A garden's chronicle

Another paper: short communication on the recently discovered new Nepenthes holdenii population

2012-02-29T11:24:00.000+01:00

This is short communication I co-authored with photograph and biologist Jeremy Holden:

Holden J. & F. S. Mey (2012). Discovery of a new population of Nepenthes holdenii. New Nepenthes. In: S.R. McPherson. Redfern Natural History Productions Ltd. Poole. In press.

This is the last of the papers I wrote or co-wrote in 2011. A handful of other papers are in the pipeline but don't expect anything until the end of 2012 or even 2013! I'm very busy with the graphic novel.

I hope you will enjoy this article on a well documented species but one which is not spread in cultivation and hence certainly not popular!

New Nepenthes holdenii poulation discovered

Nepenthes platychila: the real thing!

2012-02-25T10:18:00.001+01:00

I really think this pitcher is an aerial one although the flat persitome is not as expanded as I would have expected. We'll how it goes on for the following ones.

Anyway, I humbly think it is a gorgeous plant despite being already very familiar with the species. I didn't expect it would be so easy in my conditions. The plant only produces two pitchers at the same time. It would be even more accurate to say that the first one starts to wither when the second is opening. My Nepenthes platychila specimen seems to favors true intermediate conditions but it can cope in my living-room summer warm temperatures. Should I remind I grow it as a windowsill plant for years? I'm really looking forward to setting in the conservatory. I'm pretty convinced it will thrive there: natural light, good ventilation, highland to intermediate conditions and of course plenty of space to become a sky-scraper ;-)

Fingers crossed!

You can see how that very same pitcher looked like a few days before:

http://carnivorousockhom.blogspot.com/2012/02/nepenthes-platychila-upper-picher-at.html

Roridula dentata: hats off to Stéphane Joly!

2012-02-24T19:51:00.000+01:00

Last year, on June, I was invited with members of the northern group of Dionée, a French CP society, to pay a visit to our fellows from the western coast, Normandionée, (the French Dionée group from Normandie: Dionée is composed of several regional groups). The previous year, in 2010, our friends from Normandie had already paid us a visit and it was now our turn to get a glimpse of their collections. And we would not be disappointed.

I could post quite a lot of pictures from that daily trip but I will instead select a few highlights. One of the most memorable sights of this exquisite mini-adventure was the visit of Stéphane Joly's collections. Stéphane is a seasoned growers who's been keeping carnivorous plants for decades now. There are quite a lof of plants that I could choose among his gems but the ones that stroke me the most were a couple of gorgeous Roridula dentata. This plant, which is not what you you would call a widespread plant in cultivation (despite being less rare that its counterpart Roridula gorgonias in the wild), is notoriously picky but Stéphane has a great success with it. He keeps it in his greenhouse and provides it with a good amount of light and ventilation. What a bunch of crackers!

New blog: a graphic novel in progress

2012-02-19T16:49:00.002+01:00

I have decided not to mix my interest in natural biodiversity (plants, bugs, field trips, publications...) and my drawings anymore. Hence, I have just created a new blog.

It is called: "Ephémères, a graphic novel's chronicle" (sounds familiar? ;-). It will be written both in French and English and will focuse on my various drawings and the creation and publication of a graphic novel that I have been working on for a very long time. Although, it is not impossible that you might encounter some plants or any other strange creatures on my plates from time to time, both blogs will have very little in common. I hope however that some of you will have a look.

Any future post related to musics will be transefered in "Ephémères" as well. The botanical illustrations will remain here.

http://agraphicnovelschronicle.blogspot.com/

Because this year, I will use most of my energy to work on this graphic novel (although I have a few botanical papers and a book to write), it is likely that the number of posts here in "Strange Fruits" will significantly decrease. Have no fear though: I can't live without my plants so I will sure continue to share the echoes of my garden.

François / Sockhom.

Nepenthes platychila: upper pitcher at last?

2012-02-19T00:46:00.002+01:00

Like every grower who got his hands on this species, I've been waiting for this since day one: could it be that my Nepenthes platychila has finally granted me with its first true upper pitcher? I'm no sure yet. It could be really rewarding though. While it is true that getting aerial pitcher of that species is not an exceptional feat this day, doing so with windowsill conditions is somehow even more challenging. I only spray my plant about twice a week and it's growing under intermediate to warm temperatures.

I'll post more pictures in the following days. We'll see if those famous lips get flat as the specific epithete implies ;-)

Conservatory, part 4: electricity

2012-02-15T18:05:00.004+01:00

Today, the main electricity work has been done. The conservatory will be split in two parts and each of them will of course hosts some electrical devices. Although, my collection plants will receive natural light, I will obviously need to set some misting system and arguably some lights for the winter season. Some plants like my beloved Heliamphora are so light demanding.

Here is the view of the conservatory from the garage. As I mentionned before. It is 40 m2 and L-shaped. This part of the "L" will basically be my growing space (about 20 m2). It is north-east exposed at one tip and south-east exposed at the other.

A 6 metres long 70 cm high and 50 cm large growing table will be placed along the small brick wall. I plan to build it myself.

That first long growing table should end at the corner below. The corner in itself will be a place dedicated to some Sarracenia (leucophylla, alata...). In front of that corner, outside, in the garden, is the future peat bog.

A view of the garage where my highland plants are. They are not currently doing well because of the extended cold streak we just had (and some diseases). It is time I set them in a better place. At the opposite side of the small brick wall, leaning on the main wall of the house will be another long growing table, 4 m long this time. This will mainly receive Nepenthes and Lecanopteris. So this part of the conservatory will have a growing table on each of its side. It is basically how most hobbyist greenhouses are structured.

We're here moving onto the other part of the "L". This is where the family will dwell. I did not want to separate both parts as I wanted people to immerse in the plants. We all appreciate plants in the family (some more than others ;-) so it will be a pleasure. Of course, you have all noticed some electrical wires everywhere on the conservatory floor.

And here is the other part of the L, our future second "living-room". My wife has already get a large Cymbidium orchid that should thrive in the conservatory conditions (she intends to start a small orchid collection) while I have just placed my first carnivorous plant...

... a sulking Roridula gorgonias that was struggling in the garage under dim light. I hope it will recover very soon.

We have now to wait two weeks (that I will use to take care of the peat bog and the pond) for the tiled floor and the end of the electricity work. I think by mid-March, I will be able to move some plants and with the help of a temporary heating system (if necessary), I should set the rest of the plants by April - intermediate and highland plants only. I will set a proper heating system for the whole conservatory at the end of the year, next winter.

Conservatory, part 3

2012-02-03T18:00:00.000+01:00

One more day of work and the conservatory will be virtually finished. A part of the polycarbonate roof is still missing and some details need to be dealt with. In the next two weeks, we will deal with the electricity work and the tiled floor .

I think by early March, we will be able to put furnitures in the conservatory. Hopefully by April, I will place the first plants - the most vigorous. I will deal with the heating and the misting system later.

In the meanwhile, here is a quick view on the inside of the conservatory. Only one part is visible (the conservatory is L-shaped), the part where I will set my plants is now filled with tools and other things.

Conservatory, part 2

2012-02-01T18:36:00.007+01:00

Today, after three months of patience, the conservatory company sent a crew to set our new "room"(did you imagine I would do this alone? Unfortunately, I'm not that skilled). They initially planned to take 6 whole days to build the conservatory but after this first day, one wonders if they won't finish before that deadline. We can now imagine how our conservatory will look like. And we're quite happy, I have to say.

The conservatory is south-east exposed so it will receive plenty of light. Because of that exposure, I decided to fill the roof with polycarbonate (32 mm) and not glass because, although we live in northern France, the conservatory temperature would be too hot during some summer days- I'm aiming to grow highland or temperate plants. The polycarbonate will allow the light to inundate the conservatory and the plants, so no worry ;-) Glass would have been nicer but I had to choose the best option for my conditions.

You can see how the pond looks like right now. I will take care of it next month. Before the first mosquitoes appear!

The conservatory is 2.50m high from the roof of the house to 2.20 m high at the front.

The area where you can spot the polycarbonate roof will be my "greenhouse", more or less 20 m2.

The whole place is nearly 40 m2. See, I did spare some room for humans ;-)

The front of the conservatory will be mainly composed of a very large bay window made of three parts.

A terrace has been built on the front and the side of the conservatory. I'm sure I will find a way to squeeze some more pots there. ;-)

This side of the greenhouse, er... I mean the conservatory is equiped with two large sliding windows. Along this side is the place where I will set most of my Nepenthes, Drosera and Heliamphora.

A nice view from the pond rear. Imagine this with flowers and beautiful leaves. It should make a nice scenery. I hope so!

Some news from my tuberous group

2012-01-28T11:24:00.000+01:00

I only maintain a few tuberous Drosera (6 pots) but these last years they have been doing fairly well and I am now keen to get some more. Here is an update of this fascinating group of sundews.

Drosera ramellosa, always the latest to appear. The plant have produced a lot of tubers throughout the last handful of years and I think the pot will be completely filled with green glistening lace this year.

The flowering is not easy to witness. I can spot the flowers but they usually open when I'm at work. I saw them once but didn't have the time to take proper pictures. What a shame! They are pretty.

A new bunch of Drosera stolonifera. I like how they look when they first emerge. They are like some uncanny animals yawning with some creepy jaws until the elegant flowers bud appear.

And here is Drosera modesta. I think I didn't post pictures of this species yet. It grows very easily for me. I'm a bit ennoyed because the plant is now 60 high and is touching the reflector of the lamp above. Either I slightly bend the leaves from the light or they get burned. And of course, it can't help to redirect itself toward the tubes. I guess growing it in the conservatory in the next seasons will solve this little problem. ;-)

"modesta" maybe but beautiful nonetheless.

Nepenthes Carpet phenomenon in the Cardamom Mountains

2012-01-23T22:24:00.002+01:00

This is an account, mainly written by photographer and biologist Jeremy Holden, that I have co-authored recently.

References:

Holden J. & F. S. Mey (2012). Nepenthes carpet phenomenon in the Cardamom Mountains. New Nepenthes. In: S.R. McPherson. Redfern Natural History Productions Ltd. Poole.

The photos of the unidentified Cambodian Nepenthes population below are truly breathtaking and I hope we will be able to study this taxon in deeper details in the near future.

You said "breathtaking"? Well, here is a beautiful photograph taken by Jeremy Holden. It was first published in Stewart McPherson's Carnivorous Plants and their Habitats:

Cardamom Mountains Nepenthes Description

My first attempt at growing Drosera falconeri

2012-01-23T21:23:00.000+01:00

I received this quite famous Drosera just last summer so, really, I do not feel proud to show it. The results I have after 6 little months mean nothing. Posting pictures of these plants on my blog is a mere way to add a bit of pressure on my shoulders to keep them thriving.

I got about 10 plants from Kamil Pasek's nursery, Best Carnivorous Plants, and although I first thought that his TC plants could be too soft and might not set in my conditions, I found out that I was wrong. They adjusted to my growing conditions really well and have been developing beautiful new leaves for a few months now. They should increase in size in the near future. As stated before, my main fear will be the dry period, the dormancy. However, a seasoned friend just told me (Hello Greg! ;-), that there is a way to avoid this difficult period and to keep the plants wet all year round. That would be wonderful to enjoy that spectacular species from January to December. For you information, I grow Drosera falconeri in a mixture of peat, sand and gravel. My plants are kept under tubes in a terrairum set in my living room. The temperatures are fairly hot in summer and still warm in wintertime. I have yet to feed these little plants.

The gracious Tillandsia pulchella

2012-01-23T18:14:00.001+01:00

Tillandsia pulchella is a species occuring in south America, like many other species of the genus. It was described by William Jackson Hooker in 1865. The beautiful drawing below, published in Curtis Bot.Mag. in 1861, shows an elegant plant.

I received this species in 2009 from a French nursery and until these last days, this plant was more or less a disappointment. "Pulchella" is the latin for "beautiful", "cute", and so far, the plant grew quite slowly for me and was not -to my eyes- particularly attractive. Actually, I never really looked at it. It was somehow "lost" or hidden among my other air plants. A week ago, I realized it had developed a flower scape and grabbed it from the bushed of Tillandsia where it was stuffed in. I then realize that it was truly a beautiful species. The combination of narrow blue green leaves and delicate pink flowers make it a real cracker.

Is there anyone here who still doesn't like Tillandsia? Tsss... You philistine ;-))

My Heliamphora glabra is... water proof!

2012-01-21T16:32:00.002+01:00

It took me a while to realize this because sometimes you do things like a robot and therefore they can easily escape your attention. I use to spray my Heliamphora a few times a week and I just realize that my two Heliamphora glabra specimens (including the plant shown below) repel water, exactly like the leaves of some Utricularia species- U. reniformis or U. nelumbifolia come to mind.

This is a surprise to me because all my other Heliamphora (I grow nearly all known species and hybrids) absorb some amount of water after each spraying session. Just have a look at the H. ionasii pitcher and you will understand what I mean. H. ionasii 's pitcher looks obviously wet, nothing like H. glabra 's. I proceeded to this experiment many times already and it always ended with the same result.

I would be very interested to know if you have noticed this phenomenom in your H. glabra plants or any other Heliamphora species or hybrids. Hey... while writing this, it just sprang to my mind that my H. nutans "giant" (a putative hybrid, widespread in cultivation, between H. glabra and H. nutans) is in the corner of one of my terrariums and I never really paid attention to its reaction to spraying. I will try and keep you updated ;-)

Windowsill Nepenthes boschiana

2012-01-19T19:22:00.002+01:00

I have lost many plants last year because I was away several times for extended periods (Virginia, Florida, Vietnam and Cambodia) - I shall make a post on those losses (of course I do lose plants from time to time!!).

I think it would have killed me to lose this beautiful Nepenthes boschiana, arguably my favourite plant in my whole collection.

Why is it my favourite one? It is not the most beautiful plant around nor the rarest. It is just that it is one the very first Nepenthes I grew from seed. In 2007, Stewart McPherson sent me some N. boschiana seeds from Gunung Sakumbang (Indonesian part of Borneo). It was my first try then to grow Nepenthes from seed and, at the time, it was not that common to get seed material . Growing from seeds, as far as I could see, has really developed in the last years. That plant had to endure a lot of change in its growing conditions. I tried to grow it in my garage in a heated terrarium where the plant sulked in winter because of the cold, then I tried to grow it outdoor in summer but the result was not really satisfying. I couldn't find a good spot and the leaves got burned. Two years and a half ago, I decided to grow a set of plants on a windowill and eventually I decided to give N. boschiana a try. I remember that my good Belgium Françoise grew successfully a very nice N. boschiana (BE material) in her conservatory in the summertime, so I knew that there was a chance this species could cope with low humidity.

And I was right, my N. boschiana is indeed doing very well as a windowsill. The best pitchers are produced in winter when the temperatures are slightly cooler in the living -room (16-22 °C vs 25/30- 20/22°C in summer). So, from my experience, this Bornean endemic grows best as an intermediate. I spray it along with the other windowsill plants twice to three times a week. And I feed it whenever I think about it. The plant is now rougthly 70 cm large with a 50 cm stem and a large additonal basal rosette that has just produced the cracky 22 cm pitcher above.

two days later:

Nepenthes nigra official botanical illustration

2012-01-15T18:22:00.002+01:00

This is the last botanical illustration I made. It shows Nepenthes nigra, an endemic tropical pitcher plant from Sulawesi, closely related to N. hamata and N. tentaculata (it was first known as "N. sp. Sulawesi"). The formal scientific description will be published in Stewart McPherson's next book "New nepenthes" which is in press right now. Of course, the printed illustration includes captions.

I've been asked by the authors of the paper to draw the illustration of this beautiful species. I have now some experience in drawing Nepenthes since I had already drawn the official illustrations of N. palawanensis, N. gantungensis, N. hamiguitanensis, N. bokorensis, N. holdenii and N. thorelii.

But this was a challenge as always. I found inspiration in the photos proposed by the authors and the text of the description. The trick was to find a good composition then to highlights all the specific features of the plant, before drawing each elements - you can't simply copy a photo!

I roughly needed a short day to study the photos and the description and find a good composition and another short day to make the drawing in itself. Overall, it took me 15 hours. But I didn' t work non stop. So I really think I should have been able to do it faster. I used only pencil but I nearly inked the drawings and even considered to add colour but, eventually, I thought it was good as such. I have to say I am quite happy with this one. All the elements create some kind of harmony and the rendition of the characteristics is fairly accurate.

I hope you like it too! ;-)

My Tillandsia ionantha is about to fire

2012-01-14T21:18:00.000+01:00

A very well known feature for the Tillandsia afficionados: many species leaves change their grey or green robe to vibrant colours when they are about to flower. This is a mere plant of T. ionantha but imagine a full group of these turning red. A real treat for the eye!

Heliamphora folliculata and Utricularia nelumbifolia, a three years old couple

2012-01-14T19:29:00.001+01:00

About three years ago (unless it was four?), I tried to grow some epiphytic Utricularia in the pitchers of my biggest Heliamphora, H. folliculata here. And it works quite well. Each year, I am rewarded by one or several scapes with beautiful purple flowers. I just spray all the plants from time to time and when I give some foliar feeling, the bladderwort, of course,benefit from it. Don't you think that my Heliamphora produce three years old pitchers! When the pitcher where the bladderwort lies wither, I just remove it and set it in another pitcher. The Utricularia does not bother at all. As you can see below, the visual association of both species is quite magnificent.

Can you spot the Utricularia flower in the first photo below?

My H. folliculata is really enjoying the cool temperatures. Since it's producing a lot of pitchers, I am considering to conduct the experiment with some other species of bladderworts like U. longifolia or U. endresii. We'll see.

Nepenthes thorelii rediscovery account

2012-01-13T18:08:00.000+01:00

On top of the taxonomic paper I just published with several authors, I wrote another paper that will be available in Stewart McPherson's next book. It is not a formal scientific article but a field report on our rediscovery of Nepenthes thorelii, a species that has eluded science for more than one century.

Taxonomic papers are quite cold and stern in general, so I am happy I was provided with a space to express the various feelings I experienced back in Vietnam wilderness. The account below is the tale of a human adventure. It includes some photos but I mostly hope you will enjoy the text as well. ;-)

The references are:

F. S. Mey, Nepenthes thorelii - a resolution (2012). New Nepenthes. In: S.R. McPherson. Redfern Natural History Productions Ltd. Poole. In press

Nepenthes Thorelii Account of Rediscovery

Nepenthes baramensis, formerly known as "N. rafflesiana var. elongata"

2012-01-13T09:34:00.010+01:00

Well this could be a (nother) controversial taxon. It has been published last December in Blumea. The plant once known as "Nepenthes rafflesiana var . elongata" - an informal horticultural name for a N. rafflesiana with slender upper pitchers- has now been elevated to specied rank. It must now be refered to as Nepenthes baramensis (named after the Baram river region in Borneo).

C. Clarke, Moran J. A. , Lee C. C. (2011). Nepenthes baramensis (Nepenthaceae) - a new species from north western Borneo. Blumea 56: 229-233 (5).

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/nhn/blumea/2011/00000056/00000003/art00007

(You can download the paper)

Superficially, N. baramensis is extremely closely related to N. rafflesiana so it can be bewildering to some to have them as two different species.
The paper says: "Although the visible morphological differences between them are comparatively slight, there are additional differences in ontogeny, physiology and chemistry (see Table 1, 2) that are consistent and appear to be involved in divergent N-acquisition strategies. Accordingly, we here describe the elongate form as a new species, Nepenthes baramensis sp. nov."

Photos below show N. baramensis in Brunei.

Courtesy of Vincent Bazile ;-)

This will be a suprising decision to most readers I think. However all three authors are experts of the genus and their knowledge of the field is immense ; I would certainly not take their opinion lightly.
There are few morphological differences between N. baramensis and N. rafflesiana; those essentially dwell in the upper pitchers . It is clear that this treatment (ie making "rafflesiana var. elongata" a species on its own) induces that ecology should play an important role on how we classify species. Nepenthes baramensis is known for attracting bats from the species Kerivoula hardwickii that roosts in their pitchers. The plant might take benefit from it. By highlighting the importance of ecology, the authors are, in a sense, breaking new ground. A point that they highlight in the conclusion of their paper:

"The present study adds to the findings of Clarke & Moran (2011) who noted that several unique ecological relationships between highly-specialized Nepenthes species and various species of animals are facilitated by modifications to pitcher characters. However, these traits either went unnoticed, or were considered unimportant or insufficiently consistent, in previous taxonomic accounts (e.g., Danser 1928, Cheek & Jebb 2001, Clarke et al. 2010). A possible explanation for this is that important ecological interactions with animals may be facilitated by minor modifications to trap characteristics (Clarke et al. 2010, Clarke & Moran 2011), and without the support of ecological data, the taxonomic importance of these traits is easily overlooked (especially when similar traits in other species vary to greater degrees, despite having no known ecologicalfunction). Our interpretation of the status of N. baramensis is based on both ecology and plant morphology; by linking the two, we confer taxonomic value on morphological variations that might otherwise seem unimportant. [...] the use of ecological information to address taxonomic questions and hypotheses is still in its infancy with regard to Nepenthes. Although the initial outcomes of this approach are encouraging, we emphasise the need for high levels of scientific rigour in designing and conducting subsequent ecological experiments for this purpose."

This paper might be visionnary.

The definitive Nepenthes thorelii description

2012-01-12T19:01:00.005+01:00

After the rediscovery of Nepenthes thorelii in August 2011, 102 years after it was last studied by qualified botanists, I decided, with a few colleagues to publish a scientific article on this elusive endemic taxon.

With the help of botanist Luu Hong Truong and entomologist Dang Viet Dai from the Institute of Tropical Biology of Ho-Chi-Minh City and Alastair Robinson, well known Nepenthes expert, we wrote and just published a definitive taxonomic account on this poorly known species. The paper also provides a lot of ecological data. You will be interested I'm sure to learn about all the life forms associated to N. thorelii.

I hope, after this publication, than people will have a clear understanding of the delimitations of that Vietnamese species.

Here are the references of the paper:

Mey, F. S., L. Hong Truong, V. D. Dang, A. Robinson (2012). Nepenthes thorelii Lecomte, an emended description and novel ecological data resulting from its rediscovery in Tay Ninh, Vietnam. New Nepenthes:104-131. In: S.R. McPherson. Redfern Natural History Productions Ltd. Poole. In press

The bibliography will be later added to the pdf.

Nepenthes Thorelii Description

A study of Cambodian odonata by Dr. Oleg Kosterin

2012-01-11T23:11:00.005+01:00

References:
O. E. Kosterin (2011). Odonata of the Cambodian coastal regions revisited: beginning of dry season in 2010. International Dragonfly Fund-Report 40: 1-108.
http://dragonflyfund.org/mediapool/88/888478/data/IDF_Report_40_Kosterin_2011_small.pdf

On top of a thorough account on the dragonflies and damselflies of southern Cambodia, A few carnivorous plants are mentionned in this work (more than 100 pages). It will provide a great insight on Cambodian landscape and ecology.

Congratulations, Oleg, for a fascinating read!

A few more Drosera from the petiolaris complex

2012-01-11T18:49:00.000+01:00

I ordered a few other species from this fascinating complex last year. The results I had with this group of plants was not excellent but it was not that bad either:

http://carnivorousockhom.blogspot.com/2011/10/petiolaris-complex-species-drosera.html

Apparently, I need to be more cautious during the dormancy period. I lost a few plants because of rot. All the plants you will see below are quite nice and look healthy but I have certainly no merit: I received them a few months ago and it just happens that they are adjusting nicely to my growing conditions. How they will behave in the following months and years (if they make it!) remain a mystery. But, I will sure do my best to maintain those beauties.

Drosera fulva

Drosera petiolaris

Drosera lanata

Drosera aff. ordensis

The famous Drosera falconeri, looking good so far.

Drosera derbyensis, my current favourite.

And here is the whole petiolaris complex terrarium with a few warmth loving species: D. neocaledonica, D. burmanii and D. spatulata var. bakoensis.

As you can see, this small growing place is already filled. If most of my plants survive, I will likely set them in a much bigger tank. Well if I eventually manage to find some more place in the house ... ;-)

A fellow grower was lucky to admire many species from this group in the wild, near Darwin in northern Australia, if you like those plants, you must really check Felix's blog (too bad I couldn't read the language). It is staggering!

http://sciabokho.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/veldtripje-naar-darwinnt/

Drosera stolonifera: seasonal love.

2012-01-08T20:32:00.000+01:00

I only keep 6 pots of tuberous Drosera. I've been keeping them for a few years now. Each season, when the plants are reaching their peak, I'm saying to myself: "Man, you really gotta find more of these. They are just magnificent!". And they are! I did try to get my hands on more but I didn't try very hard and I confess I'm not motivated enough to try growing them from seed. Not to mention that they are not the most available plants around. I guess with the upcoming conservatory, I will definitely try harder to get new plants.

It's a shame because those tuberous sundews are very easy in my conditions - at least the ones I'm maintaining. I grow them under the light in my unheated garage, then, when they go dormant, I just turn off the lights and wait until they show again. In the course of the growing season, I feed them once or twice with some fish food. I'm not even sure if this is really efficient - I think it is- but they seem to like it. My preference goes to erected species, especially the taxa from the so called "stolonifera complex". However, I've been falling in love recently with the rosette species such as D. tubaestylis.

Below are some pictures of two of my Drosera stonolifera (I have three), I craved to have pots filled with those. The set up is not really beautiful so, please, focus on the plants! ;-)

The yellow lights and the poor sharpness of the pictures do not justice to those sundews beauty (I'm a poor photograph) and I can't help to have a look at them at least once a day, when possible.

Field Guide to the Pitcher Plants of the Philippines: review

2012-01-08T14:48:00.000+01:00

I have now read this new title from Redfern Natural History authored by Stewart Mc Pherson and Victor B. Amoroso, and can propose a quick review.

So what was my feeling at first sight? The printing quality and the iconography are in the standards of the other Redfern's titles: excellent. The format is slightly bigger than the other titles and this enables to give an even better rendition of the numerous spectacular photos.

After a brief introduction including a list of the Filipino taxa and a clear map of the Philippines archipelago, the authors propose an alphabetical presentation of each species. Two pages, three pictures, including a full page one, and a descriptive text are used to present every species. The informations provided range from references of the scientific description, etymology, distribution, ecology and short botanical distribution.

The book ends with a page dedicated to natural hybrids and another one to conservation.

Do certainly not expect a book that could be compared to McPherson's Nepenthes monographies. Otherwise, you will be disappointed. This is a mere 60 pages field guide and, as such, an effective one. I can really imagine a Nepenthes enthusiast or a botanist not familar with tropical pitcher plants using this in the field. Although it won't bring anything new to those who will get the last Nepenthes monography ("New Nepenthes"), apart from some new photos, it is certainly a nice introduction for those who are not familiar with Nepenthaceae.

I am particularly happy that Stewart McPherson has produced this field guide with a Filipino botanist, Victor B. Amoroso, who has a strong field experience of those plants. It is needless to say that all Filipino growers should get their hands on this book since they can use it in the field! Tsss... you lucky boys & girls!

Oh, and in case you didn't know ... Another guide is coming. But more about this one later.

" New Nepenthes", Stewart McPherson's new release

2012-01-04T14:19:00.007+01:00

Prolific carnivorous plants author Stewart McPherson is releasing a new title, " New Nepenthes", which has been announced a while ago via Redfern Natural History website:

http://www.redfernnaturalhistory.com/books

The casual reader might be suprised to discover a new Nepenthes monography after the recent and comprehensive "Pitcher Plants of the Old World" (2009), which actually, also included the genus Cephalotus.

Actually, an important number of new Nepenthaceae have been discovered during the three years since the publication of the 2009 monograph .

"New Nepenthes" by Stewart McPherson documents all new taxa that have been discovered and described in this span of time. This new title includes the formal scientific descriptions of eight new Nepenthes species, along with the presentations of over a dozen further recently described taxa that have not been covered in any past book.

The chapters in this work are arranged as regional groupings. The first is entitled "New Discoveries in Borneo", and includes descriptions of two new Bornean Nepenthes, N. appendiculata and N. epiphytica.

Nepenthes appendiculata

The most conspicuous feature of this new species is the appendage that you can see at the base of the lid, hence the name ;-)

Nepenthes epiphytica

Only a few specimens of this taxon have been observed in the wild, only growing as epiphytes, a feature that has been chosen to coin its name. This species has been known from herbarium material for a while: it has been collected by Dr. André Kostermans who has discovered N. campanulata. The species is close to N. fusca from Borneo and N. eymae from Sulawesi with which it shares the production of narrowly infundibular upper pitchers.

The next chapter, entitled "New Discoveries in Indochina", documents six new Indochinese Nepenthes and one new variety described since the publication of "Pitcher Plants of the Old World", namely N. andamana, N. chang, N. holdenii, N. kerrii, N. suratensis, N. thai and N. mirabilis var. globosa. The recent rediscovery of Nepenthes thorelii is also published here, along with a report of its rediscovery. Finally, an account of a newly discovered population of Nepenthes holdenii in Cambodia is presented, along with observations relating to an unidentified Nepenthes in the Cardamom Mountains of Cambodia.

Nepenthes thorelii

The true species, rediscovered at last, after more than one century. The scientific paper will include a new description and a lot of ecological data.

An unidentified Nepenthes from Cambodia

This taxon might turn out to be the variable N. smilesii. It requires more study. But the spectacular growth of this population alone justified the inclusion of a short communication.

The subsequent chapter, entitled "New Discoveries in the Philippines", opens with an account of nine expeditions to the highlands of Palawan that includes descriptions of all highland Nepenthes of that island, including N. gantungensis, N. leonardoi, N. palawanensis and N. sp. "Anipahan", all of which were discovered after the publication of "Pitcher Plants of the Old World". Also included in this section of the chapter is a report that significantly increases the known range of N. attenboroughii. The observations amassed during these nine expeditions has offered a much better understanding of the relationships between the highland Palaweño species, summarised in the section entitled, "Comparison of the highland Palaweño Nepenthes". The next section moves on to examine new discoveries that add to the understanding of the diversity and ecology of N. philippinensis, and the identity of mysterious populations of Nepenthes on many of the peaks of Palawan that resemble this taxon. The next section in the chapter is entitled "Exploration of Mount Kiamo", and documents the first observations of the Nepenthes of that mountain following ascents made earlier this year, resulting in the description of N. ceciliae and N. pulchra in this work. The next part of the chapter opens with a brief account of the exploration of Mount Hamiguitan in Mindanao, and describes N. hamiguitanensis, a recently described species that was formerly treated as a natural hybrid, as well as a further plant described as a new species from Mindanao and recently named Nepenthes robcantleyi. The final part of the chapter is entitled "Discovery of an incompletely diagnosed pitcher plant from Luzon", and recounts the discovery of an incompletely diagnosed taxon referred to here as N. sp. ‘Luzon’.

Nepenthes ceciliae

A small species close to N. copelandii but fairly distinct as far as I can see, from the many pictures I saw.

My friend Andy Smith who recently observed the species said that at first sight, the numerous small yellowish pitchers reminded him of the pictures of N. campanulata. However both species are not relatives.

Nepenthes leonardoi

A new species which falls arguably within the N. mira "complex", a group that requires more work in my humble opinion. N. leonardoi is a striking species which can produce (but not always) nearly black pitchers. It was named after the late Leonardo Co:

http://carnivorousockhom.blogspot.com/2010/12/leonardo-co-1953-2010.html

Nepenthes pulchra

A new spectacular species (the upper are sometimes more than 30 cm long), closely related to N. petiolata. It is easily distinguished from the latter by his strongly decurrent leaf attachement but, of course, it is not the only features that separate it from N. petiolata.

Nepenthes robcantleyi

Fomerly casually known as "dark" or "royal" N. truncata within horticultural circles. According to the formal description, this species is mostly related to N. veitchii then to N. truncata. This spectacular taxon might be extinct in the wild.

Nepenthes sp. "Anipahan"

An undiagnosed species very close to N. mira. Maybe a good candidate to be an infraspecific taxon? ;-)

(There's, so far, not a single subspecies in the genus Nepenthes, only two recognized varieties)

Nepenthes sp. "Luzon"

Another undiagnosed taxon. The Philippines archipelago is definitely one of the Nepenthes centres of diversity.

The following chapter is entitled "New Discoveries in Sulawesi" and briefly recounts the discovery of two new species, N. nigra and N. undulatifolia, along with their formal scientific descriptions. Also included is an account of a new population of N. pitopangii which, whilst morphologically identical to the type population, exhibits distinct leaf and pitcher colouration.

Nepenthes nigra
A species related to both N. hamata and N. tentaculata. It was first introduced, in publications, as "Nepenthes sp. Sulawesi" .

Nepenthes pitopangii

A new population of this beautiful species has recently been found. The species was previously known from one single specimen with a different coloration (similar to N. glabrata). Otherwise, the two "variants" are identical. The upper pitcher shown below bears a striking resemblance with the few photos we have of N. paniculata from New Guinea. But the leaves of the two species and the flowers have nothing in common.

Nepenthes undulatifolia

Maybe the most exciting taxon to me in this new set of discoveries. You can see that the species can be distinguished by its wavy leaves but also the strongly peltate leaves and the long tendrils with N. tenuis-like globose pitchers.

The last chapter concerning new Nepenthes in this work is entitled "New Discoveries in New Guinea", and includes a scientific description of a new Nepenthes, Nepenthes monticola, and an emended scientific description of N. lamii, with which the former was previously confused.

Nepenthes lamii
The former description has to be emended since it was acutally based on two taxa. The Nepenthes collectors will recognize the taxon known as "Nepenthes sp. Dooman's top 1" from Andreas Wistuba's "Nepenthes Nursery", a notoriously very difficult plant to grow: I have never seen a decent cultivated specimen of this plant.
http://www.nepenthes.de/shop/nepenthes/new-guinea/highland/nepenthes-spec-doormans-top-1-very-impressive.php

The true N. lamii grows on top of Doorman's top while another taxon occurs well below. The latter has been described, in the present title, as N. monticola.

Nepenthes monticola

This picture was previously used by Stewart McPherson in "Pitcher Plants of the Old world" to illustrate N. lamii which occurs on Dooman's top as well but on a higher elevation. The highland Nepenthes from New Guinea have therefore a quite complicated history: the plants from Doorman's top were first identified as N. vieillardii (a species now only recognized from New Caledonia), then the Papuan plants were described as a different species, N. lamii, in 1997. Now, the Papuan plants are regarded as two species:

N. lamii and N. monticola.

Informations and photos, courtesy of Redfern Natural History;-)

Lana Del Rey: believe the hype.

2012-01-03T10:42:00.005+01:00

When it comes to music, I am certainly not different from another afficionado: I can help building a hype like I can treat it with the greatest caution. Have you heard of Lana Del Rey (formerly known as Lizzy Grant)? If you didn't, she is THE next big thing according to the Music critics, listeners and the blogosphere. I treated the many articles and references I read on her these last months with some kind of snobbery then, especially in front of a certain press that is always eager to build things, to lazily compare or to find substitutes as usual (Lana Del Rey would be the next Amy winehouse). Eventually, I succeeded in fighting my natural instinct and would listen to her music and try to forget that Lana looks like the modern and quite elegant daughter of Lana Turner, Greta Garbo and... Jessica Rabbit.

Forget the hype, the looks and concentrate on the basics: the music.

I started to listen to her already classic "Videogames" which set fire on the web a few months ago and then to her next song "Blue Jeans".

I have no shame to say now that I am completely mesmerized. She might indeed be the best thing that happened to indie music for a while. I don't know what future holds: is she a seminal artist, a shooting star or just hype? I don't care. Only my taste matters: her music is a original blend of vintage and modern sounds. Her voice is striking and can at the same time remind me of Jennifer Charles (Elysian Fields) of Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star) but the range of her voice is larger and I even prefer when it hits the low notes. It's quite unique.

I managed to get her previous album: Lana Del Rey aka Lizzy Grant. An impressive collection of various songs shapened with a singular fire (impressive for such a young lady) that went completely unnnoticed from the press and the listeners. That's a thing that is nearly impossible to understand. I hope her very highly anticipated next album, scheduled for this month, will be as good.

Behold Antheraea pernyi!

2011-12-29T11:24:00.001+01:00

A few days ago, some moth pupae that a friend gave me (thank you Damien!) hatched ans we were graced with a few beautiful specimens of the saturnid Antheraea pernyi, a well know species among the moth and butterfly breeders. Also as the Chinese Oak Tussah Moth, this species originates from southern China where it is bred for its silk production.

Because I was given the pupae, I have yet to breed the caterpillars myself -I never did-, it can feed on various species of plants but it's wintertime here so my choice will be greatly reduced. A couple has mated not so long ago and I managed to get a few eggs. I should feed the future baby caterpillars with leaves of Eucalyptys that I have in my garden. Hopefully!

A female resting on ferns of the species Lecanopteris mirabilis and L. lomarioides:

That is a beautiful moth. We allowed our specimens to fly at night here in the living-room and it is an amazing sight.

Nepenthes robcantleyi aka "Nepenthes black truncata"

2011-12-27T13:37:00.023+01:00

One of the plants that the Nepenthes community had so much talked about these last years, Nepenthes "black truncata" has just been described as a new species by Dr. Martin Cheek from Kew Gardens.

References:

Cheek Martin (December, 2011). Nepenthes robcantleyi sp. nov. (Nepenthaceae) from Mindanao, Philippines, Nordic Journal of Botany 29: 677-681.

http://www.ipni.org/ipni/idPlantNameSearch.do?id=77116317-1

Here is the abstract from the paper which should be shortly avalaible here:

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1756-1051.2011.01449.x/abstract

"Nepenthes robcantleyi Cheek sp. nov. from Mindanao, Philippines is described and illustrated in the Regiae group of Danser, as the second taxon of that group known from the Philippines. The conservation status of the species is assessed as ‘Critically Endangered’ (CR) as the only known population, found in 1997, has allready been logged and the species may then has gone extinct in the wild."

The hundreds of "black truncata" that have been sold in the market these last couple of years are offsprings of two plants raised from seeds. Two particularly black coloured plants have been called Nepenthes 'Queen of Hearts' and Nepenthes 'King of Spades' a third and a fourth individual also got their own cultivar names: Nepenthes 'King of Hearts' and Nepenthes 'King of Clubs'). These four plants belong to a group of nine dark pitchered "Nepenthes truncata" which have been raised from seed collected in 1997 from a highland population of N. truncata from Pasian, Mindanao, Philippines. Among that population, two plants with very dark pitchers were found which are now extinct in the wild, or so it seems. The Sri Lanka based nursery Borneo Exotics, through the work of their owners, Rob Cantley and Diana Williams, have thus literaly prevent the extinction of that plant, now a a species of its own recognized by science.

All the offsprings (ie Nepenthes 'Queen of Hearts' x Nepenthes 'King of Spades') and the nine former individuals belong to the newly described Nepenthes Robcantleyi Cheek.

Here are a few pictures of this newly described species

(unless mentionned otherwise, all photos of this post are courtesy of Borneo Exotics)

A "usual" N. truncata from Pasian. This kind of N. truncata originates from the same area where N. robcantleyi had been observed.

N. robcantleyi 'Queen of Hearts'

N. robcantleyi 'King of Spades'

N. robcantleyi 'King of Clubs'

The holotype of Nepenthes robcantleyi is deposited at Kew herbarium and has been collected in 2010 from one of the original seedgrown plants. Although describing a plant from cultivated material is not something we should long to, it couldn't have been done otherwise here, and, after all, it's not the first time in the genus.

According to the description, Nepenthes robcantleyi is more related to N. veitchii than to N. truncata it self. This will be surprising to Nepenthes enthusiast - including me- as we all see N. robcantleyi (that will still be called "Nepenthes black truncata" for a while) as extremely close to N. truncata. While N. veitchii is hairy, N. robcantleyi appears glabrous (the indumentum is actually very thin) and, of course, N. robcantleyi is very closely related to N. truncata.

N. robcantelyi develop fringed wings in its largest pitchers while N. truncata has much reduced wings with no fringes. The peristome size is much larger in N. robcantleyi with the ribs being more spaced than in N. truncata. The glands of N.robcantleyi are also very different from N. truncata and are actually more similar to N. veitchii's.

N. robcantleyi N. truncata

(both pictures are not on the same scale. The N. truncata peristome is smaller)B

However, to me, the connection with N. veitchii is much more less obvious than the very close relation of N. robcantleyi to N. truncata. I must not look at this new species with the same eyes than Martin Cheek since he chose N. veitchii as the closest relative in his latin diagnosis of N. robcantleyi (the latin diagnose, in Botanical nomenclature, is a short description written in Latin that preceedes the full description. It usually establishes a connection with another plant, always the closest relative, N. veitchii here). Nevertheless, the resemblance with N. veitchii does exist. Check the following link: it's obvious: http://hortlog.blogspot.com/2012/01/nepenthes-robcantleyi-yet-another.html

The possibility of a hybrid origin involving N. truncata and another species (either a Filipino one or N. veitchii (a bornean species) has been ruled out in the paper. On top of that, some characters are unique to N. robcantleyi and have not been seen in either N. truncata and N. veitchii: the lid dome, the presence of bracts, and the gland distribution.

The paper really emphasises the relationship between N. robcantleyi and N. veitchii, surmising that they could share a same ancestor. One can wonder though if one of the ancestors of N. robcantleyi, after his arrival in what is now called Mindanao, could have interbred with N. truncata or one of its ancestors (that's my personal opinion here ;-) Besides, N. robcantleyi, initially known from two plants only in the wild (see above) was growing in sympatry with N. truncata.

We don't know if this new species grows somewhere else in the Philippines. It might now be extinct in the wild and has consequently been assessed in the paper as Critically Endangered (CR).
However, it is conceivable that Mindanao still holds a few populations of N. robcantleyi ; further field research are required. This year, my friend Andy Smith was studying various Nepenthes populations in Mindanao with a team of scientists and they took the following picture of an epiphytic dark "N. truncata" which, from a distance, bears a striking resemblance with N. robcantleyi (note the wings):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54482240@N03/6581717163/in/photostream/

Oh by the way, did I forget to mention that Nepenthes robcantleyi is just one of the most spectacular and desirable Nepenthes ever? ;-)

Rob Cantley with Nepenthes robcantleyi 'Queen of Hearts'

(photo by Borneo Exotics)

Two following pictures by Cindy Chiang Lih Pyng showing the same plant:

Diana Williams with the 'Queen of Hearts':

You can follow the ongoing discussion on this new species on the Pitcherplants in the Tropics forum:
http://pitcherplants.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=general&thread=10684&page=1#89868

CAUTION: Do not confuse Nepenthes robcantleyi with Nepenthes x "Cantleyi", the natural hybrid of N. bicalcarata and N. gracilis. Though it has to be reminded that N. x "Cantelyi" is not a legitimate name; it has not been formerly described.

Some amazing bugs from southern Vietnam

2011-12-25T01:01:00.000+01:00

While searching for Nepenthes in southern Vietnam, we encountered some interesting and sometimes amazing creatures. I could roughly identify a few but some are quite unknown to me. Can you help?

We're walking along the path of a dry forest. It is very hot and some of us can't help but looking after bugs even though we're here for carnivorous plants.

A small but striking insect. I don't hink I have seen one like that before. It looks like it could be related to the Homoptera order (cicadas...). It takes me a while before I can see where the head is; the small thing is always moving and jumping!

Some phasmids. They aren't fancy like some of those I saw in Borneo but they are nice nonetheless. I don't unfortunately know in which families they belong.

A fascinating ant nest. Look carefully: you will see the ants bending the enormous leaves!

A last shot with an incredible spider. We all thought it was a fece! What a great way to remain unnoticed.

Tillandsia magnusiana

2011-12-25T00:09:00.000+01:00

One of my very favourite Tillandsia species. I'm especially fond of species which develops filiform leaves such as this one. My interest in Tillandsia has grown this last couple of years, especially after my trip in Florida last July where I had the chance to observe several species in their natural habitats.

In summer, I put all my Tillandsia outside in fully exposed spots or bright ones. Now, in wintertime, they are all placed behind my south exposed large window door.

Tillandsia magnusiana occurs in highland areas in Mexico and in central America where it is found growing on trees. It is a very easy plant that just needs to be sprayed once in a while (while grown indoor) and set in a well ventilated spot.

Windowsill Nepenthes platychila: almost there!

2011-12-24T23:36:00.001+01:00

A rare and highly sought after species a few years back, Nepenthes platychila has become widely available at very decent prices. Still, I have the feeling that it remains a well appreciated plant among growers. It's true that managing to get those famous flat lipped peristome upper pitchers ("platy" "chila") is not a rare feat these days, however, this species has certainly not become the next 'Rebecca soper'. ;-)

I received a small specimen a few years ago (2006 or 2007) and the plant has set back several times. I nearly lost it. I never seem to find the good place for this species. In 2009, I decided to grow it as a windowsill. Despite the fact that I still feel it's not grown in optimal conditions, this species grows decently. My plant was 4 cm large when I got it; this is now a 40 cm tall plant that has just produced an intermediate pitcher. Maybe, I'll have at last at true upper pitcher by the end of winter. Fingers crossed! ;-)

Nepenthes platychila is grown as a windowsill plant here: it is grown behind a south exposed window and receives currently artificial light because of wintertime. I spray it twice or three times a week, sometimes less. I let the soil dry fairly between two waterings.

EDIT: a few days later (29 December 2011).

It is definitely an intermediate pitcher and not yet a true upper. Beautiful but frustrating.

Growing Drosera schizandra in a lowland Nepenthes terrarium

2011-12-24T23:12:00.000+01:00

I received a plantlet of Drosera schizandra, a well known sundew from Queensland, northern Australia, last spring and decided I would try to grow it on my windowsill area squeezed between a Nepenthes and an orchid. The plant received filtered light and grew with difficulty, although the surrounding plants (Lecanopteris, Myrmecodia, Nepenthes, Phalaenopsis) developed happily. It was fine but the growth was fairly slow. The temperatures were quite warm but, despite the fact that the sundew was potted in an open glass bowl, the humidity level was certainly not high enough.

I got tired to see this nice species struggling between two windowsill grown plants and allowed it to get a place in my overcrowded lowland Nepenthes terrarium where temperature and humidity are higher. I was quite happy to see that the plant changed its growth rate immediately. It was an amazing sight to see, within a week, the very small leaves giving place to much bigger leaves and now, a nice plant is starting to spread over the small bowl. Hopefully, I will have a beautiful specimen next year. I remembered some impressive flowering Drosera schizandra in Leiden botanical garden last year. It's great to see how a plant rewards you once it meets its required conditions.

Nepenthes mirabilis var. globosa, a popular plant?

2011-12-24T20:09:00.003+01:00

Amazingly, I have never had the chance to grow seriously Nepenthes mirabilis var. globosa before. The taxon formerly known as "Nepenthes Viking" or "Nepenthes globosa" has entered my collection some years ago but only remained under my care for about one year before I handed it over to someone else.

At that time, I noticed that this so called "Viking" was fairly popular among lowland Nepenthes growers who gather many forms of this plant (from so called "Grade A", "grade B, C" to "Klom form" or "Kapook form") or created many hybrids with it, especially in south eastern Asia. I wasn't very keen on giving some place in my very limited lowland growing area to a plant whose parentage or origin was so obscure. Yes, legend has it that it was growing somewhere in the wild in the Andaman sea, in southern Thailand. Few wild plants was supposed to be surviving after the infamous Tsunami that stroke this part of the world a few years back.

So I didn't grow this plant for many years although I was quite familiar with it, having seen it in many collections and from countless pictures via the internet. I think it was snobbery from me. As a sophomore botanist and taxonomist, I prefered to spend time with species and natural hybrids rather than plants whose pedigree was uncertain.

Three years ago, I received some seed from Sunbelle Exotics (thank you Trent and Michelle!). Those were obtained from parents plants that Sunbelle Exotics originally received from Neofarm, the Thai nursery that first introduced Nepenthes mirabilis var. globosa in cultivation.

Three years later, I have to say that this is a beautiful plant and I understand why many growers are fond of it. The pitchers are indeed very attractive and the globosa epithete is fully deserved.

The same pitcher 15 days later :

Marcello Catalano described this plant as a variety of Nepenthes mirabilis (the "normal form" has been erected as Nepenthes mirabilis var. mirabilis). Although some people might argue that the pitchers are very different from regular N. mirabilis and that this variety should deserve a specific status, it must be said that apart from the pitcher shape, the presence of a glandular boss under the lid rarely seen in var. mirabilis, and the coloration, the rest of the plant (leaves, inflorescence) is apparently identical to var. mirabilis. It has also been said, that unlike var. mirabilis, var. globosa develops a tuberous rootstock similar to the one found in the Indochinese species of the N. thorelii aggregate. Unfortunately, this type of roots have not been checked in situ and I would certainly not rely in cultivated var. globosa to ascertain this. In the wild, N. mirabilis var. globosa grows in sympatry with N. andamana which develops a tuberous rootstock like all the thorelii related species. Therefore, some cultivated "Viking" might have some andamana influence, hence the development of a possible rootstock.

If wild var. globosa indeed develops such roots, it would be quite an important find and would add some fuel to the debate, according to me. I think the ecology should take an important role on the way we delimitate ranks between different taxa. I can understand why people are puzzled to see that N. rowanae and N. tenax have been separated from N. mirabilis while N. mirabilis var. globosa is cast as a mere variety. The whole "mirabilis aggregate" certainly deserves some additional work. Last thing, the plants from the population of Phang nga islands where the first var. globosa have been collected do not all develop completely globose pitchers. Many produce pitchers that develop a distinct hip. But Neofarm mainly collected the globose ones, the most attractive. Do not forget that any plant that you keep in your collection is not necessarily representative of the species variability in the wild.

Five new species of Genlisea and a revision of the subgenus Tayloria

2011-12-21T01:01:00.001+01:00

Five new species of Genlisea have been published a few weeks ago in the latest issue of the botanical journal Phytotaxa.

Here is the reference:

Fleischmann, A., F. Rivadavia, P.M. Gonella & G. Heubl (2011). A revision of Genlisea subgenus Tayloria (Lentibulariaceae). Phytotaxa 33: 1–40.

This 40 page article includes the formal descriptions of five new species (some of which are already widely spread in cultivation), an identification key, line drawings of all eight species of the subgenus tayloria, distribution maps, flower photographs and SEM images of the seeds of the eight species.

The species of the subgenus Tayloria occur in Brazil and are distinguished, among other features by seed capsules that open as two valves and by a presence of a spur that spreads from the flower tube.

The eight species of the subgenus are:

- G. lobata;

- G. violaceae;

- G. uncinata;

- G. exhibitionista;

- G. flexuosa;

- G. metallica;

- G. nebulicola ;

- G. oligophylla.

The five last species of this list are the new taxa described in the aforementionned paper.

At first glance, I have to say the article looks impressive and comprehensive. I have yet to read it thoroughly but I'm sure it will be fascinating.

For more informations and pictures, see here:

http://www.cpukforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=44386

Congratulations to Andreas, Fernando, Paulo and Günther Heubl for their important contribution in our understanding of a poorly known genus.

Nepenthes smilesii in Tay Ninh Province, southern Vietnam

2011-12-11T19:50:00.005+01:00

In our search for Nepenthes thorelii, we found several population of N. smilesii, arguably its closest relative. It is the most widespread species of the N. thorelii aggregate (a group that include 9 species of Nepenthes all related to N. thorelii) and it is found from sea level to 1500 masl across the four countries of Indochinese Peninsula: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.

I observed N. smilesii several times these last years so I was not very happy when I found it in habitats where I expected to find N. thorelii. That was because the two species do not exactly occupy the same ecological habitats as I would later find out. The pictures below show some beautiful N. smilesii plants that are actually growing 5/6 km from the "Sua Da location" where we found N. thorelii this summer.

I enjoyed posting those photos but I remembered very well that I was not happy back then. This was the second smilesii population we found on that day and I was beginning to think that N. thorelii was a pure fantasy. At one point, at the end of the day, Alastair and I even thought that Thorel's plants might be some peculiar N. smilesii after all. Maybe Dr. Thorel only collected round pitchered N. smilesii that he found beautiful. Maybe N. smilesii and N. thorelii were in fact one and a same plant. I remembered I had a very bad night: I was maybe searching for a ghost for years. Too bad, I didn't really enjoy the plants below: they were beautiful as I know fully realize.

A dry open grassy clearing with short shrubs.

The small bushed are stunted Melaleuca. They are a good indicator of acidic soils and therefore, they are good hints for carnivorous plants.

We quickly found plants and alas I recognized N. smilesii leaves at once.

No doubt was allowed when we finally laid our eyes on the pichers: cylindrical with a lower inflated base: cursed Nepenthes smilesii!!

The sight of pretty neighboring Drosera burmanii brings no comfort. Where is Thorel's pitcher plant?

Another N. smilesii plant beneath a Melaleuca shrub.

Progressively, I try to behave like a scientist again. It is important to documente this Vietnamese population. I am not alone here. On top of Alasatair, I am joined By Truong, a botanist from the Institute of Tropical Biology of Ho-Chi-Minh City, Viet Dai, an entomologist , and several other botanists and rangers. We have to do our work here. I would lament later.

The plants here display some variations as expected in N. smilesii which is a fairly polymorphic species. The upper pitchers can look dramatically different:

This set of upper pitchers was a very nice memory nonetheless. I remembered having spent quite a lof time looking at them, following the ants moving from the lid to the peristome, then from the peristome to the pitcher body and so on...

The Ho-Chi-Minh staff (Dr. Luu Hong Truong is on the right) collecting some N. smilesii specimens that are now deposited at Ho-Chi-Minh herbarium.

And Alastair and Viet Dai, working on N. smilesii infauna.

This is one of the specimens we sampled that day.

Truong prepared this Voucher and took the photo.

(N. smilesii is mispelled on the label I know;-))

We actually did a good job ;-)

Utricularia aurea and dragonflies memories in southern Vietnam

2011-12-11T18:47:00.001+01:00

As you can imagine, traveling in south-east Asia, I often had the chance to observe humid areas. Below is a nice selection of shots from Tay Ninh province in southern Vietnam taken back in early August of this year. We were in Vietnam for a couple of days only but we were already in the wild searching for the elusive Nepenthes thorelii - the target of this Vietnamese expedition. It was a really tricky task and I remember I did felt some pressure and angst at the idea of not locating that Nepenthes species again, after a fruitless attempt in February 2011 with Charles Clarke.

After we found a disappointing location of N. smilesii, our team took a break along a paddy field where we had an exquisite lunch (ah, the Vietnamese food... ;-). We ate on a wooden terrace, in front of a house, while dragonflies were hovering nearby. This stilt house was surrounded by a temporary pond filled with waterlilies and Utricularia aurea, an almost ubiquitous aquatic bladderwort in this part of the world.

Although, I had many chances already to witness this species beauty in the previous trips I undertook, I couldn't get tired of observing the black traps full of preys that this seemingly inconspicuous plant readily develops. It's hard to imagine that such delicate plants can actually be fierce predators. Utricularia are fantastic in that regard.

Leaves of Utricularia aurea freezing in the cloudy water: a poem.

The yellow flower. Not that abundant in that spot.

We saw dragonflies, some of my favourite insects, and Alasatair Robinon and I spent our digesting time trying to get some decent pictures of those flying songs.

This red one might be a Crocothemis but I am not sure (Oleg, are you around? ;-))

This one is Neurothemis fluctuans, a widepsread species in tropical Asia.

And here, we surpsise our friend Dr. Robinson trying to catch a glimpse of a fantastic dragonfly. Can you see that small yellow and black spot?

No, you can't? Well here it is: a Rhyothemis species. Maybe Rhytothemis variegata. a quite common species here in Vietnam. This insect uses to flutter in the wind. You can imagine how, in the sunlight, the moving shimmering colors create a beautiful sight .

A few moments later, we would embark on the car continuing our search of Thorel's pitcher plant. I didn't know then that my angst would be relieved the following morning.

The real Nepenthes eymae?

2011-12-10T22:19:00.002+01:00

Christian Klein introduced this to me as the "true Nepenthes eymae". He said that he has two different plants of this species (not for sale) and that according to him, it is merely and extreme variant of N. maxima. I didn't ask where Christian got those plants from but I could clearly see that this plant is quite different from most of the other Nepenthes maxima I saw (and I saw many). In my excitement, I completely forgot to take pictures of the numerous infundibular upper pitchers -I'm really sorry about this ;-(- but they do look like what the avid Nepenthes grower expects from this taxon. For those, who don't know, N. eymae (also described as N. infundibuliformis) is very closely related to the widespread and variable N. maxima and occurs in Sulawesi, where it sometimes grow in sympatry with N. maxima. I can't debate if this taxon should be regarded as a distinct species or a subspecies or "form" of N. maxima: I did'nt see both taxa in the wild and I didn't even have the chance to read Shigeo Kurata's description (1984) of this Sulawesi endemic pitcher plant.

What is quite notorious is that almost all the cultivated material of N. eymae do not fit with the description of the plant. The upper pitchers should be extremely infundibular -like a glass of wine- while almost all of the so-called N. eymae in cultivation only develop broadly infundibular upper pitchers, like those that can be produced by... N. maxima.

I did compare Christian's N. eymae with one of his N. maxima and apart from the upper pitcher shape, I could not see any significant taxonomic difference (see the last photo of this post) though the plants were clearly not identical. But of course, this was only a casual observation of two single plants in one greenhouse.

Whatever Christian's plant is; it is a very attractive Nepenthes. ;-)

Left: Nepenthes eymae; right: Nepenthes maxima.

2011 pilgrimage in Merzig: Lecanopteris, Myrmecodia, Lycopodium, orchids, etc. (4/4).

2011-12-08T21:41:00.003+01:00

Overwhelmed.

That's always my very first feeling when I visit Christian Klein's collections. I don't know how many times I've been there. 12 times? More maybe? It's always down to the same problem: "Where am I gonna start my visit? So much things to see." Eventually, I find a way but when I discover my friends photos, I always find out that I missed something, then one other and another one and another... What is really magical in our German friend greenhouses is that natural feeling that we experience there. It's not a single collection of rare plants but a puzzle, a mosaïc of wild jewels, forming alltogether a world in themselves. Despite the pots, the devices, one really feels for a while that he's in the wild, out there, far away.

I don't know all the names of the plants shown below. I forgot to ask Christian or I didn't want to. I was too thrilled and focused on the feeling rather than the knowledge itself. Still I know a few names. ;-)

Lecanopteris mirabilis. Mirabilis indeed.

Lecanopteris sinuosa.

The blue Lecanopteris curtisii.

The two following shots might show the hybrid Lecanopteris pumila x celebica. I'm not sure though but I don't think it's L. pumila.

Myrmecodia tuberosa with its "Strange Fruits" ;-)

An unknown (to me) delicate orchid.

Lycopodium and orchid.

A Sophronitis species. Maybe Sophronitis grandiflora.

Ah, I can't help to touch those plants... ;-)

Nepenthes mira with orchids.

Nepenthes peltata with an impressive miniature colony of orchid mounted on a piece of bark.

Magnificent Lycopodium. What's the species? Hell, I can't remember.

EDIT: this kind of Lycopodium has actually been reclassified within the genus Huperzia. Thanks to Wally and Rich to have corrected me! ;-)

And nests of Tillandsia. Everywhere.

I know this one is Tillandsia argentea- I grow it. But the others?

Ah yes, this one is Tillandsia streptophylla. It's unmistakable.

That's all folks.

I'd like to thank Christian, once again, for his kindness and his unique grower expertise. I would sure not be the same grower without him. I would be much much worse, ah!ah!

Revigorated I am now, Christian: 2012 will be a good growing year for me! ;-)

2011 pilgrimage in Merzig, 3/4:Monkey cups.

2011-12-07T21:37:00.003+01:00

Christian's new fogging system works very well and he's rewarded by the productions of many pitchers. Among them, my favourite were those of the Nepenthes -not a surprise to those who know me ;-)

Can you identify all of them? They are all species. The answers will be given at the end of this thread ;-)

2/ 3/

4/ 5/

10/

11/

12/

13/

14/

15/

So did you identify all the species? It it's not the case, check the answers below ;-)

1. N. bellii.

2. N. insignis, Biak form.

3. N. sibuyanensis.

4. N. veitchii.

5. N. veitchii.

6. N. veitchii.

7. N. veitchii.

8. N. truncata 'Queen of Hearts' x 'King of Spade'.

9. N. tenuis.

10. N. mira.

11. N. platychila.

12. N. tentaculata.

13. N. lowii.

14. N. maxima.

15. N. maxima.

Next post: Christian Klein's non carnivorous plants!

2011 pilgrimage in Merzig: Sarracenia, Drosera, Utricularia and Pinguicula (2/4).

2011-12-05T22:10:00.002+01:00

Here is the first gallery.

Christian Klein have four greehouses: one with temperate plants and three tropical ones (highland, intermediate and lowland).

Although a majority of Sarracenia leaves were withering, the leucophylla and the alata were still gorgeous.

I'll let the pictures do the talking.

This is now the intermediate greenhouse (heated at a minimu of 13°C) where a lot of sundews, among other plants, are growing happily:

In the following photo, the Drosera afficionado will easily recognise the majestic D. chrysolepis and D. ramentaceae. Between those two species and at the sides of the picture are -I think- pots with the hybrid D. capensis x esterhuyseniae.

A huge D. villosa. I didn't know this south American species could grow that big. I'm really struggling with that one so it was a bit inspiring but also a bit depressing at the same time to witness Christian's impressive plants. Doo! ;-(

Behold this 7 years-old Drosera cuneifolia, a real highlight of the greenhouse.

The rare (at least in collections) Utricularia babui. This is a species I hope to see in the wild one day.

And a table filled with Pinguicula. They look especially beautiful this year.

Next: Monkey Cups! ;-)

Carnivores and more: our 2011 pilgrimage in Merzig, 1/4.

2011-12-04T22:30:00.003+01:00

Yesterday, with some friends from the French Carnivorous Plants Society - Dionée- , we hit the road to Germany. To Merzig exactly where Christian Klein, our friend and arguably favourite CP nursery man, lives. Christian is a well know German grower and one of the most reliable sellers in this part of the world.

What makes his nursery so unique, apart from the top quality of the plants and the sheer kindness, receptiveness, expertise and modesty of the man, is the diversity of the plants hosted in his greenhouses. The offer ranges from carnivorous plants, with virtually all genera represented, to ant-plants, ferns, aroids, orchids, Begonia, Lycopodium, Dischidia, Hoya and much more.

I really craved for this pilgrimage. Christian's collection has been a source of inspiration ever since I began this hobby - this passion- and I never ceased to be amazed at each of my visit - "blasé" is not a word in my world. I particularly needed this immersion this year as I lost quite a lot of plants this last ten months because of my trips in Washington, in Florida, in Ho-Chi-Minh and Phnom Penh. Yes, 2011 has been an exceptional year from a botanical point of view (and in many other aspects too) but not on the growing side. I wasn't there for many weeks and the plants suffered from that. Yes, family and friends were great to help caring for my dear plants but their time was limited and they did their best. My friend Philippe D. literally saved my collection last July and my wife Elisabeth did her best to cope with the daily errands of a mother busy with three young kids and her job, while the husband was away, playing Indian Jones, and looking after phantasmagories.

So a huge thank to them. From the bottom of my heart.

Some emblematic plants like Nepenthes hurrelliana, N. attenboroughii, several (very) rare Heliamphora and some others died (from dessication, diseases...) and I was left with some bitterness but hungry for more. I understood that I am definitely a grower, not only a taxonomist/botanists wannabe. I still feel this primary need to enjoy a piece of nature in my home. That's something I'm not proud of but something I'm not ashamed of either. That's just a part of me.

I went in Merzig in search of inspiration and it worked. Perfectly.

I will share many pictures, dispatched in several galleries. I hope you will enjoy them.

Some showstoppers:

Peter Taylor: 1926-2011.

2011-11-29T22:31:00.005+01:00

I have just learned from a good friend that well known botanist and Utricularia and Genlisea expert, Peter Taylor passed away last October 20th.

Taken from Wikipedia:

Peter Geoffrey Taylor (1926–2011) was a British botanist who worked at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew throughout his career in botany. Taylor was born in 1926 and joined the staff of the herbarium at Kew in 1948. He published his first new species, Utricularia pentadactyla, in 1954. In 1973, Taylor was appointed curator of the orchid division of the herbarium and, according to Kew, "under his direction, orchid taxonomy was revitalised and its horticultural contacts strengthened."
One of Taylor's main botanical focuses was the genus Utricularia. He has authored many species in the genus and provided the most comprehensive monograph on the genus in 1986 and revised in 1989.

I learned Peter Taylor's demise this morning and though I am not an Utricularia afficionados and not so familiar with Mr Taylor's work, I felt sad. Mainly because I do know that most of our current knowledge comes from dedicated people such as Peter Taylor. These last couple of years, I started to get more and more interested in bladderworts. They were first, plants I barely cared about before I discovered their sheer beauty mostly through fields trips in Indochina. Then, very soon, I became amazed by their complexity and I decided to gather the knowledge we have on the Indochinese Utricularia species in a forthcoming carnivorous plants book I will write with my biologist friend Jeremy Holden.

Therefore, I spent quite some time recently browsing and reading Peter Taylor's definitive taxonomic account on the bladderworts of the world:

The genus Utricularia: A taxonomic monograph.

Kew Bulletin Additional Series XIV: London (1989).

As Barry Rice stated in the ICPS website, this monograph is "a crucial marker for our understanding of the genus [...]. A marvelous combination of technical expertise, dedication, and love, this work is an amazing thing".

I can't help to agree.

This is Stina Nordenstam

2011-11-18T23:11:00.001+01:00

Like a treasure you stumbled onto. A memory that grasps you and freeze you within a moment. I completely forgot Stina Nordenstam's music and especially the minimalist songs of this album published in 2001. "This is Stina Nordenstam" is a collection of songs written by a Swedish songwriter that I used to listen intensely about ten years ago. I realized now that her beautiful music and her whispering voice were carved somewhere inside my skin and that it never really disappeared.
I wonder where you are now Miss Nordenstam? You created one more necklace of songs after this timeless spell. Where have you gone?

Green Drosera indica in Koh Kong province

2011-11-13T19:36:00.001+01:00

I mentionned in an earlier post that I observed three different Drosera indica in Cambodia: a giant green one, a small vivid red one and a small green one. The later is the subject of the present post. You will see here plants from Koh Kong province.

It is, as far as I could see, less common than the red one - without being rare whatsoever- and in places it could be found grown in sympatry with the red indica, in the exact same conditions. Just have a look at the last photo here. I found very few intermediate plants: greenish plants with reddish margins were really rare. I don't know what taxonomic treatement those three different D. indica deserve but they are sure attractive and I look forward to reading more studies on that complex taxon.

All plants shown below were growing in full sun.

This is what you can call "glistening carnivores" ;-)

The green and the red ones together:

The pond, part 4: filled, at last.

2011-11-13T17:30:00.000+01:00

My pond is 11.2 m3 exactly. That's less than what I expected. I have to learn maths again! ;-)

Anyway, that should allow me to introduce quite a few fishes. I will have to work on the margins quite soon. I'd like the pond to have a natural look. I will also have to work on the waterfall and its knoll in the following weeks. We are thinking to keep the Magnolia after all. This will depend on my capacity to build the waterfall around it. The roots are soft so they won't pierce through the liner (like bamboo shoots would) and I don't care about collecting the dead leaves each fall. We just find that this small shrub looks absolutely lovely where it is. It is already adult and won't get any bigger than this. We'll see what I can do. If I can't manage to keep it, I'll simply remove it and plant it elsewhere.

The waterfall is important as it will bring a lot of oxygen to the water- what the koï really need. I could use an oxygenator but I don't like the aesthetics of it. On tof of that, the sight and the singing of a little waterfall is something I really crave for. ;-)

Field Guide to the Pitcher Plants of the Philippines

2011-11-13T00:03:00.000+01:00

And bam he strikes again!

Here is another title from prolific (that's an understatement) carnivorous plants author Stewart McPherson. It is co-authored with Victor B. Amoroso who joined his efforts to publish the descriptions of several Filipino species with Stewart (and I just realize with me as well but, to be sincere, I merely did the illustrations and read the MS for those few taxa).

I greatly welcom this title although I didn't have the chance to read it yet, but any book that covers new ground has to to welcome. This book fills a gap: the Philippines archipelago has turned out to be one of the centers of Nepenthes diversity as the great islands of Borneo and Sumatra.

This book is not however a huge monography as some of Mr McPherson's last titles, it is a mere field guide which intent is to overwiew the diversity of the 27 currently known species from the Philippines, that is:

Nepenthes alata

Nepenthes argentii

Nepenthes attenboroughii

Nepenthes bellii

Nepenthes burkei

Nepenthes ceciliae ined. (a new taxon, close to N. copelandii)

Nepenthes copelandii

Nepenthes deaniana

Nepenthes gantungensis

Nepenthes hamiguitanensis

Nepenthes leonardoi

Nepenthes mantalingajanensis

Nepenthes merrilliana

Nepenthes micramphora

Nepenthes mindanaoensis

Nepenthes mira

Nepenthes mirabilis

Nepenthes palawanensis

Nepenthes peltata

Nepenthes petiolata

Nepenthes philippinensis

Nepenthes pulchra ined. (a new taxon, close to N. petiolata)

Nepenthes saranganiensis

Nepenthes sibuyanensis

Nepenthes surigaoensis

Nepenthes truncata

Nepenthes ventricosa

More about this title here:

http://www.redfernnaturalhistory.com/books/name/field_guide_to_the_pitcher_plants_of_the_philippines_.

I'll write a review for this one as soon as possible ;-)

The pond, part 3: setting the liner

2011-11-12T13:45:00.001+01:00

And the liner is set.

I thought it would be much more difficult and that it would take more time. But the fact that I kept the liner in my garage since I bought it and the fact that the weather was not cold and sunny helped a lot. When it's cold, the liner becomes rigid and then it's hard to handle.

I was helped today by my good friend and carnivorous plants / Tillandsia colleague Philippe pryen, who has a 20 years experience in koï ponds and fish tanks. I helped him a few years ago to change the liner and increase the size of his own koï pond so I was a bit familiar with that kind of work. Thanks to Philippe's experience, we worked quickly and in a very efficient way. We managed to set a 70-80 Kg and 59 m2 liner in a mere 1h15. Not bad.

I started to fill the pond with tap water. I doubt it will be full before dusk but I shall continue on Sunday.

I will know exactly how much the volume of the pond is, since I'm using tap water. It should be around 15 m3 according to my calculation.

The kids were really happy as they can clearly see the project is moving on. In a couple of weeks, I will remove the magnolia and build a small 2 m long and 60 cm high brick wall that will help to create a knoll where I wil set a small waterfall. Then, in spring, I'll set the filter, the pump and the UV lamp, and some golden fishes as well - to prevent mosquitoes invasion. Koï will not be introduced before late spring.

"Don't get excited kids, that pool won't be filled before a while..." ;-)

The pond, part 2

2011-11-11T22:54:00.003+01:00

After the first part:

http://carnivorousockhom.blogspot.com/2011/10/pond-part-1.html

Here is the second.
I started to dug this pond one month ago now. I have just finished digging and sculpting the shelf where plants will be set. I removed with my bare hands and a couple of shovels more than 30 tons of soil in 45 hours. To be frank I didn't realize it would take so long. It was quite a hassle and I didn't particularly enjoy it. It was more like a challenge to me. And I like challenges ;-)

I decided that I won't try to grow aquatic carnivorous plants in that pond as I really want to focuse on koï and fishes and, as a kind reader wisely suggested (thanks you very much for that advice!), it would be hard to keep at the same time delicate Utricularia with feral koï in the same habitats. The water will likely be far too rich for bladderworts or Aldrovanda. I still want to give it a try though but I think it will be more reasonable to keep Utricularia and Aldrovanda in half barrels filled with rainwater (what I'm doing now) than to try to keep them with those Japanese leviathans ;-) I might try to introduce some strong plants in a couple of years when the pond will be established. It will be depend on the quality of water at that time.

A friend will join me tomorrow and together we will cover the pond with a 59 m2 liner. A task that can't be done alone!

Because, aquatic Utricularia will be grown elsewhere, I will fill the pond with tap water. More than 15 000 liters should go in that hole by tomorrow evening! It is 165 cm deep, 430 cm at the longest and 330 cm at the largest. The tree - a Magnolia stellata- will be removed and I'll set a small waterfall instead.

One month ago:
Now.

Got my Sarraceniaceae monograph!

2011-11-04T19:23:00.000+01:00

I recently introduced you readers to this title:

http://carnivorousockhom.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-sarraceniaceae-monography.html

It is now available. I just received mine yesterday. Though I had had a glance at some parts of the manuscript, I have to say the whole monograph is impressive and I am not only talking about the number of pages. As I contributed to this title -I made 19 colour illustrations- I won't give a review to not be accused of being judge and party. But it is clearly a must have for any Sarraceniaceae enthusiast or any avid carnivorous plants books collector ; the printing quality is just awesome. I was a bit worried that the printed drawings would not be faithful to the original ones but I am now relieved: they do look nice in the book, ;-)

Should you like to have a look at the whole set of drawings:

http://carnivorousockhom.blogspot.com/2011/10/darlingtonia-californica-f.html

Congratulations to Stewart McPherson, Don Schnell, Andreas Fleischmann, Andreas Wistuba and Joachim for this comprehensive work!

Nepenthes truncata "black" looking good

2011-11-04T18:48:00.001+01:00

Also known as N. 'Queen of Hearts' x N. 'King of Spades'.

I got this famous Borneo Exotics cross as a 5 cm large plant (like most of those who got one) and it is now setting in nicely. This last pitcher is 8-9 cm high and is fairly pretty.

I grow it as an intermediate in my windowsill area. Next spring, it will be grown in the conservatory I'm currently building. I hope it will keep on producing such dark pitchers.

The bog, part 2

2011-10-31T19:12:00.000+01:00

I'm still digging. The bog this time. It will be 3 m2 and 80 cm deep. So far, I managed to dig 70 cm. The soil is very rocky so it is quite a pain to remove the soil but it's almost done. As I am not able to reach the center of the bog (it is a quarter circle), I'll have to set a plank across the bog when I will want to trim the plants. A funnny sight I'm sure ;-)

The exposure will be very good as it is south-east exposed. I'm still wondering whether I should or not set a peat free bog by using coco peat as suggested by my French fellow Nicolas (NdL) but I have yet to see somewhere such a successful setup. The bog should be filled in the following two weeks then I'll wait for rain. Therefore, I do not intend to set the plants before next spring.

Drosera paradoxa, Mount Bomford, Kimberley

2011-10-30T13:53:00.001+01:00

Another Drosera from the "Petiolaris complex".

It is a notoriously easy plant, hence my success I guess ;-). Still, I think the mucillage production could be better. Since the level of humidity is at least 90% in the daytime and 100% during the night, I can't see what I can improve. Any idea? I've been growing this one for three seasons now and it has nicely filled its pot. Time for a repotting!

The Pond, part 1

2011-10-30T13:02:00.002+01:00

I have virtually finished to dig my koi pond.

Hopefully, I got help from my kids and one of my brothers (thank you Fred!). It took about 45 hours to excavate more than 20 m3 of soil- essentially clay. I dug the peat bog at the same time of course. The tricky part is that you dig 20 m3 but have to get rid of about 24 m3 by truck (twice) since the clay is expansing when it is dug out. At the longest, the pond is 4.30 m and at the largest, 3.30. It is 1.60-1.70 m deep surrounded by a shelf/step that will be 40 cm deep and 40 cm large . This shelf will receive aquatic plants, including baskets of Utricularia and Aldrovanda. It won't be easy to have koï and aquatic carnivorous plants a the same time as koï often feed on plants but I'll give it a try.

I will set the liner next week then we will put the water (or more exactly we'll wait for rain that I will get directly from my house's roof) and maybe some plants. Next spring, I'll set the pump, the filter and the anti UV lamp (to avoid green water) as well as a small waterfall (where the Magnolia stellata is). Koï won't be introduced before summer.

My children are learning patience: they are really looking forward to enjoying the fishes (I'm the one who wants to see the (carnivorous) plants ;-))

Windowsill Nepenthes campanulata: an update

2011-10-30T12:35:00.001+01:00

I thought you'd be interested by an update on this remarkable species.

I mentionned in this post: http://carnivorousockhom.blogspot.com/2011/07/windowsill-nepenthes-campanulata.html that I grow this Bornean limestone specialist on my windowsill area since it didn't succeed in my lowland terrarium.

Well, it's been there for nearly ten months and although the growth rate is rather slow I have to say that it is doing well. The pitchers are very nice, the leaves quite hard and my plants are even developing basals at the same time. The plants seem to suffer a bit during the hottest months.The green colour turned yellowish and the pitcher production fell down significantly. I think they prefer good but filtered light ather than intense direct sunlight as experienced on my south exposed bay window. They like to be kept on the dry side, at least, in my experience. This is very encouraging anyway and I hope I can soon witness many rosettes of this unique pitcher plant on my windowsill.

A "Petiolaris complex" species: Drosera kenneyalii

2011-10-29T09:58:00.001+02:00

I have a small terrarium dedicated to my "Petiolaris complex" Drosera and some other other hot growing species. This is a setup that I never really spent much time on; it was more like a clumsy attempt to grow that delicate group of plants.

In 2009, I ordered several Petiolaris complex species from Kamil Pasek's nursery: Best Carnivorous Plants and about a third of the plants I got died on my hands these last three years, though Kamil's material was first rate, I have to say.

I provided them with a peat/sand soil, blazzing light, hot temperatures and with a few centimetres of water. The various species started to grow nice and steady then, at one point of the year, some went dormant while some didn't and I couldn't handle those differences of behaviour within the same setup. As expected, some species rotted.

After three seasons, I managed to keep four species: D. derbyensis, D. paradoxa, D. caduca and D. kenneyalii, the subject of the present post. They are healthy but I am still very frustrated because it seems to me that luck played a good part in my success. I still don't get when and how I should stop watering them. Maybe, it's not a good idea to try to grow them all together? One friend told me that I should, once they enter dormancy, use some plates or reversed pots in order to isolate some of the plants from the water below. I shall give that a try.

Anyway, here are two of the suvivors. Some favourite in my sundews collection.

Drosera kenneyallyi, "Mitchell Plateau, Kimberley":

Drosera kenneyallyi, "NT form, Ant Mound region, Fog Bay":

Flowering Nepenthes maxima

2011-10-28T14:06:00.001+02:00

I'm a proud father. ;-)

I grew this cute Nepenthes maxima as a seed back in late 2006 and it is now producing two flower scapes: it is a male. This specimen comes from Sulawesi and has been growing on my windowsill for several years. It has absolutely no problem with low humidity as you can see. This is a very easy plant: it likes to get plenty of light and the soil can fairly dry between two waterings. This winter, it had up to five pitchers at the same time. Overall the plant is rather diminutive in stature but it's ok with me. It will end in the conservatory next spring ; I hope it will be fine there too.

Look at the nectar on the two appendages: that's amazing.

By the way, if you would like to get some pollen, drop me a line ;-)

My first peat bog, part 1

2011-10-26T22:58:00.003+02:00

I've been wanting to do this for a long time: setting a peat bog.
I never had the incentive to do that before. Though I looked with pleasure and envy at the peatbogs created by various carnivorous plants growers, I prefered to focuse on Nepenthes, Heliamphora and, lately, Drosera. But having seen this year Sarracenia and Drosera in the Joseph Pine Preserve and in the Apalachicola Forest made me look at this kind of ecosystem with new eyes. Not to mention the aesthetics of a peat bog: a blend of wilderness and elegance. My setup will be very humble. It will have the shape of a 1.80 metres quarter circle and will be 0.80 m deep.

Pictures soon; I'm only digging right now ;-)

Conservatory, part 1

2011-10-26T11:18:00.005+02:00

We spent a few months to think how to design our conservatory.

It is aimed to be a place for the family and a winter garden at the same time. Actually, it will be more like an intermediate place between the winter garden and the traditional tropical greenhouse.

The sides of our (aluminium) "véranda" will be made of glass (doubled with argon gas in between). The top will be built with 32 mm thick polycarbonate designed to reflect heat. It is an intermediate between glass which would be better for light but horrible for heat in summer, and modern dark conservatory roof which are perfect to reflect heat but allow no light to pierce -such conservatories are only lit by the sides.

Our 36 m2 conservatory is L-shaped. The rectangle which includes a very large bay window will receive table and chairs and will be mainly occupied by the family.

The other rectangle (the side) is roughly 15 m2 and will be filled with shelves and plants, like in a greenhouse. I'll, of course, set that area with a spraying system. The whole conservatory will be heated in winter at a minimum of 8°C. There are three passive aeration spots in the "véranda". In summer, most of the windows (the bay window and two large windows at the side) will be opened, creating thus a drop of humidity which will be hopefully balanced (at least partially) by the spraying system. I am also considering to set a reverse heater which could cool the conservatory during scortched heats, but ecological concerns are slowing me to pick that possibility. We'll see. At last, there will be many electrical points and the floor will be tiled.

The conservatory will be built in three stages:

1/ Brick works: As you can notice in the sketch, the base of the conservatory will dwell on a 60 cm high brick wall. This is just for aesthetics and will have no effect on the efficiency of the conservatory. I always try whenever possible to mix efficiency and beauty ;-) I might be able to grow some plants which favour shade on the floor.

The wall required foundations so a lot of soil had to be moved. This first stage is virtually finished. As you will see, the garden is mostly devastated ;-(

2/ In December, the conservatory will be set.

3/Afterwards, we'll deal with the electric works and we'll tile the whole area.

I won't put my plants before late spring and thus won't deal with the heating system before winter 2012. We don't have any money left anyway! ;-)

Below are some photos of the brickwork taken between late September and last week. The terrace was the place where I used to grow my hardy carnivorous plants (Sarracenia, some Drosera and Dionaeae) and my Tillandsia. The poor things had to be removed and are now scattered in the garden, hanging on trees or packed in corners. I have always been disappointed by my outdoor Sarracenia; they should look better when grown within the conservatory.

A picture taken in May:

And the works began...

We decided to add a 25 m2 terrace which will also host some plants I'm sure ;-)

In the photo above you can have a glimpse of the pond I am digging, the subject of some other posts ;-)

More photos and news in early December now!

We're destroying the garden. To recreate it.

2011-10-25T20:43:00.004+02:00

About a month ago, me and my wife (and some professionals) started some important works in the house and the garden.

We've been planning to move from our house several times to another (very distant) country but finally we decided to delay the decision and to stick in northern France for some more years.

After having considered to stop growing plants because of an increasing desire to travel, to study botany, and to achieve some other projects, I have found out that It would be very hard - not to say impossible- to live without my cultivated plants.

I've been toying with the idea of setting a proper greenhouse for many years in order to grow the grand genus Nepenthes in an appropriate scale but I hesitated and dropped the idea several times.

Last year, I made some research to study the cost of a top notch greenhouse and have found the price to be prohibitive to design a huge 20 m2 "tank" where I would be locked most of the times far from my family- reaching a balance between your passion and your family is difficult. I'm spending already a lot of time being busy or away from my household.

So we're decided that a "véranda", a winter garden or conservatory, whatever you want to call it, would be the best option. Thus, after months of research, study, appointments, we signed. One month ago, works started. A 40 m2 L-shape conservatory will be built and about the half of the space will be dedicated to plants; the rest being up to the family to enjoy. There will be no real separation between the two areas as we all love nature here and are immersed in it. Eventually, the bill will be much more expensive than setting a mere greenhouse but all the family will be able to enjoy it.

Because the garden is being destroyed, I decided to fulfill in the process two mini-dreams: the construction of a pond where I will try to grow at the same time aquatic carnivorous plants and japanese koï and a small peatbog where I will grow hardy carnivorous plants.

My blog will therefore be completed with three new sections so that you can follow the progress of those three projects- and advice me, if you will. ;-)

The future "véranda" (more photos to come):

2011-10-22T10:45:00.002+02:00

Thank you for following Strange Fruits!

Strange Fruits: A Garden's Chronicle has been alive for almost a year now (I started on October 30th, 2010) and it has been a joy to share informations, photos, thoughts and to receive your comments. I'm surprised to see that I managed to squeeze 300 posts within that short span of time. I'm not sure I can be as productive in the following year but I' will definitely try. ;-) Thank you for your comments and thoughts or your help when it came to id some bizarre plants of bugs that I couldn't.

Learning is one of the best things ever so do keep posting comments or correcting some mistakes I could have made.

I have just set a poll on the right top of the blog which will run for a month. IN short, tell me what you would like to see more. Select a few answers so I will be able to enhance my webpage.

Allow me also to remind you of the differents functions of the blog.

Look at the right column, you can:

- Contact me. I will answer as soon as possible. I can be very quick or very slow. So I apologize in advance. I do not sell plants or bugs anymore. I used to sell some plants from time to time but I just don't have the time now nor the will to be frank. I only trade when I meet people but you can always ask!

- Please, do not forget to ask me before you use one of my pictures. Unless you ask to use a pitcher plant photo to illustrate some weird toy, I will usually agree ;-)

-There's a translator. Although it is not perfect (at least in French), please use it!

-There's a search function. You can either search within the blog or in the web.

-You can suscribe to the blog and then get automatically informed when I write a new post.

-There's a guestbook. Feel free to write a few words. It's always a pleasure to read those. And if you don't like the blog; you can say it!

-At the bottom right, there's a list of the carnivorous pages I use to wander in. It is not comprehensive but it will provide hours of pleasure and knowledge.

Again, thank you for following this blog and don't hesitate to drop a few words at least once or twice so I know you you are :-)

Lecanopteris sinuosa in Cambodia

2011-10-22T00:55:00.001+02:00

Just when you think you begin to know a place quite well, you find some surprises. I know little on antferns and I assumed that Lecanopteris, a genus of myrmecophyte ferns was restricted to Borneo, Sumatra or Sulawesi. I thought the alternance of seasons in Cambodia with its particularly dry spell would not provide suitable habitats for this group of plants.

I was wrong.

I was very surprised and pleased when I found out some nests of gorgeous Lecanopteris sinuosa in Cambodia. I had the chance to admire this species before with my wife in Bako National park, Borneo, in 2009 ( http://carnivorousockhom.blogspot.com/2010/11/ant-plants-in-bako-national-park.html ) but I didn't expect to find it there in good ol' Cambodia. But then I realized that the habitats I observed in this part of the Khmer Kingdom were similar as those of Bako National park.

Here is a picture of the area. Many trees were filled with antplants: Dischidia rafflesiana, Lecanopteris, Hydnophytum...

And this is the beautiful Lecanopteris sinuosa.

You can clearly see the orange spores on the underside of the leaves. This species is easy in cultivation as far as I am concerned. I grow one specimen as a windowsill for two years now and it grows at a decent pace. Of course, it cannot compete at all with the magnificence of the wild specimens.

And here is a close where you can see the scales that can also be seen on other species of Lecanopteris such as L. lomarioides or L. crustaceae.

Introducing Nepenthes kampotiana

2011-10-22T00:23:00.000+02:00

My friend Philip Green asked me to post some pictures of Nepenthes kampotiana, a species whose name has been around for quite a long time.

But although some serious research has been carried out lately on the Indochinese Nepenthes taxa, there are some points that still need to be cleared within this group. After the publication of a definitive account on Nepenthes thorelii later this year, we will publish next year a paper that will clearly define the relation between Nepenthes kampotiana and the other Nepenthes of the N. thorelii aggregate (this aggregate refers to all the thorelii like species).

N. kampotiana had been described from material collected from the Kampot province in Cambodia by a botanist called Geoffray. Although Thai populations of this poorly known taxon has been studied by Marcello Catalano, our 2011 trip is the first time since its description in 1909 that Nepenthes kampotiana has been documented by qualified botanists in Cambodia.

This species is currently common in western Cambodia and I don't think it is threatened in the near future.

Nepenthes kampotiana is highly variable and further taxonomic works and decisions need to be done - what we intend to do in our forthcoming paper.

Hope you like those pictures, Phil! More to come when we publish our taxonomic account ;-)

A lithophytic orchid

2011-10-21T23:37:00.001+02:00

I was happy to admire some orchids during my last Indochinese trip. I stumbled several times on the following species which is quite common in Koh Kong province, Cambodia. This part of the country like most of the rest of the territory is subject to a severe dry season and one wonders how such a delicate plant can cope with a harsh environment. Plants are resilient.

Even if I knew that some plants could grow completely on rocks, I still felt amazed when I witness such plants. What a striking sight!

Those roots were really amazing. This species produce pale pink flowers. It is hard though to reproduce the right colour with the camera. Some flowers were much darker than others.

The last picture is a favourite of mine. It looks this thing is able to crawl!

This species looks the same as the beautiful Thai orchid introduced by Mark Anders as Phalaenopsis (Doritis) pulcherrima in the following CPUK post:

http://www.cpukforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=44003&pid=308174&st=0&#entry308174

Drosera indica in Koh Kong province, Cambodia

2011-10-21T21:35:00.001+02:00

I still have several field reports to post on my 2011 Indochinese trip. I hope you're not bored of them yet ;-)

Jeremy Holden, Oleg Kosterin, Alastair Robinson and I observed the widepsread Drosera indica on various occasions. It can be a stunning plant. The red specimens, in particular, are striking. This sundew can grow in high numbers in veals (meadows). It was fairly abundant in Koh Kong province, in south western Cambodia.

Drosera indica grows with several other carnivorous plants. In the picture below, you can see the small yellow spots of Utricularia odorata.

Look carefully and you will see Drosera burmanii in the next photo. You might even notice that some entirely green Drosera indica are growing among the red ones. I will write a post on that green variant soon.

Drosera indica belongs to the Arachnopus section within the genus Drosera. Look at those leaves; they indeed look like spiders.

Some plants were red and green but It was very hard to find such specimens. The plants were either red or green.

I spent a lot of time taking pictures and observing this beautiful plant. I didn't see a lot of preys on the leaves which surprised me.

This plant is not that widespread in cultivation which is quite a shame. Maybe the fact that it is an annual explains that. I tried once to grow it. Looking at those pictures definitely gives me the incentive to try again.