This Month’s Event -

         Bromeliad Bingo:

 

Mike Michalski will host this event, where we will play good old bingo and the prizes are (of course) Bromeliads as well as other items. We will try and play a lot of games. Maybe we will end up giving away 40 prizes, if we can play that many games.

 

No ink needed, we are using sliding cards.

 

Since we won’t be having a speaker

          Member Plant Sales Are On

 

 

See You

Tuesday May 4^th 7:30 pm

 

Please turn off your cell Phones.

The only thing worse than flying Aero-Peru is flying Aero-Peor ➀. So that’s why George Aldrich drove.

 

The Chinese Philosopher / Mathematician VENN once said “one picture is worth a thousand words”. This month I will rely on pictures to help tell the story of April’s meeting. Visit the website’s Gallery at www.timewolf.net/BSSF and select gallery.

 

But briefly we enjoyed a travel log slide show by George Aldrich. George and his party of 4 crossed Peru a couple of times touring from the coast to the Amazon and back across the mountains to the southern desert. Along the way they enjoyed the food scenery and bromeliads. Alas all the plants they collected were destroyed because their paperwork was imperfect but they did bring back a lot of cultural stuff from Peru which George brought to the meeting. Congratulations are in order to George for surviving his trip as the road conditions across the mountains are scary.

 

This meeting had the largest show and tell I had ever seen. I won’t even try to name all the plants but there were in excess of 50 brought by multiple members.

 

The Raffle table was also a big success. Just look at the picture of our visiting speaker and notice the number of raffle tickets around his head.

 

 

 

         President’s Message

 

It’s show time!

 

This is my final plea for help. We need help in many ways and I am asking each of you to contribute to your society. Serving includes but is not limited to the following:

 

            Volunteer to help any of the show committee chairs such as entries, classification, hospitality, member sales, placement, staging, clerking or plant holding. Check last month advisory for a list of who to contact or call me.

 

Bring plants to the show. They do not have to be judged.

 

Bring plants to sell or better yet, donate plants for member sales.

 

Your help will not go unnoticed. Thanks again.

 

 

 

                                                               Karl     

Solanaceae: an agronomically important plant family comprising more than 3000 species many of which evolved in the Andean/Amazonian regions of South America in habitats that vary dramatically and include rain forests that receive more than 3 meters of rainfall annually to deserts with virtually no rainfall and high mountains with regular snowfall and sub-freezing temperatures. The center of diversity of the Solanaceae is near the equator and thus species were undisturbed by the ice ages and have had time to accumulate adaptive genetic variation for extreme ecological niches (sound familiar?). The Solanaceae are also the third most important plant taxon economically and the most valuable in terms of vegetable crops, and are the most variable of crops species in terms of agricultural utility, as it includes the tuber-bearing potato, a number of fruit-bearing vegetables (tomato, eggplant, peppers), ornamental plants (petunias, Nicotiana), plants with edible leaves (Solanum aethiopicum, S. macrocarpan) and medicinal plants (eg. Daturea, Capsicum). Solanaceaous crops have been subjected to intensive human selection, allowing their use as models to study the evolutionary interface between plants and people. The ancient mode of Solanaceae evolution, coupled with an exceptionally high level of conservation of genome organization at the macro and micro levels make the family a model to explore the basis of phenotypic diversity and adaptation to natural and agricultural environments.

            So what does this have to do with Bromeliads, they evolved in the same place under the same conditions. And like tomatoes they survived the ice ages because they were in equatorial America and not the desert that equatorial Africa and Australasia became, or buried under glacers of ice in Europe, Asia, North America and Antarctica.

Plant Hardiness Zone: Plant hardiness maps allow producers to label their plants as being suitable for particular areas, and, in theory at least, this results in happy customers who can confidently buy plants that will survive in their locality. Early in 1990 the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published an updated version of their map of plant hardiness zones. This divides the United States into 11 zones (1-11), characterised by their average minimum temperature. Zones 2 to 10 are also subdivided into a or b, giving a total of 20 zones or sub-zones. These zones of course only apply to plants growing out of doors with no protection, but which are provided with adequate water.

            The statistic used by the USDA is the average annual minimum temperature. This causes some confusion straight away, because in Australia we use this term to mean the average minimum temperature over the whole year , whereas the USDA means the average, over ten or more years, of the very lowest temperature (the absolute minimum) observed for each year for each meteorological station. I prefer to call the USDA term the average annual lowest temperature. This figure tends to make places look very cold! For example, Florida, which we think of as a warm place, is in the US Zone 10 which has minimum temperatures from 30°F to 40°F (-1°C to +4°C). Zone 1 (e.g.central Alaska) is below -50°F (-45°C) which is very cold!

Phytotelmata: are structures formed by non-aquatic plants that impound water, such as modified leaves, leaf axils, flowers, stem holes or depressions, open fruits and fallen leaves. The word was coined by Varga (1928) [Biologisches Zentralblatt 48: 143-162] and has been adopted into English (see Maguire 1970 and Fish 1983). The singular is phytotelma (or phytotelm), and plural is phytotelmata (or phytotelms). Basically these are the cups of bromeliads where water pools 

                                                   Sources ➁ ➂

 

Colonization of bromeliads by Crustacea

University of Florida website

http://bromeliadbiota.ifas.ufl.edu/crbrom5.htm

Phytotelmata are temporary water bodies, even if the habitats themselves are permanently available. The duration of single phytotelms depends on the development of the bromeliads, where new leaves in the centre of the plants form new habitats. Older outer leaves entrap water to a greater extent, but water-holding capacity is lost when the leaves die. Here, the question about the mechanisms of immigration into a newly formed leaf and its phytotelm or even in phytotelmata of different bromeliads raises. Colonization of phytotelmata can be described as "the result of a series of interlinked events - dispersal, immigration, and establishment" (Maguire 1991, p. 461). Dispersal depends on the mode of transportation, being either passive or active. Active dispersal and selection of a suitable habitat is already described for the bromeliad-crab Metopaulias depressus (Diesel 1989). Passive dispersal includes disseminules, for instance resting eggs, blown with the wind. Common in algae, this transport mechanism might also hold for Phyllognathopus viguieri, which was found even in a rain meter near our field station (Janetzky, pers. obs.). However, it should kept in mind that passive dispersal is of high risk to fail. Phoresy is still a passive, but more certain way to reach a nearby habitat, because animals, such as frogs visiting phytotelmata for water uptake, are used by smaller ones for transportation. Examples are ostracods found to be carried by birds or frogs (e.g., Roy 1931, Seidel 1995).

Colonization experiments performed in Jamaica (bromeliads were cleaned, refilled and exposed to various environmental conditions; Janetzky 1997) have shown that the cyclopoid Tropocyclops jamaicensis, a species widespread in bromeliads of the study site is a rapid colonizer of phytotelmata in terrestrial bromeliads. Two weeks after start of colonization experiments, T. jamaicensis was already found in the manipulated bromeliads. In that particular plant the second observation was six weeks later (Reid & Janetzky 1996), which might be caused by the sampling technique. The discontinuity in copepod records in all bromeliads under investigation led to the assumption that different phytotelmata even in the same bromeliad form distinct habitats with their own "history" in the colonization and establishment of aquatic communities. The re-establishment of stable populations of T. jamaicensis required several months, most probably due to the need to build up organic matter as food resource. The lack of sufficient food supply could have led to strong competition and to the failure of some early populations (Reid & Janetzky 1996). This suggestion is supported by the observation that higher individual numbers of harpacticoid copepods were observed only when the aquatic fauna was depauperate (Janetzky 1997) and in investigation of aquatic communities in Puerto Rican bromeliads (Maguire 1970). Maguire (1970) has shown that harpacticoid copepods and ostracods as well as cyclopoid copepods and mosquito larvae exclude each other because of similar feeding habitats (negative associations). In contrast, cyclopoids and harpacticoids or ostracods could be found together (positive associations).

 

Identification of last months plant was greatly helped by Geoffrey R. Lawn (BSI Australian Director). Special thanks go to him and the generous help he gave me. This text is based on our Emails.

 

The Answer:                    X Quesmea 'Lymanii'’

The common name is       That thing in my back yard.

WHAT IS A QUESMEA?

It is a hybrid (a cross) between a species of genus Aechmea and a species of genus Quesnelia. So the title X Quesmea reflects that this is a transgeneric hybrid.

Who were this Mulatto’s Parents?

There are three of them. First the Great Mulford Foster bred the hybrid in 1960. So he played the role of Dr. Frankenstein in this plant’s creation. Then there are the plants that were crossbred to by Foster to make it.

Aechmea distichantha V. Schlumbergeri	Quesnelia testudo

Resulting in        

Naming:

In 1960, the correct naming process was to give ALL progeny (seedlings from the cross) the same GREX (meaning "group name") regardless of any visible variation. Only since 1995 has there been a push (under I.C.N.C.P. Rules) to allocate every distinctly-different clone a separate cultivar name from within the cross, if considered worthy enough to retain by the hybridist.

The website of the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants "Cultivated Plant Code" or ICNCP is

 http://www.ishs.org/sci/icracpco.htm

This months plant

I bought it from George Aldridge.

Its name sounds like a queen of England. Those are the clues.

+ plus the pictures.

Now since this is a black and white print I’ve also made available some color images published on the web.

    www.timewolf.net/BSSF/namethatplant

(Case Sensitive!) Good Luck Contestants!

Name that Plant!

Check here next month for the answer.

WATERING AND AIR MOVEMENT

by Odean Head

Watering instructions for bromeliads will vary depending on the type of plant, where it is growing, and what medium it is growing in or on. As for the type of plant, I am separating them between terrestrials, epiphytes growing on mounts, and those growing in a potting medium.

TERRESTRIALS

Most of the terrestrials look for most of their water requirements to be delivered through their root systems. Therefore, more water must be available to their root systems. How often to water will also depend on the water holding capacity of your potting medium. Heavier mixes when watered well will hold moisture much better than the lighter mixes and require less frequent watering. The use of 'soil pro' will also aid in holding moisture and making it available to the plant for a longer period.

MOUNTED EPIPHYTES

Mounted bromeliads must obtain their moisture requirements through their foliage. Plants that are equipped with a cup should be watered in the cup and the plant will absorb moisture as needed. Do not allow the cup to remain empty too long. If you do, any salts that may have accumulated in the leaf axils from bad water or unused fertilizer will begin to burn the leaf edges causing unsightly damage near the base of the plant. Plants without cups have peltate scales or trichomes that capture moisture for the plant from the leaf surface. These scales will close when the plant has sufficient moisture. Usually moisture from rain or dew must be supplemented during our hot summers [or our dry South Florida winters]. This can be provided by misting or by soaking when extreme conditions exist. Extended dry periods can cause stress damage to the leaves and even death to the plant.

POTTED EPIPHYTES

Most of your epiphytes that adapt to pot culture will form a large, soft root system that will take water into the plant in addition to the water absorbed through the foliage. That is the reason that we water the soil when we water the plant. This increases the source of water available to the plant, giving it a little more time before stress begins. Plants with cups should also be filled, and not allowed to remain empty, or the same damages could occur as with mounted plants.

The quality of water is important. Bromeliads prefer the water to be a little on the acid side, about 6.0 pH. Rain water is certainly best when it is available. Most Houston growers grow outdoors during the summer, which reduces the need to water, and provides quality water and the ideal humidity for most bromeliads. If you use city water, and it contains excessive salts, flushing of the plant periodically will reduce the chances of salt damages.

If you are growing indoors, you need to mist the plant about twice a week in addition to your watering in order to prevent drying of the leaves by the low humidity.

Bromeliads are like most other plants in that they will tell you when they become stressed from being too dry. Even though the odds are pretty good for saving the plant's life, it is better to avoid long periods of stress. These can cause permanent cellular damage to the leaf structure. We need to pay a little more attention to the increased moisture requirements of our plants during the hot days of summer.

On the other hand, it is also important that the plant's foliage be allowed to dry. Overcrowding or allowing a plant to lay on the ground too long can cause fungus and rotting. This usually results in death. If a fungus is evident, you can usually treat it successfully with a fungicide if you can catch it early enough. Quite often the plant is already dead when you see the rot. If you must grow plants close together, get a fan or fans to provide some extra air movement.

Florida West Coast Bromeliad Society

OCTOBER 23, 2004 EXTRAVAGANZA

PLANT SALE

The plant sale will be held at the Florida Botanical Gardens, located at 12175 125 Street North, Largo, Florida 33774.The sale hours 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 pm., a holding area is available for purchased plants. There will be guided tours of the Gardens at 10:00 am; 12:00 pm. and 2:00 pm. for a fee of $1.00 per person. Food vendors will be on site from 11:30 am. until 4:00 pm. For vendor/sales information contact Gary Lund 727-586-5865 or glund@tampabay.rr.com.

BANQUET

The Banquet is being held at the Holiday Inn Select, 3535 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater Florida 33762. The Banquet, a “Florida Style Buffet” starts @ 6:00 pm., the cost is $19.95 for each individual.

The Menu:

Cheese and fruit, fresh vegetable tray with dip, selection of salad, roast beef carved by the Chef, crab legs, chicken, baked potato with all the trimmings, medley of vegetables, rolls and butter, dessert, coffee, decaf and tea. The reservation form is at the bottom of this page.

RARE PLANT AUCTION

The Auction will start @ 7:30 pm. in the banquet room, auction plants are provided by the Florida Council via individual clubs, additional donations of appropriate plants and items are respectfully requested. To make donations contact Michael Kiehl, #941-488-4011.

ROOMS

Are available for a reduced rate of $79.00 per night, contact the hotel for reservations, mention the event the “BROMELIAD EXTRAVAGANZA on October 23rd.

Holiday Inn Select, 3535 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater, Fl. 33762, 727-577-9100

THERE WILL BE A CASH BAR AVAILABLE FROM 6:00 P. M. THROUGHOUT THE BANQUET, TILL THE END OF THE AUCTION.

BANQUET REGISTRATION $19.95 each

Checks ONLY made payable to F.W.C.B.S.

# of people _______ X $19.95 = amount of check

                                                                $______________

1st Name ________________________________________________

2nd Name________________________________________________

Please attach others to second page.

Your Contact Address ______________________

Your Phone # ____________________

SEND RESERVATION REQUESTS TO

JANET BANKHEAD, 1367 SUMMERLIN DRIVE, CLEARWATER, FLORIDA 33764 PHONE 727-536-5098

 

Coming In May:  

                         

 

 

Central Florida Bromeliad Society Annual Mother’s Day Show and Sale

May 8^th and 9^th- Florida Mall Orlando

 

 

 

Membership News:

 

The BSSF has a pass to the Fairchild Tropical Garden Valid Until: 12/31/2004. Any member may borrow the pass and enter the garden using the pass free of charge. Please contact Karl Green to sign-out the pass.

 

Name Tags for New Members:

are available from Connie Johnson. Call her at 305-275-8595 to order yours. They are free the first time; there’s a nominal charge for replacements. Folks, please wear your name tags! It simplifies things for everyone.

 

Sales Tables:

Our guest speaker will be selling plants at this meeting, so member sales will be suspended.

 

Show and Tell:

To be seen

 

Raffle Table:

To be seen

 

Door Prize:

Carl Bauer

 

Library:

Lynne Fieber will have the library open from 7:00pm to 7:30 pm. Please return any books and publications you’ve checked out.

 

Refreshments:

Sandy Roth and help.

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/index.html Animal Diversity Web Has Thousands of species accounts about individual animal species. These may include text, pictures of living animals, photographs and movies of specimens, and/or recordings of sounds. Students write the text of these accounts and we cannot guarantee their accuracy.

Descriptions of levels of organization above the species level, especially phyla, classes, and in some cases, orders and families. Hundreds of hyperlinked pages and images illustrate the traits and general biology of these groups. Professional biologists prepare this part.

 

Animal Diversity Web Is An Online Encyclopedia. 

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International Society for Horticultural Science
Welcome to the ISHS Horticultural Science Information Gateway including

Acta Horticulturae® online

http://www.ishs.org/index.htm

 

The ISHS, originated in 1864, formally established in 1959 and with members in 128 countries, is the leading, independent organization of horticultural scientists in the world

The aim of the ISHS is: "to promote and to encourage research in all branches of horticulture and to facilitate cooperation of scientific activities and knowledge transfer on a global scale by means of its publications, events and scientific structure" Membership is open to all interested horticultural researchers, students and organizations.

The International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants is a child of this website and organization.

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Website of the Bromeliad Society of South Florida

 

www.timewolf.net/BSSF or

www.bromeliadsareafamily.com

 

Featuring:

            Information about our speakers

            Calendar of Events

            Archive of Bromeliadvisories

            Gallery of Images

            Contact Information

            Name that Plant

            Our own Message Board

            and Links to other Bromeliad related websites

 

26th Annual Bromeliad Show

Bromeliad Society of South Florida

 

May 1^st & 2^nd

Fairchild Tropical Garden

10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables, FL

Sat & Sun 9:30 am to 4:30 pm 

 

Thursday April 29 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM contestants must bring their plants for judging in the show.

Friday Judging will occur

Saturday 9:30 AM Show Opens until 4:30 PM

Saturday 1:00 PM Rare Plant Auction held in Showroom

Sunday 9:30 AM Show Continues until 4:30 PM

Notes from the Editor:

 

It has been reported to me that I am not responding to emails. Unfortunately I receive 150+ Spam emails a day. Sometimes my anti-Spam software intercepts emails that I want to see. Other times I delete emails because the subject line looks like spam.

 

I do wish to respond to all BSSF related emails. If you don’t hear from me please email me again and mention Bromeliads in the Title/Subject line of the email.

 

Or post the question directly to the BSSF website’s message board

 

 

You may reach me at Bromeliad@timewolf.net via Email or at10011 S.W. 133^rd Street Miami FL 33176 via Snail Mail.

 

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Sources:

➀ This is a play on the expression from bad to worse in Spanish.

➁Hyper Dictionary – Online dictionary. http://www.hyperdictionary.com/

➂Australian Government De partment of Environment and Heritage