VOLUME XLII - No. 6 - NOV/DEC 2008 The Bromeliad Society of Queensland Inc. P. O. Box 565, Fortitude Valley Queensland, Australia 4006, Home Page www.Bromeliadsqueensland. OFFICERS PRESIDENT Olive Trevor (07) 3351 1203 VICE PRESIDENT Anne McBurnie PAST PRESIDENT Bob Reilly (07) 3870 8029 SECRETARY Chris Coulthard TREASURER Glenn Bernoth (07) 4661 3 634 BROMELIACEAE EDITOR Ross Stenhouse SHOW ORGANISER Bob Cross COMMITTEE Greg Aizlewood, Bruce Dunstan, Barry Kable, Arnold James,Viv Duncan, David Rees MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Roy Pugh (07) 3263 5057 SEED BANK CO-ORDINATOR Doug Parkinson (07) 5497 5220 AUDITOR Anna Harris Accounting Services SALES AREA CASHIER Norma Poole FIELD DAY CO-ORDINATOR Ruth Kimber & Bev Mulcahy LIBRARIAN Evelyn Rees ASSISTANT SHOW ORGANISER Phil Beard SUPPER STEWARDS Nev Ryan, Barry Genn SALES Pat Barlow Phil James COMPETITION STEWARDS Dorothy Cutcliffe, Arnold James CHIEF COMPETITION STEWARD HOSTESS Gwen Parkinson BSQ WEBMASTER Ross Stenhouse LIFE MEMBERS Grace Goode OAM Peter Paroz, Michael ORDea Editors Email Address: [email protected]

The Bromeliad Society of Queensland Inc. gives permission to all Bromeliad Societies to re- print articles in their journals provided proper acknowledgement is given to the original author and the Bromeliaceae, and no contrary direction is published in Bromeliaceae. This permission does not apply to any other person or organisation without the prior permission of the author. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual contributor and may not neces- sarily re\ect the opinions of the Bromeliad Society of Queensland or of the Editor Authors are responsible for the accuracy of the information in their articles.

Front Cover: Photo by Ross Stenhouse Rear Cover : Q Miranda R Photo by Ross Stenhouse

Bromeliaceae 2 Nov/Dec 2008 Contents

THERE IS A S TORY TO T ELL ...... 5 NEOREGELIAS AT THE 2008 SPRING S HOW ...... 5 SERRATA ...... 9 NOLA RS D ILEMMA ...... 13 BROMAGIC MNEW O WNERSHIP M NEW D IRECTION ...... 17 AT T HE S PRING S HOW ...... 19 RETIREMENT OF A R EGISTRAR ...... 21 THE BSQ WEB S ITE ...... 21 DAWN S WEEP OF G REENHOUSE R ESCUES O RPHANS ...... 24 MAKING A M INIATURE B ROMELIAD T REE ...... 24 ANNUAL G ENERAL M EETING ...... 28 OF THE B ROMELIAD S OCIETY OF Q UEENSLAND I NC ...... 28 SOME S UGGESTIONS TO E XHIBITORS : WHAT ! NO B LUE R IBBON ? ...... 30 SOME T IPS ON WHY , WHEN AND H OW Y OU T AKE P UPS ...... 32 NEO . QH EART M USIC R ...... 38 QTIM P LOWMAN R CAUSES SOME MAIL ...... 38 DEB G REEN F ROG GETS Q UESTIONS ...... 40 THANKS FROM THE O LIVE B RANCH ...... 40 FURTHER C OMMENTS ABOUT NEO . QH EART M USIC R ...... 40 ROB S MYTHE RS H YBRIDS ...... 41 VISIT TO A S UNSHINE C OAST , QUEENSLAND COLLECTION ...... 42 DENGUE F EVER ...... 44 QUESTIONS AND A NSWERS ...... 44 CALENDAR OF E VENTS ...... 46 PLANT OF THE M ONTH P ROGRAMME FOR 2009 ...... 47 COMPETITION S CHEDULE FOR 2009 ...... 47

Important things to remember to do:

18th April - Bromeliad Symposium 18/19th April - SocietyRs Autumn Show and Sale of Bromeliads at Mt Cootha Botanic Gardens Books For Sale The Society has the following books for sale: # Starting with Bromeliads $18 # Pitcher of the $60 # Bromeliads: A Cultural Manual $5 # Back Copies of Bromeliaceae (2005, 2006 Editions) $4 # Bromeliads for the Contemporary Garden by Andrew Steens $36 # Bromeliads: Next Generation by Shane Zaghini $33

Postage and package extra. Unfortunately we cannot supply overseas orders. Please phone the Librarian, Mrs Evelyn Rees (07) 3355 0432 to order books.

Bromeliaceae 3 Nov/Dec 2008 Neo . QTootsieR Closeup of Neo . QTootsieR showing polymer [lm

Neo . QSpeckled CreationR Neo . QHigh TideR

Neo . QJoeRs MauveR Neo . QStreaky PeteR (unreg)

Neo . QRasicalR(unreg) Neo . QImpnavila PeppermintR (unreg) Bromeliaceae 4 Nov/Dec 2008 There is a Story to Neoregelias at the Tell Author: Rob Smythe MSc 2008 Spring Show (by Bob Reilly) Tonight I was registering a new bro- meliad that I had bred. I always wait for the Neoregelias are at their best in South- [rst \ower to see what colour comes up in the ern Queensland from mid October to late centres as so many plants look alike Qtill this December. So, it was no surprise to see many happens. The [rst story is why call a plant lovely neoregelias on sale, and in displays, Neo . QTootsieR ? at the bromeliad show and sale on 8/9 No- The photo of it as a young yellowish vember 2008. seedling was probably the [rst time I had First, though, it is worth mentioning photographed a plant with my toes in the their cultural requirements. frame. So from then to registration it has The plants are mainly grown for their always been Neo . QTootsieR to me. foliage, as the in\orescence usually consists There is yet another story to tell so of a cluster of blue or white petalled \owers, grab your chair and come inside. I must stop in the middle of the plants OtankP. The tanks watching childrenRs shows with my grandchil- are formed by the plantsR central . They dren. I sometimes sneak a watch of QPostman store water which helps the plants to meet PatR on my own. their moisture requirements. Now back to the other story. I supplied Neoregelias typically have a \at our editor with three snaps. One is of the plant formed by 15 to 30 leaves, all of which have at maturity, one I have mentioned and the small spines on their margins. Many of the other is a close up of the \ower. The latter is neoregelias grown today have attractively quite amazing and another wonder of nature. M marked and coloured foliage throughout Pollination is what supports continuation of their life. This colouration often becomes plant life. Plants throw \owers when about more intense at \owering, when the plantRs to die. Wave \ags like the Billbergias, centre central portion often Ocolours upP in shades colours like the Neoregelias but this one is a of pink, purple, or red. photo of something quite unimaginable. Neoregelias grow well in pots, or small It is something I have never noticed buckets. The containers should have a diam- before. The water level was too high for this eter of 150 to 200 mm. Potting mixtures used \ower so it exuded a water repellent polymer successfully include: which spread over the water. # Well composted pine bark to which The surface tension so produced al- a continuous release, over a period of nine lowed the sexual parts of the \ower to stay dry months or more, fertiliser such as Nutricote yet below water line. I believe the plant has or Osmocote is added when the plants/pups also adapted to encourage ants to pollinate. are potted; The [lm is probably what the ants have been # Pine bark chunks, (such as those used using as a water bridge to get to my plantRs to grow cymbidium orchids in), treated with \owers. a special type of fertiliser available from the Nature is simply amazing. Bromeliad Society of Queensland. Combine Bromeliaceae 5 Nov/Dec 2008 Neo . QLittle DreamsR (unreg) Neo . QEau de CologneR

Neo . QPitch BlackR Neo . QVictoriaR x QVan DormeR

Neo . QStar PerformanceR Neo . QPink DelightR (unreg)

Neo . QBullisR purple form Neo. QOld Love LettersR Bromeliaceae 6 Nov/Dec 2008 1 part charcoal with 7 parts treated bark to graphs of many of them. form this potting mixture; QBeelzebubR x QFireballR - registered # A mixture of 2 parts Peatmoss or as QEau de CologneR About 20, 4 cm wide, Cocopeat combined with 1 part coarse sand. leaves form a \at rosette approximately 30 Add Nutricote or Osmocote to this mixture. cm across. The red leaves have small, scat- Care should be taken in applying liquid tered, green spots. The plantRs centre turns a fertiliser, as excessive fertilisation results in vibrant, dark red at \owering. the plants losing their symmetrical shape and, QBullisR (purple form) About 30, 7 to some extent, their colouration. If applying cm wide, bronze-purple leaves form a 50 cm liquid fertilisers, a brand such as Phostrogen wide, \at rosette. The leaves have purple ( N:P:K ratio is 14 : 4.4 : 22.5), which has tips. At \owering, the plantRs centre turns relatively low amounts of nitrogen in it, may violet-purple. give the best results. QCatherineR About 20, 3 cm wide, These plants grow well under 50% leaves form a \at rosette approximately 60 OdensityP shade cloth in Autumn, Winter, cm across. The green leaves have cream and early Spring and 75% shade cloth for edges and stripes. At \owering, the plantRs the remainder of the year. Alternatively, they centre turns bright red. will grow quite well in shaded positions in the QCosmic DreamR About 20, 5 cm wide, garden, but it is important to avoid locations leaves form a \at rosette approximately 40 which receive the full afternoon sun (espe- cm across. The dark red leaves have green cially in summer). Neoregelias look very markings. At \owering, the plantRs centre attractive in massed plantings and, as such, turns a deeper red.. make good landscaping plants provided their QHeart MusicR x QMorris Henry shade and water requirements are met. The HobbsR About 20, 8 cm wide, leaves form a plants like air movement around them. So, \at rosette approximately 50 cm across. The if practical, space plants so the edges of their bronze-green leaves have brown-red tips, outer leaves are only just touching. edges and markings. The only pest likely to cause some QImpnavila PeppermintR (unreg) problems is scale. This can be treated by About 20, 7 cm wide, leaves form a \at, using an insecticide such as Folimat or compact, rosette approximately 30 cm across. Con[dor. Avoid spraying the plants when The green leaves have bronze-red tips and the temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, edges. At \owering, the plantRs centre turns otherwise OburningP may occur (although violet-purple. such incidents are rare). QIndian SummerR (unreg) not the These plants readily produce pups same as the registered Bert Foster which will produce \owering plants in 12 to About 20, 8 cm wide, leaves form a flat 24 months time. rosette approximately 70 cm across. The Pups can be potted straight into any green leaves have cream edging and stripes. of the potting mixtures described previ- The plantRs centre turns violet-purple at ously. Ensure the mixture holds the pups \owering. firmly in position, as this helps promote QJoeRs MauveR About 20, 4 cm wide, rapid growth. leaves form a compact, \at rosette approxi - Neoregelias at the 8/9 November 2008 mately 40 cm across. The bronze/purple show included the following; with photo- leaves have red-purple tips. The plantRs Bromeliaceae 7 Nov/Dec 2008 centre turns violet-purple at \owering. 6 cm wide, leaves form a \at rosette ap - QLeopardR (unreg) not the same as proximately 40 cm across. The bronze-green SkotakRs QLeopardR that became QRainbowR leaves have thin, brown-red stripes and mark- About 20, 8 cm wide, leaves form a flat ings. At \owering, the plantRs inner leaves rosette approximately 50 cm across. The turn violet. green leaves have black-purple tips and QSundayRs ChildR (unreg) About 20, spots. At \owering, the plantRs centre turns 5 cm wide, leaves form a \at rosette ap - violet-purple. proximately 60 cm across. The bronze-green QLittle Dreams R (unreg) About 20, 4 leaves have red pits and banding. At \ower - cm wide, leaves form a \at, compact rosette ing, the plantRs centre turns pink and white. approximately 30 cm across. The green QSweet RosayR About 20, 6 cm wide, leaves have red and white markings. The leaves form a compact, \at rosette approxi - plantRs centre turns bright red at \owering. mately 60 cm across. The green leaves have QMidnightR About 20, 3 cm wide, wide, cream edging and brown-red mark- leaves form a \at rosette approximately 25 ings. At \owering, the plantRs centre turns cm across. The purple-black leaves have violet-purple. scattered, small, green spots. QThelma ORReillyR About 20, 4 cm QOld Love LettersR About 20, 5 cm wide, leaves form a \at rosette approximately wide, leaves form a \at, 50 cm wide, rosette. 60 cm across. The red leaves have green The green leaves have red-purple markings spots. At \owering, the plantRs centre turns and tips. At \owering, the plantRs inner leaves pink-red. are a mixture of violet and light green. QVictoriaR x QVan DormeR About 20, 5 QPink DelightR not the same as the cm wide, leaves form a 50 cm wide rosette. registered Larnach hybrid . About 20, 6 cm The bronze leaves have red tips. At \ower - wide, leaves form a 70 cm wide \at rosette. ing, the upper leaves turn red, with the plantRs The green leaves have cream stipes and edg- centre turning bright red. ing. At \owering, the plantRs centre turns QWahieeR (unreg) About 15, 4 cm red-orange. wide, leaves form a \at rosette approximately QPitch BlackR About 15, 6 cm wide, 40 cm across. The bronze-green leaves have leaves form a \at rosette approximately 60 purple-brown spots and tips. At \owering, cm across. The green leaves have extensive the plantRs inner leaves turn brown-purple. black markings. the plantRs centre turns dark QYandina PinkR (unreg) About 20, 4 purple at \owering. cm wide, leaves form a \at rosette approxi - QRadicalR (unreg) About 20, 5 cm mately 70 cm across. the brown-red leaves wide, leaves form a \at rosette approximately have extensive, green spotting. At \owering, 50 cm across. The dark green leaves have the plantRs centre turns red with white spots cream edging. At \owering the plantRs centre and markings. turns bright red. QYangR About 20, 8 cm wide, leaves QStar PerformanceR About 20, 6 cm form a flat rosette approximately 60 cm wide, leaves form a \at rosette approximately across. In good light, the plants OflushP 60 cm across. The bronze leaves turn red at pink, overlaying the green leaves that have \owering, with the plantRs centre \ushing cream stripes. bright red. QStreaky PeteR (unreg) About 20, Bromeliaceae 8 Nov/Dec 2008 you would assume that some part of the plant Aechmea serrata must have teeth. by Derek Butcher Aechmea serrata came into being through Mez in 1896 although it had been known under the name QserrataR since 1703. Ross Little of Pinegrove Nursery tells I now quote from Smith & Downs me that he still has customers confused about Aechmea serrat a (Linnaeus) Mez, DC. plants they have, called Aechmea serrata Monogr. Phan. 9: 243.1896. whereas really they are A. smithiorum They Synonyms should at least know there is confusion about Caraguata clavata et spicata, foliis ser- these two names. It is also possible that the ratis Plumier, Gen. 10. 1703. same nursery is selling one plant under two serrata Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. names, therefore doubling sales. As such I 286. 1753. believe that your readers should be aware Caraguata serrata (Linnaeus) Schul- of the problem and we repeat an article tes [lius in Roemer & Schultes, Syst. 7(2): from the Journal of the Briomeliad Society 1231. 1830. International in 2005 - Derek Platystachys plumieri Beer, Bromel. 9. Aechmea serrata by Derek Butcher in J 1856; nomen illegitimum. Brom Soc 55(5): 207-9. 2005 Aechmea martinicensis Baker, Jour. In J. Brom. Soc 54(4): 176. 2004 Bot. London 17: 132. 1879. Type. Marti- Jeffrey Kent pointed out that we should be nique, Hahn 522 (K), Dec 1871. growing the rarer to help in their Aechmea plumieri E. Morren ex Baker, conservation and this is a very worthy cause. Handb. Bromel. 45. 1889; nomen, non Ae- However care must be taken that the correctly chmea plumieri Baker, Handb. Bromel. 50. identi[ed species is being nurtured. Aechmea 1889. serrata is just one where many have problems The Type is based on PlumierRs unpub- with identi[cation. lished plate which is the one reproduced in Let us now look at QBlooming Brome- Smith & Downs p1902, AND on the second liadsR by Baensch 1994 page 65. This is what line I read Q Caraguata clavata et spicata , Baensch had to say. foliis serratis R So, in this taxon the leaves OAechmea serrata. This is a large bro- are serrate too! meliad resembling A. smithiorum as far as The serrate primary bracts also come the habit is concerned. However, the in\o - into the equation with A. martinicensis where rescence is far more compact. The possibil- Baker 1889 stresses the serrate primary bracts ity remains that this plant is in fact a variety to distinguish between it and A . dichlamy- or form of A. smithiorum and is incorrectly dea! A. smithiorum did not come on the scene referred to as A. serrata in the collections. until 1896. According to the monograph by Smith & Let us now look at A. plumieri Mor- Downs, A. serrata has, as its name indicates, ren which was treated by Baker 1889 as a serrated instead of entire primary bractsP synonym of A. lingulata but treated in Smith To me this is odd statement. I would & Downs as a synonym of A. serrata . If you have put the name as A. smithiorum with the really want to muddy the water Baker 1889 comment it was in collections wrongly as A. also had a Caraguata serrata Hort which serrata!! To qualify for the name A. serrata must have been different to the synonym in Bromeliaceae 9 Nov/Dec 2008 A serrata Frieda Billiet Nat Bot Gard Belgium A smithiorum as serrata Pascal

Neo . QPassionR x QGraceR Neo . QCatherineR (unreg) may be ;RYellow KingR

Neo . QThelma ORReillyR Neo . QJade FireR should have green blotches Bromeliaceae 10 Nov/Dec 2008 Smith & Downs because it became Nidu- Plant short stemmed, with offsets. larium scheremetiewii !! Leaves in a rosette utriculum, to 16, What I am trying to say is that we from 50 to 60 cm long, very wide and envel- should at least follow Smith & Downs unless oping in their bottom part, at a height of about we can prove Lyman Smith wrong. Further 10cm forming a gutter with parallel sides , proof that there was a plant growing on acuminate with a spiny tip. The leaves, more Martinique which was greatly different to or less recurved, 4 cm wide at the middle the woolly non toothed primary bracted A. ; their edges with small reddish green teeth, smithiorum we only have to read what was very close together, hooked with a wide said in Paris in 1907. This is as follows: base; [nely lined on both sides, pale green Aechmea serrata - by D Bois in Revue and lightly covered with whitish lepidote, Horticole ( Paris) 79(7): 129-31. 1907 especially underneath; the sheath is brown- Translated by Derek Butcher from the ish on the inside. French. Scape thick, cylindrical, 30cm high, This species is classi[ed by Mez under erect, green, enveloped by the sheaths of the Platyaechmea. It was found in Antilles, and scape bracts, erect, imbricate and the higher P. Plumier was the [rst to make it known as ones especially are shorter; scape bracts tooth ramosa et racemosa, foliis arundi- edged like the leaves, and those next to the naceis serratis . (Plantarum americanarum, p. in\orescence are a very pale green. 53, pl. 64) (1755-1760). In\orescence compact, ovoid panicle, A more complete description and one could nearly say a spike, on account of a more exact illustration was given by the reduction of the secondary branches. Lamarck; but it is only in these last years 10cm long and thick, and hardly exceeds that it was the subject of a deeper survey the height of the leaves. It is composed by Mez. of distichous complanate spikes with very The herbarium of the Museum of Paris short peduncles, 4 - 5 cm long, generally 3 owned collected material from Martinique \owered, by Messrs Belanger and Hahn; and P. Duss Primary bract large leaflike, pale indicates it grows on the trees in the lower green, strongly spined on the edges and woods, and also in the forests, close to the terminated with a pointy brownish spine, sea, in Guadeloupe and Martinique, between especially larger when situated closer to the 25 and 600 metres altitude. bottom part of in\orescence. Those at the The plant was cultivated for a long base longer than the spike, 5 cm long or 2 time in the greenhouses of the Museum and * times longer. also exist in the garden of Luxemburg; but Floral bracts 15 - 20mm long; long- we donRt believe that one can [nd it in the oval, concave- keeled, strictly imbricate, living plant collections other than those two greenish, rigid, membranous on the edges, establishments, nor has its \owering ever streaky veined, with a prominent line on the been seen. back in the shape of wing and terminating This species is so rare having just in a brownish spiny tip. Each envelope the bloomed in the greenhouses of the Museum, \ower to the tip of the sepals. that we are happy to contribute a description Sepals asymmetric, thick, greenish from life, with accompanying photographs white, 12 mm long, strongly imbricate, con- and drawings executed according to nature. volute, top blunt with a brown long acicular Bromeliaceae 11 Nov/Dec 2008 Neo . QYandina PinkR (unreg) Neo . QLeopardR (unreg)

Neo . QYangR Neo . QIndian SummerR (unreg)

Neo. QHeart MusicR x QMorris Henry HobbsR Neo . QDonnaR

Neo . QSweet RosayR Neo . QCosmic DreamR Bromeliaceae 12 Nov/Dec 2008 point. on the label may well be suspect! Petals purple, 15 mm long, narrow Aechmea serrata is probably on the claw and a widened top in an oval blade. endangered list because of the work of the Stamens a little shorter than the petals, French botanist, Claude Sastre who has given anthers pure white, 6 mm long. me detail on this elusive plant. It does appear glabrous, ellipsoid, to be under cultivation in Europe both in Style and stigma as with other species France and Belgium. There is also a large of Aechmea clump growing in the Jardin de Balata in If Aechmea serrata cannot be classed Martinique but does NOT set seed. as the most ornamental Bromeliad, it is an If anybody thinks they are growing interesting species, remarkable for the beauty the QtrueR Aechmea serrata would they please of its foliage and specially for the greatly advise Selby Gardens so it can be properly spiny toothed leafy bracts that come with identi[ed and a program started for its con - in\orescence. servation. We must thank Mr. Labroy, Head Gar- dener of the greenhouses of the Museum, for having induced it to \ower. It took place last January 20 after the application of special NolaRs Dilemma Author: Rob Smythe MSc attention, such as reduction of the waterings during the period of vegetation rest, then re- potting in very fertile compost, composed of Question to Rob Smythe from Nola. a third of good earth of heather to two thirds Original questionRs text reduced and re- of leaf compost, and placing in a hot and sponses enlarged for publication. humid environment. Below is the follow up of a telephone Plants in Australia with this name seem conversation with Nola Mauler. to be linked to and the same link ORob, I have attached some pics of the seems to apply to plants being grown in Costa problem (fungal spores) well thatRs what I Rica and Brazil. I feel sure that the plant in call it. The fungal spores are usually white BaenschRs book can also be linked to Qcollec- but last night I sprayed (con[dor) to most of tionsR on mainland USA as the photograph the affected bromeliads & now the fungus of Wally BergRs plant shows. Note that this has turned grey. I might add after spraying plant was being sold in Florida by at least with con[dor it then rained during the night. Boggy Creek Nursery. When I wipe the spores off with my [nger These plants could well have supplied it looks all muddy & like black dirt. So far the seed for the BSI seed bank in 1989 and it hasnRt weakened my plants. I would just Peter Franklin in Australia has an offset of like to get rid of this fungus once and for what is grown in Florida as A. serrata and all. I have been thinking maybe I should seedlings from self-set seed for this same have treated the Broms with Mancozeb ?? misidenti[ed taxon. We also know that seed I do have many trees - bottle brushes palms offered as Aechmea serrata from the BSI seed & tree ferns & they [ll up all the Neo cups. in Oct 1990 was even more suspect because In Yamba it is quite humid and it has been this was the origin of the Aechmea raining almost every night lately. I must add, QQue SeraR. So unless you have some form also, that I thought perhaps the problem was of provenance the name of Aechmea serrata coming from the rain water. At [rst it was Bromeliaceae 13 Nov/Dec 2008 Crane Fly

Photos supporting the article titled ONolaRs Dilemma!

Neo . QPurple StarR

Vriesea QWhite LineR cv. of QPoelmaniiR with Neo . QTangerineR intense colour and variegation Bromeliaceae 14 Nov/Dec 2008 only the really large Bromeliads (all Neos) sausage machine pumping out sausages of that were affected. I have been told that my fungal tissue. I believe this fungus to be rather plants are too shaded and also that they are common in the garden. It has been reported to too wet. (well I cant help the rain and I am cause the minor pitting of leaves (blight) of trying to get all plants out into more sun) bromeliads grown in humid conditions. I have become a little paranoid & dis- The air is too stagnant and too wet appointed with my Brom Collection - if it around your plants. Once you have it under isnRt scale or spider webs everywhere now control you will have to spray after periods its this new problem. As I told you today I of rain. You would use a contact fungicide had a meeting with our local horticulturists for the spraying to destroy spores landing (several mentioned -- names removed) with on the plant. This wonRt help with affected no success. So now Rob I have shared my plants as the trouble is going on inside the story with you. leaf blocking the movement of nutrients quite I realise that I am going to have to give further up the leaf. You need a highly water each bromeliad a good clean out - most of soluble systemic form of fungicide to get to those under the trees are pretty dirty. What I these. My plants are well spaced and well would like is a Bromeliad Vacuum Cleaner aired so I donRt have the problem. Ordinary .Anyway Rob thank you so much for reading old Fongarid does me for my seedlings and this and I am open to any suggestions. . Regards...... Nola.P How does it initially enter the [rst Response from Rob plant, becoming pathogenic? I believe the ONola, Yes I do know what this is and plant has to be wounded and usually if it starts it is all bad news. I have seen one collection at the water line it is most often a result of nearly wiped out and another grower put up oil \oating on the water dissolving the wax a great battle to get rid of it. There are two coating off. When ever you spray with any fungi present on your plants. The one which chemical other than a powdered form always is just a cloudiness under N. Perfection is wash the wells out next day. If the water goes not damaging your plant but the one down at milky as you mix it you have a problem one. waterline in your Aechmea is the bad one. I Like milk goes sour this oil aggregates and believe it to be Exserohilium spp and all the \oats to the surface. small white objects are conidia which will Collar Rot grow into fungi mycelium which will cause These spots when near the water level leaves to starve and die. It spreads, by con- go soft and when you pull the leaf off, the tact, inward from leaf to leaf as well. I have next inside leaf has a blemish in the same written an article on fungi in Bromeliaceae in spot. I have found, using an infected plant 2007. The two fungi mentioned then are also given to me to experiment with, that if I keep possibilities but I think Exserohilium is your doing this leaf removal I eventually come to baby. I was assisting a New Zealand botany a clean plant. This plant is infected in its leaf student with her project and she turned up bases so the plant stem should still be OK. this infection. The spores as you know them My suggestion for treatment is, when you for mushrooms and puff balls are nothing [nd an infected plant remove it from other like these white conidia seen in the photo plants and tip it on its side to dry out. Then both exuding from the plant and \oating in when you have time remove spotted leaves, the water. Best description is it is like a little trying to avoid tissue damage to the stem and Bromeliaceae 15 Nov/Dec 2008 Vr. \ammea

Bromeliaceae 16 Nov/Dec 2008 then thoroughly wash the infected area with you mentioned. a copious amount of water. Dip the plant into Best of luck a preventative fungicide (non-systemic) and Rob.P put systemic fungicide into the wells as the Nola also asked me about an unusually fungus may still be active inside the plant. Be big . These insects keep appearing patient you should get healthy pups. in letters to me. This problem occurs part way down the My reply plant. The give away sign is the beautifully Mosquito : No problem as it is not a coloured leaves in the wrong places. There mossie. See how it does not fold its wings are a couple of other fungi recorded that back. It is a Crane Fly. I have never seen cause collar rot. other than the odd one but I do believe its Helminthosporum rostratum or Fusari- pupae can mess up lawns when present in um sacchar i var. elongatum Cause dead Spot large numbers. The green insect just looks in leaves. like a hopper. IRm not sure if it eats the fungi Keep in touch. on the leaves or not but it is too small to RobP damage your plant. They are fairly \at insects From Nola, that jump like grass hoppers when you touch Hello Rob - Well I have [nished spray - them. They donRt have excessively big legs. ing all my bromeliads & IRm quite pleased Slime Mould with the results. The fungus has dried up & I have now seen your photo on page 31 its possible just to scratch it off - hopefully I of the latest Bromeliaceae (Jul/Aug 2008) and got it all. ( with Mancozeb Plus) I do have what I suggested by phone is substantiated. about 1000 plants & I will be thinning them Living in the tropics slime moulds occur with out to give them more space and air. My some regularity during the wet seasons. They question is do I have to wash out the cups/ have never proven to be pathogenic and just Vases now ??? I donRt want to wash the Man- washing them off with a hose to prevent their cozeb off. I am also going to be very vigilant smothering the plant is enough. Our long dry from now on and not water as much . season [nishes them off. Response from Rob ONola, Sorry though I am a chemist and Bromagic MNew worked a lot with dithiocarbamates I canRt answer your question fully without knowing Ownership M New the chemicalRs scienti[c name. Then I could determine if it is hydrophobic or hydrophilic. Direction IRm sure the answer would be on the box. If it comes as a powder, donRt wash it out, leave Bromagic Bromeliad Nursery has been it as a coating. If it is systemic you will have sold and is now operated by Sue and Andy killed some or all of the deadly fungi exist- Lancaster who have moved to the Sunshine ing inside the plant. If it is not systemic you Coast with their young family after a nomadic need to use a systemic as well. A Townsville life as a Defence force family. grower with badly infected plants spent a The Sunshine Coast appealed to them fortune on fancy fungicides and I spoke to as a great place to settle and raise their two him today and he now just uses Fongarid and daughters - Lily 9 and Eleanor 5 - and for a new form of Mancozeb. Probably the one Andy to indulge his passion for the out- Bromeliaceae 17 Nov/Dec 2008 Neophytum QGalactic WarriorR

Neomea QStrawberryR

Bromeliaceae 18 Nov/Dec 2008 doors. ever they serve a very useful purpose. Since taking over the business in late We have published a lot of stories about August they have re-opened the Retail Nurs- wrongly named plants and the history behind ery four days a week and are busy working on how they came into the country often under their vision for the future of Bromagic. the wrong name. The descriptions provide Sue and Andy have been overwhelmed input for future plant historians to research. by the welcome they have received from the Whether we like it or not, plants are QBromR community and the friendliness of circulating around the South Queensland/ everyone they have met. They would also Northern New South Wales area with the like to extend thanks to Keith Golinski, the names we have published in this issue of previous owner of Bromagic, for all the sup- the journal. port and patience he has shown them over the These really were great plants, so you last three months. can be sure that many of these names will persist long into the future. So when you see At The Spring Show a misnamed plant, it may not be my fault! by Ross Stenhouse I use the societyRs autumn and spring Bromeliaceae Production Crew shows as an opportunity to take photos of the plants on display and on the sale table. Editor: Ross Stenhouse The routine is that Bob Reilly selects the Proofreader, Custom Badge Collector plants and writes up descriptions, I do the and distribution manager: Roy Pugh photography. Regular Contributors : Derek Butcher, At the recent Spring Show there were Rob Smythe, Rob Reilly, Peter Paroz some really spectacular neoregelias. These plants looked great. But here comes the bite, SHADE while they were all named, I suspect quite a few only had a passing resemblance to the name of the plant on the label. HOUSES Now I certainly donRt claim to be an expert, but I do have access to those that are. Manufacturers of Orchid, Fern My procedure is to look up the www.fcbs.org and Shade Houses since 1976 web site and look at the plant description and image (where it exists). I then ask the experts for assistance where I am doubtful and I have to be truthful I had my doubts about quite a number. When studying some of the images that were close to the fcbs site images, I can remember thinking OIs this cultural that these plants are different?P These plants are really great plants and Ph: (07) 3207 2793 deserve to have their own registered name. Fax: (07) 3822 2307 Remember, the plant descriptions Bob writes 151 Railway Pde., Thornside, Q 4158 up serve to document what was there, how- www.petersglen.com.au Bromeliaceae 19 Nov/Dec 2008

Bromeliaceae 20 Nov/Dec 2008 Retirement of a Registrar by Derek Butcher Suppliers!of![ne! You may know that I help your Editor tissue-cultured bromeliads in trying to keep proper names to the photos that appear in this Journal. Every time a Bris- [email protected] bane Spring Show comes up I shudder and www.plantbiotech.com.au the latest has prompted me to write for the last time as the ICRA for Bromeliads. Geoff Lawn takes over from 2009. Phone (07) 5471 6036 It all started in the late 1970Rs when I Postal Address: 7 Thougla Place, was a voracious reader of detail on Bromeli- Buderim QLD 4556 ads and Smith & Downs three Volumes was Lab: 99 West Coolum Road, a great eye opener regarding species but I Mount Coolum QLD 4573 could [nd nothing about hybrids. Ever since then I have been able to decide which Books, Journals, Papers I should read for their factual knowledge. This is compared to the books M. J. PATERSON mainly on hybrids that are mainly no help in plant identi[cation and even cloud the issue 212 SANDY CREEK ROAD, of identi[cation. GYMPIE, Qld 4570 I knew you could register a hybrid with Large Range of Bromeliads For Sale the BSI but problems associated with this Especially our own Hybrid Tillandsias made it an QimpossibleR task to most Austral- and Neoregelias ian hybridists. Early in the 1980Rs I contacted Olwen Ferris, Grace Goode. and Bill Morris DO CALL IN IF YOU ARE UP THIS regarding the feasibility of getting a listing WAY BUT PLEASE PHONE FIRST of hybrids made in Australia because hybrids were being made by the hundreds and no at- tempt was being made to record them. PHONE / FAX So in 1982 the lists started where it (07) 5482 3308 was pointed out that these plants were not registered as such. It was about this time that I corresponded with Brian Smith who was trying to do the same as me in Florida The BSQ Web Site and he wanted to know how I had succeeded DonRt forget that the society has a web in getting so many Australian hybridists in- site. We place urgent and general information volved. He was getting resistance rather than and information on the site. cooperation. I pointed out that there were still The URL is: hybridists in Australia that ignored the system www.Bromeliadsqueensland.com but these were only a handful.

Bromeliaceae 21 Nov/Dec 2008 Vr. Q Draco R

Bromeliaceae 22 Nov/Dec 2008 In the late 1990Rs Don Beadle contacted This is an area that can so easily become a me and we decided that the Aussie records Tower of Babel. It is not the responsibility should be merged with US Register records of the President or the Committee but the including details of hybrids that Don and his whole membership who should be working helpers, plus Brian SmithRs work, had gleaned to one goal. from plant catalogues etc. One [nal effort by Ever since the 1970Rs I have tried to put Don was to produce the Cultivar Register in into practice that you learn from reputable 1998 after which he handed over the reins books or places of reference, not from hear- to me. His words to me were that he hoped I say, and the Bromeliad Cultivar Register is a had better luck with the American hybridists place where all growers should refer to. in convincing them that they should register Remember that the climate in Queens- the best. land is very good for growing Bromeliads, So from 2000 it was made very easy to and we down south often say that they grow register a hybrid especially if you had access like weeds up there. The problem here is that to a Computer. Details of the hybrid are held they can be treated as weeds where all look in either the BSI Bromeliad Cultivar Regis- alike but have different pet names which try or the BSI Cultivar Registry. the owners have been too lazy to properly Linking to this detail are photographs ( which record. are worth a 1000 words of description) which Finally, I have been trying for over 30 are held on the fcbs.org photo [le and are years to encourage others to teach themselves what the Cultivar should look like. about Bromeliad identification and even Full of enthusiasm, I felt that the best providing the base material more accessible way to tackle the problem was to appeal to and yet it seems I must be a slow learner to hybridistRs professionalism whereby they realise that others must want to learn in the would take pride in their achievements. The [rst place. Maybe they donRt# problem is that professionalism also means Derek may be retiring as registrar, you donRt do anything for nothing and a non- however his skills will still be greatly sought registered plant can be sold for the same price after., especially by me as editor of this as a registered one. journal. Perhaps I could have appealed to the A short story....when I [rst contacted amateur side which in its true sense means Derek and asked him to help out, I was a love of plants or a desire to see them at quickly but politely shown the door. Yet an - their best. But here again amateur can mean other of those pesky journal editors he likely a beginners approach where we have plants thought. grown from hybrid seed, not culled because Well with a couple of issues under my of the Qmy babiesR syndrome but then the belt, Derek came on board and I am glad to commercial side of professionalism clicks say he has helped greatly with editing Bro - in. meliaceae. Its a dif[cult job to correctly iden - Plant Societies are formed to promote tify the plant images and Derek has picked a particular facet of horticulture. Bromeliad up plenty of mistakes. Often the mistake Societies promote knowledge in Bromeliads originates from the plant being photographed and always have a list of aims. It always pays being incorrectly labelled. So when you see to refer to these aims, from time to time, what you think is an incorrectly labelled especially in the area of plant identi[cation. plant, let me know via an email. Ed. Bromeliaceae 23 Nov/Dec 2008 Years later they can usually be easily identi- Dawn Sweep of [ed, but Little Orphan Annie is unique# Greenhouse Rescues Making a Miniature Orphans (by Andrew Flower) Bromeliad Tree (by Joan Williams) Reprinted, with permission, from the Journal of the Bromeliad Society, 2007, Editorial comment (Bob Reilly). In this v.57(4), p. 177. article, Joan Williams, an Australian grower, Over the past ten years, I have grown described how to make a small bromeliad 2,500 batches of tillandsia seed, each one tree. Reprinted, with permission, from the carefully labelled with parent(s) name, sow- Journal of the Bromeliad Society, 1997, v 47 ing date and batch number. Despite this, (1), pp 11-13. Little Orphan Annie managed to survive until Whether in your home or at a brome- \owering with no record of her parentage, nor liad show, a miniature bromeliad tree will a resemblance to a single one of the seedlings always draw interest and admiration from raised during this period. How come? those viewing it. Some people grow-on tillandsia seed- If your climate allows you to start a lings on a horizontal medium M often plastic bromeliad tree in your garden, choose a tree mesh. Others, myself included, grow them which provides some shelter from strong vertically on thin pieces of wood. All sorts of winds and full sun. Make sure that it does other substrates such as tree or fern [bre, cork not shed its bark frequently or you will lose bark, can be used in either orientation. My method uses glue to hold the trans- THE OLIVE planted seedlings in place. Some successful growers use hot glue guns at this stage, I donRt M I use OWeldbond OUniversal Space BRANCH Age adhesive (made in Canada and distrib- uted world-wide). Another good one is DAP Len and Olive Trevor OWeldwoodP carpenterRs wood glue, and for 232 Canvey Road, Ferny Grove, this type of glue the key phrase to look for on Qld 4053 the label is Oaliphatic resinP. Glues to avoid Specialising in hybrid Vrieseas, are PVA bases ones M some are ok, but you Aechmeas, Variegated have to be careful. The disadvantage of PVA Neoregelias glue is their tendency to not last long in a wet Skotak Hybrids, Aussie Dream and environment, and they can be so alkaline they varieties, and other quality destroy young plants. Try them on a small Bromeliads number of seedlings [rst: one PVA glue that killed off a number of my trial seedlings was Fullers MaxBond (made in Australia). Phone (07) 3351 1203 Every couple of months we sweep up Visitors welcome by appointment - Please the 15-20 seedlings that have fallen off their Phone First mounts, and glue them onto Oorphan sticksP. Bromeliaceae 24 Nov/Dec 2008 Vr. ROberonR (unreg)

Bromeliaceae 25 Nov/Dec 2008 bromeliads in the process. A tree with rough was in danger of falling into the pond. It was bark is the best choice. To attach the plants to quickly banished to a garden corner where the the tree, wrap their roots in sphagnum moss plants still grow, but it now has to be propped or coconut [bre and tie them on [rmly with up so as not to fall since the tree fern [bre has strips of panty hose, Hessian or some other badly deteriorated. non-obtrusive binding material. Once the If you prefer driftwood from a beach, roots grow and attach themselves to the tree, remember that it is probably saturated with you can remove the ties if you wish. salt which needs to be leached out before use Most bromeliads will adapt as readily or it will damage your plants. Soaking the to tree dwelling as they do in their natural driftwood for about a week or so in a bucket habitat but it is best to choose the hardier of fresh water, changing the water daily, will types. Stoloniferous ones are ideal. Vrie- do the trick. Then leave it out in the sun until seas, aechmeas, billbergias, neoregelias, you are sure that it is completely dry before and tillandsias are all suitable to grow in this you start to glue your plants on to their new fashion, but tillandsia and miniature neorege- host. When using an old branch or log, make lias are the best. Place the larger species at sure that there are no suspicious holes that the base of the tree and smaller ones nearer could be harbouring borers or other creatures to the top. that you may not wish to invite indoors. Also, Plants will dry out more quickly when in the case of borers, you might one day see grown on trees than they would if grown in your masterpiece crumple before your very soil in a pot, so water frequently during sum- eyes. mer and less often in winter. Also remember to leave a couple of For those not fortunate enough to be drainage holes if you are cementing your able to grow bromeliads outdoors, a miniature tree into a fancy pot, or it may eventually bromeliad tree can be grown in a glass house rot off at the base. Poke some smooth sticks or any other protected area where there is up through the natural drain holes of your good light. Driftwood, an old gnarled branch, container, cement the tree in place, and when an old tree-fern stump or even a nice rock will the cement is nearly dry, remove the sticks. suf[ce. If it is top-heavy enough to need a This should prevent water from collecting at base, you can cement it into a fancy container the base of the tree. or place it directly into soil, sand or gravel Some people say that a tree struck by used to [ll the pot. If using any of the latter, lightning canRt be used for [re wood as it will particularly with tree fern, remember that not burn, as it is said to become almost petri- the base of the tree will become the weakest [ed. If true, that would make a perfect host point. Several years ago I bought a tree fern for your plants but unfortunately, there are not stump already made into a bromeliad tree many of these available. Instead, you might at a plant auction at one of our meetings. I do as some growers have done and mould placed it in a prime location next to my [sh your own bromeliad tree out of roughened pond under 70% shadecloth and the plants cement. These can be made to look quite grew very well. The tree was in a large pot natural with touches of paint if you have an with soil, and had plants growing in the soil artistic \air. Most plants grow quite happily as well as on the tree fern trunk. After many on this type of host. years I noticed that the tree had a lean to it To grow bromeliads on a rock provides and found that its base had rotted away and a separate challenge. The biggest problem Bromeliaceae 26 Nov/Dec 2008 Vr. platynema this is likely a hybrid - No marking on the leaves.

Bromeliaceae 27 Nov/Dec 2008 is attaching the plant and keeping it upright Remember that, except perhaps for until it is able to grow roots and hang on to many tillandsias, the plants mounted on its host unaided. One technique is to drill your bromeliad tree will become stressed to holes in the rock and drive sphagnum moss some degree. The disadvantage is that they around the base of the plant to keep it [rmly will require more frequent watering but the in place until it is rooted, but there is a risk advantage is that they are likely to remain of water lodging in the hole and rotting the smaller and more compact and become more plant. If your plant is small, just a small glob colourful than those grown in soil. of glue on the surface of the rock will prob- The pleasure you derive from your ably suf[ce to hold it. Remember that many bromeliad tree will well compensate you for bromeliads grow on rocks and cliff faces in the extra maintenance involved. their natural habitat, so it is worth the chal- lenge. Most plants grow quite well once they get a hold on their new substrate. BRISBANE If the plants are small enough you can use any durable non-toxic glue to give them BROMELIAD a start but you may need nylon strips to hold them [rmly until they grow roots. It is up CENTRE to you whether to fertilize or not, but most bromeliads respond to foliar feeding. For indoor trees, you should select smaller bromeliads for use than you might use 34!Hauton!Road,!Moray[eld!4506 outdoors. If you are mounting tillandsias, the HUGE SELECTION silvery-grey ones are the best, but they need of bright light and plenty of air movement. Us- Aechmeas, Vrieseas, Guzmanias, ing all plants of the same species often looks Neoregelias nicest but using a mixture of plants can also & Tillandsias look attractive. Know beforehand how big together with a variety of rarer species each plant becomes. Otherwise, small seed- and hydrids lings can provide an unwanted surprise when BARBARA and LORRAINE they grow too big for the tree. Phone (07) 5433 0303 Another consideration when selecting VISITORS by APPOINTMENT plants is the compatibility factor. You should not mix sun-loving plants with shade-loving plants, for example. In fact, your [rst con - sideration should be where you are going to Annual General Meeting put your bromeliad tree. That will determine of the Bromeliad Society of which plants you should select. It is not good Queensland Inc. planning, for example to grow Aechmea re- curvata with many vrieseas, for example, as Date :Thursday 19th February 2009 your A. recurvata would lack colour if grown Venue : The Uniting Hall, in a shady spot, and the vrieseas would suffer 52 Merthyr Rd., leaf burn in full sun. Plants selected should New Farm, Brisbane, also be compatible in their watering needs. Commencing 7.30 pm Bromeliaceae 28 Nov/Dec 2008 Neo. QGolden GiantR

Neo. QLucky DuckyR

Bromeliaceae 29 Nov/Dec 2008 The expert exhibitor can do much to Some Suggestions to improve and re[ne the appearance of his plant in advance. Start at least two weeks Exhibitors: What! before the show. Look at the plants critically to [nd one that has symmetry, good sheen to No Blue Ribbon? its foliage, clear rich colour and markings, (by Thomas U Linehan, Jr.) and is of a size and appearance that conforms to the description of that particular species Editorial Comment (Bob Reilly). The or hybrid. Is it centred in the pot? Does a comments in this article apply to bromeliads pleasing proportion exist between the size shows all over the world. They are well worth of the plant and the size of the pot? If not, considering when you are preparing plants repot into something suitable or set the pot for competition at the Autumn show and the into a larger one and cover the rim of the old SocietyRs Mini-shows. Reprinted, with per - pot with mix. mission, from the Journal of the Bromeliad Is the pot clean and intact? Is there Society, (1995), v. 45(3), pp 130-132. (This damaged foliage? If so, can it be trimmed article was a summary of certain sections of carefully so that the conformation of the plant the BSI publication: Handbook for Judges, doesnRt suffer? For example, if itRs a plant Exhibitors and Af[liates 2nd ed . with white margins and you have to trim so Before the judges ever view the plant(s) many leaves to such a degree that very little exhibited in the show, every plant there has white margin remains, conformation obvi- been judged by the plantRs [rst and most ously will suffer and you would do better to critical judge M the exhibitor who selected it take another plant to the show. If leaf damage and deemed it worthy of competition. This is relatively minor use small scissors to trim section is written for you, the exhibitor to help the leaf so that its new shape resembles the you to evaluate wisely which plants constitute leaves of that variety. Do the trimming the your best candidates and to show you how day you enter the plant so that the trimmed you can increase their chances of winning. portion does not appear brown for judging. Judges begin their evaluation of a plant Be sure to wipe off the leaves, espe- by assessing condition. Condition is consid- cially the dark, shiny, thin-leafed varieties. ered under Cultural Perfection and simply Hose them well to be sure that they are soil means that the actual physical state of ap- and dust free. Be sure that all spray residue pearance of the plant at the time of judging is is removed. Check for any agriculture aboard evaluated. Under condition, judges penalize including scale, mealy bugs, fungus, caterpil- arti[cial plant shine, mechanical injury, bruis - lars, grasshoppers, snails, slugs, and even the ing, immaturity, age, weather damage, insect OfriendliesP, and lizards. If your plant damage, soil and uncleanliness of foliage, lives under trees, pick out needles or leaves. bracts, or pot, torn or brown-tipped edges, As the in\orescence opens and ages, remove dried or old \orets, cracked, dirty, salt-stained the old \orets and bracts that have become or algae-stained pots, pine needles, oak and brown and shrivelled. other leaves protruding from cups, over- Many a ribbon is lost on the road to the grooming such as trimming of leaves with no show by the exhibitor who doesnRt take time [nesse, and lack of trimming of brown tips to pack his plants properly to prevent me- on leaves when, and if, needed. chanical injury from a sudden turn or bump Bromeliaceae 30 Nov/Dec 2008 Neo. QAussie BanditR

Neo. QBobbyR

Bromeliaceae 31 Nov/Dec 2008 on the way. Pack your bromeliads carefully never be seen. and tightly to prevent overturning. DonRt Be a good competitor and donRt get bend or crease leaves. Use plant sleeves of distressed over an award. This is your hobby paper or plastic. Place like plants together and thereRs always next year. M spiny-leafed with spiny-leafed; smooth- leafed with smooth-leafed. Sometimes a problem arrives that per- Some Tips on Why, plexes the owner. Suppose you have a plant beautiful in every respect but on one of the When and How You inner leaves there is a big hole. What to do? Usually if plant form and symmetry will be Take Pups (by Chris Larson) important, itRs better to leave the hole. The most points you could lose would be three but by taking it off youRd probably lose more. (Reprinted, with permission, from Bro - Another problem is deciding what bottom meliad Post, [April 2007], pp 45-48) leaves should be trimmed and which should Most bromeliad species reproduce be removed in their entirety. Use your hand themselves vegetatively (by offsetting), or a piece of paper and visually block out the which gives them a greater chance of survival leaf in question before removing it, for once than if they relied only on seed. When you gone it can never be replaced. consider that for the seed grown in the wild A few trimmed and carefully reshaped successfully, even if it is viable, it needs to leaves may cost you a point or so; a major land in a satisfactory place then get the right gap will usually result in a 3-4 point loss. climatic conditions to grow into a mature If several leaves at the base of a plant are specimen. Seedling plants in the wild would removed and the caudex is exposed, repot [nd it hard to tough it out in adverse situa - the plant lower to hide the light or white tions such as droughts. Of course it would area. Another concern is size. If all things be of advantage to most species for the plant are equal, the plant that is bigger will win. to evolve with a back mechanism such as Exceptions include plants that have rank offsets. There are some species that either growth and those grossly, coarsely over-sized die after \owering, or continue to grow, i.e. from over-fertilization. not producing offsets, but these are by far the Give yourself enough time to make out minority of bromeliads. However, this article your entry tags completely and accurately. is only concerned with those that produce Be sure that all tank types have water in their offsets, or as offsets are more commonly cups, particularly the blooming neoregelias. called, pups. They always score higher when the cup is There are many advantages of repro- [lled. If you have an artistic arrangement, ducing plants vegetatively in your collection. you are allowed to put it in its designated Firstly, when growing by seed you are not area yourself. Be sure to place the entry tag ever sure of who the father is until the seed- at exactly the angle from which you want lings have matured. Secondly, the seedlings the arrangement to be judged. Remember may damp off, and unless you have kept an that the judge is required to stand three feet offset, you have lost the plant. Thirdly, some (90cm) from the arrangement to judge it so hybrids are sterile, and some species need that some mechanics within the design will another clone to pollinate it, so seed is not Bromeliaceae 32 Nov/Dec 2008 Neo. QSoft and CuddlyR

Neo. QPaganR

Bromeliaceae 33 Nov/Dec 2008 always the way to achieve your aims. Fourth, Most commonly, this refers to seedling like mutations or particular are usually growths that are common on such bromeliads only reproducible vegetatively. as most species of and some spe- At this point I feel it is necessary to cies of Tillandsia. bring in the subject of apical dominance, Viviparous offsets. These are pro- which is present in varying degrees in bro- duced from either the scape bracts (\ower meliads. Apical dominance is the principle stem) or from the actual in\orescence. where the plant will allocate the best resourc- Prior to discussing the motivation for es to the highest point of the plant. To achieve taking the pups it is necessary to look at what this, the plant produces auxins which inhibit I call the one third rule. This is a commonly the growth of offsets seemingly in an effort held belief that a plant should be left on the to give free reign to the main plant, without mother plant until it is least 1/3 of the mother. having to support offsets. Only when the It works on the assumption that a plant needs plant has a damaged growing tip, the grow- to have gained a degree of strength before it ing tip has turned into a \ower, or there is a is removed from the mother, and I think as suf[cient shock to the plantRs usual growing a general rule it is good to abide by, though environment does it stop producing this auxin there are exceptions. When the pups have to allow the production of offsets. Thus, off- formed, the decision on when, or in fact if, sets are produced by most bromeliads when you should remove them is dependant on the growing point turns into a \ower or has what you wish to achieve. Some aims which been removed. Then the dormant buds at the might lead you to remove pups are: base of each leaf become stimulated because Single Specimen. Usually for plant the plant canRt grow from the apex any longer. competition, and often for plants such as the Many of you will know of plants where apical majority of non-stoloniferous neoregelias, dominance does not seem to apply at all. For people prefer them as single specimen plants. example, Tillandsia kirchof[ana pups proli[ - This is due to an opinion that the shape is cally, but seldom \owers. Some plants do not at its best when solitary, or, in the case of produce pups at all, and others only produce competition, due to the rules. To achieve the pups in their seedling stages. best results it may be necessary to remove the There are a number of types of off- plant before it is one third of the parentRs size, sets: that is, before it is too distorted by growing offsets . Most bromeliads pro- beside the parent. This will allow it to reach duce these offsets directly from the base of a nice conformation by the time it \owers. the plant. Propagating quantities of plants. Stoloniferous offsets. These are Some plants are shy to pup. If left to produced on stems from the base of the their own resources some plants only produce plant. They often make good hanging basket one or two pups, particularly species, so that specimens. you never have a backup in case one dies. Central pups . Some plants offset from Often it is advantageous to remove an offset the centre of the cup, making it dif[cult to to put in another spot (where you may experi- remove them without destroying the plant. ment with other growing conditions), or give Adventitious offsets. Produced out to a friend so that you know where there will of unusual or abnormal places, such as be another if you kill the original. some roots or buds, or from stems or leaves. If you mark a plant for harvesting the Bromeliaceae 34 Nov/Dec 2008 Neo. QCentre GlowR

Neo. QCautionR

Bromeliaceae 35 Nov/Dec 2008 pups it is important to take the pups off at the pups have not grown. around 1/3 size, allowing as much time as Picking out the eyes. Often I get a plant possible for the plant to produce more pups. which was slow to form a clump, and with the This way, in the couple of years most brome- techniques mentioned above I have a small liads have to produce pups, you will get the clump, but there is still only one lead coming maximum number out of them. from each mother. In this case I will leave Some people think that the [rst cou - the clump together while taking out each of ple of offsets are the strongest and that all the leads. The general principle that I have subsequent offsets are weaker and therefore found, even if the plant usually only throws should be destroyed. My experience is that one pup after you take off the [rst pup out these [rst offsets get the best Qkick startR from it mostly throws 2 or more pups. This way the mother, and that is the only reason that your clump gets even bigger, and you have they are move vigorous than the subsequent some more spares. pups. At work, where we have a regular When to take pups and what are the foliar fertilisation program, all pups tend to right conditions. Most people will tell you perform equally, no matter where they came to take your pups in spring, but most people in the order of removal. with large collections will remove pups at One of the problems with milking the all times of the year. The trick is to know pups is knowing when to stop. It is best which ones to do in what I term the hostile to leave the last pups on the mother giving months and which ones to only do in the most them a little more support, when the mother favourable conditions. This knowledge you is not going to produce any more anyway. I can usually only gain by experience. But never take a pup off a yellowing mother, just remember that there is only one way to get before winter, or in the middle of summer. to know the limits, by experimenting. Sometimes this back[res on me because the I [nd, as I mentioned previously, that mother dies taking the pups with it. there are two stressful times of the year Multi planting. Some people wish to M winter and summer. If a plant is dif[cult to get a pot full of plants, especially of plants strike, or is cold tender I will leave it to take of genera such as and Quesnelia. either in October to December, or March to The way I [nd to get the result more quickly early April. These I [nd to be the best times is to separate the pups, then plant them into for the plants to settle in before the extremes a larger pot but spread out around the pot. in temperature hit them. (Remember, tropical This way the individual plantRs foliage is plants often [nd the very high temperatures fuller, and in some cases makes for a better stressful, too). display. By the time these form individual If the mother is green and healthy, and clumps it looks fantastic. I [nd this method the pup is a good size, then remove it. If the is the best one to use to quickly [ll a good mother is yellowing it may be best to leave sized area in the garden. the pup on for the reserves of the mother to Hanging baskets of stoloniferous be passed on to the pup. If you can provide plants. I [nd that after a couple of years the right conditions then pups should survive stoloniferous plants often have Qbald spotsR. I whenever you take them. Some options to try regularly take out some of the leads to replace to maximize your chances may be: the dying mothers in the middle of the pot, or Leave the pup to callous before plant- create a balance on a side where previously ing (3 to 7 days M do not allow the centre to Bromeliaceae 36 Nov/Dec 2008 Neo. QNed KellyR

Neo. QPat CouttsR

Bromeliaceae 37 Nov/Dec 2008 dry out). It can be a dif[cult decision if the He also con[rmed it was a red plant. When I pup has come away with roots, as it may be mentioned I had a lovely large purple lineated better for the plant to be potted straight away plant with very wide leaves and conspicuous to keep the roots alive, however you may spines called Neo. QHeart MusicR, he said it choose not to water it in. was one of his own hybrids. Somewhere over In cold months, pup new pups in a time the second parents name had been left bright warm spot. In summer put them in off the label. good [ltered light, in a spot that doesnRt get If you have this plant, please amend its too hot. name to Neo QHeart MusicR x QPrince of Dark- You may use a fungicide, or a rooting nessR. WouldnRt it be the ideal opportunity hormone. Often rooting hormones are not to register this plant at long last - perhaps as long lasting, so that after a short time the Neo. QPrince of HappinessR. only element that works in them is a fungi- cide. I often use sulphur as a fungicide for bromeliads. Note: Do not use copper based Quesnelia QTim fungicides. Use a heat pad, glasshouse, shade PlowmanR causes house, or any other aid you may have. However, if you are removing the pup from some mail Author: Olive Trevor a hardy type of bromeliad and it is a good time of year, these things should not be Dear Ross, I have another little article necessary. to add to the query on page 39 of the last Jour- nal about the photo Andrew Raff sent in. I also purchased a similar seedling Neo. QHeart MusicR at the conference in Port Macquarie. It Author: Carmel Cullen was called Tim Plowman Hybrid and small enough to be a seedling. It had very nice sil- ver and grey markings and very nicely curled It was somewhat disturbing for me to ends to the leaves. It was a very attractive see the article in Bromeliaceae on Neo QHeart plant and I can remember them not lasting MusicR. I have never seen a red plant with for very long in the sales area. that name, only purple ones. The one com- As bromeliads often do in my growing monly known as Neo. QHeart MusicR here in conditions the plant grew tall and lost its curls S.E. Queensland is a compact medium size just like Andrews plant in the photograph. with very attractive deep purple markings. In my growing conditions Quesnelia QTim There is another lineated purple one as well. PlowmanR nearly always loses its curls. Re- I doubled checked with Derek Butcher who cently my plant \owered along with all my said that red is correct. So what about the other types of and it purple ones? No answer so far for the smaller looked the same. purple marked plant. My comment is--- When people make However I found the answer for the hybrids and sell seedlings before they \ower lineated one. I contacted Allan Freeman how do they know if the cross has taken? who I remembered telling me that he had How does the hybridizer know if used Neo. QHeart MusicR in his hybridising. the plant has already been pollinated by Bromeliaceae 38 Nov/Dec 2008 QMedusaRs HeadR, grown by hybridist Bob Paulsen

Neo. QPrince of DarknessR

Bromeliaceae 39 Nov/Dec 2008 something unknown or perhaps it may have or as a top dressing? been self pollinated. This does happen as it 3) A water soluble form given as a fo- did with the seedlings of liar application or watered into the mix? guatemalensis that I bought many years ago Secondly, would it be possible to be that happened to be pollinated by we think more speci[c regarding the meaning or Orela - a neoregelia. The plant is now known as tively highP and OminimalP when describing Neobergiopsis Pinegrove. the quantities used? Many years ago I was given seed of I appreciate the article is a result of Aechmea dichlamydea var. trinitensisand in years of experimenting and she may not wish years to come I was very disappointed to have to share this information and I respect that, some Neomeas which I dumped. but I feel I must ask if I am ever to have a Many seedlings of chance of [nding out were sold many years ago. These were Keep up the good work, yours sin- proved to have been pollinated by small birds cerely, - Neville. that visited early in the morning and ended up as vriesea Erotica. What else can I say? Thanks from the Olive Just be wary of seedlings as amall plants we really donRt know what they will be until they Branch \ower. Which takes me back to Andrews Len and I wish to thank members of plant . Yes it does look like a billbergia. A the Queensland, Gold Coast and Ipswich lot of people think Quesnelia marmorata is a societies who came to our aid after the storm billbergias as they look very similar. that destroyed our garden and damaged our nursery on the 16th November 2008. Deb Green gets Your support at this time was greatly appreciated and we thank you for coming Questions with chain saws and other tools to clean up Firstly, congratulations on a wonder- the mess and repair the nursery. As well as fully produced magazine. IRm a relatively food for us as well as the workers. We could new member from NSW and I look forward not be contacted for nearly a week as the to each copy of Bromeliaceae. phones as well as the electricity lines were I was very interested reading the in- all down. Words cannot express our gratitude formative article on OVariation in plants .... and we thank you all for your kindness and Food for thoughtP in the Sept-Oct issue by generosity. - Olive and Len Deb Green Frog. Being inexperienced but nevertheless Further Comments very interested in the application of fertiliz- ers, I am aware that overdosing can cause about Neo. QHeart damage to plants and for that reason I have MusicR some questions for Deb. Author: Olive Trevor Firstly, does she use the potash as: Regarding the Neoregelia QHeart 1) A granulated form in the mix or as MusicR, I have been selling QHeart MusicR a top dressing? and still do for many years and yes I send 2) A controlled release form in the mix Australian plants to Michaels Bromeliads Bromeliaceae 40 Nov/Dec 2008 in Florida. Our heart Music was OKed by Grace Rob SmytheRs Goode as being QHeart MusicR years ago. It has no red lines and does not look like Hybrids A number of photos in this issue are either of the plants on page 25 of Aug/Sept images of Rob SmytheRs registered hybrids. 2008 issue of Bromeliaceae. I have suggested to Rob that he might write Ours has lots of black concentric band- an article for the next edition about these ings with an overlay of black and a very deep hybrids (and a few more besides). purple centre. Ours has been very widely distributed as it is a very attractive plant in WILDFIRE GARDEN high demand BROMELIAD NURSERY ALCANTAREARS FOLIAGE VRIESEARS The Book! NEOREGELIARS & OTHER GENERA OStarting with BromeliadsP is VISITORS WELCOME 100 pages in length and contains over BY APPOINTMENT 200 colour photographs of bromeliads and covers such topics as plant de- Cheryl Basic scriptions, caring for bromeliads, and 1560 Yandina-Coolum road Yandina. 4561 landscaping with bromeliads. Ph. 07 5472 8827 Mob. 0403 193069 [email protected] MIDHURST BROMELIAD NURSERY SPECIALIST GROWERS OF TILLANDSIA SEEDLINGS Hard grown to suit All Australian conditions

The book is available for pur- Wholesale and Mail Order Only chase at a price of $18 plus $3 P&P. Write for a free price list of Tillandsia Discounts available for bulk pur- and other genera to: chases MIDHURST BROMELIAD To place your order please post NURSERY a money order to: P. O. BOX 612 The Secretary HURSTBRIDGE, 3099 Bromeliad Society of Queensland PHONE (03) 9718 2887 PO Box 565, Fortitude Valley, FAX (03) 9718 2760 Queensland, Australia 4006 EMAIL : [email protected]

Bromeliaceae 41 Nov/Dec 2008 QKadaitchaR, QRed RobeR and RDark NightR Visit to a Sunshine to name a few, all different in rosette growth habit, leaf shape and spine pattern. Coast, Queensland The compact rear garden has a bed of potted orthophytums including BobQs own collection bred O. QStellar BeautyQ, QBrunswickR and by Geoff Lawn QWaranaQ. Dominating the back yard is a largish shadehouse packed from the \oor to After the World Bromeliad Conference the rafters with a big range of Cryptanthus, in Cairns in late June, 2008, Larry Giroux, Aechmeas, Neoregelias, mounted tillandsias Steve Hoppin, Clem Forbes and myself \ew and other genera, most looking remarkably to Brisbane for a few days to see a number of healthy with optimal colour, even though it is bromeliad growers and collections in the area. mid-Winter. Bob attributes much of his stock On the agenda also was a 80 kilometres trip being so robust in semi-exposed conditions to north to the Sunshine Coast home of stalwart his ethic of regular repotting, which together champion grower Bob Paulsen at Warana. with fertilising, maintains the clonal vigour, We had witnessed his Award-winning Cryp- whether species or hybrids. tanthus entries and huge Auction Crypts in Well -represented among the overseas Cairns, so eagerly wanted to see more. imports were numerous Aussie-bred cryp- Bob and his late wife Mavis joined the tanthus such as C. QMargaretR, QGlory BeR, Bromeliad Society of Queensland in 1981 QSpring SongR, QMagic MomentsR, QBlack and were very active members for many MoodR, QRed MagicR, QGoodness GraciousR , years, commuting to Brisbane monthly after QCrazy MoonR and QBlack MagicR. The solid they moved to Warana in 1992. Mavis was carpet of potted cryptanthus resembled a liv- their long-time librarian and Bob served sev- ing tapestry. It was a [rst sighting for us of eral terms as President, Treasurer, Secretary BobRs own OnewP C. QMedusaRs HeadR, named , Show Committee Chairperson and became on the spot and soon to be registered. a quali[ed show judge (accredited with the Our elderly host is a well-known iden- BSI in 2004). Over 26 years Bob has also tity to local Sunshine Coast bromeliad grow- delivered many lectures and commentaries ers. In November, 1999 Bob was instrumental at Society meetings, organised [eld trips, in founding the Sunshine Coast Bromeliad hosted [eld days plus supported monthly Society and became their inaugural Presi- show benches and twice-yearly shows. In dent for the period 1999-2004, continuing competition and displays Bob has promoted on from 2005 as Vice President. Later Bob in particular cryptanthus, orthophytums, was bestowed Honorary Life Membership, and other terrestrials, winning the as much for his commitment with bromeli- Grace Goode Perpetual Trophy for Best ads State-wide as in working to get the new Cryptanthus 9 times. local Society established and which is now Fronting BobRs house were several thriving. large and alcantareas In honour of Bob Paulsen, recently bedded under a native Grevillea RHoney GemR Cryptanthus hybridist Carole Rich- in full \ower. Along the front pathway were tmyer named her new cross of C. QOklahoma potted and many dyckias, includ- SunsetR x QRed BaronR as Cryptanthus QBob ing BobRs own crosses D. QMarble ToothR, PaulsenR, a [tting tribute to this true, distin - Bromeliaceae 42 Nov/Dec 2008 Bob Paulsen, unfortunately Bob passed away in November 2008

Bromeliaceae 43 Nov/Dec 2008 guished gentleman. are out in force. Having two different strains Acknowledgements : is a no no. So far I have had 5 visitors from Many thanks to Bob Paulsen, John Tropical Health and the Townsville Council Higgins, Greg Aizlewood, Cheryl Basic and this week and have come up with a clean bill Larry Giroux for information and photos. of health. In fact the entomologist is coming References : back to learn from me. Their attitude has been OSunshine Coast Bromeliad SocietyP, great and they are so much more informed report by Bob Paulsen. Bromeliaceae Journal , Nov/Dec. 2000 issue, p. 13 OThe Sunshine Coast Bromeliad So- Questions and cietyP, Annual Report extracts by President Bob Paulsen. Bromeliaceae Journal, July/ Answers Aug. 2001 issue, p. 20 Author: Rob Smythe MSc

Q. What causes my bromeliads to Dengue Fever form into an unnatural tube of leaves at Author: Rob Smythe MSc the top? A. This is no longer a mystery. It is Disappointingly, this wet, Townsville called Q\utingR, Q\aringR, or QquillingR. Look - has had 8 cases of type 1 and 3 possible case ing up my botany books I have found out that of type 3 the form ravaging Cairns to our these terms are not used outside of bromeli- north. They have had 127 cases of type 3 ads. QFlaringR is not even mentioned in brom up there, as of Jan 17th 2009. There is a lot dictionaries and might just be a popular local of rivalry between these two towns. QCome term for quilling where the central leaves are to Townsville and Live in ParadiseR, QGo to coloured up. Quilling (BSI Brom Glossary) Cairns and Live in the RainR and the like. is a general term used by Brom growers and Someone in Cairns is making bumper stickers de[ned as follows. according to yesterdayRs paper. Its all just fun OIt is a condition in certain thin-leaved as both places are tops. Townsville is a little bromeliads in which the centre leaves form a better for growing broms though. We keep tight tube, the leaves adhering to each other our plants leaf colour better. Their over cast by means of a glutinous substance.P skies and plenty of rain would reduce colour This term seems to be used more and increase growth respectively Hawaii is loosely, sometimes also being used to de- better than both of us and in Australia from scribe pups, and young plants with corrugated Bundaberg to Just north of Brisbane seems leaves caused by overcrowding when young. to grow them as good as anywhere in Aussie. This is very common occurrence within the Winning in the Dengue stakes is a record that Alcantarea. The last mention dis[gura - we are happy to leave with Cairns. Two, of tion should be referred to as Q\utingR. Even I my [ve sons, living in Cairns may not agree. have learnt something today. The Townsville two would have to agree That sounds like a perfectly logical with me and the Brisbane one doesnRt have explanation but one thing I have observed is a casting vote. The, type three, dengue is in that it occurs more commonly in Neos which my area (less than 1km away) and the of[cers tend to colour up without \owering. The

Bromeliaceae 44 Nov/Dec 2008 stimulus for \owering in these plants might be redirected to stimulate too many leaves being formed at the same time. ThatRs my FOREST DRIVE theory. Probably the truth is a mixture of the two theories. NURSERY What can you do if this happens? Once you understand that the leaves dry out Located at REPTON, South of Coffs and stick together when they form from the Harbour, NSW growth tip, all you need to do is unglue them Specialising in species and varieties from as soon as possible i.e. before they set. I have mostly imported stock heard of people using warm water to do this. I just physically break them apart. Preven- Tillandsias to Titillate even the most tion is always better than cure so donRt let discerning fanciers the wells dry out. Beautiful Vrieseas (including Silver How do you make bromeliad to- species), Guzmanias, tems? Aechmeas, Neoregelias, etc . A. Visitors Welcome, Please Phone First You need an old tree fern trunk. Drive (02) 6655 4130 a metal stake into the ground. Then drop the Mail Order List - Send SAE tree fern log over it. You would not think I Peter Tristram, PO Box 55, Repton, would have to tell you that? NSW, 2454 Stupid here used a broom handle for his [rst stake. It rotted and fell and squashed my [rst $100 brom. I then attach the broms. Smaller ones to the top and larger ones to BROMAGIC the bottom. BROMELIAD NURSERY Use small clumpers or runners and vary the colours. I attach larger plants with black garden hose held on my two clouts. 421 Hunchy Rd, Black against black so you donRt see the hose. Some good choices in Neos are Neo. Palmwoods 4555 QShort and SweetR, QFireballR, QRosa MullerR, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC QFairy NiceR, QMarble throatR, ampullacea , WEDS M FRIDAY 9:30 M 2:30 QTigrinaR, QOrnatoR, QGuineaR, QWee WillieR SATURDAY 9:00 - 4:00 and QStrawberry CreamR. Remember if you are going to cut one An extensive range of Bromeliads of your tree ferns down remember to [rstly including many [rst release chop all the leaves off then let the [rst leaf Neoregalia hybrids open and then cut it down, You can now take the top section off and restart it in sand in your www.bromagic.com.au bush house. This is for tropical tree ferns like For enquiries phone Sue on Cyathea cooperi . 07 54450441 Southern growers donRt have to do this with their southern tree ferns. They just grow Bromeliaceae 45 Nov/Dec 2008 from the top log no mucking around. You can buy these logs in the shops down there. Annual Subscriptions I have made one totem using a star picket and pushed (kebab style) fern peat Membership fees ($15 - Sin- from dead on to it. Did not quite gle, $20 - Family, $30 Overseas) work out as expected as with all the watering are due and payable as of 1st the ferns came back to life. Does not look too January 2009. Prompt payment bad. Not sure which will win. Grasshoppers will greatly assist the treasurer and Grasshoppers and hail are two external Membership Secretary. terrors for bromeliads over which we have lit- tle control. I have no experience with either as Post renewal fees to: I live in the tropics and my garden is an oasis. The Membership Secretary No lush gardens nearby. I have seen collec- P. O. Box 565, Fortitude Valley tions adjoining grass lands. - devastating. Queensland, Australia 4006 Protection is the best answer but a couple of times I have seen collections where Is this your last copy of Bromeliaceae? hatching have occurred inside the bush house. You can imagine the damage. a southern grower but it is only his idea and All I do is when hand watering I carry I have not tested it. He said that grasshoppers a tin of \y spray. This is usually for emerging wonRt eat oily surfaces and are repelled by mosquitoes but maybe once or twice a year eucalyptus oil So you can send them next it is hatchings of grasshoppers. I get the lot. door with a [ne spray of canola white oil Basil is a good indicator plant and attracts spray with a dab of eucalyptus oil added. these little devils. It tells you when they are Maybe someone can send me the volumes around. I can pass up one bit of advice from used which I can pass on. Calendar of Events 18th April - Bromeliad Symposium - A series of 1 hour presentations by Dr James Grant. The presentations will include information about collecting in Equador, a non- technical perspective on the genus Alcantarea/ and a presentation on the life and times of Lyman B. Smith and Morren - two bromeliad pioneers. The venue is at Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens in the same room as we had our christmas party starts 12 noon. Come Saturday and go bo both the Symposium and the Show and Plant Sale.

18/19th April - SocietyRs Autumn Show and Sale of Bromeliads at Mt Cootha Botanic Gardens., Saturday 8am-4pm, Sunday 9am-3pm Over 5oo species/varieties/hybrids will be on sale. . Admission $3.00 adults, children under 14 free if accompanied by adult. If you wish to sell plants, please let Nancy Kickbusch know (Telephone 3300 1704) so she can make some space for you

GENERAL MEETINGS of the Society are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month except for December, at the Uniting Hall, 52 Merthyr Rd., New Farm, Brisbane, commenc- ing 7.30 pm. Classes for beginners commence at 7.00 pm. Bromeliaceae 46 Nov/Dec 2008 Plant of the Month Programme for 2009 FEBRUARY: Ananus, Intergeneric Plants, Tillandsias and Full-sun Neoregelias. MARCH: Cryptanthus, Tillandsias, Full-sun Aechmeas and Canistrums APRIL: Cryptanthus, Tillandsias MAY: Spotted Neoregelias, Orthophytums, Tillandsias and Variegated Bromeliads JUNE: Alcantareas, Foliage Vrieseas, Dyckias, Hechtias and Asterias JULY: Billbergias, Pitcairnias, Cerepegias, Hoyas, Nidulariums and Agaves. AUGUST: Billbergias, Foliage Vrieseas, and Miniature Neoregelias. SEPTEMBER: Billbergias and Guzmanias. OCTOBER: Vrieseas, Neoregelias, Nidulariums, Guzmanias and Crassulaceae. NOVEMBER: Not often seen Bromeliads and Succulents Competition Schedule for 2009

Novice, Intermediate and Advanced in each Class of the Mini-Shows and in the Popular Vote. January: MINI-SHOW Class 1: Aechmea - species and hybrids Class 2: Vriesea - species and hybrids Class 3: - species and hybrids Class 4: Any Other Mature (\owering) Bromeliad - species and hybrids. February : POPULAR VOTE: Any Genus M species or hybrid, Novelty Bromeliad Display March: POPULAR VOTE: Any Genus M species or hybrid, Novelty Bromeliad Display April: MINI-SHOW Class 1: not listed elsewhere in the schedule M species and hybrids. Class 2: - species and hybrids Class 3: Pitcairnia and - species and hybrids Class 4: Any Other Mature (\owering) Bromeliad - species and hybrids. May: POPULAR VOTE: Any Genus M species or hybrid, Novelty Bromeliad Display June: POPULAR VOTE: Any Genus M species or hybrid, Novelty Bromeliad Display

July: MINI-SHOW Class 1: Billbergia - species and hybrids Class 2: not listed elsewhere in the schedule M species and hybrids. Class 3: Neoregelia - species and hybrids M up to 200mm diameter when mature. Class 4: Any Other Mature (\owering) Bromeliad - species and hybrids. August: POPULAR VOTE: Any Genus M species or hybrid, Novelty Bromeliad Display September: POPULAR VOTE: Any Genus M species or hybrid, Novelty Bromeliad Display October: MINI-SHOW Class 1: Neoregelia - species and hybrids M over 200mm diameter when mature. Class 2: Tillandsia - species and hybrids. Class 3: not listed elsewhere in the schedule M species and hybrids. Class 4: Any Other Mature (\owering) Bromeliad - species and hybrids. November : POPULAR VOTE: Any Genus M species or hybrid, Novelty Bromeliad Display

Note 1: Class 4 in each Mini Show schedule provides for any \owering bromeliad that would not be in its prime for the appropriate Mini Show.

Note 2: Class 1 (April), Class 2 (July) and Class 3 (October) provide for plants from these subfamilies not elsewhere included in the Mini Show schedule.

Bromeliaceae 47 Nov/Dec 2008 Vr. QMirandaR

Bromeliaceae 48 Nov/Dec 2008