still blossom in April.
Top indigenous orchid specialist Duncan McFarlane has identified 33 species of ground orchids in the suburbs of Johannesburg and its environs.
The ground orchids found in Gauteng first send out a single flower spike and their leaves appear only when the plants are in full flower. As such, they are not easily detected in open grasslands.
Three of the early spring-flowering ground orchids found around Joburg belong to the Eulophia species and include E. hians, E. inequalis and E. clitellifera. All grow in grassland and flower between July and November.
“We need to inform people of the existence of local orchids,” says Mincher. “We don’t want collectors to remove orchids from the veld, as this is illegal. However, it is important for people to know that 33 species of indigenous ground orchid exist in Gauteng and that they all need protection.
“Most ground orchids (terrestrials) have a mutual beneficial relationship with a fungus in the soil. If that relationship is broken, the plants very often die in their new home. It is for this reason that our indigenous orchids are best left in their natural habitat.”
What can plant lovers do? If you discover an indigenous orchid site, contact Witwatersrand Orchid Society, so that it can be recorded in its database and monitored.
“You may be requested to be custodian of these sites and to keep a watchful eye for illegal dumping of rubble or approaching housing development,” says McFarlane.
“If the plant is in danger, it may also be necessary to mount a rescue operation and obtain necessary permits from Gauteng Nature Conservation to save the plant.”
Two orchid shows take place this month:
* EDENVALE: Attend the East Rand Orchid Society autumn show. May 10-12, 10am-4pm. Edenvale Community Centre, corner of 2nd Street and Van Riebeeck Avenue, Edenvale. Cost: R10 adults. Call Andre on 082 807 5660.
* BRITS: Orchid open day. May 26, 9am-5pm. Plantae Orchids, Farm Boscia in the Kleinfontein area. Call Nollie on 084 752 6823 or Tinus on 084 458 1199. www.plantae.co.za.
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TIPS
* Winter and spring-flowering seedlings to plant now include Bellis perennis, calendula, cineraria, cornflower, delphinium, foxglove, gazania, Iceland poppy, larkspur, Livingstone daisy, lobelia, lupin, pansy, penstemon, primula, schizanthus, sweet pea and viola.
* What better way to fill gaps in the autumn garden and on the patio than with chrysanthemums and petunias? These often start flowering while still in trays, allowing you to choose your favourite colours.
* Decorate your home with a potted Phalaenopsis orchid this autumn. The ultimate indoor pot plant, thousands are grown each year for homeowners. The orchid needs bright light, but no harsh sun. Water when the top of the moss and roots are dry (twice a week), using tepid water.
* Clear fallen leaves from paths, lawns and around small plants in the flower and vegetable garden. Add leaves to the compost heap or spread beneath large shrubs as mulch. - Saturday Star