1. To coordinate the interests, activities and objectives of constituent Clivia Clubs and associate members; 2. To participate in activities for the protection and conservation of the genus Clivia in its natural habitat, thereby advance the protection of the natural habitats and naturally occurring populations of the genus Clivia in accordance with the laws and practices of conservation 3. To promote the cultivation, conservation and improvement of the genus Clivia by 3.1 the exchange and mutual dissemination of information amongst Constituent Clivia Clubs and associate members; 3.2 where possible, the mutual exchange of plants, seed and pollen amongst Constituent Clivia Clubs and associate members; and 3.3 the mutual distribution of specialised knowledge and expertise amongst Constituent Clivia Clubs and associate members; 4. To promote the progress of and increase in knowledge of the genus Clivia and to advance it by enabling research to be done and by the accumulation of data and dissemination thereof amongst Constituent Clivia Clubs and associate members; 5. To promote interest in and knowledge of the genus Clivia amongst the general public; and 6. To do all such things as may be necessary and appropriate for the promotion of the above mentioned objectives.
▼ CHAIR Johan Spies PO Box 17195, Bainsvlei 9338, South Africa Tel (h) +27 51 451 1886 e-mail: [email protected] ▼ VICE-CHAIR Peter Lambert PO Box 95034, Waterkloof, 0145, South Africa Tel & Fax +27 12 460 5212 e-mail: [email protected] ▼ SECRETARY Lena van der Merwe PO Box 74868, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040, South Africa Tel & Fax +27 12 804 8892 e-mail: [email protected] ▼ TREASURER Bossie de Kock PO Box 38539, Garsfontein, 0042, South Africa Tel +27 12 807 2173 e-mail: [email protected] ▼ ADDITIONAL Chris Vlok PO Box 99583, Garsfontein, 0060, South Africa MEMBER Tel +27 12 998 5942 e-mail: [email protected]
▼ Cape Claude Felbert, Gerrit van Wyk and Johan Schoombee ▼ Eastern Province Andre Calitz, Elroy Johnson and Gideon Botha ▼ Free State Hennie van der Mescht ▼ Garden Route Piet Theron ▼ Joburg Glynn Middlewick and Koos Geldenhuys ▼ KwaZulu-Natal Sean Chubb and Liz Boyd ▼ New Zealand Tony Barnes ▼ Northern Lena van der Merwe, Peter Lambert and Bossie de Kock ▼ Northern Free State Louis Chadinha The Clivia Society Newsletter started as a black on white news-sheet dated July 1992, numbered Volume 1 number 1, called 'Clivia Club'. It formed a means of communication for people interested in the plant genus Clivia. It was edited/written by Nick Primich with a frequency of 3, 5, 8 & 5 during the first 4 years, using the publication month in the volume. The frequency was fixed on four annually with Vol. 5 No 1 of March 1996. The date changed to the southern hemisphere seasons with Vol. 8 No 1 of Autumn 1999. The first three used yellow paper as cover. The name changed to 'CLIVIA CLUB NEWSLETTER' with Vol. 9 No 1 Autumn 2000 with full colour photos on the cover pages. Another name change to 'CLIVIA SOCIETY NEWSLETTER' came with Vol. 10 No 4 Summer 2000, and in 2005 reverted to a quarterly number. CLIVIA NEWS is the continuation of this series. EDITORIAL e're way into 2008 and dealing with all kinds of neologisms - load-shedding, W outages, hybrid energy and suchlike. What does this all mean for Clivia growers in South Africa? As yet I've not heard anything untoward other than perhaps with all the down time it makes for up-time for growers to spend with their collections. It however certainly impinges negatively on any production requiring electrical power, and this newsletter, Clivia News, is a case in point. The lead-time required to get the print-run out has lengthened. And then having each quarter close in a recess period does not make for efficiency. Add to that technology on the blink - frozen laptops, quirky web servers - and one finds oneself in a technological black hole. Then if the Clubs and their members do not keep me supplied with copy and photos I need to invent material, which bears the risk of the members having to contend with my perspective and interests. The 2008 Annual General Meeting of the Clivia Society is coming up at the Thatchery in Johannesburg Gauteng on 24 May 2008. It is open to all affiliated Club members and all are invited (see the invitation and preliminary Agenda elsewhere in this issue). It is always an occasion to swap stories, put faces to names, and match named Clivia plants with faces, so lets all meet there. See you in Jozy. ▼
Clivia greetings,
Roger Fisher (Editor)
ERRATA: Previous letters to the Editor have erroneously been attributed to 'Jeanne Mouton' which should have read 'Jeanne Marten'. My apologies - Ed. ▼ CLIVIA SOCIETY MATTERS Notice of the 2008 AGM to be held on 24 May 2008 in Johannesburg, South Africa
26 February 2008 5. Catering arrangements: By 12 April one Dear Friends representative per club should inform us 1. Notice of the 2008 AGM (to be held on 24 (Lena van der Merwe) who will attend (1) May 2008 in Johannesburg, South Africa) is the Social function and (2) the meetings on attached as file Notice of 2008 AGM_2.doc. 24 May after the meeting. Please note the following critical date. 6. Accommodation in Johannesburg: Please 13 March: contact Glynn Middlewick (gcmidd@mweb. co.za) for accommodation options. The • Clivia Clubs to submit written notice of accommodation available is as follows: any proposals regarding amendments to the constitution. Please contact Lena van - Cottages - These may only be booked der Merwe should you need a copy of the for a minimum of two days over a constitution. weekend. Eg Friday and Saturday. • Clubs to forward the names and contact There are four one-bedroom cottages avail details of Club representatives as well as able - two persons sharing each. their alternates to the Society secretary. The There are two - two-bedroom cottages Cape, Eastern Province and Northern Clivia with a common lounge area - four persons Clubs are entitled to three representatives in two bedrooms. each, the Joburg and KwaZulu-Natal - Rooms - These may be booked for a Clivia Clubs two representatives each and single day. There are nine bedrooms Free State, Garden Route, New Zealand with two-beds/double bed in each. and Northern Free State Clivia Clubs one Rates: The charge is R260.00 per person representative each. Please Contact Bossie sharing in all types of accommodation with de Kock ([email protected]) breakfast included. The rate is R220.00 per should you disagree with these numbers. person sharing with no breakfast. 2. We encourage chairpersons or representa Single accommodation is at a rate of tives of Interest Groups to also attend the R440.00 with breakfast included and meeting. R400.00 per night without breakfast. Please make a plan and be there. As the above accommodation is situated 3. The venue. All the events will take place at in an area where there are many wedding the Thatchery. This is situated close to the venues, early reservation is essential. junction of the R28 (Krugersdorp-Pretoria 7. Nominations: I got the feeling in the past Highway) and Hendrik Potgieter Road. that clubs are under the impression that Directions on how to get to the Thatchery they may or should only nominate persons are attached. from their local club to chair or serve on a 4. The preliminary program committee. PLEASE CLUBS, this is not the Saturday 24 May case. You can nominate members of other Tour Botanical Gardens in the morning. clubs. The idea is to get the best people to do the job. At 13:00 a light lunch will be served, followed by lecture on progress with Clivia Hope to see you all on 24 May at the research and the Annual General Meeting Thatchery. ▼ will start at 1 5:00. Catered buffet with braai Regards etc from 17h00 onwards. Johan Spies NOTICE TO CONSTITUENT CLIVIA CLUBS OF AN ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CLIVIA SOCIETY TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY 24 MAY 2008 ON THE CAMPUS OF FREE STATE UNIVERSITY IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
26 February 2007
Dear Society Representative /Club Chairperson/Club Secretary
Allow me to share information regarding the AGM of the Clivia Society to be held in Johannesburg on Saturday 24 May 2008.
Starting times and venues: • Tour Botanical Gardens in the morning • 12:30: (Committee meetings if required) • 13:00: Light lunch • 14:00: Progress with Clivia research - Johan Spies • 15: 00: Annual General Meeting • 17h00 onwards: Catered buffet with braai etc.
You are hereby invited to: 1. Submit written notice of proposals regarding amendments to the constitution 2. Put duly motivated matters on the agenda for the meeting. 3. Forward the names and contact details of Club representatives as well as their alternates to the Society secretary. 4. Nominate members for the Clivia Society Executive Committee and propose members to serve on sub-committees of the Clivia Society.
Please note and adhere to the critical dates listed on the next page. All correspondence should be forwarded to the Society at one of the following addresses:
Clivia Society, PO Box 74 868, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040
Fax: +27 12 804 8892 Email: [email protected] ▼ * Note that the Executive Committee feel very strongly that matters for the agenda should actually be submitted on or before 12 April 2008. The date of 28 April (as stipulated in the constitution) leaves very little opportunity for clubs to discuss such additional items to the agenda. We ask your cooperation to submit agenda points not later than 12 April 2008. ▼ PRELIMINARY AGENDA OF CLIVIA SOCIETY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 24 May 2008, Johannesburg, South Africa
Clivia2006 Conference DVD's now available
The Clivia Society has decided to make the Clvia2006 conference proceedings available on a double DVD. The presentations have been recorded, edited, and shortened to almost eight hours viewing time. The DVD set can now be ordered from the secretariat of the Clivia Society at a price equivalent to ZAR 220.00 (including postage and packaging). Should you be interested, please contact Bossie de Kock at one of the following addresses: Clivia Society, P.O. Box 74868, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040 Pretoria, South Africa. Fax: +27 12 804 8892; E-mail:[email protected] MINUTES OF CLIVIA SOCIETY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 12 May 2007 (Bloemfontein) For consideration for approval
1. Welcome Recording of representatives (alternates) he chairperson, Chris Vlok, extended a of Clubs special welcome to James and Connie A list of all the representatives and alternates Abel, past Chairman and honorary was issued in the documentation and members member, Tino Ferero, past chairman were asked to check whether their contact andT Oom Pat (Mr. Pat Gore), who has yet to details were correct. The chairman mentioned miss an AGM of the Clivia Society. He also that a Club might exchange representatives thanked Hennie van der Mescht and the Free with alternates when the representative is State Clivia Club for hosting the AGM, and unavailable. The chairman and secretary should the get together the previous evening. He be notified of such an exchange. explained that all were free to ask questions, 4. Minutes of the Annual General but that only official delegates were entitled to vote. Chris also expressed his sincere thanks to Meeting held on 20 May 2006 all who had traveled far to attend the meeting. The minutes of the Annual General Meeting All the documents were distributed in time and held on 20 May 2006 was accepted as a true would be considered as read. The language of reflection of the meeting (proposed by Koos the meeting is Afrikaans or English. Geldenhuys and seconded by Willie le Roux). 2. Constituting the meeting 5. Matters arise from the minutes The following proxies was recorded: Ken Smith Point 13: Membership lists and dealing with (Proxy to Lena v d Merwe). The members privacy laws. Members do not react attending the meeting constituted a quorum on the request to grant permission for and the chairman declared the meeting duly distributing their contact details to other constituted (proposed by Peter Lambert and members seconded by Bossie de Kock). Point 15.4: The computer is returned to Chris 3. Attendance register Vlok. 6. Present: 6.1 Appointment of representatives for (1) Ex Officio: Chris Vlok (chairman and Australia and (2) North America, Canada John van der Linde, (Vice Chairman) and South America Cape Clivia Club: Johan Schoombee The reason why an Australian repre Eastern Province Clivia Club: Andre Calitz and sentative was not appointed is a com Willie le Roux plaint received from Mr. David Bearlin. Northern Clivia Club: Bossie de Kock, Lena van der Merwe read out the letter Peter Lambert and Lena v/d Merwe to Mr. Bearlin and a discussion followed. KwaZulu-Natal: Sean Chubb and Etzel Nuss The meeting decide to request Ken Smith Garden Route Clivia Club: Piet Theron to remain representative of Australia and Free State Clivia Club: Hennie van der Mescht the proposed letter to be send to Mr. D Joburg Clivia Club: Glynn Middlewick and Bearlin (proposed by Willie le Roux and Koos Geldenhuys. seconded by Koos Geldenhuys) Northern Free State: Louis Chadinha Jim Black, USA representative, could not Apologies: open an account for the Clivia Society Ken Smith, Aart van Voorst and Jaco Nel, to collect dues. The North American (representatives for associate members). Clivia Society (NACS) made their bank An attendance register was circulated to record account available to the Clivia Society. others attending the meeting. Jim Shields and William McClelland are willing to act as representative and borated on his submitted report. The contact person respectively for members conference was a huge success. Having in North America. Tom Wells has the conference and show on different nominated Jim Shields as representative. days gave the "work force" of the Club The meeting approved to go ahead the opportunity to attend both. The with this arrangement with NACS as stamps worked brilliantly; sponsors are proposed by John van der Linde and essential and so is help from other Clivia seconded by Bossie de Kock. Clubs. The Society should try to get the 6.2 Formalizing the functions of persons Chinese with us. Clivia miniata is the representing Clivia enthusiasts on the green gold of China. The tours were Clivia Society a money-spinner and by employing a The meeting requested that the func professional advertising agent the event tions of the persons representing the was widely advertised. The auction has Clivia Enthusiasts must be forma to go on. It was lovely to have the lized. Incorporate the input of past overseas visitors in our homes. representatives in formulizing this docu 12.2 Yearbook. Claude Felbert requested ment. That could not be cast in stone. people to submit photos for the photo 7. Honorary membership competition. Roger Fisher will be Honorary life membership was awarded involved with Yearbook 9; the last John to Tino Ferero, (Northern Clivia Club) and van der Linde will be the editor of. Sean Mick Dower (Cape Clivia Club) for their Chubb thanked John for the top quality contribution the advancement to the publication and anxiously awaits the Clivia fraternity. next edition. 8. Amendments to the Clivia Society Con 12.3 Newsletter. Roger Fisher suggests that all stitution publications (including the e-letters) be The proposed amendments to the put under one umbrella committee as the constitution were approved by the material is decimated under members. meeting as proposed by Peter Lambert He thanked James and Connie Abel for and seconded by Koos Geldenhuys sending e-letters of general importance 9. Financial Reports to him. Sakkie suggested that each Club The Treasurer's and Auditor's Reports should appoint a member to assist in were unanimously accepted. (Proposed supplying material to the Newsletter. by Willie le Roux and seconded by Koos Louis Chadinha complimented and Geldenhuys). thanked Roger Fisher. 10. Appointment of auditor 12.4 Research Committee. Permission was The current firm of auditors, Snijders granted to carry on with the plans as and Associates, was proposed by Andre long as management manage them. Calitz and seconded by Peter Lambert. 12.5 Public Relations Officer. Peter Lambert 11. Budget for 2008 thanked Roger Fisher for all his work. The meeting approved the proposed 12.6 Registration of genus Clivia. The list of budget for 2008 (proposed by John names should be listed on the Clivia van der Linde and seconded by Peter Society's website as the main source. Lambert). Willie le Roux thanked Bossie Johan Spies thanked Ken Smith and de Kock for the selfless job he does as appealed to members to register their treasurer. Clivia plant names. 12. Other Reports 12.7 Web Site. Members are invited to use 12.1 Clivia 2006 the website. Cape and Free State Clubs Peter Lambert, Chairman of the orga do use it for their Newsletters. Andre nizing committee of the quadrennial Calitz thanked Chris for a job well done conference of the Clivia Society, ela and all the late night work done. 12.8 Standards and Judging. A publication proposed Peter Lambert and seconded on standards and judging is planned by Glynn Middlewick. Peter accepted for this year. Tino Ferero thanked Roger the nomination and was unanimously Dixon. There is a challenge to set the elected as vice chairman. standard for judging as every person 14.3 Treasurer. Bossie de Kock was the only has his own idea as to how a flower nomination and unanimously elected. stalk should look like. Tino thanked 14.4 Secretary: Lena van der Merwe was Roger for what he has done and going the only nomination and unanimously to do. elected. 12.9 Reports from Clubs and representatives 14.5 Additional Member. The outgoing chair of Clivia Enthusiasts. James thanked the man, Chris Vlok is the additional member. Clubs for what they do on "voetsool 15. Election/Appointment of members for vlak" (foot sole level). It is a wonderful sub-committees development how the Clubs expanded on the two essential ingredients namely Public Relations Officer: Sakkie Nel clivias and enthusiasm, cemented (Proposer Lena van der Merwe and together through distribution of seconded by John van der Linde) information on clivias. The greatest Yearbook editor: Roger Fisher (Proposer asset is committee members willing to Johan Schoombee and seconded by work in running the Clubs John van der Linde) 12.10 Chairman's report. In his last report as Newsletter: Roger Fisher chairman, Chris Vlok used the oppor Registrar: Ken Smith tunity to thank various members for Website: Chris Vlok their selfless service to the Clivia Society. Research: Johan Spies as convenor. John van der Linde thanked Chris for all John Roderick, the time and effort that he put into his Willie le Roux and position as chairman. Hennie van der Mescht 13. Conference 2010 Standards and judging: Roger Dixon. The meeting felt that the quadrennial 16. Hosting of Annual General Meeting in conference should go on. The Clivia 2008 Society should play a larger role in The Meeting decided on the Jo'burg organizing the conference and should Clivia Club as host of the next AGM in spell out how the conference should be 2008. managed. All Clubs should be committed to assist with the arrangements of the 17. Caulescens tour in October 2007. conference. Interested members to contact James 14. Election of Office Bearers Abel regarding this tour as soon as possible. The Chairman explained to the meeting that the positions of Treasurer (Bossie 18. Honoraria de Kock) and Secretary (Lena van der An honorarium of R 2 000-00 each Merwe) need, according to the Con to Bossie and Lena was proposed by stitution, a unanimous vote from the Willie le Roux and seconded by Koos meeting to be re-elected. Geldenhuys. 14.1 Chairman. Johan Spies was the only 19. Closure nominee as chairman and therefore The meeting was declared closed at unanimously elected as chairman. He 13:38. The Chairman thanked the thanked the meeting for the confidence meeting for the pleasant positive spirit put in him. and wished them a drive safely back 14.2 Vice Chairman. Nominations were home. ▼ called from the meeting for the position J SPIES: CHAIRMAN as vice chairman. Johan Schoombee DR. MJ VAN DER MERWE: SECRETARY STORIES BEHIND THE COVERS
he species status of Clivia 'Maxima' is disputed, but undisputedly, the bree ding of the form is the preserve of Fred van Niekerk who has spent his retire Tment in growing the plant he got to know in his mother's garden as a child in the old Transkei. These are of the largest of Clivia and at present resort in the species, Clivia robusta. Fred how ever contests this and believes them a species apart. Other than the size and the resemblance of the leaf to that of C. nobilis, the plants of this form have as distinguishing characteristic an extended period of berry and seed formation, taking twenty-four months to ripen. The covers illustrate a variety of forms of the plant. It also has a 'citrina' form, (previously illustrated on the back cover of Volume 16 Number 3, photos 1 & 2). ▼
Berry Umbel 12 mnths Base of Maxima plant Detail of Maxima flower
Berry Umbel 2-122 mnths Berry Umbel 3 - 24 mnths Ripe umbel after 24 months CORRESPONDENCE Clivia Caulescens Tour 29 Sept to 1 Oct 2007
A motley crew were we As we went off to see, The plants we all do crave And do our best to save.
To Pinnacle in the east we went And there our very hearts were rent. For all around the bush did burn But growing tall were the tree fern.
Into the valleys many did go To see the clivias that were on show. Though blackened by fire and burnt so hot The flowers stood high - and there were a lot.
At God's Window we did walk Up hundreds of steps, and so did talk Of clivias on the forest floor, And on rocks and trees we found some more.
In the mist and in the rain Up Mariepskop we had some pain. For there we got sopping wet! But the clivias there were the best yet!
We wanted to go to Bearded man Of which place there was many a fan. But the weather again did not play fair, It rained and rained without a care.
And so to Kruger we did go In a coach that was not low. We saw a lot and had much fun But we hardly saw the sun.
Yet the trip was all worthwhile For clivias we walked many a mile. To see them in their natural place We were prepared to have a wet face!
So to all who were on the Clivia Tour Who enjoyed the time and wanted more Thanks for the company and the talk Next time we may not have to walk
Through fire, burnt grass, and mist and rain, Just so that we can see again, The Caulescens that are so fine, And in full flower at the right time. ▼
Ann Goodfellow 2007 GROWERS & BREEDERS NOTES Clivias on the move
t was a fateful day, that day I visited Ammie Grobler and became Ifixated with the genus Clivia. It was an even more life-changing event when I decided to drop in on a Bosveld Boslelieklub Show last year and found a plant I had to have. Well one plant led to a purchase of a collection. Collections need to be housed so I had to put up a 500m 2 shade-house. And since the only space I have for that is on a plot in White River, that is where the collection had to go. Moving clivias is not like moving furniture. I the helpers she had hired, I went into a cold naively thought one phoned the plant movers, sweat. paid your money and got the job done. Helpers? There were no packers with the truck, Not a chance. just an aged Zulu driver. Firstly to find a plant-moving concern requires I tried desperately to make arrangements at some detective work. Then pinning them down the other end since the to a time and place is a cat-and-mouse game. truck was on the road Dates were set and missed. Rains came and and off-loading at six made farm roads impassable. I had bought the next morning. the property in winter and at the end of a long Telephone calls flew, drought. I was not aware of how the ground but by seven-thirty turned to toffee after heavy rains, and how the next day, not only had water on the roads flowed like rivers. the transport agent Finally a truck was sent at an inconvenient time not been able to in my schedule, but I felt the matter was in muster help, but the good hands. isotherm truck could When the seller phoned late that evening with not negotiate the tight the news that the plants had been loaded by turns in the farm-road and was offloading four-odd thousand clivias known growth stimulant and the B1 is as well. under the only large tree they could find on a This solution has worked miracles for me for neighbouring property! And the Lowveld was over 50 years of gardening and working with in the grip of a heat-wave. plants. ▼ My friend - who now lives there - persuaded John Mann (USA) the neighbouring farmer to lend hands and a [*Skokiaan - a local alcoholic brew of in tractor, and pots were loaded and moved by determinate contents - ed.] the trailerful. And the sun rose, and the heat seared. The only protective covering was frost-cloth from Protect your flowers against the last winter. slugs and snails I arrived expecting to find a mutilated collection. Fortunately the damage is minimal, mostly any of us have clivias out in our mechanical damage to leaves and unpotted gardens, either in pots or in the plants with many displaced labels. The sun and ground. When they flower the blooms heat damage is limited to a few plants. M are often at the mercy of slugs and snails. There are many morals to this story, but what Despite putting out snail bait magnificent I would ask all growers and breeders is - TIE umbels are soon chewed to pieces and ruined. THE LABEL TO THE PLANT. Electrical cable ties After many years of frustration at petals being are cheap and do not cause damage and don't ruined someone this year told me of a fool- come adrift. It will make the lives of the next proof solution. Shortly before the plants show owners - and most clivias survive their growers signs of flowering smear about 2cms of Vaseline -just that little bit easier. all around the peduncles, below the umbel. The entire collection is not yet moved from its I have found that this provides an effective original owner. barrier to slugs and snails - they cannot cross I'll relate episode two at a later date. ▼ the Vaseline and so the flowers can bloom in Roger Fisher all their natural glory without being disfigured. I also make sure that the peduncle is absolutely free-standing, with no contact from the leaves Skokiaan* for Clivias of an adjoining plant for the creatures to crawl across, above the Vaseline. This method really erhaps this will help those who are willing works. Why not try it when next your clivias to take the chance. In a clean container come into flower? ▼ Pwith a lid, place one cup of Alfalfa John van der Linde [Lucerne, for South Africans] pellets, which must be the pure Alfalfa in pellet form (usually available from an animal feed store.) Put in two ordinary Vitamin B1 tablets that you have crushed, along with two multi vitamin with iron, also crushed. Add ¼th cup sugar. To this add one gallon [4,5 litres] water. Place, lid loosely on, in a warm, but not hot place, to ferment. [Ferment it willl!!] When the activity has stopped, this solution can be strained and diluted four (4) times with water. I use it to spray my garden as a stimulant and growth enhancer. I also soak newly arrived plants of any genus before planting. The one thing you must know - the Alfalfa is a CLUBS AND ENTHUSIASTS CLIVIA CLUB SHOWS, DISPLAYS, EXPO’S AND EXIBITIONS FOR 2008
NAME OF CLUB DATES 2008 TIMES VENUE ENTRANCE FEES DETAILS OF A CONTACT PERSON/S
KwaZulu Natal 31 May Saturday: SANBI Botanical Gardens R 5.00 per person Val T: 031-763 5736 Clivia Club Gardenii SHOW 10:00- 15:00 Pietermaritzburg Children under 12 free John H: 083 660 1275 Pietermaritzburg PLUS fee for entrance to Brian T: 033-344 3585 Botanical Garden Carole B: 033-0344 2471 Northern 7 June 11:00 - 13:00 Forensic Lapa,Pretoria Road No Charge Christo: 082 497 5879 Clivia Club Display & Public / Silverton Pretoria members talk KwaZulu Natal 2 August Saturday: SANBI Botanical Gardens R 5.00 per person Val T: 031-763 5736 Clivia Club Interspecific 10:00 - 16:00 Pietermaritzburg Children under 12 free John H: 083 660 1275 Pietermaritzburg DISPLAY PLUS fee for entrance to Brian T: 033-344 3585 Botanical Garden Carole B: 033-344 2471 Waterberg 29 - 30 Augustus Friday: Dopper Hall, R10.00 per Adult Ans: 014-717 3674 Boslelieklub SHOW 08:00 - 18:00 Nylstroom 082 372 0765 Nylstroom Saturday: 08:00 - 15:00 Northern KZN 30 August Saturday: Newtech, FW Beyers No Charge Hottie: 034-318 1327 Clivia Club SHOW 9.00 - 16.00 Drive, Barry Hertzog Park, New Castle Newcastle Northern Free 4 - 7 September 08:00 - 17:00 Alma Nursery, Alma Road, No Charge Louis: 057-357 6067 State Clivia Club Expo Sunday: Welkom Welkom 09:00 - 13:00 Northern 6 - 7 September Saturday: Venue to be confirmed R15.00 per person Christo: 082 497 5879 Clivia Club SHOW & 08:00 - 17:00 over 12 years Pretoria Clivia Market Sunday: 09:00 - 15:00 Cape Clivia Club 6 - 7 September 09:00 - 17:00 Sanlam Hall, Kirstenbosch Fee of Kirstenbosch John W: 082 575 7202 Cape Town Display Botanical Garden, Newlands Ian Brown 021 689 3901 Cape Clivia Club 8 - 9 September 09:00 - 17:00 Willowbridge Shopping No Charge Eugene M: 021-914 0465 Cape Town Display Centre, Durbanville 083 444 9709 KwaZulu Natal 13-14 September Saturday: Royal Show Grounds, R10.00 per person Children Val T: 031-763 5736 Clivia Club MINIATA SHOW 09:00 - 16:00 Pietermaritzburg under 12 free Members/ John H: 083 660 1275 Pietermaritzburg Sunday: Public talk & Demon Brian T: 033-344 3585 09:00 - 15:30 stration Sunday 11.00 am Carole B: 033-344 2471 Lowveld 30 - 31 August Saturday: R10.00 per person over Daan: 084 581 0368 Interest Group SHOW 09:00 - 16:00 years Paul: 082 578 5289 Nelspruit Sunda y: R 5.00 per vehicle Ian: 082 379 0405 09:00 - 12:00 Joburg Clivia Club 13-14 September Saturday: Bergvlam High School, R10.00 per person over 12 Braam: 011-475-2586 Johannesburg SHOW 09:00 - 17:00 Geelhout Avenue, Nelspruit years Glynn: 082 650 1463 Sunday: 09:00 - 16:00 Free State 20 September Saturday: Garden World Nursery, R 5.00 per person: Hennie: 083 5119519 Clivia Club SHOW 9.00 - 14.00 Beyers Naude Drive(M5), Children R2.00 051-5229530 Bloemfontein Muldersdrift Piet: 051-5228963 Eastern Province 20 - 21 September Saturday: R 5.00 per person over 12 Andre: 082 574 9058 Clivia Club SHOW 08.30 - 17.00 Bloemfontein Primary years Gideon: 079 490 0550 Port Elizabeth Sunday: School, Bloemfontein 08.30 - 16.00 Cape Clivia Club 20-21 September 09:00 - 17:00 Verkenner School Hall, R10.00 per person over 12 Joy: 021-671 7384 Cape Town SHOW Salvia Crescent, Linton years R 5.00 Pensioners Gerrit: 021-976 8924 Overberg Clivia 22 - 29 September 09:00 - 17:00 Grange, Port Elizabeth No Charge Felicity: 084 5898 297 Interest Group EXIBITION Jessie: 083 458 3790 - Hermanus Belville Civic Centre, Border Clivia 13-14 September 08:00 - 17:00 Voortrekker Road, Bellville No Charge John: 082 567 7069 Interest Group SHOW Sunday: Peregrine Farm Stall & East - London 08:00 - 12:00 Nursery, Grabouw Cape Clivia Club 27 - 30 September- 09:00 - 17:00 Pioneer Nursery, Conubie Fee of Kirstenbosch John W: 082 575 7202 Cape Town Display Saturday: Ian Brown: 021 689 3901 09:00 -17:00 Garden Route 27 - 28 September Sunday: Sanlam Hall, Kirstenbosch R10.00 per adult Ida E: 072 613 6066 Clivia Club SHOW 09:00 - 13:00 Botanical Garden,Newlands Children free George Outeniqua Primary School, C/O Cradock & Cathedral St. George CLUBS AND ENTHUSIASTS
KWA-ZULU NATAL CLIVIA CLUB
he K-ZNCC will be holding their annual Gardenii Show on Sat 31 May 2008 at the SANBI Botanical Gardens, Pietermaritzburg from 10:00 to 15:00 and the Interspecific show at the T same venue on Sat 2 Aug 2008 from 09:00 to 15:00. Contact the Show Manager John Handman 083 660 1278 or Show Secretary, Val Thurston 072 464 5212 for further details. ▼
OVERBERG CLIVIA INTEREST GROUP
ur Group remains fairly small, but with Prof Gert Venter and his wife kindly hosted rather a lot of interest, with some really us for the first stop. It was a lovely experience O motivated members. as The Valley was in prime condition with the We are usually well represented at the Cape fruit trees dripping fruit and the Old Roses in Clivia Club Meetings, and often win a very full flush and everything lush and green. Gert large number of the raffle prizes! Well done treated us to a tour of his Clivia plantings, green Overberg! houses and orchards, and imparted much information regarding the feeding of plants. We also do quite well at the Cape Clivia Club Show. His wife spoiled us with a delicious tea, enjoyed There are plans in the pipeline to mount our after arriving via a delightful and lush garden. own show in Hermanus next year. The next stop was at Jessie Waltons interesting We have also arranged a display at the Peregrine and varied garden featuring Farm Stall at Grabouw for the past three years, all sorts of indigenous bulbs and shrubs, as of show plants and unusual plants owned by well as many rare exotic plants. There is also local members. This has been very well received a collection of famous "Old Roses" made by her by the public. mother and now growing in her garden, a rare This year, instead of having a regular get treat. We all enjoyed taking it really easy and together for the end of the year meeting, we just relaxing and sharing a cup of tea together, decided to visit other growers in our group. and discussing Clivia topics. ▼
PRIVATE ADVERTISEMENTS • Thurlow Flora: We have on offer a large variety of carefully bred seedlings and mature plants for sale. We specialise in pastel colours, oddities, species and original wild collected and named clones of Clivia. Mail order and visitors welcome. For our latest plant list please contact Sean and Terri Chubb. Tel: 031 781 1978 e-mail: [email protected]. We also have available a few hundred different named daylily clones. • Yellow Nogqaza strains from R15 to R120. Orange from R1 to R6 for mature plants. Delivery anywhere. SOUTH AFRICAN CLIVIA PLANTATION, Box 855, Hilton 3245. Call 082 955 5433. • Clivia miniata. Seed R100 per kilogram. Year old plants R2 each. Roly Strachan, Box 5, Highflats 3306 or Tel. (039) 835 0085 evenings only. • Swamp gardenii and miniata seed and seedlings available from various Natal and Transkei locations. Phone Andrew (039) 313 5024 a/h or cell 082 784 5401. NEW ZEALAND AFFILIATION WITH THE CLIVIA SOCIETY
t a well-attended Annual General 3. Many of the Club's 130 members are also Meeting of the New Zealand Clivia Club members of the Society. We presently have AInc. held at Pukekohe, Auckland on 29 mutual members, which qualifies us un 25th August 2007 it was decided that the club der a society rule that affiliated clubs have at should apply to the society for affiliation. least 20 individual members of the Society. Happily, in a letter dated 12th September 2007 4. The international Clivia plant register is the Clivia Society advised that the application maintained by the Society. for affiliation had been unanimously accepted. 5. While the Club does not yet hold competitive So a kiwi club has become the first non-South shows in New Zealand, affiliation provides African club to be affiliated to the society. access to the society's show judging Factors which motivated the application were: standards for possible future use. And the Club benefits in other ways from 1. The Club and the Society have very similar the wealth of knowledge and experience objectives. The Club's objectives are stated available through the society. in its constitution as: 6. Affiliation in no way restricts the activities • To promote the cultivation, conservation & or autonomy of the Club. Clause 9.1 of the improvement of the genus Clivia. Society's constitution reads, inter alia: "The • To facilitate the exchange of information on Society shall have no jurisdiction over any Clivia through meetings & newsletters. constituent Clivia Club or its members ..." • To encourage the exchange of Clivia plants, seed and pollen between members. We in New Zealand live at a far-flung corner • To stimulate interest in Clivia by holding of the earth and affiliation brings us closer to shows, exhibitions, classes and lectures. the international Clivia community. It gives us • To co-operate with other Clivia clubs and representation on the committee of the Society organisations worldwide. through our nominated member, Tony Barnes, • To do all such lawful things as may be and therefore input into the Society's future. incidental or conducive to the attainment Judging by very interesting but inconclusive of the above objects. debates on the internet Clivia enthusiasts 2. At the Clivia Society "Clivia2006" conference groups, there is a need for an international in Pretoria international delegates, in forum to consider and define Clivia matters. cluding club representatives, effectively We may not always agree with decisions decided that the Clivia Society should be reached, but at least we will have a voice in the international body catering for global the process and our affiliation brings a truly Clivia matters. international flavour to the Society. We hope our lead will be followed by other Clivia interest groups around the world. ▼
NEW ZEALAND CLIVIA CLUB COMMITTEE Left to right in photo are Alick Mcleman (Secretary); Diana Holt (Librarian); Shirley & Ian Baldick (Chairman); David Olsen (Editor) Insets left to right are: Tony Barnes (Clivia Society Representative); Bryan Sherman; Chris Webb (Treasurer). Inset far right: Dr Keith Hammett - Technical Adviser to Committee. TOOWOOMBA CLIVIA SOCIETY INC. 2007 SPRING SHOW
he Toowoomba Clivia Society Inc. once native plants and the other clivias. again held its annual Clivia show in The Toowoomba Clivia Society has now over Toowoomba, Australia during the city's 80 members and is attracting members from annual Carnival of Flowers week in Sep other areas across Australia, all receiving the tember.T The non-competitive show was once bi-monthly newsletter. again held in the TAFE Horticultural Pavilion and We were privileged this year to have several ran for eight days, which must make it one of well-known overseas and Australian Clivia the longest running Clivia shows in the world if growers attending our show. Alec McLeman, not the longest! Secretary of the New Zealand Clivia Club and his Despite the longevity of the show the clivias wife attended with Alec officially opening our stood up pretty well with only a few looking show; Louis Swanepoel, a well-known grower worse for wear. and hybridiser from South Africa, who arrived Although Toowoomba is still experiencing with Harry Erasmus (a former South African severe drought conditions, with very strict grower) from Clivia Classiques in Perth, Western water restrictions (not able to use town water Australia. Harry had just been instrumental in for watering plants), the clivias proved their organising Western Australia's first show. toughness by putting on one of the best Among the well-known Australian visitors who flowerings for many years. attended included Ken Smith, well-known to The use of this venue was again a resounding the Clivia world, Ken Russell, a Clivia grower and success. The club was given extra space this Editor of an Australian orchid magazine, Irene year, but alas we think more might be needed Broadbent, who organises a flower show in next year with more of our newer growers Melbourne every year and many other growers ready to exhibit their plants. from Queensland and southern states. Once again the venue was shared by our From the comments by the visitors, the Society and the Society for Growing Australian Toowoomba Clivia Society Inc. can be proud Plants. These two displays complement each of its efforts this year. Asking the visitors their other with one exhibiting and selling Australian thoughts on the show, the same answers seemed to come up, which were "they couldn't believe the diversity of the types, colour and forms of the clivias on show." With Toowoomba growers over the past few years buying good seed and seedlings from overseas and southern states, the standard of clivias must increase as the years go by. This year the Too woomba Clivia Society was lucky enough to be the recipient of a Queensland Government grant. From this grant the Society A C. miniata of Cornford breeding with a procured new benching, signage and banners huge dark red umbel was exhibited by Bruce as well as computer equipment. Newton, as well as another vivid red from Among the great display of clivias this year the Waglands. His green-centred yellow of many stood out such as a Kevin Walters Aurea Kev Walters breeding was a real eye-catcher. x Belgian hybrid, a lovely large flowered pastel, Lynette, a tall orange of Noel Giddings breeding his Sakura range of interspecifics, a large also attracted plenty of attention. He also akebono with a magnificent umbel of furled displayed a yellow seedling of Kirstenbosch orange petals and his beautiful Clorine Meese, breeding with beautiful furled petals. an orange with furled petals and a slight green Exhibiting his first clivias, Ray Robinson pro throat. duced a Nakamura bred furled yellow with a Ian Anderson produced his well-known peach, nice round umbel. He also had a first flowering Anderson's Peach, but the crosses which stole seedling bred by the late Noel Giddings. It was the show were his Anderson's Peach x Jelena a darker yellow with a huge umbel. seedlings. These were magnificent lovely shaped Last but not least Scott Carter displayed an pastel peaches. He also had one of the largest attractive huge yellow C. miniata as well as flowering oranges in the show. some nice large cuppy Corford orange/reds. Brian Steven exhibited an attractive well-shaped The Toowoomba Clivia Society is looking orange C. miniata with a dark green centre. forward to next year's show, which hopefully He also displayed his Jordan Apricot and the will be bigger and better than ever. For those two Bill Morris Tango crosses which have been contemplating coming to Toowoomba for the named Lambada Dancer and Samba Magic. show, it is held during the Toowoomba Carnival Another nice peach was exhibited by Lyn and of Flowers week which is the last full week in Hux Althaus. September, 2008. Kev and Coral Larsen had several eye-catching Hopefully we might see some South Africans miniatas. A couple of these were a Cornford coming to Toowoomba on their way to the bred red and a lovely pastel. As well as these New Zealand Show. ▼ they displayed their Tulip cream and a small Brian Steven Sahin twins dark orange with green centre. Of course the unusual splash coloured Fernvale Publicity Officer, Folly also took the eye. Toowoomba Clivia Society
PRIVATE ADVERTISEMENT • Clivia species, interspecifics and specialities. Participate in our coordinated imports and exports of seeds and plants - Asia, Australia and New Zealand, North America and Europe. Connie Abel, Pretoria, +27-12-361 6406 or [email protected]
ADVERTISEMENTS Tariffs for advertising in the Clivia Society Newsletter:
Smalls (1 to 6 lines): R25.00 Full Page: R250.00 Smalls (7 to 10 lines): R30.00 A5 separate page insert: R600.00 Quarter page: R70.00 A4 separate page insert: R800.00 Half page: R125.00 (You will be sent an account from the treasurer for the appropriate amount.) CLIVIA NEWS ▼ VOLUME 17 NUMBER 1 ▼ JANUARY - MARCH 2 008
CLIVI-ARTA Helen Sanders
CLIVIA SOCIETY PUBLICATIONS Overseas members can order back volumes of the Yearbooks and volumes of Newsletters (since 1992) via the Society. South African members should approach their local branches. We must point out that it is difficult to quote a fixed price without knowing the method of payment and delivery. We suggest you contact Bossie de Kock (the treasurer) via e-mail at: [email protected] or by fax at +27 12 804 8892 Item Approximate price (US &)* and list the items you are Clivia2006 Conference Proceedings Please contact treasurer interested in as well as the on double DVD for pricing name of the country in which Yearbook 9 15 you reside. Bossie would Yearbook 8 15 then be in a position to Yearbook 7 15 suggest the most economical Yearbook 6 15 option. Australian, UK, New Yearbook 5 out of stock Zealand and USA members Yearbook 4 10 are reminded that they can Yearbook 3 10 order via Ken Smith, Jaco Nel, Yearbook 2 10 Alick McCleman and William Yearbook 1 out of stock McClelland respectively - see Cultivation of Clivias 15 inside back cover for contact Newsletters after 2002 per number 1,5 details. Also note that further Volumes 1(1992) to 11 (2002) 10 per volume discounts can be negotiated of quarterly newsletters with Bossie for orders ex Set of volumes 1 to 10 of available on request ceeding 10 of a specific item. quarterly newsletters The items listed in the table including postage and banking charges if paid by credit card. are available. ▼ Contact Bossie de Kock for quotation re payments made by cheque. ▼ Australia Ken Smith. 593 Hawkesbury Rd., Winmalee, NSW 2777, Australia. Tel: +61 2 47543287; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Netherlands Aart van Voorst. Frederick Hendriklaan 49, Hillegom, TE 2181, Netherlands. Tel: +31 252529679; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ United Kingdom Jaco Nel 46 Atney Rd, Putney, London, UK, SW15 2PS. Direct enquiries to Jaco at tel 020 87892229, e-Fax 0870134425 or preferably at uk [email protected] ▼ United States & Canada Jim Shields. PO Box 92 Westfield, IN 46074, USA. Tel: 317-896-3925; Fax: 317-896-5126; Cell: 317-506-4726; e-mail: [email protected]
▼ New Zealand Alick McLennan. 26 Merfield Street, GlenInnes, Auckland 1072, NZ. Tel: 64-9-5213062; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ USA & Canada William McClelland. 1048 Bollin Avenue, Camarillo, CA 93010-4708, USA, Tel: 1-805-484 1484; e-mail: [email protected]
▼ Cape Clivia Club Joy Woodward (Secretary). PO Box 53219, Kenilworth 7745. Tel/Fax: +27 21 671 7384; Cell: 072 487 7933; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Eastern Province Clivia Andre Calitz (Chairperson). Tel: +27 41-367 4476; Fax: +27 41 368 6195; Club e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Free State Clivia Club Hennie van der Mescht (Chairperson). 18 Mettam Street, Fichardt Park, Bloemfontein, 9322. Tel: +27 51 522 9530; Fax: +27 51 436 4340; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Garden Route Clivia Ida Esterhuizen (Secretary). PO Box 1706, George 6530. Club Tel: +27 44-871 2214; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Joburg Clivia Club Glynn Middlewick (Chairperson). 2 Willow Road, Northcliff, 2195. Tel: +27 11 476 1463; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ KwaZulu-Natal Clivia Miranda Train (Secretary). Cell: +82 254 0796; Club e-mail: [email protected] ▼ New Zealand Clivia Alick McLennan (Secretary). 26 Merfield Street, Glen Innes, Auckland 1072, Club NZ. Tel 64-9-5213062; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Northern Clivia Club Lena van der Merwe (Secretary). PO Box 74868, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040. Tel & Fax: +27 12 804 8892; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Northern Free State Louis Chadinha (Chairperson). PO Box 2204, Welkom, 9460. Clivia Club Tel: +27 57 357 6067; e-mal: I [email protected] ▼ Border Interest Group John Roderick (Chairperson). PO Box 2429, Beacon Bay, 5205. Tel: +27 82 567 7069; Fax: 0865114606; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Lowveld Interest Group Ian Radmore (Secretary). PO Box 1146, White River, 1240. Tel: +27 13 751 2051; e-mail: ian@nelvet1 .agric.za
▼ Northern KwaZulu-Natal Mrs Joey Dovey (Cairperson). PO Box 8402, Newcastle, 2940. Interest Group Tel: +27 34-318 4179/083 344 0572. e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Overberg Clivia Felicity Weeden. PO Box 1468, Flermanus,7200. Interest Group Tel: + 27 84 5898 297; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Waterberg Boslelieklub An Jacobs. PO Box 3893, Nylstroom, 0510. Tel & Fax: +27 14 717 3674; e-mail: j [email protected] ▼ Zoutpansberg Zanette Wessels. PO Box 390, Louis Trichardt, 0920. Enthusiasts Tel: +27 15 517 7106 or+27 84 570 0347; Fax: +27 15 517 7091; e-mail: [email protected]
ISSN 1819-1460
& QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE CLIVIA SOCIETY &
VOL U ME 17 NU MBER 2 & APRIL - JU NE 2008 THE OBJECTIVES OF THE CLIVIA SOCIETY 1. To coordinate the interests, activities and objectives of constituent Clivia Clubs and associate members; 2. To participate in activities for the protection and conservation of the genus Clivia in its natural habitat, thereby advance the protection of the natural habitats and naturally occurring populations of the genus Clivia in accordance with the laws and practices of conservation 3. To promote the cultivation, conservation and improvement of the genus Clivia by 3.1 the exchange and mutual dissemination of information amongst Constituent Clivia Clubs and associate members; 3.2 where possible, the mutual exchange of plants, seed and pollen amongst Constituent Clivia Clubs and associate members; and 3.3 the mutual distribution of specialised knowledge and expertise amongst Constituent Clivia Clubs and associate members; 4. To promote the progress of and increase in knowledge of the genus Clivia and to advance it by enabling research to be done and by the accumulation of data and dissemination thereof amongst Constituent Clivia Clubs and associate members; 5. To promote interest in and knowledge of the genus Clivia amongst the general public; and 6. To do all such things as may be necessary and appropriate for the promotion of the abovementioned objectives.
CLIVIA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS & CHAIR Johan Spies PO Box 17195, Bainsvlei 9338, South Africa Tel (h) +27 51 451 1886 e-mail: [email protected] & VICE-CHAIR Peter Lambert PO Box 95034, Waterkloof, 0145, South Africa Tel & Fax +27 12 460 5212 e-mail: [email protected] & SECRETARY Lena van der Merwe PO Box 74868, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040, South Africa Tel & Fax +27 12 804 8892 e-mail: [email protected] & TREASURER Bossie de Kock PO Box 38539, Garsfontein, 0042, South Africa Tel +27 12 807 2173 e-mail: [email protected] & ADDITIONAL Chris Vlok PO Box 99583, Garsfontein, 0060, South Africa MEMBER Tel +27 12 998 5942 e-mail: [email protected]
REPRESENTATIVES OF CONSTITUENT CLIVIA CLUBS & Cape Claude Felbert, Gerrit van Wyk and Johan Schoombee & Eastern Province André Calitz, Elroy Johnson and Gideon Botha & Free State Hennie van der Mescht & Garden Route Piet Theron & Joburg Glynn Middlewick and Koos Geldenhuys & KwaZulu-Natal Sean Chubb and Liz Boyd & New Zealand Tony Barnes & Northern Lena van der Merwe, Peter Lambert and Bossie de Kock & Northern Free State Louis Chadinha CLIVIA NEWS & VOLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & A PRIL - JUNE 2008 Table of Contents
& CLIVIA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE- AND CONSTITUENT MEMBERS Inner Front Cover & EDITORIAL - Roger Fisherr 2 & CLIVIA SOCIETY MATTERS 2008 Annual Report Of The Chairman - Clivia Society - Johan Spies 4 2008 Annual Report - Research Committee - Johan Spies 5 Special certificate of recognition for Connie and James Abel -- Roger Fisherr 6 & HABITAT CLIVIA Observation of seed set and dissemination in habitat of C. mirabilis - Gerhard Faberr 8 Visit Clivia mirabilis country - Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve - Nieuwoudtville - Sakkie Nell 8 & CLIVIA HISTORY A card with Clivia plants on - Lena van der Merwe 10 Hot On The Trail Of History A C. Gardenii Population In New Zealand 12 & STORIES BEHIND THE COVERS Clivia Nobilis Continues To Amaze - Welland Cowleyy 13 & CLIVIA CLUBS AND SOCIETY Clivia Club Shows, Displays, Expo’s and Exibitions for 2008 14 & GROWERS AND BREEDERS NOTES Adding Those Rare Clivia Plants To Our Collections 16 Clivia Experts Of Tomorrow - Willie le Rouxx 17 Luke Krüger 17 Christiaan Van Niekerk 18 Dian Nortier 18 & ADVERTISEMENTS 5; 16; 19 & CLIVI-ARTA Helen Sanders 20 & CLIVIA SOCIETY PUBLICATIONS 20 & REPRESENTATIVES OF CLUBS & ENTHUSIASTS CONTACT DETAILS Inner Back Cover
The Clivia Society Newsletter started as a black on white news-sheet dated July 1992, numbered Volume 1 number 1, called 'Clivia Club'. It formed a means of communication for people interested in the plant genus Clivia. It was edited/written by Nick Primich with a frequency of 3, 5, 8 & 5 during the first 4 years, using the publication month in the volume. The frequency was fixed on four annually with Vol. 5 No 1 of March 1996. The date changed to the southern hemisphere seasons with Vol. 8 No 1 of Autumn 1999. The first three used yellow paper as cover. The name changed to 'CLIVIA CLUB NEWSLETTER' with Vol. 9 No 1 Autumn 2000 with full colour photos on the cover pages. Another name change to 'CLIVIA SOCIETY NEWSLETTER' came with Vol. 10 No 4 Summer 2000, and in 2005 reverted to a quarterly number. CLIVIA NEWS is the continuation of this series.
1 CLIVIA NEWS & V OLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & APRIL - JUNE 2008
EDITORIAL his report covers Volume 16, Number 2 Committee reports, which are of interest to the through to Volume 17, Number 1, those membership. Issue 3 usually has some feedback Tpublished since the last AGM. Since I have from the shows, where these are available, also taken on editorial duties for the Clivia not detailed prize lists but general reports of Yearbook I have had to clarify in my own mind attendance, and success in engendering public the purpose of Clivia News. I see it as the vehicle interest and increase membership, which then to meet those objectives of the Clivia Society also helps establish whether the objective “to (CS) to which the medium is most suited, promote interest and knowledge of the genus namely “the exchange and dissemination of Clivia amongst the general public” (Clause 5) is information amongst Constituent Clivia Clubs being met by the Clubs. Issue 4 has the Annual and associate members” (Clause 3.1). Reports of Clubs and Interest Groups (where While many Clubs have their own in-house these are forthcoming!). magazines and Newsletters, some of high The section on ‘Growers’ and Breeders’ Notes’ quality and containing information important satisfies the Objective of Clause 3.3 “To promote to a broader audience, it would be useful if the... improvement of the Genus Clivia by the these were circulated to the Editor of Clivia mutual distribution of specialized knowledge News in order that pertinent information be and expertise amongst Constituent Clubs and extracted to meet this objective. associate members”. These are normally gleaned The format is now established and newsletters from the electronic media rather than by way of generally have something on habitat forms of direct contribution. Clivia as a focus, this to meet the objective in Tributes to members by way of Life Membership Clause 2 of the CS, namely “the protection and of the Clubs or Society are featured when this conservation of Clivia in its natural habitat”. To information is provided. that end it is endeavoured to use habitat forms The articles featured range more broadly than as features for covers. the activities of the membership of the CS To meet the objective in Clause 1 “to co- and the Toowooomba Clivia Society Inc are ordinate interests, activities and objectives generous with information and keen to see it of the constituent Clivia Clubs and associate published... members” the fist issue of a year is given Helen Sanders provides a quarterly cartoon to the Minutes (unapproved) of the previous ‘Cliviarta’ with in-joke humour that can AGM, and the preliminary agenda and salient sometimes only tickle the funny bone of the information of the upcoming AGM. Clivia fanatic... It is also useful to be able to publish a calendar The advertisement section are a service to the of events and more especially show dates, but membership but the demand for this seems on Sakkie Nel, PRO to the CS was proactive this the decline, possibly with the advance in the year and we managed to get a show calendar electronic media as a more immediate vehicle. to print. Many thanks for this, Sakkie. Your Chris Vlok offered his services as final check for efforts are much appreciated. the factual correctness of content. For this I Issue 2 is given to a select number of thank him and can only apologize for the times
EDITOR OF NEWSLETTER ROGER FISHER: PO Box 856, Irene, 0062, Republic of South Africa &Tel: +27 83 602 7736 or +27 12 420 2550 &Fax: 086 515 0710 &E-mail: [email protected] PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER SAKKIE NEL: PO Box 35235, Menlo Park, 0120 &Tel: +27 12 361-6415 &E-mail: [email protected] YEARBOOK EDITORIAL ROGER FISHER: PO Box 856, Irene, 0062, Republic of South Africa &Tel: +27 83 602 7736 or +27 12 420 2550 &Fax: 086 515 0710 &DESIGN & LAYOUT FRÉDA VAN WYK: 082 468 8485 &PRINTING CPD Print, Pretoria Tel: 012-342 1978/9
2 CLIVIA NEWS & VOLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & A PRIL - JUNE 2008 ISHER F GER O : R O T O H P
– more often than not – when the protocol has Thanks, Fred. gone out of sync. The support of the Executive is valued, and Fréda van Wyk does a sterling job of giving in particular the logistic support of Lena van Clivia News visual allure and puts up with the der Merwe and Bossie de Kock. To you all, my sometimes-unreasonable demands of an editor thanks. behind schedule. Fréda, baie dankie hiervoor! To all those members who make contributions John van der Linda’s interest and support is and alert me to the error of my ways my greatest appreciated and acknowledged. appreciation. Fred van Niekerk is a mine of information on his Please, get the next lot of contributions flowing particular passions and keeps me informed on in! & matters of interest to him and gives me access to interesting material in bloom in his Clivia- Roger Fisher torium. This helps fill gaps in the newsletter. Editor
After years of great breeding of Clivia Joe Solomone has now gone home to the Lord. Joe died last night within an hour so of talking to his son in law Manuel. Joe will be missed but his plants will live on. Joe, you will be in our hearts, thoughts and in our prayers. Victor Murillo June 01, 2008 (Clivia Forum). The condolences of the Clivia community go out to his friends and family. His memory will live in the plants he bred and shared.
3 CLIVIA NEWS & V OLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & APRIL - JUNE 2008
CLIVIA SOCIETY MATTERS
2008 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN - Clivia Society
he executive committee consists of The Chinese Clivia Club who wants to affiliate Johan Spies (Chairperson), Peter Lambert with us approached us. This is the fruit of the T(Vice chairperson), Lena van der Merwe initiative started by Chris Vlok and the previous (Secretary), Bossie de Kock (Treasurer) and committee. However, this may cause some Chris Vlok (Additional member). It was a quiet problems in our Society. How do you get an year and the committee met once. The rest of affiliate with more members than your own? the time they communicated through e-mail. How do you handle reports (Newsletters, During the past year some time was spend on Yearbooks, etc.) to people with a foreign problems within some Clivia Clubs. It is a pity language? Do you apply the same rules as to that we have to waste time on petty problems people in New Zealand (where no language that should never have occurred. If this time problems exist) for example? was spend on Clivia instead of people involved On the political level, affiliation with the with Clivia, more progress would have been Chinese, with their attitude towards Tibet, possible with our beloved plant. may cause a rift with existing co-workers in the Two months ago Nature Conservation confis- West. This affiliation should take high priority cated more than three tons of indigenous bulbs with the new Committee. and rootstocks from a muti-shop in Welkom. The Clivia Society is getting closer to a crossroad Among these rootstocks were approximately in their existence. The number of enquiries 300 Clivia caulescens stems. Let us try to fight on cultivar identification and registration, on this destruction of Clivia populations, rather standards for shows and on the protection of than fighting fellow lovers of Clivia who said natural populations increases. We will have to something untactful! re-evaluate the position of the Clivia Society I want to use this opportunity to thank Roger and Clivia Clubs. Should the Society act only Fisher and his team for producing high quality as a coordinator for the different Clubs and be Newsletters. This happened in spite of major responsible for the Newsletter and Yearbook, moves, computer problems and a typesetting or should more powers be imposed on the glitch. The Newsletter always acts as substi- Society? tute for Prozac in my life! I am looking forward I think every Club should discuss their position to Clivia 10. Thank you for the hard-work put and their expectations of the Society and send into this effort. their suggestions to the Society. This is the only The Clivia Society was again appointed as way in which the Society can grow and fulfil ICRA (International Cultivar Registration the expectations of the members. Authority) by the ISHS (International Society I want to thank Connie and James Abel for Horticultural Science). Ken Smith will act for organising another Caulescens Tour. as registrar for the Clivia Society {Information Their organising capabilities ensured another available at http://Clivia plantsmith.idx.com. success. Lastly I want to thank the Committee au/csocregs.htm}. members for their contributions throughout The different Clivia Clubs form the heart of the year. A special word of thanks to Lena this Society. I want to thank all the people and Bossie who did the majority of work for willing to organise the activities of these Clubs. the Society. Without them we could not have Without the different shows and your other functioned. & activities the interest in Clivia will definitely diminishes. Johan Spies: Clivia Society Chair
4 CLIVIA NEWS & VOLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & A PRIL - JUNE 2008 2008 ANNUAL REPORT - RESEARCH COMMITTEE esearch continued at the University of Preliminary microsatellite data indicate that the Free State and progress was made Clivia is a tetraploid plant and not a diploid as Ron Clivia diseases, genes responsible for generally believed. More studies are needed colour formation in Clivia and genetic diversity to test this hypothesis. Microsatellite work in Clivia. Progress on natural pollination in Clivia progress well and nine sets of markers have progressed at the University of KwaZulu-Natal been identified. The time-consuming task of (Pietermaritzburg). getting enough profiles to make meaningful A virus was identified infecting natural popu- deductions is now in progress. At least 3 lations of Clivia caulescens near Graskop in 000 plants should be studied to determine Mpumalanga. The virus was identified as the the validity of microsatellites as reliable iden- “Tulip colour breaking virus”. The virus starts tification for a specific cultivar. with lighter green spots on the leaves of an The study on pollination in Clivia should be infected plant. These spots turn yellow and completed by the end of the year. This will appear as uneven “variegation” on the leaf. contribute to our knowledge on the con- The yellow is a darker yellow than normal servation strategies for wild populations of variegation. Eventually the whole leaf turns Clivia. yellow. The final effect of the virus on the plant The series of e-books on Clivia is progressing is not known yet. The growth of an infected too slowly. At this stage only two chapters on plant is stunted. The time from infection to the the basic genetics needed for Clivia breeding development of symptoms is not yet known. has been completed. As seven chapters are A side-effect of the virus is a mottled effect of envisaged, the progress is unsatisfactory for the flower, as the virus influences the forma- the Clivia community. If a basic royalty can tion of anthocyanin near high concentrations be agreed upon, people can be contracted of the virus. to complete the work faster. By referring The “strange colouring” of flowers produced every case back to the executive committee to by virus infected plants, may be desired by decide on a royalty, it is more problematic to many breeders. However, the effect will not contract people outside the Clivia community last and the plant will eventually die and infect to contribute. neighbouring plants. The effect is slow to show SUGGESTION: A royalty of at least 20% of the and we may lose many plants if this virus is money earned for a specific book must be paid distributed widely. as a royalty to the author, who can redistribute Three genes responsible for colour formation are it to any co-authors involved. This will not cost being studies. One gene has already been iso- the Clivia Society a cent and it will contribute to lated and the DNA sequence studied. Various a faster output of books. & colour forms are now studied to determine whether this gene differ in the different colour Johan Spies forms. Clivia Society Research Co-ordinator
Clivia2006 Conference DVD's now available The Clivia Society has decided to make the Clvia2006 conference proceedings available on a double DVD. The presentations have been recorded, edited, and shortened to almost eight hours viewing time. The DVD set can now be ordered from the secretariat of the Clivia Society at a price equivalent to ZAR 220.00 (including postage and packaging). Should you be interested, please contact Bossie de Kock at one of the following addresses: Clivia Society, P.O. Box 74868, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040 Pretoria, South Africa. Fax: +27 12 804 8892; E-mail: [email protected]
5 CLIVIA NEWS & V OLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & APRIL - JUNE 2008 Special certificate of recognition for Connie and James Abel Connie and James Abel were presented with a special certificate on behalf of the Clivia Society in recognition of their efforts in the regular organising of the Caulescens Tour.
Key to photo-composite of Certificate [Source – James (JA) and Connie (CA) Abel]
7. Participants at the McNeils, 2002 (photo J Abel). 8. JA, CA, Rudo Lotter and Alick McLeman on coastal Highway One in California, 2005 (photo T Wells). 9. CA & Roger Dixon in Umtamvuna Valley, 2002 (photo J Abel). 10. Yoshikazu Nakamura, Masashi Yamaguchi & Shigetaka Sasaki, 2003 (S Sasaki). 11. The Pinnacle, 2002 (photo J Abel).
And of some of our favourite plants: a. Four Marys – one of the earliest classics from the McNeil collection. b. Chinese Lantern – a happy find in our collection, with tepals straining to open against their tip adhesion. c. Frats No Petal – no tepals, from Mirriam Meltzer’s collection – love it or hate it! Scenes from tours and photos of friends: d. Akebono Hikari Yellow – from seed from Yoshi Nakamura in 1994, in 2000 the first 1. Cliffs above McNeil’s Shack, 2002 (photo J to flower anywhere. Abel). e. Frats Fine Petal – tepals only 3 – 4 mm 2. Bakkie ferrying participants to the Shack, wide, discovered at Tipperary nursery in JA holding it together, 2006 (photo W 1990. Malan). f. Chinese Lantern – when the tepals finally 3. Forestry personnel carrier taking participants spring apart they are left in the shape of to Bearded Man (enjoyed by most, very bad a mechanical grab, from all the opening news for those who were claustrophobic), tension (see b. above). 2006 (photo I Coates). g. Berry with 23 seed – our cross between a 4. JA & CA at the Pinnacle, 2006 (photo thin leaf striata and Connie’s Red below Wynand Malan). – heterosis at play! 5. At the Conways in Santa Barbara – Henriette h. Connie’s Red – a beautiful dark orange Stroh, JA, Nancy, CA & Dave, 2005 (photo with leaves 80 mm wide. T Wells). i. “Umbel.leaf” - photographed at Pierre and 6. Umtamvuna Valley, 2002 (photo J Abel). Isabelle De Coster’s in Belgium, 2001.
6 CLIVIA NEWS & VOLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & A PRIL - JUNE 2008
7 CLIVIA NEWS & V OLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & APRIL - JUNE 2008
HABITAT CLIVIA Observation of seed set and dissemination in habitat of C. mirabilis Ever wondered what the natural seed set of
Clivia mirabilis is in Habitat? _ I have read a lot about the poor seed set of C.
mirabilis but found that to be incorrect. On the es/Boubou majority of plants the pollination rate is close to g 100% and the berries yield 1-5 seeds each with an average of 2-3 seeds per berry. Nature is by far the best pollinator as I cannot achieve the ardenbirds.co.za/ima g same success rate with hand pollination. ern_... h
These observations are the result of careful www. Sout planning as a week later I would have found incredible. only a couple of berries on the peduncles. The close to 100% seed set in habitat is also a Remember I am +/-800km away from the farm. very interesting observation that questions all Within two days after a berry starts turning other published info on this matter. Because colour it disappears from the plant and this time I know these plants so well I questioned a I was very fortunate to witness a bird flying away small seed set in habitat and decided to study with a berry in its beak. I could not identify the the plants this year before the seeds ripen. bird but described it in detail to the farmer. What I saw confirmed what I found two years When the farmer recently visited me in George ago when I visited the habitat again exactly he reported that he caught the bird red handed one month after flowering time, full heads of as it was stealing a ripe berry in his greenhouse. swollen pea size berries. It is Laniarius ferrugineus (Southern Boubou) The reason other people reported on the poor or in Afrikaans, Suidelike Waterfiskaal and it habitat seed set is because the birds take the positively resembles the bird I saw. I was baffled berries so quickly from the plants. Another because these birds are insect eaters but after factor that convinced me was that nearly further research learned that they do indeed eat all C. mirabilis plants are settled underneath small fruits. The reason one never sights them is trees. I found numerous trees where the fresh because they are very shy birds that hide in the skin leftovers of the berries were still on the thick bushes (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ branches with seeds lying scattered underneath Southern_Boubou for further information). the trees. & Well, I got lucky and at least now know how the C. mirabilis seeds are dispersed in nature. Gerhard Faber This shy bird has helped C. mirabilis to survive (Originally posted on Clivia Forum - over the ages. Wow! Isn't Mother Nature just cliviaforum.co.za )
Visit Clivia mirabilis country - Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve - Nieuwoudtville akkie Nel offers the following information, Jasper (027 / 219 1810) & Annatjie Nieuwoud t should you wish to visit this wonderful (072 453 6766). The chalets have two bedrooms Shabitat. Overnight at VanRhynsdorp for at with two bathrooms each and at present the least one night will be essential. The place to tariff is R150.00 per person per night. One stay is the Vanrhynsdorp self catering Chalets of chalet (Krymekaar) has three bedrooms, two
8 CLIVIA NEWS & VOLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & A PRIL - JUNE 2008 bathrooms, lounge and kitchen at the same price Mias’s Agent/Manager (Hein Grebe – HT 021 / per person per night. Meals at the Vanrhyns- 461 9882 – WT – 021 / 483 5529 – Cell 083 641 dorp Caravan park (027 / 219 1287 or 076 293 5149 – e-mail address: [email protected] ) 2578) are excellent if you do not want to braai negotiate material that may be for sale. A permit or cook in your own kitchen or wingerdstompie- is issued for the plants you buy. skerm. Imagine a fire of waboom wood. If the Namaqualand mist is covering the veld the morning you drive out towards the mountain, First Habitat please ask Mias to stop somewhere so you can photograph the spider webs on the wire Mias and Erika Vollgraaff stay in the town of fence on both sides of the road. You may get Van Rhynsdorp and the plants on their farm, competition winner shots. Klein-koebee, is an absolute must see. Their e- mail address is [email protected]. P O Box Hein needs to travel from Cape Town to meet 107, VanRhynsdorp, 8170. Telephone 082 495 you and it may entail certain costs so you better 7277. Booking is definitely necessary, because check on that. Mias takes you the 25 km to the farm in the mountains in his Pajero. Second Habitat For a fee of R250.00 per person, we had the trip, Permits to visit Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve a wonderful farm breakfast at the farmhouse, must be booked in advance and cost R15.00 per before departing in Mias’s little Rhino-Yamaha person per day. The warden, Wessel Pretorius, into the mountain habitat on a road which is can be contacted at P.O.Box 142, Nieuwoudtville, definitely not for the fainthearted. But please 8180. Try to obtain the map – “Nieuwoudtville, A do not worry, Mias is very responsible and will Biodiversity Hotspot” – from him or Kirstenbosch look after you if you can succeed in leaving your Botanical Gardens. The map of Oorlogskloof is city manners at home and behave yourself on also a must have. In the reserve you can walk a the mountain. The little Rhino is as strong as an bit and try to see the canyon as well as the cliffs ox but can take only three people plus Mias as where C. mirabilis grows, but Wessel won’t tell the driver. or show you on the aerial map (in his office) This drive takes you to about four meters from where the beauties survive. I do recommend the plants. On the up-side of the mountain it that you visit his office in Nieuwoudtville as well is quite steep but plants are easily reached and as the Reserve. photographed. On the side below the road it Should you need accommodation in Nieuwoudt- can be seriously dangerous if you are not careful ville Mr. Hendrik van Zijl (e-mail: nieuvz@inte- and must know what you are doing. Good kom.co.za) has Hendrikshof farmhouse which rubber sole walking shoes are essential. Long can sleep 8 people in separate rooms or his walking sticks which can help to stabilize you Waenhuisie with two bedrooms, lounge, dining while climbing down very big rocks to get a next room and kitchen. Also Van Zijl Gastehuis and foothold way down below can be quite tricky. Smidwinkel Restaurant 027 / 218 1535 or Cell Wearing long trousers as well as a shirt or top 082 829 6855. He can supply a very nice A3 size that covers your arms is also essential because map of the environs. crawling through the bush on the down side If your visit is in September/October please ask may leave you looking like you have left a war to see his Clivia collection at the back of his zone restaurant where breakfast is served. He has When you have had your fill of this beauty, quite a variety and may still be a club member. try and walk down the road to observe the Middle October all his plants were in full bloom. hundreds of other little plants this Cosmos has He does not know about C.mirabilis or do not to offer. Mias can follow with the Rhino and want to discuss it with anybody! stop occasionally to tell you their names and Try to visit the waterfall outside Nieuwoudtville point out other interesting ones. on the tarred road to Loeriesfontein. The Koker- Back at the farmhouse the smell of Erika’s boomwoud (Aloe tree forest) at Brandkop on wonderful lunch will fill the air, while you and that same road is also worth a visit.
9 CLIVIA NEWS & V OLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & APRIL - JUNE 2008
Nieuwoudtville Publicity Association Tel. 027 / Please give my regards to all the people who I 218 1336 Fax 027 / 218 1336. Please contact have mentioned by name, because they are all me if I can be of any further help, except with my friends. Yes, and if you miss-behave there, I advancing money or petrol. Please leave my will hear and come after you! beloved Bushmanland as clean and crisp as you Kind Regards have found it. You may only leave your very small Sakkie Nel, Lynnwood, Pretoria. footprints under its vast horizon. Public Relations Officer Clivia Society and Northern DISTANCES Clivia Club. Johannesburg to Vanrhynsdorp over Springbok 1295 km E-mail address: Cape Town to VanRhynsdorp 297 km [email protected] Durban to VanRhynsdorp/ Colesberg/ Carnavon 1640 km Ht: 012 / 361 6415 Bloemfontein to VanRhynsdorp/Colesberg/Carnavon 992 km P O Box 35235 Port Elizabeth to VanRhynsdorp/ B. West/ Carnavon 1020 km Menlo Park 0102 George to VanRhynsdorpB.West/Carnavon 800 km My postal address is included Nelspruit to VanRhynsdorp over Kenhardt 1763 km for when sending me some Pretoria to VanRhynsdorp over Kenhardt 1433 km precious seeds! &
CLIVIA HISTORY A card with Clivia plants on
n Clivia News 7(1) page 9 (January 1998) never gave. Minnie de Klerk mentioned and sent a card In February 1971 I visited Willie and Babs Botha Idepicting Clivia for the archives. She could on the Farm Riverside – the last farm before not remember in which publication she found you enter the Kruger Park at the Malelane it fifteen or more years ago. (In whose archives gate. Babs was a keen gardener and on a tour did this card land up? I (Lena) did not receive through her garden there I saw a container full it with all the documentation of the Clivia of Clivia plants. She immediately offered me an Society). offset and tried to take it out of the growing However, I happened to buy the publication medium with her hands. It broke off without way back in 1978 with this card in. With this any roots. She then got her gardening tools and Woman’s Value launched a drive to publish removed a second offset. She told me that on a a collectable set of cards describing garden trip, visiting friends at Havelock, she had taken plants. You could order a box/ holder for the the plant out of the habitat in the region of cards, which were to be published every month. Barberton close to the Swaziland border. As far as I know, this project was dropped as I I came back to Pretoria with my two Clivia plants never saw any other cards published. I still have and nurtured them in my flat in Sunnyside. Both my card as it reminds me of my beginning years grew and so as to ensure that I did not lose with a Clivia plant. my precious Clivia plants through one or other I visited Mr. & Mrs. Van Zyl in Villieria, Pretoria mishap, I gave one to my sister who lived in during September 1965 where I saw a flowering a house in Val de Grace, Pretoria. She did not Clivia miniata for the first time. Mrs. Van Zyl really want to care for the plant in her house grew up on a farm between Machadodorp, and cast it outdoors under a shrub, where it Baberton and Badplaas in now Mpumalanga. proliferates – the ideal growing conditions for She took the Clivia plant from the habitat on Clivia. I did not know it at that time and was a family friend’s farm. The plant had several dissatisfied with her doing so, but I had given offsets and she promised me one, which she her the plant and could not take it back! Low
10 CLIVIA NEWS & VOLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & A PRIL - JUNE 2008
CLIVIA MINIATA KLYE-vee-uh min-ee-AY-tuh Native to South Africa, these spectacular tender-flowering bulbs are members of the amaryllis family. They have broad, straplike, arching green leaves and large, rounded clusters of trumpet-shaped blooms of orange-red with yellow throats. The flowers appear in spring or early summer on a tall, succulent stalk, and are followed by red berries. Size: Leaves, 18 in (46 cm) long and 2 in (5 cm) wide; stalk, 12-15 in (30-38 cm) long; flowers, 3 in (8 cm) long; berries, 1 in (3 cm) across. Light: Moderate sunlight. Flowers last longer with lower light levels. Water: Let soil surface become slightly dry between through soakings when actively growing and flowering, from late fall until summer. Let the soil dry out between waterings in the fall, but never let the plants wilt. Humidity: Moderate. Temperature: 65-750F (l8-24°C) days and 50-60°F (1 0- 15°C) nights. In areas without frosts, Clivia can be grown outdoors. Figure 1. The front and back of Fertilizer: Feed monthly with flowering-houseplant fertilizer the card published in Woman’s when actively growing. Value in 1978 Propagation: Divide bulbs in late spring, after flowering. Repotting: Plants bloom better when potbound, so repot, using standard potting soil, only when very crowded. Cover the top of the bulb with 1 in (3 cm) of soil. Pests: Aphids, mealybugs; spray with malathion. Growability: Moderately challenging. Gardener's note: Flowering-size plants are often rather expensive, but worth the immediate effect. Younger, less expensive plants may take several years before they bloom. Several named varieties and hybrids are available with flowers in other shades of red, yellow, and orange. independent mailing services and behold – hers flowered and mine only suckered, making offsets prolifically. In September 1972 my sister’s plant flowered and on seeing the flower, she also got hooked on this beautiful orange lily and started searching for more Clivia plants to plant in her garden. This card with the information of Clivia on, gave me the clue as to why my plant did not flower – it needs adverse conditions to flower in order to survive. I stopped watering my plant during the winter, but still kept it nice and warm. I was rewarded with a bouquet of flowers come end of August 1979. I took 36 photos of my flowering plant with five umbels! & Lena van der Merwe
Figure 2. The reward of not watering my Clivia plant way back in 1979.
11 CLIVIA NEWS & V OLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & APRIL - JUNE 2008 HOT ON THE TRAIL OF HISTORY A C. gardenii population in New Zealand
ur [NZ Clivia Club] librarian, Diana Holt, has a sister who has lived on Kawau Island in the OHauraki Gulf for the past 10 years. Because of Diana's interest in Clivia her sister was excited to report that there are large clumps of Clivia growing on the island. Initially it was thought that these might be the original 'Van Houtte' C. cyrtanthiflora introduced into New Zealand. (Van Houtte was a famous horticulturist and editor of various horticultural journals in Belgium and France at the end of the 19th Century. The original, and strictly speaking only, C. cyrtanthiflora, was given the cultivar name "Van Houtte" in his honour. From work done by Dr Keith Hammett and others on chromosomes he is pretty sure that we have this specific genotype here in New Zealand, as well as plants from subsequent generations.) However it turns out that the Clivia are in fact C. gardenii. Now this is where the account gets really interesting. History buffs will know that Sir George Grey was Governor of New Zealand in the 2nd half of the 19th century at which time he brought many plants from around the world into New Zealand. He established beautiful gardens with these plants at Mansion House on the island. However back then Sir George was also Governor in South Africa at which time he had a close friend who shared his interest in flora and fauna. And his friends name? Major Robert J Garden, who discovered and after whom C. gardeniii was named in the 1850s. Could these be descendants of the original C. gardeniii discovered by Major garden and that he perhaps gifted to Sir George? & (Republished with permission of the NZ Clivia Club)
12 CLIVIA NEWS & VOLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & A PRIL - JUNE 2008
STORIES BEHIND THE COVERS Clivia nobilis CONTINUES TO AMAZE
few months ago I was contacted by a anything about the history of this plant. It is Clivia friend, Bridget Randall, who told me clearly a happy plant, growing in the typically Athere was a huge Clivia nobilis growing in sand-loam found here in Sedgefield. a garden in the area known as “The Island” in At the other end of the scale I had a dwarf C. Sedgefield. We all went down to the property nobilis plant flowering last spring – the variety and had a look at the plant in question. known as “East London Red”. This is the reddest What we saw was clearly an old plant with many C. nobilis I have yet seen. Even the immature off-sets. In diameter, it measured about 1.5m fruits are red. The height of the plant in flower but the astounding thing was the height of the is about 35cm. plant. The plant measured close to 1.5m from We look forward to using this plant in the de- ground level to leaf tip. The leaves are typically velopment of future red interspecifics. & C. nobilis with notched ends. Unfortunately the owner of the property was Welland Cowley away and so we were not able to find out Cape Flora, Sedgefield.
13 CLIVIA NEWS & V OLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & APRIL - JUNE 2008 8 EXPO’S AND EXIBITIONS FOR 200 , DISPLAYS , LIVIA CLUB SHOWS LIVIA CLUB CLUBS AND ENTHUSIASTS CLUBS C
14 CLIVIA NEWS & VOLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & A PRIL - JUNE 2008
15 CLIVIA NEWS & V OLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & APRIL - JUNE 2008
GROWERS & BREEDERS NOTES ADDING THOSE RARE CLIVIA PLANTS TO OUR COLLECTIONS
was involved as a witness in a High Court case It involves a long round-about route, but is very n the Johannesburg High Court before the late rewarding in the end. IMr Justice Levison. It was an expropriation case The following example illustrates this view. and argument was being put forward regarding Apple Blossom plants are unavailable to most the value of the expropriated property. At a collectors in South Africa at present, even stage the Judge stopped proceedings and said: young seedlings. Some of our members have “But things don’t always have the same value. been buying available Apple Blossom seed over Take a coin or a stamp collection for instance. the past few seasons and are now reaping the When you start a collection, the coins or stamps benefits and the most beautiful Apple Blossoms purchased could be relatively inexpensive, but are coming into flower in their collections. I when you get to the stage where you need that suppose the seed was purchased for say R40 or one or two special coins or stamps to complete R50 a seed. Just imagine what the value of the the collection, they could prove hard to find and plants now are. very costly.” I am the first to realize that seed cannot be I think the same principle applies in some degree guaranteed and that we all have had our deep to a Clivia collection. Some of our collections disappointments from plants grown from seed. could do with those few very special plants to This is no reason, however, to stop growing enhance the collection, and such plants are hard seed. If I look at my own collection, I see that to come by, and if available, normally prove to many of my most beautiful and valuable plants be fairly costly. This is a very real problem faced have been grown from seed. Right from the by many of our keen collectors who do not have outset I decided to plant seed every year, and I such deep pockets. intend to continue as long as possible. The solution does not seem to lie in cheaper As plants grown from seed come into flower, prices for the plants. Such prices are determined the top ones become those special plants we by supply and demand. I have always advocated need to enhance our collections that have been that one of the best routes to go is via the seeds. out of our reach due to scarcity and costs. I was
PRIVATE ADVERTISEMENTS • Thurlow Flora: We have on offer a large variety of carefully bred seedlings and mature plants for sale. We specialise in pastel colours, oddities, species and original wild collected and named clones of clivia. Mail order and visitors welcome. For our latest plant list please contact Sean and Terri Chubb. Tel: 031 781 1978 e-mail: [email protected]. We also have available a few hundred different named daylily clones. • Yellow Nogqaza strains from R15 to R120. Orange from R1 to R6 for mature plants. Delivery anywhere. SOUTH AFRICAN CLIVIA PLANTATION, Box 855, Hilton 3245. Call 082 955 5433. • Clivia miniata. Seed R100 per kilogram. Year old plants R2 each. Roly Strachan, Box 5, Highflats 3306 or Tel. (039) 835 0085 evenings only. • Swamp gardenii and miniata seed and seedlings available from various Natal and Transkei locations. Phone Andrew (039) 313 5024 a/h or cell 082 784 5401.
16 CLIVIA NEWS & VOLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & A PRIL - JUNE 2008 given a number of seeds by Dr. Keith Hammett some time ago. I was fortunate and had a good germination and the plants will be coming into flower in 2009. Just imagine the beauties I will be adding to my collection. But it requires patience. A new enthusiast came to buy plants and was quick to let me know that he did not want any seeds or seedlings because: “Ek is nie meer vandag se kind nie” (I am no longer todays child). He did not have the time or desire to grow seeds. Upon me asking, he eventually told me he had just turned fifty-five and had taken early retirement. I remember thinking: “Oh, if I could just be fifty-five again!” How different was the attitude of Braam Opperman one of our senior members from the Johannesburg Club. He phoned me when he was seventy-nine years old and very excitedly told me that he had just made the best crosses ever and hoped he would be spared for the next five years. Those five years have come and gone and he has had the wonderful joy of adding many very beautiful home grown plants to his collection. Never stop growing seeds. By doing that, we will be adding those rare and expensive coins and stamps to our collections. One is never too old or busy to grow seeds. &
CLIVIA EXPERTS OF TOMORROW
he Eastern Province Clivia Club is fortunate to have a few youngsters Tas members and who are passionate about growing Clivia and are going all out to learn as much as possible about this wonderful hobby. I decided to find out how they became interested and more about their Clivia activities :- LUKE KRÜGER Luke became interested in Clivia plants at the age of 10. His mother, Carry, being a well known collector and breeder down at Sedgefield, often asked him to give her a hand with the preparation and displaying of plants at their shows as well as the selling of plants and seeds. This triggered his enthusiasm and soon he started to collect his own seeds, seedlings and plants from various growers who were so impressed with this keen youngster that some of them donated the items to him. He developed a keen eye for unusual plants and one day while strolling through his mother’s nursery spotted a plant with unusual flowers which she after repeated requests eventually gave to him. He decided there and then to enter the plant under his own name at the show and was delighted to be awarded gold in the unusual flower category. He has since also won silver with a flowering red and gold for one of his miniature flowers. He’s been pollinating and harvesting his own seeds for the paste 3 years and is hoping to see some of his own crosses flowering during the next year or two. He is now 15 years of age and is the proud owner of a special collection of about 50 mature plants as well as numerous seedlings. He is eagerly awaiting the coming harvesting season and 2008 show. Judging from the passion for Clivia plants displayed by this youngster I am convinced that he will become one of our future experts. Good Luck Luke!
17 CLIVIA NEWS & V OLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & APRIL - JUNE 2008 CHRISTIAAN VAN NIEKERK By now his interest in Clivia plants grew into a full fledged hobby. He maintains a healthy Christiaan recalls that as a youngster his family balance between his studies and his hobby and regularly visited his grandparents in Pretoria. prefers to spend his spare time attending to Being very fond of his grandfather he would his plants. He’s also supported by his parents, accompany him on his daily visits to the Clivia Matie and Santie and has become the custodian house on the property. At first the Clivia plants of the numerous Clivia plants in their garden. were just another bunch of plants with no He has in the region of 60 special plants in his significant meaning to Christiaan. It was only shade house over and above a few hundred when his grandfather started explaining to him seedlings. He is posing in the photo with his the origin of the plants and telling him stories yellow gardenii of which he is very proud. He about a certain British Army Major, Robert is eagerly looking forward to participate in his Garden and Lady Clive and how the first Clivia first Clivia show during September 2008. He plants were taken out of South Africa with some would like to take this opportunity to thank finding their way into the Botanical Garden in his grandfather for introducing him to a very London that he started showing more interest interesting and most enjoyable hobby and his in Clivia plants. support as well as Charl Coetzee for sharing his His interest was enhanced when his grand- experience with him. parents came to visit them in Port Elizabeth and As his mentor it is a real pleasure to have him grandpa pointing out some special Clivia plants under my wing. He is very eager to broaden his growing in their garden and told him how to knowledge and has enrolled as a learner judge. harvest and germinate the seeds. Realizing This passionate youngster has undoubtedly the that this youngster has been bitten by the potential to become one of our future experts Clivia bug his grandfather, no one other than and I wish him well in his venture. the very well known South African collector and breeder Fred Van Niekerk, put paid to it during a later visit by presenting Christiaan with his very first yellow Clivia. As a proud owner of a few Clivia plants he keenly and very successfully germinated his first seeds. Accompanied by Fred they visited Charl Coetzee where Christiaan was bombarded with information and shown the difference between the various species and explained how to cross pollinate the flowers.
DIAN NORTIER pollination with a yellow obtained from the Chubb’s farm. Dian, the youngest of our members, was About 3 years ago Adelie decided to immigrate introduced to the Cliviaplant by his aunt Adelie to Australia. She realized that she couldn’t take Botes who grew lots and lots of Clivia plants her Clivia plants with her and didn’t like the idea with red, orange, pastel, yellow and peach of leaving it to someone who might not look coloured flowers in her garden in Oudtshoorn, after them the way she did. South Africa. The peaches originated from cross Knowing Dian’s love for plants she decided to
18 CLIVIA NEWS & VOLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & A PRIL - JUNE 2008 enter into a partnership with him and a few about the ins and outs of Clivia breeding, I’m weeks later arrived at his home in Port Elizabeth positive that he will become one of our future with a bakkie as well as a trailer load of her best Clivia experts. & Clivia plants. He immediately joined the E.P. Clivia Club to learn Willie Le Roux as much as possible about growing Clivia plants. Tel: 041 360 3480 He attended all our meetings and workshops [email protected] and is continuously ask- ing questions in order to broaden his knowledge. He does his own polli- nation, germination, re- potting and dividing of his Clivia plants. At the young age of 14 he is tending to about 200 adult and 300 young and seedling plants. He is particularly proud of his collection of Adelie peaches (named after his aunt). He’s supported by his mother Erna, is very dedicated to his hobby and is anxiously looking forward to his first Clivia show. It’s a real pleasure to be his mentor and with his dedication and eagerness to learn all
PRIVATE ADVERTISEMENT • Clivia species, interspecifics and specialities. Participate in our coordinated imports and exports of seeds and plants − Asia, Australia and New Zealand, North America and Europe. Connie Abel, Pretoria, +27-12-361 6406 or [email protected]
ADVERTISEMENTS Tariffs for advertising in the Clivia Society Newsletter: Smalls (1 to 6 lines): R25.00 Full Page: R250.00 Smalls (7 to 10 lines): R30.00 A5 separate page insert: R600.00 Quarter page: R70.00 A4 separate page insert: R800.00 Half page: R125.00 (You will be sent an account from the treasurer for the appropriate amount.)
19 CLIVIA NEWS & V OLUME 17 NUMBER 2 & APRIL - JUNE 2008
CLIVI-ARTA Helen Sanders
CLIVIA SOCIETY PUBLICATIONS Overseas members can order back volumes of the Yearbooks and volumes of Newsletters (since 1992) via the Society. South African members should approach their local branches. We must point out that it is difficult to quote a fixed price without knowing the method of payment and delivery. We suggest you contact Bossie de Kock (the treasurer) via e-mail at: [email protected] or by fax at +27 12 804 8892 Item Approximate price (US $)* and list the items you are interested in as well as the Clivia2006 Conference Proceedings Please contact treasurer on double DVD for pricing name of the country in which Yearbook 9 15 you reside. Bossie would Yearbook 8 15 then be in a position to Yearbook 7 15 suggest the most economical Yearbook 6 15 option. Australian, UK, New Yearbook 5 out of stock Zealand and USA members Yearbook 4 10 are reminded that they can Yearbook 3 10 order via Ken Smith, Jaco Nel, Yearbook 2 10 Alick McCleman and William Yearbook 1 out of stock McClelland respectively − see Cultivation of Clivias 15 inside back cover for contact Newsletters after 2002 per number 1,5 details. Also note that further Volumes 1(1992) to 11 (2002) 10 per volume discounts can be negotiated of quarterly newsletters with Bossie for orders ex- Set of volumes 1 to 10 of available on request ceeding 10 of a specific item. quarterly newsletters The items listed in the table *Including postage and banking charges if paid by credit card. are available.& Contact Bossie de Kock for quotation re payments made by cheque.
20 REPRESENTATIVES OF CLIVIA ENTHUSIASTS & Australia Ken Smith. 593 Hawkesbury Rd., Winmalee, NSW 2777, Australia. Tel: +61 2 47543287; e-mail: [email protected] & Netherlands Aart van Voorst. Frederick Hendriklaan 49, Hillegom, TE 2181, Netherlands. Tel: +31 252529679; e-mail: [email protected] & United Kingdom Jaco Nel. 46 Atney Rd, Putney, London, UK, SW15 2PS. Direct enquiries to Jaco at tel 020 87892229, e-Fax 0870134425 or preferably at [email protected] & United States & Canada Jim Shields. PO Box 92 Westfield, IN 46074, USA. Tel: 317-896-3925; Fax: 317-896-5126; Cell: 317-506-4726; e-mail: [email protected] OTHER OVERSEAS CONTACT PERSONS FOR MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION & New Zealand Alick McLeman. 26 Merfield Street, Glen Innes, Auckland 1072, NZ. Tel: 64-9-5213062; e-mail: [email protected] & USA & Canada William McClelland. 1048 Bollin Avenue, Camarillo, CA 93010-4708, USA, Tel: 1-805-484 1484; e-mail: [email protected] CONTACT DETAILS FOR CLIVIA CLUBS AND INTEREST GROUPS & Cape Clivia Club Joy Woodward (Secretary). PO Box 53219, Kenilworth 7745. Tel/Fax: +27 21 671 7384; Cell: 072 487 7933; e-mail: [email protected] & Eastern Province Clivia Andrè Calitz (Chairperson). Tel: +27 41-367 4476; Fax: +27 41 368 6195; Club e-mail: [email protected] & Free State Clivia Club Hennie van der Mescht (Chairperson). 18 Mettam Street, Fichardt Park, Bloemfontein, 9322. Tel: +27 51 522 9530; Fax: +27 51 436 4340; e-mail: [email protected] & Garden Route Clivia Ida Esterhuizen (Secretary). PO Box 1706, George 6530. Club Tel: +27 44-871 2214; e-mail: [email protected] & Joburg Clivia Club Glynn Middlewick (Chairperson). 2 Willow Road, Northcliff, 2195. Tel: +27 11 476 1463; e-mail: [email protected] & KwaZulu-Natal Clivia Miranda Train (Secretary). Cell: 083 254 0796; Tel: 033 387 6309; Club E-mail: [email protected] & New Zealand Clivia Alick McLeman (Secretary). 26 Merfield Street, Glen Innes, Auckland 1072, Club NZ. Tel 64-9-5213062; e-mail: [email protected] & Northern Clivia Club Lena van der Merwe (Secretary). PO Box 74868, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040. Tel & Fax: +27 12 804 8892; e-mail: [email protected] & Northern Free State Louis Chadinha (Chairperson). PO Box 2204, Welkom, 9460. Clivia Club Tel: +27 57 357 6067; e-mal: [email protected] & Border Interest Group John Roderick (Chairperson). PO Box 2429, Beacon Bay, 5205. Tel: +27 82 567 7069; Fax: 0865114606; e-mail: [email protected] & Lowveld Interest Group Ian Radmore (Secretary). PO Box 1146, White River, 1240. Tel: +27 13 751 2051; e-mail: [email protected] & Northern KwaZulu-Natal Mrs Joey Dovey (Cairperson). PO Box 8402, Newcastle, 2940. Interest Group Tel: +27 34-318 4179 / 083 344 0572. e-mail: [email protected] & Overberg Clivia Felicity Weeden. PO Box 1468, Hermanus,7200. Interest Group Tel: + 27 84 5898 297; e-mail: [email protected] & Waterberg Boslelieklub An Jacobs. PO Box 3893, Nylstroom, 0510. Tel & Fax: +27 14 717 3674; e-mail: [email protected] & Zoutpansberg Zanette Wessels. PO Box 390, Louis Trichardt, 0920. Enthusiasts Tel: +27 15 517 7106 or +27 84 570 0347; Fax: +27 15 517 7091; e-mail: [email protected]
1. To coordinate the interests, activities and objectives of constituent Clivia Clubs and associate members; 2. To participate in activities for the protection and conservation of the genus Clivia in its natural habitat, thereby advance the protection of the natural habitats and naturally occurring populations of the genus Clivia in accordance with the laws and practices of conservation 3. To promote the cultivation, conservation and improvement of the genus Clivia by 3.1 the exchange and mutual dissemination of information amongst Constituent Clivia Clubs and associate members; 3.2 where possible, the mutual exchange of plants, seed and pollen amongst Constituent Clivia Clubs and associate members; and 3.3 the mutual distribution of specialised knowledge and expertise amongst Constituent Clivia Clubs and associate members; 4. To promote the progress of and increase in knowledge of the genus Clivia and to advance it by enabling research to be done and by the accumulation of data and dissemination thereof amongst Constituent Clivia Clubs and associate members; 5. To promote interest in and knowledge of the genus Clivia amongst the general public; and 6. To do all such things as may be necessary and appropriate for the promotion of the above mentioned objectives.
▼ CHAIR Johan Spies PO Box 17195, Bainsvlei 9338, South Africa Cell 084 5478825 e-mail: [email protected] ▼ VICE-CHAIR Christo Topham PO Box 54478, Nina Park, 0156, South Africa Tel +27 12 542 3693 Cell: 082 497 5879 ▼ SECRETARY Lena van der Merwe PO Box 74868, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040, South Africa Tel & Fax+27 12 804 8892 e-mail: [email protected]
▼ TREASURER Bossie de Kock PO Box 38539, Garsfontein, 0042, South Africa Tel +27 12 807 2173 e-mail: [email protected] ▼ ADDITIONAL Ken Smith 593 Hawkesbury Rd., Winmalee, NSW 2777, Australia, MEMBER Tel: +61 2 47543287 e-mail: [email protected]
▼ Cape Heinie Fleydenrych, John van der Linde and Claude Felbert ▼ Eastern Province Sam Plaatjies, Andre Calitz and John Roderick ▼ Free State Hennie van der Mescht ▼ Garden Route Piet Theron ▼ Joburg Glynn Middlewick and Koos Geldenhuys ▼ KwaZulu-Natal Brian Tarr and Francois van Rooyen ▼ New Zealand Tony Barnes ▼ Northern Lena van der Merwe, Peter Lambert and Bossie de Kock ▼ Northern Free State Louis Chadinha Table of Contents
▼ CLIVIA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE- AND CONSTITUENT MEMBERS Inner Front Cover ▼ EDITORIAL Editors Notes - Roger Fisher 2 - 3 ▼ CORRESPONDENCE Popularising the Growing of Clivias in Australia - David Bearnin 4 Two Decades of Cliviamania - Stella van Gas 6 Clivia-ting in the North - Felicity Weeden 7 ▼ STORIES BEHIND THE COVERS Mzamba Grey Clivia Miniata - Andy Forbes-Harding 10 ▼ HABITAT CLIVIA "Mind the Clivias!" - Mary E Lange 12 ▼ CLIVIA HISTORY Hot on the Trail of History A C. gardenii Population in New Zealand 16 Photographic Competition 17 Clivia Society Photographic Competition Entry Form 18 ▼ GROWERS & BREEDERS NOTES It is all in the Details - William McClelland 19 Notes on the unlikely results of a cross - Albert Venter 20 What am I and where do I come from? - William & Cynthia le Roux 23 Andrew Gibson - Etzel Nuss 23 Hennie's Dream - Hennie Koekemoer 24 Stellenbosch Giant Seedlings - Hennie Koekemoer 24 Clivias in Hanging Baskets - Dries Olivier 25 ▼ CLUBS AND INTEREST GROUPS Melbourne Clivia Group - Helen Marriot & Lisa Fox 27 NCC Auction 2008 - Joubert van Wyk 29 Joburg Clivia Club News - Glynn Middlewick 31 Overberg Interest Group - 1st ever Clivia Show in Hermanus - Felicity Weeden 31 Cape Clivia Club - The making of the old and new Clivia Colour Charts - Claude Felbert 33 KiwiClivia 2008 - Joubert van Wyk ▼ CLIVI-ARTA - Flelen Sanders 40 ▼ CLIVIA SOCIETY PUBLICATIONS 40 ▼ REPRESENTATIVES OF CLUBS & ENTHUSIASTS CONTACT DETAILS Inner Back Cover EDITORIAL 2008-3
he southern Spring of 2008 has been a bitter-sweet one for me. I have made Tan effort to visit shows at locations not previously seen by me - Lowveld, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Cape (briefly at the end, but second time in a row), Garden Route (second time in a row) and Port Elizabeth. The friendliness and generosity of many of the Clivia circle never ceases to astound and encourage me. I am not by nature a groupie but enjoy the Clivia camaraderie. And then there are the plants on show - the variety is so great that one has to stay focused on those aspects that you personally find appealing. But as a one-time childhood stamp collector I want one of each Clivia! Luckily space and pocket do not permit this extravagance. diagnosis changes on the operating table. It is also good to tap in to the bits of personal When important decisions need taking in the knowledge of growers, breeders, showers and consulting room, have another person there even the hobbyists. I appeal to you all that I who is not thrown by the emotional intensity be sent any snippets of information. I will flesh of the moment to clarify issues. If decisions out notes into articles, correct quirky language can be delayed go away and think through the and translate from Afrikaans. There is no fun consequences before deciding. in putting together a blank newsletter! That is Have a living will in place with the authorization why this one is late. to a senior family member to appoint an Another delay has been caused by the illness agent to act on behalf of the family in issuing and death of my mother. Condolences are instructions, particularly to the medical team. unnecessary. We celebrate a long life richly Discuss and preferably write instructions as to lived. your wishes after your death. Some think this is Since many of the members of the Clivia morbid. It is practical and relieves the family of brigade are of the Age of Wisdom, I wish to stressful decisions. share some personal observations for what they And, of course, please keep records of your are worth: prized Clivia plants and make sure these are Ensure that those around you have clear identifiable! understanding of your wishes and needs. But most importantly, enjoy your health to its Have doctors understand right up front on full. It is a God-given blessing and criminally the first visit exactly how far they may take negligent if squandered. ▼ procedures. Thereafter these things tend to Clivia greetings take on a life of their own, particularly if the Roger Fisher EDITORIAL 2008-4
his issue has now elided with the pre vious because of delays associated with T logistical problems. In the past this issue would have included the reports of the activities of the year by the various Clivia Clubs and Enthusiast Groups but none have been forthcoming. These will of needs then stand over to the next issue when they would have been done for submission to the Clivia Society AGM. From a personal pers pective this has been a difficult and emo tionally draining year. I have however found solace in my family, friends and Clivia plants - the best therapy although all they have to show for it in return is neg Please note that my posting details change lect! Sorry, clivias. I as of this issue. promise to do better next year. We wish all members the blessings of the season and trust that you will enter 2009 I have also once refreshed. more this past year discovered the gene May the genus Clivia continue to bring rosity of the Clivia you joy in the New Year. circle and must here Roger Fisher mention Tino Ferero, PS. Because it is an editing nightmare, I've Albert Venter and decided to be more relaxed about how the Chris Viljoen by name. word "Clivia" appears in print. I'll leave it in I hope the plants all its variations as sent from now on. ▼ flourish in the spirit of generosity shown Roger Fisher by the givers. Editor
ADVERTISEMENTS Tariffs for advertising in the Clivia Society Newsletter:
Smalls (1 to 6 lines): R25.00 Full Page: R250.00 Smalls (7 to 10 lines): R30.00 A5 separate page insert: R600.00 Quarter page: R70.00 A4 separate page insert: R800.00 Half page: R125.00 (You will be sent an account from the treasurer for the appropriate amount.) CORRESPONDENCE Popularising the growing of Clivias in Australia
ll garden plants are the products of than 5 generations! Nevertheless, such line domestication from the wild (as are all breeding has produced a limited range of Clivia Acommercial crops). By natural selection, cultivars of reliable vigour, form and colour (because of a range of habitats, climates, required by the general gardener. etc.) plants in the wild are quite variable - in But line breeding does not produce new forms. general form, flower shape and colour, seed The extraordinary array of "colours" (of petals, germination time, etc. Domestication results throats and leaves, etc.) of the last 20 years or so from selecting for particular characteristics is the result of hybridisation - particularly with (not necessarily intentionally) and growing C. miniata i.e. the controlled expert crossing of only these. Modern cereal crops like wheat and "unusual" forms to product these exciting new rice are the result of at least 10,000 annual varieties. Here South African breeders have had selections. Some garden plants like the rose go an advantage because they had been able to back some 1000's of years (see Jared Diamond, access these from the wild. Guns, Germs and Steel). But Clivias were only All gardeners are delighted by new colours, etc, discovered by Europeans (indigenous only to but only if the plants are vigorous and reliable. southern Africa) less than 200 years ago. They But as with liliums and many other garden had been, and continue to be, traditionally plants, there has not been the time to test many used by the native population for spiritual and of these new introductions, and frequently they medicinal purposes - by far the oldest and do not live up to expectations of reliable colour most widespread use of plants by our species. and vigour. The domestication and breeding of the Clivia This Nursery has been operating for over 14 in the last 200 years has been remarkable, years, but only very recently has there been and can be seen to have gone in two different the opportunity to investigate the amount of directions. interest by gardeners in Clivias in Australia, and The reduction of variability requires selective line the nature of that interest. breeding - the selection of the best seed from The Bolobek Fair, some 60 km north of vigorous plants of the desired form and colour Melbourne, was organised by "Australia's Open to be the next generation, etc. Garden Scheme" in March 2008. Participation Research has shown that at least 7 generations was strictly by invitation and this was the first are required to produce reasonable homogeneity time that Clivias have been represented. There - here a pansy generation can be 2 months, but was saturation media coverage, and over 6000 the that for Clivia is 5 years. To date, for the general gardeners attended over the 2 days. Clivia, no one in the world has completed more They were more those who would join gardening clubs (many travelling some hours to attend) to perfection even the most difficult of the new rather that average general gardeners. On the introductions. Such 'enthusiasts' are essential Fair site, there were only 40 stalls, with the to the Clivia enterprise because they create Nursery stall advertised by a large coloured the demand for new forms, some of them are banner. Almost all of those who attended the hybridizers, and from these come the Clivia Nursery stall completed a survey. 150 out of breeders. 6000 completed the survey = 2.5% But with rare exceptions, "enthusiasts" show Conclusion: At present, at the best, no more little interest in producing varieties that can be than 5% of Melbourne gardeners are presently satisfactorily grown by the general gardener. interested in Clivias. Of those completing the The South African Clivia Clubs properly use survey: the great majority made informed the excellent colour chart devised by the Royal choices regarding the characteristics of modern Horticultural Society (the paramount English Clivias. 117 out of the 150 showed an active gardening organisation). But for many years the interest by requesting a full catalogue, but only R.H.S. has had an "Award of Garden Merit". 21 out of the 105 in the Melbourne metro area This award is given where the plant have fulfilled stated interest enjoining a Clivia club. all following criteria as well as having undergone 1. Melbourne Clivia growers are markedly a period of assessment. middle aged (56) or older. (Apparently this • It should be excellent for ordinary is true for South African Clivia clubs as well, garden use. which are also almost exclusively White). • It should be of good constitution. 2. For the Melbourne area, Clivia growers are • It should be readily available in the at most 5% of general gardeners. (This horticultural trade. percentage may be greater in say NSW and • It should not be particularly susceptible southern Queensland coastal areas where to pest and disease. the climate is even more favorable). • It should not be particularly susceptible 3. A strong majority (approx 60%, with only to pest and disease. 9% opposed), believed it was important to guarantee the colour of seedlings. This is in • It should not require any specialised line with gardener's expectations of all other care other than the provision of appropriate plants (see criteria of the Royal Horticultural growing conditions for the type of plant Society "Award of Garden Merit" below). concerned. To me, it is important that similar surveys • It should not be subjected to an unreasonable be done in other parts of Australia and by degree of reversion in its vegetative overseas Clivia clubs. For example, I have characteristics. accepted an invitation to the "Flora Festival" When I recently inquired of the R.H.S., I was told at Kariong near Gosford - between Sydney that only C. miniata, C. nobilis and C. miniata and Newcastle), on 11th - 14th September. var. citrina (the generic name for the yellow C. Here, data from previous years show over miniata) had been given the award. Obviously 300 exhibitors, and up to 60,000 attending South African breeders in particular have not over the 4 days with an average age of 45. been concerned to seek this award, for the large This time Clivias will be in flower. It will be number of fine recent cultivars that they have interesting to compare the survey results produced. with Bolobek. Australia has a shocking record of conserving With most garden plants, there is a relatively its marsipials, but the grey kangaroo has small group of "enthusiasts" who go to great never been endangered. Yet, very recently, the lengths to acquire a large range of Clivias, threatened humane cull of 300 starving greys and who take the time (and the money) to near Canberra caused a world wide out cry. produce "artificial" ideal growing conditions The whole Clivia genus is threatened in South (shade houses, potting mixes: etc.) and using Africa essentially by climate change, but at expert horticultural methods are able to grow present, there are a mere 2000 Clivia Society members worldwide who might protest! It Reduce time to flower and increase flower is obviously essential that, on a world scale, size - already happening in Belgium with the Clivia must become a valued garden plant Belgium Hybrids for the cut flower trade. - like the Dahlia or the Azalea. To me, and Increase tolerance to poorly drained soil this Nursery, the Clivia has always been far - the recently identified C. robusta has this more than just a specialist plant. Provided characteristic. there is shade and good drainage, there is a Increase sun tolerance - C. mirabilis has this place for it in every garden. But it is essential characteristic. to popularise only the varieties that are colour Increase the flowering season - already etc. guaranteed. On the other hand, with the happening from interspecific crosses (crosses world-wide trend to urban living, and half the between species). ▼ world's population now living in cities, it is the breeders and enthusiasts who will produce the necessary forms for the Clivia to become a mainstream flower in an urban setting.
On a world scale, there is an urgent need for David Bearlln M.Sc. M.Ed. breeders to: 21 May 2008
TWO DECADES OF CLIVIAMANIA
n1987, Japie and I went on early retirement and bought a Smallholding 25km out of East London. We started to build my dream nursery, which eventually covered 2000m2 under shade Icloth. We have had Clivia plants for a long time so they went with. Early 1993 Pat Gore Came to visit and convinced us that we had to be part of the Clivia Club. We joined and found a whole lot of people ready to help. Koos Geldenhuys was responsible for seed distribution then and I got my fair share of Nakamura and other seeds. Also met Toy Jennings telephonically who wanted us to grow seeds to be planted back into denuded localities. We started growing them and then only realized that we would never be able to plant them back into the wild, without causing great confusion to collectors in the future. All these seeds had come from gardens mostly in Gauteng! Keith Hammett, Pen Henry and the Abels spent time with us during a tour. We also met Mick Dower and John Rourke when they called on at Blomdal, they would not believe that I had a Miniata with 50 florets. Took them to count the florets and can still remember the surprised look on their faces. This plant called Sparkler is still going strong and is now on Sean Chubb's seed list! Over time, we had many Clivia personalities visit our nursery and Clivia collection. Amongst others, we had Norman Weitz, Bertie & Erda Guillaume, Bertie & Ansie le Roux, Rudo Lӧtter, Frans Gerber, Ammie Grobler, Jim Holmes and Sean Chubb visiting us on Blomdal. In November 1999, we went to Port Elizabeth for the meeting prior to forming E.P.C.C. We met Toy Jennings there plus some of the other Cape Town members. Des Elliot had shown Welland Cowley how to slice a Clivia plant in two from top to bottom. This procedure had some members quite pale and gasping for breath. Toy made sure I got one half and instead of suddenly making many suckers, my half only flowered for the first time last season and made only one sucker. The other half apparently suckered freely. Japie passed on in 2000 and I have now been back in town for nearly six years. I am still going strong and with my partner am excited about a season in which we plan to make some beautiful crosses to hopefully get even better colours, shapes and sizes. ▼ Happy Clivia growing! Stella Van Gass CLIVIA-TING IN THE NORTH
decision was made to do a Clivia Tour interspecific with distinctly gray tints. There was starting in Pretoria then going up via also a group of some of the very biggest Clivia ANylstroom to Louis Trichardt and then plants I have ever seen. to Nelspruit. From there to Louis Trichardt (with the best A quick trip from Cape Town to Johannesburg driver and direction finder in SA, namely via Mango and things started to happen! Henriette!) and not to mention the police Henriette Stroh picked me up at the airport and escort! We spent a wonderful morning with in the afternoon we visited Chris de Vry, who has Ansie and Bertie le Roux in their beautiful and more Clivia in different stages of maturity than I restful hillside Clivia garden. Lovely pastels, would have believed possible! pastels with green throats, beautiful recurved Needless to say there were stunning beauties orange and white beauties, orchids and, Oh! and things that quite took my breath away so many different bromeliads and some lovely including plants in the F2 generation and more amaryllis hybrids produced by Ansie. of Wittigs Pink. On the same day Chris took The afternoon was spent with Athrie and Piet us for a quick visit to Gawie Lotter, brother to Wessels in her lovely garden and quite incredible our own Christo in Hermanus, where we saw a clivias. A delightful tea area under shade net had stunning interspecific and some lovely things in been erected since my last visit. The tea table the garden. was surrounded by the huge beautiful robust The next day Chris Viljoen kindly showed me all plants in full bloom, ranging from brilliant his plants and was boasting a table of amazing orange, to orange/red with green throats, near ly lovely beauties ranging from a glorious picotees, large glamorous pastels and pinky pastel to a magnificent deep red orange with pastels with green throats. The most prominent green throat and perfect form. Again I was feature of these plants is the exceptional vigour mind boggled by the numbers of seedlings in and huge blooms. (This is the original home of all stages, in every available shady spot under "Foxy Lady" Best on Show CCC 2002) avocado pear, macadamia and pecan nut trees, From there we paid a brief visit to Hermann van not to mention the greenhouses! Rensburg. He and his wife Amanda allowed us Thursday morning Henriette and I departed for to wander in the lovely garden where the trees Nylstroom where we were due to judge at the were underplanted with Clivia. Nylstroom Show. The lower garden bed was planted with a "tea There were some outstanding blooms on party" selection, and a large area under palm display. Notable among them was an incredible trees was planted with only one clone that cinnamon coloured peach, and a stunning apparently came from a local farm and had been
Felicity Weeden and Ansie le Roux Henriette Stroh with Athrie and Piet Wessels Interspecific green inside Interspecific with grey multiplied over the years in the farm garden. The Despite the winter dry, there were large numbers effect was stunning. of Dombeya in full bloom in glorious bridal The next and last morning in Louis Trichardt was white and other trees just starting to sprout spent in Olive and Jas Brummers lovely garden catkins or early spring foliage. jungle! Most attractively laid out, there was a The many imposing Aloe marlothii were past huge selection of Clivia in all colours, including their best, but were loaded with seed pods many fine pastels. A Yesterday, Today and promising an impressive seed harvest. Tomorrow (Brunsfelsia) of the most amazing The Nelspruit Show exhibited some exceptionally proportions was in full bloom and a wonderful lovely things. The Three Best on Show, an selection of bromeliads and succulents were orange, a yellow and a peach pastel all belonged also available. to Paul Kloek and were exceptionally lovely. Then the long drive to Nelspruit. Because is was There was a particularly unusual and fine plant so dry, we encountered countless veld fires. exhibiting an almost striped effect, all in autumn colours, another very similar to Appleblossom - but not. While at the Show, I had the pleasure of meeting up with Andy Falk who belonged to the CCC for a while and joined us regularly at the Overberg meetings. He was overjoyed to discover he had won 2 awards! It was good to see a familiar face among many strangers! The sales section at this show was really attractive, with loads of plants in full bloom and a good number of Cameron Peaches available as well - thanks to Chris Paul Kloek with his The Three Best on Show, Welgemoed! an orange, a yellow and a peach pastel We stayed the night with Paul and Sue Kloek at their lovely home and enjoyed supper with Sean that her big soppy, delightful Rottlweiler and I Chubb and Andy Forbes Harding. enjoyed munching! Our accommodation was a delightful cottage Large plantings of clivias in the garden in colour set among huge round boulders with a stunning groups of yellow and peach, pastels and of view. course the "Tea Party" beds made for a stunning Early morning before Show Duties, Paul showed show. us his unbelievable numbers of seedlings and his Of course there were also beautifully colourful Stud Plants in all their glory. orchids as well as interesting succulents and Then into the garden to see the beginnings of special climbers and Hawaiin Hibiscus. his Clivia takeover! The quality of yellows above A late afternoon visit was made to Ernie Hobbs the lake (with a crocodile in it!) were what most to view his collection of mainly orange and people would give a Kings Ransom for! Another orange reds. Very nice blooms to be seen there large bed of quality oranges and orange red too.! continued up the valley and over a small rise in I have to say that the hospitality and kindness order to be visible from the house. of all these "Transvaalers" or does one say Back home to Pretoria and Henriette's huge and "Northerners" or "Gautengers" was exceptional. lovely garden - enormous and rambling with My last port of call was with Norman and Hantie many lovely mature trees including pecan nuts Weitz where I was treated to a delightful lunch on the patio, and a look at some quite exceptio nal Clivia, which included a beautiful cream, backed with pink and amazing green throat yellows and lovely rich peaches of enormous umbel size and some very pretty interspecifics. I don't think it would be out of place to say a big "Thank You" to all these folks who were so kind and hospitable during this short tour. But a particularly big thanks to Henriette who put me up and fed me, provided wine and ferried me from pillar to post. I would have been lost without her kindness. ▼
An unusual plant exhibiting an almost striped Felicity Weeden effect, very similar to Appleblossom fillylilly@telkomsa. net STORIES BEHIND THE COVERS MZAMBA GREY CLIVIA MINIATA
n 2000 I did a favour for the "Induna" on the farm where I worked at the time which some time later he returned when he brought Ime a bag full of Clivia miniata. Curious to know where they came from, I asked him to take me to the place where he had found them. It turned out than a "uMfundisi" from his church had obtained the plants, so in due course we went to the site, situated on the Mzamba River, some kilometers from the sea. This all took place about May/June, so there were no plants in flower. I did, however, manage to collect some seeds. The habitat site was steep and very rocky, having big boulders with plants growing on top of and between the rocks. What was noticeable was the size of some of the plants, standing up to one meter in height. Also distinctive was the hardness of the leaves which seemed to have a dull grey/green colour. It was evident that this site is well worked by the muti trade and firewood collectors. There were two huge Yellowwood trees that had been cut and left to dry. Trees growing there include, to name but a I went back in the flowering season at the end few: August to early September and what a sight! Wild Plum (Hrpephyllum caffra) It made the heart skip a few beats. There were Yellowwood (Podocarpus spp.) pastels, deep reds, spiders and lovely oranges. White stinkwood (Celtis africana) The plants had big flowers, being between 80 to African mangosteen (Gaacinia gerrardii) 1 50 mm across. The most flowers that I counted False red pear (Pseudoscolopia polyantha) there in habitat were 27 on an umbel. Cape Chestnut (Calodendron cape nsis) So, every year I go back in August and see how things have deteriorated. More plants have been re moved, more trees have been felled, letting in more sun light and the Plectranthus and other creepers are slowly smothering out the plants that remain in the sun. It is, for me, a special site. I don't think it will ever be completely destroyed as it appears that areas that were previously stripped are re generating. The worrying fac tor is the deforestation that is taking place. ▼ Andy Forbes-Harding exposing the pottery. That day I also found on "MIND THE CLIVIAS!" a nearby narrow cliff path a beautiful herring bone decorated shard of pottery dating to the ike Cottrell, founder of the Palmiet Early African Farmers which could have been up Nature Reserve1, was alerting me to a to one thousand seven hundred years old. Msmall patch of thin leaved lanky Clivia plants, presumably Clivia miniata, growing in the Manager of the Palmiet Nature Reserve, Steve undergrowth of the overhanging Gwalagwala Butler, confirmed that the Palmiet valley would cliff. The cliff is named after the resident Purple have been an ideal setting for pre-industrial Crested Turaco or Bloukuifloerie birds. societies. The Gwalagwala cliff especially was Mike and I were making our way along the steep ideal for survival due to the shelter it affords narrow footpath that led from the Palmiet River from rain and wind; the presence of numerous to a dry shelter created by the massive sand stone edible and medicinal plants (including watsonia cliff. I was there, not to appreciate the flora, but bulbs, amarula trees and Clivia plants); proximity to investigate the site where Mike had found to the river; prevalent fauna - still there today evidence of clay pots used by earlier occupants - such as duikers and dassies, as well as of the shelter. After the 1999 floods he had on affording a clear view of potential threats such his daily walk in the Nature Reserve spotted, at as predators or enemy clans. the base of the cliff, thick undecorated ochre The shelter seemed to me, as evidenced by coloured shards of Late African Farmer pottery the visual geological record as well as the of up to eight hundred years of age. A rush of hints of earlier occupation and surrounding flood water from the overhead storm water pipe living heritage, including the Clivia plants, an had created a natural excavation of the cliff floor ideal destination to stimulate the imaginations and critical thinking of learners engaged in prehistory and history studies. Learners and visitors could not just read and hear about the living areas of the Stone Age and African and European farmer inhabitants but would be able to ex perience early man's environment. The Palmiet Nature Reserve committee in sisted the shelter be investigated further be fore hordes of learners and visitors trampled through it. So began our challenge of a formal conduct a test trench at the shelter but Themba archaeological survey of the site. KwaZulu-Natal was so intrigued with the site that he continued heritage agent, AMAFA archaeologist, Themba in a voluntary position with the assistance of Zwane, successfully applied for a permit to myself and other members of the community, particularly the late Cyprian Madhlala. Finds were recorded and housed at the Bergtheil Museum Westville. Steve Butler impressed upon us that any work done in the area should first and foremost not have a negative impact on the surrounding flora an especially the stands of Clivia. Each visit rung with cries of "Mind the clivias!" This was especially true when groups of university students both local and international worked stints at the dig. I believe I saw those Clivia plants closest to the river edge that receives the most light blooming early one year but cannot swear to it. When the season was very dry the Clivia plants were more visible but often they could barely be seen amongst the undergrowth. We were interested to note that new Clivia plants came up outside of the dig area where we had disturbed the soil. The fellow diggers were mostly amused at my urgency regarding protecting the Clivia plants as to them they were nothing special. Steve warned me not to get too excited about the emergence of the new clump of Clivia plants until we saw how many survived in the very dry area. Disappointingly only about three of the original approximately eight new clumps are still growing outside the dig in 2008. There are always pieces missing from the domestic items. archaeological puzzle of the past and the What we came to realize from our excavation Gwalagwala cliff occupation is no different. was that the accumulated evidence - from There is no certainty as to the use of the large vandals of today through to evidence from five hearth and upper and lower grinding stones that hundred years before - underline cross cultural were excavated. Traditionally African farmers similarities in some associated social activities at would rather have made their homesteads up the Gwalagwala shelter, namely the making of on the slope in the grasslands adjacent to the fire and the drinking of beer. Palmiet river rather than in the rock shelter. The Clivia plants are not listed in the plant This type of occupation is not however unheard section of the Palmiet Nature Reserve website. of and Gavin Whitelaw, provincial archaeologist, Mike Cottrell told me that he assumed that they voiced the opinion that it could have been the originated from the suburb on top of the cliff as choice of shelter of African farmers during a those we spotted at the side of the path to the time of conflict and a need for not just shelter cliff were not far from a large mound that had but also concealment. Local isiZulu speakers been dumped by a bulldozer from the property have speculated that the clues of the past point above the cliff. Steve Butler however believes to the occupation of an inyanga or herbalist, as that the clivias are natural to the reserve as they the small upper grinding stone found there is grow on the cliff face. The thin leaves of the associated with traditional healers for grinding plants do give them a wild look. tobacco or medicine (muti). So the origins of the natural heritage of the Whoever the occupants were, their use of the Palmiet clivias seemed to be as mysterious as shelter would have been seasonal as would the artifacts found in the cliff area until I found there use of the flora such as the Clivia. The confirmation of a history of clivias growing broken grinding stones found are evidence of naturally in the Palmiet. M M Hulme, in her African farmers who had moved on as it was introduction to the Wild Flowers of Natal (1954) custom to break these items before looking for refers to the abundance of natural flora in greener pastures. The large hearth was quite KwaZulu-Natal in the early 1900s and even possibly made by a later group that made use of directly to the Clivia plants in the Palmiet: the remnant broken grinding stones as a border For with Durban and Pietermaritzburg celebrating and boundary for the hearth which would their centenary year it is interesting to recall, as have been useful for stands for pots or other my husband does so vividly that even fifty years use of the genus Clivia and the effect of indigenous medicinal brew on uterus contractions. Their findings support Paul Lawrence's statements on his website that a concoction made from the Clivia rhizomes is used traditionally to ease labour pains but that only an experience "Nyanga" would prepare the medicine due to the dangers of Clivia plants containing toxic alkaloids, being part of the Amaryl lis family. John Winter of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens in turn ago there were sheets of Arums in the spruits writes on their website that the stem of Clivia is and vleis of the Congella and Pinetown flats, used both for magical and medicinal purposes festoons of tree orchids in the thick bush of and that fortunately not the entire plant is Westville and Sarnia, Clivias and Agapanthus in destroyed when harvested as much of the root abundance in the damp krantzes of Kloof and is left behind which forms new plants. Further the Palmiet and the Umhlatuzane Rivers, the investigation into whether there are cultivated sides of which were clothed in maidenhair fern, Clivia plants growing in the gardens bordering Streptocarpus, and Begonias... on the cliff above the site plus records of the (From "Wild Flowers of Natal" Mairn M Hulme Clivia when they are in bloom should help 28-5-54) clarify whether the Palmiet Clivia are in fact Hulme further describes the traditional use of new or old residents of the Gwalagwala cliff the Clivia, ('umayime' as it is known in Zulu), and surrounding areas. If they are of an old in KwaZulu-Natal as making use of the whole established clone then the theory of the shelter plant in an infusion (mayime omphofu') which as occupied by a traditional herbalist or healer was then 'sprinkled in yards to ward of evil of seems very plausible. any description' included the warding off of We hope that not only will school excursions storms or floods. If the shelter was used five to the Palmiet contribute to the breaking hundred years ago as a home or hideout the down of cultural barriers through knowledge Clivia plants are certainly growing appropriately and the appreciation and conservation of our on the outskirts of the domestic area between archaeological heritage but that our future the safety of the cliff and the danger of the river generations will also be inspired to mind, not and bush. just the Clivia plants, but all of our floral, faunal I am very interested in what further uses, besides and living as well as past cultural heritage. ▼ for magic, the inhabitants of the Gwalagwala 1. The Palmiet Nature Reserve covers various terrains from shelter might have had for Clivia plants if grassland to forest. The bulk however is riverine. Many of the established trees along the river course have been they were in fact growing naturally in the washed away by flooding over recent years. The Palmiet area more than four hundred years ago. Alice plant has disappeared from the river. Alien trees and plants Aubrey of the Witwatersrand National Botanical are also taking their toll. Some trees are also under threat Garden writes on their website that despite the from muti collectors. However there are still areas where rhizomes being extremely toxic they are still used visitors can follow trails through indigenous forest and escape from the nearby city life, www.palmiet.za.net traditionally for medicinal purposes. D.J.H.Veale and co authors have conducted research on the Mary E Lange HOT ON THE TRAIL OF HISTORY A C. gardenii population in New Zealand
ur [NZ Clivia Club] librarian, Diana Holt, has a sister who has lived on Kawau Island in the OHauraki Gulf for the past 10 years. Because of Diana's interest in Clivia her sister was excited to report that there are large clumps of Clivia growing on the island. Initially it was thought that these might be the original Van Houtte C. cyrtanthiflora introduced into New Zealand. (Van Houtte was a famous horticulturist and editor of various horticultural journals in Belgium and France at the end of the 19th Century. The original, and strictly speaking only, C. cyrtanthiflora, was given the cultivar name "Van Houtte" in his honour. From work done by Dr Keith Hammett and others on chromosomes he is pretty sure that we have this specific genotype here in New Zealand, as well as plants from subsequent generations.) However, it turns out that the Clivia are in fact C. gardenii. Now this is where the account gets really interesting. History buffs will know that Sir George Grey was Governor of New Zealand in the 2nd half of the 19th century at which time he brought many plants from around the world into New Zealand. He established beautiful gardens with these plants at Mansion House on the island. However back then Sir George was also Governor in South Africa at which time he had a close friend who shared his interest in flora and fauna. And his friends name? Major Robert J Garden, who discovered and after whom C. gardenii was named in the 1850s. Could these be descendants of the original C. gardenii discovered by Major garden and that he perhaps gifted to Sir George? ▼ (Republished with permission of the NZ Clivia Club) CLIVIA SOCIETY PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION
he Editorial Board of the 2009 Clivia Society Yearbook 10 announces the second Clivia Society Photographic Competition. It is open to all and the object is to encourage Clivia enthusiasts to Tsubmit photographs from around the world. We would particularly like photos of plants that flower outside of the normal Clivia Show dates and therefore are not seen by many people. We intend that this will be an annual event that brings entries of photographs of attractive, as well as some unusual, Clivia flowers and plants. Prominent space will be allocated in the Yearbook to all winners and other suitable photos. The name of the Photographer and Grower, where submitted, will be publicized along with any other relevant information. There will be prizes for winners as shown below. The Best Photograph and Runner-up will be selected from all entries and will then not be eligible to win other categories. Prizes will be a selection of some of the rarest and most sought-after seed and/or seedlings to the value shown below and will be awarded next year when we know what is available.
Categories are as follows: • Clivia miniata • All Pendulous Species • Interspecific • Habitat Picture • Single Flower any species
The conditions and rules of entry are: 1. The completed attached entry form must accompany submissions. 2. All entries are welcome, but due to publishing deadlines must be received by the last day of April 2009, to be eligible. 3. Publication rights for entries will be vested in the Clivia Society. 4. Entries are limited to six per class per person. 5. Photographs may be mailed to Clivia Photographic Competition, P O Box 53219, Kenilworth, 7745, Cape Town, South Africa Or emailed to: [email protected] 6. Photos must be submitted in one of the following formats: i. A Print in portrait or landscape at least 10 x 14 cm but no larger than 14x18 cm. ii. On CD-R where the image is recorded in a tiff or jpeg format. The pixel size should be a minimum of 1600 x1200 pixels as that should give a printable picture of approximately 14 x 10cm. The resolution of the image would be preferred at 300 dpi or greater but don't let a lower resolution stop you from entering. iii. Photographs must be on their own and not embedded in another program, e.g. MS Word. iv. email in jpeg format at 72 dpi with min. picture size 10x14 cm. N.B. The type of submission in iv above must be available on a CD as all emailed photos that reach the final selection of 12, or on request, will have to be submitted to the specifications in ii above to remain eligible. No scanned Pictures to be submitted by email. 7. If you wish your Photographs returned after the competition then you should include a suitably addressed envelope. (S.A. Entrants must include a stamp). 8. The decision of the Editorial Board on the Winners of the Competition is final and no correspondence will be entered into. ▼ CLIVIA SOCIETY PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION ENTRY FORM ESSENTIAL ENTRY DETAILS
OPTIONAL ENTRY DETAILS GROWERS & BREEDERS NOTES IT IS ALL IN THE DETAILS
'Clear and detailed notes are an essential part of any hybridization endeavor, large or small. Even the smallest hybridizer has the chance to find the next Clivia that will wow the enthusiasts and the enthusiasts will want to know all of this new hybrid's details.'
e all see Clivia that we would love to own. Sometimes we can purchase or even trade for an offset. This is the easiest and fastest way to be satisfied. Hybridization is another way W to gain new Clivias although it is much slower and not guaranteed to yield the results you are hoping for. Nevertheless, sometimes even when things do not go the way you hoped there can still be a silver lining. I have been asked many times: 'What are you hybridizing for?' I hybridize Clivia because it is enjoyable for me. I have no aspirations of getting rich or famous. I have been hybridizing in too many different directions to simply state what it is that I am hybridizing for. When two plants share a common trait that interests me then I hybridize them. This does not always yield what I may have intended, but I have fun. One day while away from home I found a Clivia with weak patterning. At a distance it only looked orange or maybe pastel. Upon closer inspection it had poor flower form and only a hint that it had patterns. It was an interesting Clivia to me. Wishing that I could have an offset and knowing that was not possible I asked for some pollen. I had hoped that putting this pollen on one of my Solomone yellows would help me to acquire a patterned Clivia.
Female (seed) parent Male (pollen) parent
I usually only hybridize a single Clivia flower which tends to yield between 8 and 16 seeds. Most of the seedlings from this cross were rather boring oranges. This is not too surprising as the pattern genes are recessive and do not reemerge until the second generation. But one plant did something rather unexpected. It's flower was yellow with a green throat that stays even after the flowers have fallen to the ground. The genetics of how this happened is beyond me. I can say that after 10 years of hybridizing with this Solomone yellow I have not seen any green throated yellow before this. One can perhaps assume that the weakly patterned Clivia genes had some larger role on this outcome. The main point, of this article, is to encourage people to pay attention to the details of the Clivia and especially the Clivia that you hybridize. Even though you may not get what you wanted, you might be pleasantly surprised. ▼
William McClelland [this is to appear in the NACS newsletter this December and is printed with the author's permission - Ed.]
Hybrid #cs5290
NOTES ON THE UNLIKELY RESULTS OF A CROSS
In 2003 I was still very uninformed about Clivia breeding and those were the days before I joined the Cape Clivia Club and obtained all the written information about Clivia and its hybridising. I had obtained some plants by then, among stature of the Belgian hybrid and thought that which were a yellow bought from a local nursery it would be nice to obtain some yellow flowers and a very dark orange broad leaf Belgian-type with the same trait! Of course not knowing miniata with a slight green throat disappearing about the recessive yellow gene and that I with flower age, ex Jim Holmes stock. would in all probability only create very ordinary The yellow was planted under a Syringa tree oranges with intermediate stature. and the Belgian hybrid in a pot, but positioned I grew on the seed and over the years became under the same tree. I made my first crosses much more knowledgable about hybridising that year, according to the shotgun-approach, and Clivia genetics. Of course I had no hope pollinating each of my few plants with one for these orange x yellow seedlings, but another. nevertheless felt it my duty to see my own first The one cross I did was to put the yellow plant's hybrids through to flowering! During 2006 I pollen onto the Belgian dark orange, which gave a friend and fellow Clivia worshipper a also posesses broader, shorter leaves. I liked the seedling for sentiment's sake.
Antithesis father Antithesis mother
Antithesis brother 1 Antithesis brother 1 - keeled Antithesis orange sibling Antithesis caramel sibling
During 2007 some of the seedlings produced and show, I kept a watchful eye on Antithesis their first flowers and much to my amazement, and to my great joy, started forming two among dead ordinary oranges, some of umbels! Unfortunately, with our very wet the plants produced outstanding flowers, Winter in Grabouw, the first umbel cracked in particular one plant producing a wide midway. I removed the immature flower and petalled flower in colours much the same as put it in a glass of water and cut-flower food the appleblossom strain! Another had pastel to hopefully still harvest some pollen. Another orange flowers with extraordinary broad tepals purpose was to concentrate the plant's energy and keeled flowers (the 2008 flowers did not into developing its second flower. manifest as keeled). My friend's plant gave its By showtime, the second umbel's flowers had first flower this year and has an interesting not opened fully yet, but I enrolled the plant in honey-caramel colour! the "Any other colour" class, and it won silver. I am particulary fond of my "Antithesis", as I The first umbel in the glass of water opened its called the yellow and pink flowered offspring. flowers (it had many more florets) and roughly This name because it goes against the teachings 60% had keeled flowers. ▼ of sensible or logical Clivia breeding rules! In anticipation for the 2008 flowering season Albert Venter
Clivia2006 Conference DVD's available
The Clivia Society has decided to make the Clvia2006 conference proceedings available on a double DVD. The presentations have been recorded, edited, and shortened to almost eight hours viewing time. The DVD set can now be ordered from the secretariat of the Clivia Society at a price equivalent to ZAR 220.00 (including postage and packaging). Should you be interested, please contact Bossie de Kock at one of the following addresses: Clivia Society, P.O. Box 74868, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040 Pretoria, South Africa. Fax: +27 12 804 8892; E-mail: [email protected] WHAT AM I AND WHERE DO I COME FROM?
received the plant as a 2 year old seedling from Chari Coetzee who in turn received it I from the late Fred Gibello, presumably as a C. miniata. It's now 6 years old and flowered for the first time but in a C. miniata season. It appears to be different in that it has a stem like a C. caulescens, leaves like a C. gardenii and as can be seen from the photo it carried flowers on spider like pedicels which varies in lengths between 20 - 60 mm, unlike the inflorescence of an ordinary C. caulescens or C. gardenii. I had the plant at the recent E.P. Clivia annual show where it attracted quite a lot of interest and enquiries as to it's origin. Is there perhaps someone in the "Clivia family" who can give me some info on the history of this plant, please. ▼ Willie & Cynthia Ie Roux
ANDREW GIBSON In about 1998 the Clivia bug bit me and Andrew being a collector and breeder immediately gave me a yellow offset to get my collection on the ndrew Gibson had been a friend and way. Little did I realize that this plant would turn work colleague of mine for about 10 out to be arguably one of the most beautiful years. I remember him often talking of A clivias anywhere. the 1000s of Clivia that had been on a farm at Baynesfield near Richmond. I subsequently Andrew Gibson tragically died in 2001. He was a visited the farm but found that there had been very private person and as such did not voluntarily a significant reduction in the number of plants disclose where he got some of his plants from. still in the natural habitat. His partner had a farm in the Karkloof and as a specialist farm estate agent he knew most of the land owners in the area thus I am assuming that the plant originated in the Karkloof. Sean Chubb has worked many years on his Andrew Gibson to produce F2 ge nerations which are simi lar to the original (See Year Book 10). I am at the F1 stage where last year and the year before my first Andrew Gibson crosses flowered in various shades of orange. Hopefully my F2s will be rewarding. ▼ Etzel Nuss HENNIE’S DREAM
y friend, Pine Pienaar, gave me some seeds, namely: Natal Yellow X Bill Morris Yellow and Super 2 Yellow that I germinated. When the first seedlings flowered, I pollinated the Natal MYellow X Bill Morris Yellow with the Super 2 Yellow Pollen. When the first two seedlings flowered, they turned out to be peach. It is further interesting to note that the one plant's flower is a light peach while that of the other plant is much darker. ▼ Hennie Koekemoer
STELLEN- BOSCH GIANT SEEDLINGS
germinated seeds from the late Ammie Grobler and he Igave me a few seedlings as well. He told me that he received the seeds from his sister. According to him it was quite a big plant and he named it "Stellenbosch Giant". The photograph is the first flower of the plant. ▼ Hennie Koekemoer CLIVIAS IN HANGING BASKETS
1. Step by step planting guide 1.1 Centre the bare rooted plant in a suitable size basket (see 2 below) and keep it in position at the level you want the plant to stand after planting. 1.2 Fill the basket with potting medium (see 3 below). 1.3 Compact the medium lightly as you fill the basket. 1.4 Adjust the level of the plant as necessary by pulling it up (if it is too deep). 1.5 Water the container well. 1.6 Hang the basket in a suitable area which will provide around 80% shade 1.7 Adjust the chain length to suit the plant size (see 2 below). 2. Matching the basket to the plant size 2.1 Baskets are normally available in sizes 25cm, 30cm, 35cm and 40cm (10, 12, 14 and 16 inches). 2.2 Select the size of basket suitable for the relevant plant. As a guide the following may be helpful: • Small size plant (eg. Henglan, etc.) use 25cm basket • Medium size plant (eg. Daruma, etc.) use 30cm basket • Larger plants (eg, Chinese broad leaves, compact hybrids, etc.) use 35 or even 40cm depending on expected adult plant size projected. 2.3 BT Products baskets come complete with choir liners and a standard chain. In the case of taller growing plants the chain may be extended by removing the S-hook and adding a second chain (available as an option from your stockist of baskets). 3. Planting medium 3.1 Normal potting medium may be used. However, given the faster evaporation of a wire basket a medium containing floral oasis (such as "Braaks") may be more suitable. Other water retaining substances such as perlite, super absorbents, peat, etc. may also be considered. 4. Feeding and watering 4.1 Due to the fast and efficient drainage of wire baskets, organic fertilizers should be considered (as it will take longer to wash 5. Benefits of planting in choir lined wire out from the planting medium). Examples baskets are bone meal hoof and horn meal, etc. One RSA balanced fertilizer is marketed by 5.1 Wire hanging baskets lined with choir Talborne Products. allows for faster drainage and better evaporation preventing waterlogged 'dead 4.2 Plants in wire baskets needs more frequent man' causing root rot in plastic pots. watering compared to plants in plastic 5.2 More frequent watering allows for more pots due to more efficient drainage and regular feeding and healthier plants. better evaporation. 5.3 Free drainage and air movement around on a flat surface. the roots allows more oxygen resulting in 5.7 Plants in baskets looks esthetically pleasing better growth. and may be incorporated in any design and 5.4 Better utilization of space if baskets are landscape. hanged from trees. Wire hanging baskets should be available from 5.5 Saving on bench costs to keep plants off garden centers and gardening outlets. For more the ground. information contact Fritz Olivier of BT Products 5.6 By using flat bottom wire baskets (available on 0824440340 or [email protected] or in RSA from BT Products outlets) chains visit www.btproducts.co.za. ▼ may be removed and plants may be placed Dries Olivier
CLUBS AND INTEREST GROUPS MELBOURNE CLIVIA GROUP
he third attempt to set up a Melbourne We hope that all local members who belong group of Clivia enthusiasts, initiated by to the Clivia Society will wish to also join our TDavid Bearlin with the cooperation of Reg group. Membership in early November, 2008 Bussell, has been disbanded. stood at around 40 people but is expected to A fourth attempt has now been initiated, and grow further. this time a committee has been established. The With this diversity of members in mind, our committee, in cooperation with the Melbourne bimonthly meetings attempt to cover a main participants, will undertake the planning for the topic, a shorter subsidiary topic, an introduction group's goals and activities. by owners of plants brought for the display, and a short question and answer segment. A We call ourselves the Melbourne Clivia Group brief newsletter has commenced and is sent (MCG - but not in reference to the Melbourne electronically where possible or otherwise by Cricket Ground, for which this acronym has long ordinary mail. been used). We are an enthusiastic new group, excited about the opportunity of sharing clivias One advantage arising from such as assembly of together. individuals is that they bring diverse backgrounds and skills to the group. John Bannenberg, for The Melbourne Clivia Group (MCG) becomes instance, has produced a Clivia logo, George the second Clivia club to be formally established Simmler acts as our resident photographer, and in Australia. Starting in August 2008, under the Lisa Fox, the secretary and newsletter editor, will leadership of a hard-working and enthusiastic shortly set up and manage our website. committee, the group has since been incor porated and has also affiliated with the Royal Plans for 2009 include the establishment of a Florticultural Society of Victoria (RHSV), a body trading table at the meetings for members - that acts as an umbrella organisation for garden which should be an enticement to join the group clubs throughout the country. Through the and also attend the meetings, participation RFHSV we can take insurance and they will also in garden fairs and expos with a small display publicize our activities. table, and other activities. The 2008/2009 committee consists of Helen Like many other Clivia groups, the MCG is made Marriott (president), Diane Matthews (vice- up of members who are long-term growers of president), Lisa Fox (secretary), Rae Begg (trea Clivia, some of whom have varied collections, surer), and Brenda Girdlestone and George and others who own one or two plants, with Simmler (committee members). the majority fitting somewhere in between. A challenge of the club is to meet the needs It has been a good start and we look forward to of the newcomers to clivias as well as being the future. ▼ relevant to those highly experienced members. Helen Marriott and Lisa Fox NCC AUCTION 2008
uctions are good indicators of the value on the stage, with the silent auction bidding of the items that have been auctioned, slips and the silent auction bid box available Aobviously subject to the tastes and de for people to complete a bid slip and place in mands of the specific audience present. As the sealed bid box. In debating the format of with many things in life habits have to be the silent auction leading up to setting out the formed and cultivated through regularity, but rules, it was clear that submitting bids without they all have to start somewhere. knowing what other bids had been submitted In March 2008 the NCC decided to kick-start was argued to be the fairest method of price a yearly auction, the auction to coincide with determination both to sellers as well as to the NCC's yearly show and market in early buyers. Putting an open bidding list next to each September. The 2008 auction comprised two plant was felt not to be fair and potentially open different portions: A live auction; and a silent to abuse - people present in the last seconds auction. The live auction was held on Saturday before bids closed had a massive advantage over evening (6 September) after the show prize all the other people that had walked through giving which was accompanied by cheese and the show the whole day and had placed bids on wine - this had followed on directly after the the list or had wanted to bid on the plant. closing of the show day to ensure continuity It was an exciting evening with some fierce (and avoid a lull). The silent auction ran during bidding on a number of plants. A good broadleaf the show on the Saturday. yellow (80mm +) fetched the highest price on A future modification may be to run the silent the evening and was sold for R9500. A Chiffon auction during the entire show i.e. for the Daughter "Barbara" bred by Sean Chubb was Saturday and Sunday - this may contribute to sold for R3250. A few plant were unsold as their greater active public participation in the show reserve prices were not met. Total sales was just event. The administration around payments over R73 000. and plant collections will, however, have to be Internet banking was made available to facilitate carefully considered, as it is likely that winners payment, and the facility was actually used may not be able to collect their newly acquired - with a printed receipt and all. plants during debenching. An invitation to contribute plants was issued on 10 July 2008, and from the applications received 25 plants were selected for the live auction. The photos of these plants were placed on the Clivia Society web site in the photo gallery and the auction rules were made available by way of a link. By the auction Saturday over 800 views of the photos had been registered. Eight silent auction (as well as the 25 live auction) plants were on display in the front of the show hall Andrew Gibson - R 7 500.00 The issue of reserve prices always gets a lively reaction regarding the interests of sellers and signalling to buyers. The writer's preference is for no reserves to be placed on items, or if reserves have to be accommodated that such are not mentioned - so that the clearest value discovery can occur - and that an item remains unsold if the reserve price is not met. Obviously the minimum commission would be payable on such an unsold plant (NCC charged a 5% seller commission). The purpose of the auction as an event is to entice interest, demonstrate opportunity Broadleaf Yellow - R 9 500.00 and create a lot of excitement for and around clivias, and to obtain some market signals. The objective is to always be busy growing the Clivia peduncle i.e. market, be it through different colours, shapes, quality etc. Without the plant contributors the auctions would not have been possible, and as such a great thank you goes to Bertie and Celia Guillaume, DJ Bronkhorst, Herman van Rensburg, John Handman, Liz Boyd, Pikkie Strumpher, Sean Chubb and Val Thurston. Thank you for being prepared to take the risk on an untested event. Chiffon Daughter: Barbara - R 3 250.00 Bossie de Kock, Marlene Topham for handling all the money issues, Lena van der Merwe for her guidance and help, Sarel Naude en Morne Grobler for sorting out all the computer issues and getting them to work, Chris Vlok for helping with getting the photos on the web, Roger and David Dixon for contributing great ideas and helping with the plants on the evening of the auction, Christo Topham for all his patience and advice, Peter Lambert for his unwavering support and the auctioneer Gideon Rhynders - who did very well for a newbie to clivias - thank you all for your contribu tions to the success of the NCC Auction 2008. Cunningham Pink Good lessons were learnt and experience gained in the process (such as: have two electronic copies of the presentation available - one on flash drive and one on CD). This will be used to develop the auctions further next year. And maybe the concept will be picked up by other clubs too, even if it just starts as, say, five silent auction plants, and grows seed by seed from there. That way we will be well "trained" when the next big auction comes along as part of the 2010 International Clivia Conference. ▼ Plant Price(R) Andrew Gibson 7500 Berties Bronze not sold Blowtorch 250 Lauradane - R 6 250.00 Broadleaf Yellow 9500 Cheryl Apricot 3500 Chiffon Daughter: Barbara 3250 Chubb Peach Dream 2200 Chubb Pretty Pink Princess 2500 Cunningham Pink not sold Froradale Apricot 2100 Footloose 1000 Gaudy 320 Yellow C. Caulescens 6000 Glowplug 320 Klein Erda 5300 Lauradane 6250 Little Virgo not sold Ndwedwe Alpha Thurston Ndwedwe Alpha Thurston not sold Nella 5750 Neultjie not sold Nicky not sold Rosy Cheeks 825 Starlight 1400 Two Tone Peach not sold Veldfire 4000
Joubert van Wyk Rosy Cheeks - R 825.00 JOBURG CLIVIA CLUB NEWS
he warm weather heralded an early Spring plant on show was grown by Dawie Strydom. and as a result Johannesburg was rewarded His entry was a Bronze Green Boy plant with Twith an earlier than usual Clivia flowering several suckers, of which three fans had blooms. period. The show organisers were concerned The bronze colour continues to attract many that most of the Clivia blooms would be spent by admiring comments. Third best on show was our show dates of the 13th and 14th September. awarded to Glynn Middlewick. He displayed a Not only is there concern for show bench plants plant similar in colour to Appleblossom with a but also by the stall sellers for their sale plants, whitish yellow throat with a blush of apricot on as the blooms sell the plants. Fortunately we the edges of the flower. were well supported by some members that The show ended by 16h00 and owing to the ensured a good variety of colours on the show number of volunteers we were able to leave the bench. The stalls offered in addition to the good show area by 17h 15. quality oranges and yellows, some good quality The success of the show depends on the peach, pink and other pastel coloured plants. members, both for the display of show plants The judging of the show plants was overseen by to please the paying public and secondly the Bill de Swardt and eleven judges were present to presentation of good quality sale plants that assess the plants. please the evermore demanding buyer. The judges' decided on an orange, with large The presentation of the prizes takes place at recurved flowers forming an almost perfect ball our next meeting which will followed by a Clivia as the best plant on show. This plant was grown related talk. ▼ by Gerhardt van Coppenhagen. The second best Glynn Middlewick
OVERBERG INTEREST GROUP - 1ST EVER CLIVIA SHOW IN HERMANUS
ell, all the excitement and trepidation The catering was taken care of by Annalene is behind us. After the nail biting Kriel of Napier and was more than excellent. W weeks wondering if there would be Fresh baked pies, muffins, cakes, pancakes, even one plant in bloom for benching, we had a milk tarts, lemon meringue pie, soup and home pretty reasonable turnout. made bread, curry and rice and cool-drinks etc Bearing in mind that our numbers are very small were available and quite delicious. and there are only two growers with mature Besides Clivias for sale we also had indigenous plants, and two just getting there, we had a bulbs, plants and trees as well as some garden very dicey situation indeed! But it worked out. products available. Hooray! We ran a raffle of plants as well as a "Guess How We were fortunate enough to have support from Many Seed in the Bottle" raffle. The seeds were the Garden Route area, namely Carrie Kruger donated by Andre van Rhijn and were from his from Sedgefield and Danie Meiring from Mossel excellent Chinese plants etc. Bay who helped to fill the benches and won 1st The venue was rather good as it is centrally Runner up and Best on Show respecitively. Hope situated and there is plenty of parking and we this will encourage them, and others, to join us had a small tea area besides the two halls. in our fun venture in the future. Huge thanks is due to Dries and Mirjam Dreyer, This was a first for Hermanus and we did have a who were on hand throughout the Show pretty good turn out of around 360 visitors. controlling the entrance, and dealing with the Advertising was extensive by means of the local raffles and sales. newspaper, radio, posters and word of mouth. Many thanks to everyone else who helped with Best on Show, won by Danie Meiring from Mossel Bay the set up and arranging the display and those Show and support us. who dutifully turned up to take their turn Sadly the only support we had from the Cape at the ticket sales and floor walking. Thanks was from John Winter who kindly drove through also to those who provided plants etc for the and judged the plants along with Christo Lotter. raffles. To both of the judges many thanks for lending Mention should also be made that our old friend your years of experience and expertise. ▼ Les Brown (now 87) made the effort to come through from Robertson in order to attend the Felicity Weeden
Carrie Kruger (1st Runner up), Danie Meiring (Best on Show) and Felicity Weeden (2nd Runner up) CAPE CLIVIA CLUB The Making of the old and new Clivia Colour Charts
ike so many of the innovative Clivia related I had better start at the beginning with the ideas which have come from the Cape difficulties of choosing colours that we could LClivia Club over the past twelve years, it use. The core team was Mick Dower, John was Mick Dower who, with his enthusiasm Winter, John van der Linde, Ian Brown and and logical legal mind, was the driving force me. Other people both locally and around the and initiator of the Clivia Colour Chart. When country were invited for the input of their ideas the idea was first mooted some six years ago I through the medium of the Clivia Enthusiasts thought it would be a simple task, but it then Group. We thank those that responded to our fell to me to work out how we could success request for help with both the initial Chart and fully print a chart that would match the colours the new one. The major problem was to find we wanted. The most difficult part was to settle a way to express acceptable Clivia colours for on and obtain examples of the colours that we the printers to match. We obtained a Pantone needed. This involved some serious research by Swatch Book, the Coates Ink Colour Book and both Mick and myself and it soon became clear a book of all CMYK colours. We also resorted that it was no simple task and it took quite some to visiting hardware stores that sold different time to finalise. makes of paint, taking any colour swatches that we thought might be useful. Thereafter we viable alternative available, Mick and I set compared the colours we gathered to the RHS about finding an expanded range of colours. Colour Chart so as to discover where there were The intention was not that we match exactly similar colours. Trying to obtain colours via the each Clivia colour, but rather that we select the computer was a washout as firstly in those days closest two colours from the chart and then I did not have a colour profiled monitor and describe how the flower colour fits between neither did anyone else who would later look at the two. the colours on a computer screen. It is clear that everyone envisages Clivia colours In order for the project to work, solid colour inks but that in their minds these are not necessa had to be used and this meant they had to be rily exactly the same colours for everyone. specially mixed. Printing on a litho press proved Herein lies the reason for why a colour chart is to be too expensive and screen-printing was so essential, for without a common reference therefore the best option. After a run around it is impossible to accurately describe a colour between a number of printing companies we in both conversation and the written word. A settled on USS Graphics to do the job. Though photograph might do it but with the differen the process was time consuming the screen- ces in colour from both different cameras printing of the colours was completed without and output devices, such as computer screens a hitch. But there was a twist in the tail! When and printers, as well as a potential for colour I went to collect the job the text printing had manipulation, photographs alone offer no been done upside down so the names did not match the colours! This meant that the complete printing process had to begin again. The initial Colour Chart sold well and is widely used, evidenced by the frequent use of the Chart alongside flowers photographed for the Enthusiast Group, on the internet, over the past few years. As it began to sell out Mick broached the subject of a new Chart. It had become clear that the original of 23 colours fell far short of covering the range of Clivia colours needed especially with new hues being found almost every year. Using the 1000 plus colours of the Royal Horticultural Society Colour Charts is cumbersome and also expensive as it sells for £170 plus postage. The reduced pack of colour swatches with about 250 colours that the RHS now offers does not come close to covering the range colours we require for Clivia. With the old chart not having sufficient colours and there being no lover owns and uses as the basis for comparison. Some two and a half years ago when Mick Dower and I began working on the expanded Colour Chart, again, the main problem was identifying colours that would cover the range and still leave room to expand the Chart as it becomes necessary. We have put together the new Clivia Colour Chart comprising 100 colours. These were selected from Clivia flower colours identified by both ourselves and a number of helpers. This was done as follows: 1. Roger Dixon and 4 or 5 others from the Northern Clivia Club in response to the mini Clivia chart which we produced 5 years ago. 2. Clivia colours identified at our request by Ian Coates on the RHS colour Chart 3. Clivia colours recorded when photographing Clivia at the Cape Clivia Club Shows 4. Clivia colours identified by Mick and me from photographs of Clivia we have taken. 150 colours were selected in this way and these were reduced to 100 on the basis of which colours had the most "hits" on the selection process referred to above. These were then submitted to and edited by the most senior judges of the Cape Clivia Club, Mickey Hoctor and John Winter. None of these colours can have been produced with standard inks, so that in consequence special guarantee of colour accuracy. However, when a made-up solid colour inks were manufactured common colour source (The Clivia Colour Chart) to obtain colours that match the sample is photographed with the flower it is a relatively swatches we provided for the ink producer. simple mater to see if that colour matches the This was expensive and in order to ensure that same colour of that number on your own copy the colours were reproduced as accurately of the Colour Chart. We contend that the best as possible each colour in the process has solution to accurately describe the colour of a been monitored separately before being printed flower is for a chart of colours that every Clivia through a silk screen process. The cost of printing these Charts is very high chose. Everyone has their own idea of what a because of the solid colour inks and the need colour name represents and these are different to have the screen-print operators and the from culture to culture and person to person. ink mixer available to fine tune the output to There is numeric identification and English either Mick or my satisfaction on each colour so instructions, which have been translated into that it closely matches the original sample. We Chinese and Japanese, that have been printed estimate that printing time, where we had up with the Colour Chart. Helen Marriott arranged to six people present, took over 30 hour during for these translations. If further language a two week period. This would translate to at translations are necessary then they will be least 1 50 man-hours just for the printing. made available, where possible, by email. Although the largest amount required to finance The 10 charts aree joined at a corner by a brass the Chart has come from the Cape Clivia Club interscrew, which allows for future additions. we could not have financed the project alone. This system is user friendly as the fanning of All Clivia Enthusiasts must thank the Clivia lovers the pack of swatches to view each swatch and from around the world and the Clivia Clubs colour is easy. A viewing hole is provided at the who have come forward to make the required centre of every 4 colours to make comparison amount of money available. between similar colours a simple matter. The colours on these swatches will not be The chart is intended to help Clivia lovers to classified by name or "group" colour names describe their Clivia flower colours to one because so many of the existing group names another when they talk or write about them are confusing with overlapping colours within and to illustrate those colours accurately by some of the groups. Instead they will be photographing flowers in conjunction with the identified by numbers 1 to 100. Some people chart. As with the existing chart, a millimeter are saying that we should have used names rule is included to facilitate measuring of but if this was the case imagine the amount leaves, tepals and flowers and to use where of criticism there would be for names that we photographic proof of size is required. The following are the Header and Instructions comparison in photographs of the flower or by that are printed on the Chart: using the colour numbers on the swatch when writing or talking about your Clivia. CLIVIA COLOUR CHART II© Where no colour on the chart corresponds Copyright CAPE CLIVIA CLUB© 2008 exactly to the flower colour you wish to depict, PO Box 53219, you would describe it as being between colour Kenilworth, 7745, number x and colour number xx or pinker or South Africa more orange or red or greener, as the case may be, than colour number xx. How to use the CLIVIA COLOUR CHART II© There is a viewing hole covering every four The Chart comprises 100 colours numbered similar colours to make more accurate colour sequentially 1 to 100 on 10 individual swatches identification easier. numbered Swatch 1 to Swatch 10, each with The chart can also be used to describe how the 10 colours, printed with waterproof and UV colour of a particular flower changes either in resistant inks. different growing conditions or as the flower While it is not feasible to reproduce every ages. Clivia colour, these selected colours (which A millimeter scale rule is included for easy may be supplemented in future by adding measurement, and photographic proof, of further swatches, if required) are intended to flower, sepal and leaf sizes. be no more than a handy reference guide for KEEP THE CHART IN THE SLEEVE TO PROTECT describing as accurately as possible a colour THE COLOURS. ▼ in any Clivia flower to anyone with the same chart. This can be done by using a swatch as a Claude Felbert
KiwiClivia 2008 Clivia forum, (enthusiast KiwiClivia group) there seems to be no direction with current Sunday Morning 5 October 2008 breeding. Variation for Discussion: variation's sake seems to Panel: Keith Hammett - Moderator be the rule. Tino Ferero - SA Where might we take Jim Shields - USA development of the Ian Coates - UK plant? Ken Smith - AU The genus appears to be This is the question we put to our panel. vulnerable in the wild but would it not be sad if we were to end up with "Where Are We Going?" nothing but a hybrid melange. Clivia Clubs and Societies are nominally We wish to explore these questions. formed for the advancement of the genus in cultivation. KiwiClivia 2008 Discussion Forum What does this actually mean? Held on Sunday 5 October, immediately follow ing the NZ Clivia Club show, Keith Hammett Essentially our attraction to the genus is based acted as moderator of a panel on the direction on its inherent beauty. of current Clivia breeding. Some comments There is seldom, if ever serious discussion and questions relating to "Where are we concerning the aesthetic attributes of individual going" with Clivia breeding were presented cultivars. in advance to the panel consisting of Ian Judging from the pictures posted on the Coates (UK), Ken Smith (Australia), Tino Ferero Helen Marriott (Australia)
(South Africa) and Jim Shields (USA). Various on these outcomes new breeding directions topics arose during the morning that were may emerge. The preservation of habitat directly or indirectly related to the theme, plants, as is taking place by some individuals either in the presentations of the panellists in South Africa for a number of purposes, is or from comments made by members of the a worthwhile goal, along side of the further audience, which was made up of a large group breeding of Clivia either by commercial in of KiwiClivia 2008 participants from various terests or by individual enthusiasts, who may countries around the world, including NZ. go in different directions.
Leading off, Hammett argued that flower and Ken Smith reminded us of the small beginning other club activities often become competitive of the Clivia "rush" that has occurred since in nature, with less attention being directed to Nick Primich compiled a four-page newsletter the inherent beauty and variation within the and gathered together a small group of friends subjects (flowers, cats etc) that they deal with. in the early 1990s. Extraordinary development He observes an apparent lack of direction in has since taken place in unlocking the beauty current Clivia breeding and while he challenges of the plant, with individuals seeking what is us to reflect upon the actual aims of our beautiful, rare, bizarre or even returning to the various Clivia groups, he also stresses the simple forms. Alongside this development of importance of preserving wild species for more horticultural forms has come the issue future generations. of the naming of plants, and Smith has a keen interest (which is shared by many) of the link From his well-known photographic back between the different forms now in existence. ground, Ian Coates spoke of the diversity and He emphasised the importance of his visits variation within Clivia themselves (the various to South Africa where he was able to view species), shows (competitive or for display), Clivia in the habitat. Like Coates, he positively and cross-cultural and individual variations in regards the development of Clivia in many the perceptions of beauty (Japan, NZ, South different directions. Africa). He also suggested that the results of hybridization are often unexpected, and based The development of standards for the judging of Clivias at shows was described by Tino of judges, soon to be available on a DVD, Ferero. He noted how people's interests and the post-show discussions (post-mortems) change, with South African growers now undertaken by judges, thus enabling the moving away from growing orange- and classifications and guidelines to be improved yellow-coloured Clivia and moving into and updated. In recent years the USA has apricots, peaches, and 'Appleblossom' and organised shows where the plants are judged 'Andrew Gibson' - type flowers. He emphasised but they are now planning to experiment with the diversity of aims of South African growers, both formats, thinking that more people may with some specialising and others working to bring plants to a show where judging does improve certain features of the plants that they not take place. Other individuals representing possess, for example, green throats and dark different areas outlined the practices of their bronze brick-coloured flowers. groups, and the pros and cons of the two main approaches were debated vigorously, the As the final panellist, Jim Shields spoke of outcome being that there appears to be a role increasing the familiarization of the general for both competitive shows as well as displays public with Clivia in the sense of breeding without competitive judging. bigger and more eye-catching plants that customers will want to purchase. He sees the The issue of conservation of Clivia in South growing of Clivia as an immensely rewarding Africa arose several times during the morning hobby for most of us, but one that will session and some of the difficulties were not make us rich or fund our retirement. described and possible remedies offered. Encouragingly, Shields predicts that the most Ferero commented that despite the strong interesting developments in the breeding legislation currently in place, enforcement of Clivia will take place among the serious is difficult and so now stricter legislation backyard hybridizers. is being prepared. Hammett offered the view that germ plasm is safest when it is In the discussion to follow, Hammett returned propagated and readily available to people. to his original query as to why growers of Clivia The lack of permanence of Clivia in botanic who are involved in an aesthetic activity do not gardens due to the rotation of curators was devote more time and effort to the discussion also noted by Shields. In similar manner, the of individual cultivars, and referred to the destiny of many current Clivia collections after guidelines developed by himself and Roger their current owners relinquish them remains Dixon in 2004 (see http://www.cliviasociety. an important but often unresolved issue for org/clivia_guide_intro.php). The reluctance of the owners. some people to evaluate or lack of peoples' knowledge was suggested as several factors The organisers of KiwiClivia 2008 are to be related to the lack of critical discussion about congratulated on planning this forum. Amidst Clivia. all the activity in viewing many varied Clivia in different settings and the networking among The dichotomy of organising Clivia shows enthusiasts, the chance to reflect upon and competitively or non-competitively emerged, debate some of the issues concerning the with South African shows taking the competi growing and breeding of Clivia was most tive approach and some other places, like NZ welcome. ▼ and Toowoomba (Australia), emphasizing the display of plants. Ferero outlined the training Helen Marriott (Australia) CLIVI-ARTA Helen Sanders
CLIVIA SOCIETY PUBLICATIONS Overseas members can order back volumes of the Yearbooks and volumes of Newsletters (since 1992) via the Society. South African members should approach their local branches. We must point out that it is difficult to quote a fixed price without knowing the method of payment and delivery. We suggest you contact Bossie de Kock (the treasurer) via e-mail at: [email protected] or by fax at +27 12 804 8892 Item Approximate price (US $)* and list the items you are Clivia2006 Conference Proceedings Please contact treasurer interested in as well as the on double DVD for pricing name of the country in which Yearbook 9 15 you reside. Bossie would Yearbook 8 15 then be in a position to Yearbook 7 15 suggest the most economical Yearbook 6 15 option. Australian, UK, New Yearbook 5 out of stock Zealand and USA members Yearbook 4 10 are reminded that they can Yearbook 3 10 order via Ken Smith, Jaco Nel, Yearbook 2 10 Alick McCleman and William Yearbook 1 out of stock McClelland respectively - see Cultivation of Clivias 15 inside back cover for contact Newsletters after 2002 per number 1,5 details. Also note that further Volumes 1(1992) to 1 1 (2002) 10 per volume discounts can be negotiated of quarterly newsletters with Bossie for orders ex Set of volumes 1 to 10 of available on request ceeding 10 of a specific item. quarterly newsletters The items listed in the table *including postage and banking charges if paid by credit card. are available. ▼ Contact Bossie de Kock for quotation re payments made by cheque. ▼ Australia Ken Smith. 593 Hawkesbury Rd., Winmalee, NSW 2777, Australia. Tel: +61 2 47543287; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Netherlands Aart van Voorst. Frederick Hendriklaan 49, Hillegom, TE 2181, Netherlands. Tel: +31 252529679; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ United Kingdom Jaco Nel. 46 Atney Rd, Putney, London, UK, SW15 2PS. Direct enquiries to Jaco at tel 020 87892229, e-Fax 0870134425 or preferably at [email protected] ▼ United States & Canada Jim Shields. PO Box 92 Westfield, IN 46074, USA. Tel: 317-896-3925; Fax: 317-896-5126; Cell: 317-506-4726; e-mail: [email protected]
▼ New Zealand Alick McLeman. 26 Merfield Street, Glen Innes, Auckland 1072, NZ. Tel: 64-9-5213062; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ USA & Canada William McClelland. 1048 Bollin Avenue, Camarillo, CA 93010-4708, USA, Tel: 1-805-484 1484; e-mail: [email protected]
▼ Cape Clivia Club Joy Woodward (Secretary). PO Box 53219, Kenilworth 7745. Tel/Fax: +27 21 671 7384; Cell: 072 487 7933; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Eastern Province Clivia Sam Plaatjies (Chairman); Tel 041 - 3609049/ 0827472278; Club Fax: +27 41 360-9049; E-mail [email protected] ▼ Free State Clivia Club Hennie van der Mescht (Chairperson). 18 Mettam Street, Fichardt Park, Bloemfontein, 9322. Tel: +27 51 522 9530; Fax: +27 51 436 4340; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Garden Route Clivia Ida Esterhuizen (Secretary). PO Box 1706, George 6530. Club Tel: +27 44-871 2214; e-mail: [email protected] Joburg Clivia Club Glynn Middlewick (Chairperson). 2 Willow Road, Northcliff, 2195. Tel: +27 11 476 1463; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ KwaZulu-Natal Clivia Miranda Train (Secretary). Cell: 083 254 0796; Tel: 033 387 6309; Club E-mail: [email protected] ▼ New Zealand Clivia Alick McLennan (Secretary). 26 Merfield Street, Glen Innes, Auckland 1072, Club NZ. Tel 64-9-5213062; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Northern Clivia Club Lena van der Merwe (Secretary). PO Box 74868, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040. Tel & Fax: +27 12 804 8892; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Northern Free State Louis Chadinha (Chairperson). PO Box 2204, Welkom, 9460. Clivia Club Tel: +27 57 357 6067; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Border Interest Group John Roderick (Chairperson). PO Box 2429, Beacon Bay, 5205. Tel: +27 82 567 7069; Fax: 0865114606; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Lowveld Interest Group Maria Grove (Secretary); Tel+27 13 741 3218; E-mail maria@nelvet1 .agric.za ▼ Northern KwaZulu-Natal Mrs Joey Dovey (Secretary). PO Box 8402, Newcastle, 2940. Interest Group Tel: +27 34-318 4179/ 083 344 0572. e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Overberg Clivia Felicity Weeden PO Box 1468, Hermanus,7200. Interest Group Tel: + 27 84 5898 297; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Waterberg Boslelieklub An Jacobs. PO Box 3893, Nylstroom, 0510. Tel & Fax: +27 14 717 3674; e-mail: [email protected] ▼ Zoutpansberg Zanette Wessels. PO Box 390, Louis Trichardt, 0920. Enthusiasts Tel: +27 15 517 7106 or +27 84 570 0347; Fax: +27 15 517 7091; e-mail: [email protected]