Michael Zink's Orchids
Michael Zink recently donated a flask of Mystacidium brayboniae to the Species Orchid Society of WA. He also sent these photos of some of his orchids.
This is the photo of the
pod parent of Mystacidium brayboniae (Also below). When deflasking watering
is best done in the cool of the evening in my case this is usually done
after midnight when the temp is below 18 deg I also apply fertilizer at
1/2 strength at first watering with root hormone (liquid form) added to
the fertilizer. May see if I can supply you with some in a small container
with the flask.
Cheers for now,
Michael. PS feel free to show photo in newsletter, as the plant has picked
up quite a few prizes for itself and will be awarded hopefully next year.
Side View
Entire plant out of flower
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Dendrobium finniganense D.L.Jones.
1992, this species, as the name suggests is endemic to the area surrounding
and including Mt Finnigan in far north Queensland, where it grows at approx
800-1000 metres above sea-level. It is a semi terrestrial herb, that inhabits
the grasslands on this mountain, which are shrouded in mist during early-mid
morning and later in the afternoon for the greater part of the wet season,
as well as other times of the year.
There are three clones in my collection, and they are all hung directly
under 70% shade 2.4 metres above ground level. This is the only way to
flower this species as at given periods, it recedes full sunlight in its
natural environment amongst the grasses of this harsh environment. The
colloquial name given to this species is The Mt Finnigan Cane Orchid,
due to the long pseudobulbs of the species, which are similar to those
of Den. fleckeri, Den. adae, and Den. gracilicaule, although
it lacks the furrowing that is predominant in the latter of these three.
It is however closely related to Den. fleckeri and Den. adae,
and this is evident when one notices the hairy labellum and other characteristics
of all three species contained in the Dendrocoryne section. In more recent
times it has been suggested that this species (as well as many others)
be placed in the resurrected genus of Thelychiton, however, more recent
DNA research suggests that there is not enough evidence to support their
introduction into this genus, therefor, the names applied should be relegated
to synomyn status only and the genus Dendrobium remain in place .(see
attached publication). I am pleased to advise that I should have this
species in flask in the not to distant future as all three plants are
in flower therefore allowing outcrosses to be made. The picture below
was taken at a later date when the flower was more open.
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This was an Ascocentrum ampullaceum that came in the India import a few years ago (Everest Orchid Nursery) it was listed in the catalogue as Ascocentrum ampullaceum New Orange Form. Easy to grow and flower it was a nice addition to the collection.
Photo of Den unicum from India import type form on left and Den unicum 'Sunburst' on right, with non recurving segments and larger flower. Possible 4n?
Also have Sarcochilus hirticalcar in flask (pod parent shown) will send when ready to come out.
This is the pod parent of the seedlings that were sent over in 2006? every bit as eyecatching (or even better) as any Madagascan. Flowers extend outside the perimeter of a fifty cent piece.
This is where my plants are grown. Notice Angraecum germinyanum slightly to the right in hanging basket and cork mount submerged in pot.
Part of main house
Plants taking over living quarters!
Oh my God,,,!!!!!!!!! still taking over