Orchid autumn show ‘best ever’

The society’s autumn show in mid-April was said to be “the best ever” and orchid lovers will be counting the days until the spring show in September later this year.
Orchids flourish in tropical regions, and can be found in Asia, Central America and Africa. Adventur-ous fanatics are known to travel to remote areas in search of indigenous orchids. For these explorers the discovery of an unknown species would be a momentous event.
Recently scientists visiting a far-flung island in Papua New Guinea uncovered the world’s only night flowering orchid. Before dawn breaks, the flowers shrivel and die. The explorers resisted the temptation to name it after one of their team, and instead called it bulbophyllum nocturnum.
There are numerous species of orchids growing in Zimbabwe, particularly in areas of high rainfall and mist. Anyone who has clambered up the rocky path leading to World’s View in the Nyanga National Park, will have stopped to catch their breath and admire the prolific flora along the way. Rare orchids can also be found in the Bvumba and Chimanimani National Parks.
Many of the orchids at this year’s autumn show seemed to be exotic imports, rather than indigenous species. Senior judge and committee member of the Zimbabwe Orchid Society, Mariquinha Kara, described the level of excellence required by exhibits.
“The substance, texture and shape of the flowers must be perfect,” she said, “and the leaves must be unmarked.” Kara also explained the difference between terrestrial orchids that are rooted in the soil, and epiphytic orchids, which live on trunks and branches of trees and shrubs.
Gardening experts were on hand at the show, to offer advice and to give demonstrations on how to pot an orchid. Pots should be layered with crocks and pine bark, ensuring good drainage and allowing air circulation. Orchids must never be waterlogged, but delight in soft mists and watery vapours.
After admiring the exotic blooms and imaginative displays, visitors could sit in the dappled shade of msasa trees and enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of Black Forest cake, before visiting the shop where an attractive array of plants were for sale.
Orchids attract many admirers, ranging in age from 70 plus, to babes in arms. There is every chance that the toddler parked in his stroller in front of this year’s winning exhibit, could become a future president of the Zimbabwe Orchid Society.