summer 2008

The Mangos of Africa published by fairchild tropical botanic garden The Shop at Fairchild SUMMER SALE

Saturday, August 23 through Sunday, September 7, 2008 Members’ Preview Sale | Friday, August 22 Enjoy 20% off All regularly priced merchandise.

Fairchild Members Only: Take an additional 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Chihuly and Lichtenstein merchandise is 40% off, members receive an additional 10% off. No further sale discount applies. Questions? Call The Shop at Fairchild at 305.667.1651, ext. 3305. Shop hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can also shop online at www.fairchildonline.com FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156 | 305.667.1651, ext. 3305 | www.fairchildgarden.org | shop online at www.fairchildonline.com

Colombian caña flecha tray. Regular price $110, sale price $88, Members sale price $79.20. Photo by Gaby Orihuela/FTBG. contents

HOW TO MAKE YOUR TREES 15 HURRICANE-PROOF 21 THE INTERNATIONAL MANGO FESTIVAL; CELEBRATING THE MANGOS OF AFRICA

BUTTERFLY DAYS AT FAIRCHILD 26 31 SOY GOOD: PLANTS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

departments

5 from the executive director 7 news 9 explaining 11 displaying 12 calendar 13 leaving a legacy 14 tropical cuisine 17 ask martha 18 plant societies 19 vis-a-vis volunteers 21 exploring 40 conserving 42 vistas 44 gifts & donors 46 garden views 50 from the archives contributors

RICHARD J. CAMPBELL, Ph.D., is the Senior Curator of Tropical Fruit and Head of the Tropical Fruit Program at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. A South Florida native, Dr. Campbell cut his teeth among the exotic tropical fruit of South Florida. He draws on his years of travel and experience collecting and researching tropical fruit in Asia and the Americas to provide the latest information, quality trees and tropical fruit tastes to an enthusiastic public. He has authored over 100 scientific Photo by Gaby Orihuela/FTBG and popular articles on fruit culture in the last decade, as well as two books, Mangos: A Guide to Mangos in Florida (1992) and Tropical Mangos: How to Grow the World’s Most Delicious Fruit (2002).

ELANE NUEHRING, Ph.D., Program Chair for the North American Butterfly Association, Miami Blue Chapter, has organized Fairchild’s Butterfly Days’ program of speakers since the event began in 2004 as a partnership between the garden and the Miami Blue Chapter. Dr. Nuehring is an avid butterfly watcher and butterfly gardener, and she is a long-time birder and volunteer with the Tropical Audubon Society. Dr. Nuehring is a professor at Barry University’s School of Social Work.

GARY NOEL ROSS, B.S., M.S., Ph.D. Dr. Ross is a native of New Orleans, educated at Louisiana State University, and Professor Emeritus of Southern University (Baton Rouge). After 24 years of teaching at Southern University, Louisiana State University and University of Manitoba, he retired in 1992 to fully devote his time to research and to popularize his specialty, butterfly biology. Endearingly referred to as “Louisiana’s Butterfly Man” and the “Butterfly Photo by Jon Barry Evangelist,” Dr. Ross is a celebrated natural history photographer, lecturer and an award-winning author. His work has appeared in over 460 major professional publications and popular magazines, including TIME and National Geographic, as well as in five television productions. Dr. Ross is the Director of Butterfly Festivals for the North American Butterfly Discover how much fun your Surround yourself with Association, which actively promotes landscaping can be! wonder and beauty. butterfly events, gardens, conservatories and education. Relax, Dreams enjoy, can delight your come senses. true.

Fred Anderson Landscaping & Maintenance The Adventure Begins — Call Now ON THE COVER Mangifera indica - Celebrating mangos Cel: 786-512-6301 Phone: 305-246-8863 Photo by Gaby Orihuela/FTBG from the executive director

n June, the fruit stalls along the streets of Mombassa were redolent with the first of this season’s apple mangos. Their scent, combined with that of the pineapples and passion fruits, filled the air. This was an I indication of great things to come at Fairchild. One of my favorite events at Fairchild is the mango exhibition at the International Mango Festival, which was held July 12 - 13, 2008. Dr. Richard Campbell and Noris Ledesma displayed hundreds of varieties of mango in the Garden House—to open the door into the Garden House after the exhibit has been laid out is one of my great pleasures. You are enveloped by a heady wave of mango aroma, and in front of you the “world” of mangos is on display. Nowhere else on Earth do you see so much diversity in one place. Thousands of years of cultivation, selection and tasting are condensed into one place for one weekend. For a biodiversity aficionado, it does not get better than this.

This year we celebrated the Mangos of Africa. My first tree-fresh mango was picked from a huge tree growing on the banks of the River Jubba in southern Somalia. That was over 20 years ago, and I can still remember the event—after weeks in very dry and open bush country, the pleasure of big shade trees and ripe mangos was nothing but profound.

I have just returned from a research trip in Kenya with our partners from the Al Ain Wildlife Park, and I wanted them to meet one of Africa’s unsung conservation heroes. As a teenager, I read about the work of Swiss horticulturist, Dr. Rene Haller, in turning scraped out cement quarries into lush, green-forested landscapes. I have visited Rene several times and never fail to be inspired by his vision. Rene arrived in Kenya over 40 years ago and now hundreds of acres of forestland cover what was once an industrial wasteland. He applied the skills of a great horticulturist, namely eternal optimism combined with a love of plants and an ability to find a practical answer to any problem, to regrow a tropical landscape. Now retired, Rene is creating a community nature reserve by restoring a patch of degraded bush land to create an educational and economic resource for the local communities. Inside the reserve, we saw lush vegetation, regenerating stands of doum palm that were covered with flowering Ansellia orchids, herds of Oryx and giraffe, while outside cows and goats were chewing on a bare degraded landscape.

This visit reminded me that horticulture is a great tool for good, and that Fairchild has always had a great reputation for high quality tropical horticulture. Sadly, our Director of Horticulture Mike Davenport has left us for new pastures, and we wish Mike and his family all the best for their future. Mike leaves a legacy of dedicated colleagues, both staff and volunteers, and a garden that looks wonderful. We hope he comes back to see his baobabs grow. Ana Estevez, our Grants Coordinator, is also leaving for new opportunities, and, similarly, Ana leaves a great legacy of projects throughout Fairchild. A garden’s growth is based on managing the green stuff—plants and dollars.

At this year’s festival, we released the first two new mango varieties from the Fruit Programs breeding and selection program. These two new varieties have been developed to thrive in the South Florida garden. Following an established historic tradition in fruit production, we named these two beautiful mangos after two very special members of the Fairchild family. The varieties are called ‘Angie’ in tribute to Angie and Bill Whitman’s support for the Tropical Fruit Program and ‘Jean Ellen’ in recognition of Jean Ellen Shehan’s leadership and support.

Jean Ellen Shehan (above left) and I hope you will explore the garden this summer. Fairchild in summer is a lush, Angie Whitman (below) receive illustrations of their namesake magical garden full of exotic blooms and butterflies. I look forward to seeing mango from Executive Director you among them. Dr. Mike Maunder and Tropical Fruit Curator Noris Ledesma. Photos by Robert Parente.

Mike Maunder, Ph.D.

To view photos from Dr. Maunder’s trip to Kenya, please visit www.fairchildgarden.org and click the link Living Collections and Garden Landscapes/Botanical Safari to Kenya.

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FAIRCHILD HOSTS THE FIRST NORTH AMERICAN PALM CURATORS’ MEETING Fairchild collaborates with other botanic gardens to achieve its mission and works closely with many institutions to conserve tropical plants. The 2008 Palm and Cycad Festival provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen links among some of the Photo by Lorena Alban/FTBG. world’s most important Photo by Gaby Orihuela/FTBG palm collections. Veitchia sp. Guests enjoy the delightful music of the Dutch Waterpoorter Street Organ during The Ramble - A Garden Festival. In partnership with the National Plant Collections Consortium FAIRCHILD VOLUNTEER BILL MURPHY HONORED of the American Public Gardens Association, Fairchild hosted a meeting of curators from the largest palm collections in the FOR A LIFETIME OF CREATING MEDICAL DEVICES United States. Held on April 4, 2008, the conference was an On Saturday, May 3, 2008, Fairchild’s beloved volunteer of more than opportunity to build a common strategy for growing and 30 years, Dr. Bill Murphy, was inducted into the National Inventors conserving the world’s palms. Hall of Fame. Responsible for creating, among other things, the cardiac pacemaker, disposable medical trays and heart catheters, Dr. The meeting included six institutions from South Florida Murphy started a company back in 1957 called Medical Development (Fairchild, Florida International University, The Kampong, Corp., which two years later became Cordis, now a subsidiary of Montgomery Botanical Center, Pinecrest Gardens and the Johnson & Johnson. U.S.D.A. Subtropical Horticultural Research Station), representing a range of public and private collections. Over the years, volunteers Bill and his wife, Bev, with his love of Curators from three California gardens (Huntington Botanical machinery and her flair for creating natural crafts, have had a huge Gardens, the San Diego Zoo and the University of California hand in making some of Fairchild’s best known events a memorable Botanical Gardens at Berkeley) and two Hawaii gardens experience for the South Florida community. Dr. Murphy is the man (Harold L. Lyon Arboretum and National Tropical Botanical behind the splendid street organ, known as a waterpoorter, which Garden) also attended. resides at the far end of the Bailey Palm Glade during The Ramble Festival each November. With 1,100 valves, the organ plays an array of As a group, the gardens can grow palms from all of the world’s wonderful old fashioned melodies throughout the weekend while major tropical habitats, including rainforests, deserts, children and adults alike sit and stand in awe of the larger-than-life mountains, savannas and coastlines. They hold about a third object. Bev is known for her creative genius in transforming plant of the world’s palms, with over 800 species in cultivation. materials into amazing decorations for Halloween and the annual However, nearly half of these species are found in only a Holiday Music event. Fairchild’s staff and volunteers are proud to single garden. The curators discussed ways to exchange palm congratulate Dr. Murphy on his induction and thank him for his seeds and plants to ensure that the world’s rarest palms are exceptional contributions. preserved in multiple gardens. PRESIDENT’S INDUSTRY AWARD Although growing conditions are very different in Florida, California and Hawaii, the gardens face many common Dr. Richard J. Campbell was awarded the horticultural challenges. The curators discussed strategies for 2008 President’s Industry Award at the responding to new pests and diseases and ways to use new Annual Conference of the Florida State technology in collection management. Horticultural Society. The award is given to the individual who has had a significant The curators are now working together to plan joint field impact on the horticultural industry of expeditions, build community outreach activities and raise Florida. Dr. Campbell’s contribution was in funds for new conservation projects. the area of tropical fruit culture for South Florida. Congratulations to Dr. Campbell Photo by Noris Ledesma/FTBG Dr. Richard J. Campbell on this wonderful achievement!

www.fairchildgarden.org SUMMER 2008 7 Fairchild Challenge 2008 Awards

ften individuals view Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden as As part of the Challenge, this year all South Florida Challenge an oasis of tranquility, but for a couple of days in May, it students turned uninviting school spaces into delightful gardens; was anything but: the atmosphere in the Garden House they raised environmental awareness in their homes, schools and auditorium crackled with suspense and excitement as hundreds of communities; and studied the patterns in plants. The Challenge students, teachers and parents awaited the results of the Fairchild programs also set activities geared specifically for the appropriate Challenge awards ceremonies for middle and high schools. The age groups; for instance, while middle school students designed Fairchild Challenge is a multi-disciplinary environmental education imaginary plants and investigated traditional uses of plants with the outreach program that this year engaged 40,000 students and 1,800 elderly in their communities, high school students created solar- teachers in 102 middle and high schools; the exuberant awards powered gadgets, designed skyways spanning the Everglades and ceremonies took place on May 9 for high schools and May 10 for debated hot-button environmental issues with stunning results! middle schools.

Congratulations to the almost 40,000 students who participated in the Fairchild Challenge 2008 at these 102 South Florida middle and high schools

High Schools: American • Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll • Barbara Goleman • Carrollton • Christopher Columbus • COPE Center North Coral Gables • Coral Reef • Corporate Academy South • Design & Architecture • Doctor’s Charter • Dr. Michael M. Krop • Felix Varela G. Holmes Braddock • Gulliver Preparatory • Hialeah-Miami Lakes • John A. Ferguson • MAST • Miami • Miami Central • Miami Coral Park • Miami Country Day • Miami Edison • Miami Jackson • Miami Killian • Miami Lakes • Miami Northwestern • Miami Palmetto Miami Southridge • Miami Springs • Miami Sunset • New World School of the Arts • North Miami • Our Lady of Lourdes • Pembroke Pines Charter • Ransom Everglades • Robert Morgan • Ronald Reagan/Doral • Ruth Owens Krusé • South Miami • South Plantation Southwest Miami • St. Thomas Aquinas • Thomas Jefferson MS (9th grade) • Westminster Christian • Young Women’s Preparatory Middle School: Ada Merritt K-8 • Archimedean • Arthur & Polly Mays • Arvida • Aventura City of Excellence • Carrollton • Centennia l COPE Center North • Coral Way K-8 • Country Club • Cutler Ridge • David Lawrence Jr. K-8 • Devon Aire K-8 • Doctor’s Charter • Doral Eugenia B. Thomas K-8 • Frank C. Martin K-8 • Glades • G.W. Carver • H.D. McMillan • Herbert A. • John F. Kennedy • Jose de Diego José Martí • Kenwood K-8 • Key Biscayne K-8 • Kinloch Park • Lamar Louise Curry • Leisure City K-8 • Miami Lakes K-8 • Miami Lakes Miami Springs • Norland • North Miami • Palmer Trinity • Palmetto • Parkway • Ponce de Leon • Ransom Everglades • Redland Richmond Height s• Ruben Dario • Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor (6th grade) • Ruth Owens Krusé • Shenandoah • South Dade • South Miami K-8 • South Miami • Southwood • Sunset Christian • West Miami • Westminster Christian • Westview • Youth Co-Op Charter

FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE AWARDS Leisure City K-8 • Norland • Ponce de Leon Glades • Key Biscayne K-8 • Kinloch Park By surpassing the annual point goal, these Redland • Richmond Height • Ruben Dario Norland Richmond Heights • South Miami 53 schools earned Ruth Owens Krusé • Shenandoah South K-8 • South Miami • West Miami the Fairchild Challenge Award Miami K- 8 • South Miam i • West Miami Runners Up ($500) in alphabetical order High Schools: Barbara Goleman • Carrollton FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE HIGHEST Herbert A. Ammons • Carrollton • G.W. Christopher Columbus • Coral Reef HONORS Carver • José Martí • Redland Design & Architecture • G. Holmes Awarded to these 16 top-scoring high Braddock • Gulliver Preparatory • Hialeah- schools First Place ($1,000) Miami Lakes • John A. Ferguson • MAST Shenandoah Runners Up ($250) in alphabetical order Miami • Miami Country Day • Miami G. Holmes Braddock • Carrollton FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE “SCHOOLS Jackson • Miami Killian • Miami Palmetto Christopher Columbus • Coral Reef OF EXCELLENCE” Miami Southridge • Miami Springs • Our Barbara Goleman • Gulliver Preparatory The following nine schools have earned the Lady of Lourdes • Pembroke Pines Charter Hialeah-Miami Lakes • Miami • Miami Fairchild Challenge Award for five Robert Morgan • Ruth Owens Krusé Springs • St. Thomas Aquinas consecutive years South Miami • South Plantation • Southwest Miami • St. Thomas Aquinas Runners Up ($500) in alphabetical order Inducted 2008 George Washington Carver Middle Schools • Aventura City of MAST • Miami Killian • Miami Palmetto Middle School • José Martí Middle School Excellence • Carrollton • Centennial Miami Southridge • Our Lady of Lourdes MAST• Miami Killian Senior High • Miami Cutler Ridge • Devon Aire K-8 • Eugenia B. First Place ($1,000) Southridge Senior High • South Miami Thomas K-8 • Frank C. Martin K-8 • Glades South Plantation Senior High • G.W. Carver • Herbert A. Ammons Awarded to these 16 top-scoring middle Inducted 2007 Coral Reef Senior High Homestead • John F. Kennedy • Jose de schools Miami Palmetto Senior High • Our Lady of Diego • José Martí • Key Biscayne K-8 Runners Up ($250) in alphabetical order Lourdes Academy Kinloch Park • Lamar Louise Curr y Aventura City of Excellence • Ruben Dario explaining Community Outreach

Text and photos by Alison Walker, Community Outreach Coordinator

Members of the Honeyshine Mentoring Program, a program of Alonzo Mourning Charities, enjoy an outreach activity in the Lisa D. Anness

Photo by Allison Walker/FTBG Butterfly Garden. Photo by Allison Walker/FTBG Children from the St. Albans Child Enrichment Center experienced a fun-filled day of exploration and discovery during their visit to Fairchild.

airchild is busy working to expand the reach of its activities Nicole Gerard explains to the community. Fairchild’s community outreach activities kitchen botany to reach thousands of people annually through events both at eager learners at an F outreach event in Fairchild and across the county. Photo by Allison Walker/FTBG Liberty City.

This June, the second annual “Planting the Seeds, Growing the Future” event took place in the northwest Miami neighborhood of hands-on displays and activities, which serve to educate and Liberty City. This event has grown out of a close friendship and inspire people about both the beauty and value of plants. These collaboration between Fairchild, the Belafonte Tacolcy Center and events also provide an opportunity to share information about the Aubrey Watkins Simms Memorial Garden at the Church of the Fairchild’s programs, events and resources with a wider segment Open Door. This day-long event is free and open to the public and of the community. features environmental displays and workshops, planting activities Integral to everything Fairchild does are the partnerships that have and demonstrations, arts and crafts and other activities with an developed with over 50 community-based groups and local environmental theme. The mission of the event is to educate and institutions. Fairchild is an active member in Environmental inspire citizens to better understand tropical plants, appreciate and Education Providers of Miami, an umbrella organization of groups value biodiversity and reflect on how they can help improve the with the mission to preserve, protect and educate the public on environment. local environmental and conservation issues. On a monthly basis, This partnership is but one of many that Fairchild is actively Fairchild educators meet with representatives from other non-profit cultivating in the community. Fairchild also works closely with other groups, government agencies and higher education institutions to community groups and centers, including Breakthrough Miami, the collaborate and support each other, as we serve as a resource to St. Alban’s Child Enrichment Center in the West Grove and our larger community. SweetVine Youth Prevention Services in Homestead and Naranja. Through Fairchild’s community outreach program, as with all Outreach to these groups includes sharing resources and other education programs, the garden celebrates nature, cultivates educational materials, collaborating on and hosting special events, minds and inspires action across diverse cultures and multiple assisting with gardening and neighborhood beautification projects generations. For more information on how you can help support and offering free or reduced-cost field trips to Fairchild. Fairchild’s community outreach efforts, please contact Alison As an important part of its outreach efforts, Fairchild has a presence Walker, Community Outreach Coordinator, at at events across the community, throughout the year. Some of these [email protected]. events include Baynanza, Little Haiti Earth Day, the SweetVine E- Fair and various career days and special events at schools county- wide. At these events, Fairchild offers interesting and informative www.fairchildgarden.org SUMMER 2008 9 FAIRCHILD EDUCATION PROGRAMS Community Partners

Audubon of Florida Miami Blue, North American Butterfly Association Belafonte Tacolcy Center Miami Dade College Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Florida Department of Environmental Protection Resources Management Biscayne National Park Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation Department Boy Scouts of America Miami-Dade County Public Schools Breakthrough Miami Miami River Commission Carnival Cruise Lines Miami Watercolor Society Center for Ecoliteracy Miami Worker Center Citizens for a Better South Florida Montgomery Botanical Center Dade Association of Academic Non-Public Schools Museum of Contemporary Art Deering Estate at Cutler NANAY, Inc. Department of Solid Waste Management National Tropical Botanic Garden, The Kampong The Education Fund Native Plant Society, Miami-Dade Chapter Environmental Education Providers Oleta River State Park Everglades National Park Operation Green Leaves Fantasy Theatre Factory Overtown Youth Center Florida International University Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science Friends of the Everglades Shake-A-Leg Miami Girl Scouts of America Aubrey Watkins Simms Memorial Garden Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau South Florida Water Management District Haitian-American Senior Center Southwest Social Services Haitian Heritage Museum Sweet Vine Community Outreach & Prevention Services Historical Museum of Southern Florida TREEmendous Miami Honey Shine Mentoring Program- Tropical Audobon Alonzo Mourning Charities, Inc. University of Florida John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park University of Miami Kids Ecology Corps Vizcaya Museum Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wildlife Rescue Biscayne Nature Center Youth Environmental Programs

FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN what’s displaying blooming By Marilyn Griffiths, Plant Records Photos by Mary Collins/FTBG

Bulnesia arborea, verawood Native to Venezuela and Colombia, verawood was introduced to South Florida by Dr. David Fairchild in the late 1940s. Its delicate pinnate leaves frame brilliant yellow flowers twice a year, in summer and fall. Our large specimens in Plots 34 and 37 were grown from seed received from Dr. Fairchild.

Quisqualis indica, Rangoon creeper This is a vigorous vine from Burma through New Guinea. During the warm months, fragrant clusters of flowers open white in Rondeletia odorata, Panama-rose the morning and gradually change to a This wonderful shrub native to Cuba and deep pink during the day. Look for the Panama, blooms abundantly in the garden’s large plant on a mast in the lawn summer. The flowers are a brilliant in front of the Vine Pergola (Plot 7). orange-red with a glowing yellow center and are surrounded by deep green crisp leaves. Our best specimens are in Plot 21 at the base of the Overlook near the tram road. Lisa D. Anness Butterfly Garden What else is blooming In the Lisa D. Anness Butterfly at Fairchild? Garden (Plot 19b), we are thrilled with the profusion of butterflies that have discovered A list of the currently flowering plants the flowers and foliage that were planted to with a plot map is available at the attract them. At last count, more than 30 Visitor Center. Our Web site, species have been seen. Visit any time of day www.fairchildgarden.org, is also an and be surrounded by zebra longwings, excellent source for images and monarchs, julias and gulf fritillaries. Keep an information about plants in the garden. eye open for atalas and other rare butterflies. Hamelia patens, or firebush Photo by Gaby Orihuela/FTBG www.fairchildgarden.org SUMMER 2008 11 calendar of events fairchild boardof trustees

cool down this Mike Maunder, Ph.D. summer AT FAIRCHILD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AUGUST registered to attend. Please call BOARD OF TRUSTEES FREE SUNDAYS 305.663.8091 to register. 2008-2009 Everyone enjoys free admission AROID SHOW AND SALE every Sunday during the month Saturday & Sunday, September 20 – 21, Bruce W. Greer of August. 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Presented by PRESIDENT COALITION FOR ORCHID the International Aroid Society. Louis J. Risi, Jr. SPECIES 2008 ORCHID SLOW FOOD EXOTIC SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & SYMPOSIUM FRUIT BRUNCH TREASURER Sunday, August 3, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 21, Tropical W. Bryan Latham, M.D. For ticket information, please call Fruit Tour, 10:00 a.m., Brunch, ASSISTANT TREASURER Erna Maxwell at 305.382.3055. 11:30 a.m. Visitor Center Ballroom. Proceeds benefit Fairchild Tropical Suzanne Steinberg SEPTEMBER Botanic Garden at Williams Grove. VICE PRESIDENT FREE SUNDAYS For more information, call Everyone enjoys free admission 305.663.8091 or purchase tickets Joyce J. Burns every Sunday during the month at www.slowfoodmiami.com. SECRETARY of September. OCTOBER L. Jeanne Aragon VOLUNTEER INFORMATION DAYS MEMBERS’ DAY PLANT SALE Learn how you can become a VICE PRESIDENT & Saturday, October 4, ASSISTANT SECRETARY Fairchild Volunteer. 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Thursday & Friday, September BONSAI SOCIETY OF MIAMI Leonard L. Abess, Jr. 4 – 5, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. SHOW & SALE Henry N. Adorno, Esq. OR Saturday, September 13, Saturday & Sunday, October 11 – 12, Alejandro J. Aguirre 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Presented by Raymond F. Baddour, Sc.D. OR Saturday, September 27, the Bonsai Society of Miami. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Nancy Batchelor To register, please call THE RARE EVENT - BIDDING Norman J. Benford 305.667.1651, ext. 3324. AGAINST EXTINCTION Faith F. Bishock Saturday, October 18, DOG DAY AT FAIRCHILD Leslie A. Bowe 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Sunday, September 14, For tickets please visit Robert W. Brockway 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. www.fairchildgarden.org Jennifer Stearns Buttrick This is the ONLY day of the year Swanee DiMare that you can bring your pooch to This schedule of events is subject to change. Please call 305.667.1651 for information. For the latest José R. Garrigó Fairchild. All dogs must be pre- schedule and to purchase tickets, visit www.fairchildgarden.org. Kenneth R. Graves Photos by Gaby Orihuela and Julie Petrie/FTBG Willis D. Harding Patricia M. Herbert Robert M. Kramer, Esq. Lin L. Lougheed Bruce C. Matheson Robert A. McNaughton, M.D. Clifford W. Mezey Stephen D. Pearson, Esq. T. Hunter Pryor, M.D. Charles P. Sacher Jean Ellen Shehan Janá Sigars-Malina, Esq. Penelope W. Stamps James G. Stewart, Jr., M.D. Vincent A. Tria, Jr. Reginald N. Whitehead Angela W. Whitman

Harold E. Kendall, Sr. TRUSTEE EMERITUS LEAVING A LEGACY

By Jeremy Davit, Development Associate

There were two inspirations for Dan and Kathie Comerford’s bequest to Fairchild; they wanted to honor their friends William and Angela Whitman, and they wanted to add to the future success of Fairchild’s Tropical Fruit Conservation program. The Comerfords also chose to make the gift to Fairchild since “they knew Fairchild would spend the money intelligently and cost-effectively.”

Daniel J. Comerford III and Kathie Comerford have had a long-standing love affair with Fairchild. In college, Kathie often painted the plants she saw at Fairchild, including the rainbow eucalyptus tree. Inspired by Fairchild’s beauty, Kathie attained her Masters of Fine Arts degree and taught art for the next 15 years. Dan, who was a public school teacher/administrator and university professor, holds a Ph.D. and post doctorate, said he finds Fairchild to be the “perfect place for learning.” Kathie and Dan reconnected with Fairchild when Kathie was ill and found Fairchild as a place for healing. During this period, Kathie and Dan focused on enhancing their home garden in Jupiter, Florida. They would visit Fairchild to research design ideas and buy books from the shop for inspiration. During their two hour drive home, Kathie would fill her new books with notes and mark her favorite plants. Suzanne Kores/FTBG Photo by On a fruit Safari to Costa Rica, Kathie took Bill Kathie Comerford, Jeremy Davit and Daniel J. Comerford III Whitman’s book, Five Decades with Tropical Fruits. She asked the trip leaders if anyone could introduce her to tropical fruits. Eventually Angela taught Kathie how to play croquet, and Kathie Bill Whitman. Upon Kathie’s return to the United States, has been a “croquet nut” since. The Whitmans and Comerfords have also the Comerfords were invited to the Whitmans’ Bal traveled extensively together. Harbour home. There was an instant connection between the Comerfords and Whitmans. Kathie was a member of A few years ago, Kathie and Dan took on a heightened interest in Fairchild’s the Rare Fruit Council and loves diving, swimming and work with tropical fruit conservation, specifically the Whitman Tropical Fruit “all things ocean.” Bill was a tropical fruit pioneer, avid Pavilion. Dan and Kathie felt this was such a unique exhibit and that they surfer, fisherman, diver and photographer (he invented wanted to be part of its future success. “Fairchild is a legacy not only to our the underwater camera housing). He said he had never state, but to the world.” Dan said the decision for the gift was easy to make met anyone as interested in the tropical fruit plants on since “Anyone can do it. A legacy gift to Fairchild is an excellent way to ensure their property as the Comerfords. that the important work of conservation, preservation and education is supported in the future and that the garden itself is maintained and sustained in As their friendship blossomed, the Comerfords found perpetuity.” They also feel it is important to, “Ask yourself, when you leave this themselves many an afternoon with the Whitmans planet, have you left something to enrich someone else’s life?” learning more about the fascinating world of Kathie and Dan have also been active with other organizations including the GIFT PLANNING AT FAIRCHILD Reef Environmental Education Foundation and the FAU Jupiter Tequesta Dog Club. Currently, Both Kathie and Dan serve on the board of trustees of Palm For more information on gift planning at Fairchild or Beach Zoo where Kathie is a Zoo Ambassador, and Dan is a past Vice on the Fairchild Legacy Society, please contact Chairman and on the executive committee. Development Associate Jeremy Davit at 305.667.1651, ext. 3377 or [email protected]. The Comerfords are leaving a legacy that will greatly impact tropical fruit research and conservation for years to come.

www.fairchildgarden.org SUMMER 2008 13 tropical cuisine The official publication of Healthy and Delicious Living Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden editorial staff By Noris Ledesma, Curator of Tropical Fruit executive director ealthy eating can be easy. Small Mike Maunder, Ph.D. changes can equal big results. Work editor/chief operating officer fruits into your daily routine and aim to Nannette M. Zapata H design eat at least five servings a day. Be sure to serve fruit at every meal. This is mango season, and if Lorena Alban you have mango trees in your yard, use them or Alina Balean copy editors buy mangos from local farmers’ market. It is a great way to get fresh, tasty produce and Amy Butler Mary Collins support local farmers. Paula Fernández de los Muros Ann Schmidt Kids, especially younger ones, will eat what’s staff contributors available at home. That’s why it is important to Arlene Ferris control the supply lines—the foods you serve at Erin Fitts meals and have on hand for snacks. Make it easy Nicole Gerard, Ph.D. for your child to choose healthy snacks by Marilyn Griffiths keeping fruit on hand and ready to eat. Martha Kent Encourage healthy choices by eating well Jack B. Fisher, Ph.D. yourself. Kids will follow the lead of the adults Noris Ledesma Javier Francisco-Ortega, Ph.D. they see every day. Carl E. Lewis, Ph.D. advertising information Mari Novo 305.667.1651, ext. 3357 previous editors The Indian Sunrise Marjory Stoneman Douglas 1945-50 Mango Shake Lucita Wait 1950-56 Nixon Smiley 1956-63 ½ cup mango (fresh or frozen) Lucita Wait 1963-77 Ann Prospero 1977-86 ¼ cup orange juice Karen Nagle 1986-91 2 Tbsp. wheat germ Nicholas Cockshutt 1991-95 Honey Susan Knorr 1995-2004 Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. If you use frozen fruit, no ice is needed. The Tropical Garden Volume 63, Number 3. The Tropical Garden is published quarterly. Otherwise, blend with three ice cubes. Subscription is included in membership dues. © FTBG 2007 ISBN 1071-0914 Paper is 10% total recovered fiber and 100% post-consumer waste. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be The Fruit Market reproduced without permission. AT WILLIAMS GROVE

Open every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Accredited by the American Association of 14885 S.W. 248 Street Museums, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is supported by contributions from members Homestead, FL 33032 and friends, and in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Be sure to stop by and try a delicious Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, fruit smoothie and buy some fresh Institute of Museum and Library Services, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural tropical fruit from Fairchild’s Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the collection to take home. Mayor, and the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners, and with the support of The City of Coral Gables. How to Hurricane-Proof Your Trees

ecads ago, the oldtimers—homeowners who had seen a “real” storm—did much of the local tree trimming. They would reduce D the overall height of a tree by 30-50%, and allow a sturdy trunk to hold less top weight. Once the trees had their initial hard trim, they would be maintained at or above those cuts every two years. This was considered responsible maintenance. The initial hard trim in this regimen would be referred to as a “hatrack.” Subsequent visits would be called a “trim and shape,” usually to the old cuts or just above them.

Both the “wind blowing through” theory and the “hard trim” theories have legitimacy. Native trees such as oaks, banyans and gumbo limbos do very well with a natural lift and thinning. Avocados, black olives and Ficus benjamina do much better on a top and shape regimen. The codes in place today have arborists handcuffed completely to the “wind blowing through” theory, also known as natural shaping. This has created a one- size-fits-all ordinance that is best illustrated by the clean-up of giant ficuses from the streets of Coral Gables.

As a homeowner, it is important to understand these concepts when you decide to have your trees trimmed. The pruning standards set by the American National Standards Institute, which form the basis of our pruning codes, apply to the whole country from California to Maine.

The trimming techniques allowed by these regulations are natural shaping and thinning and crown reduction. To best understand how this is accomplished, let’s use the bonsai analogy. Imagine that your 40-foot tree is a 40-inch tree sitting in a bonsai dish. The goal is to limit and reduce Photo by Jason Lopez/FTBG The removal of more than 30% of the tree’s green canopy is a code violation. the tree’s size while maintaining its natural shape. By flush pruning the longest leader tips back to the branch and leaving the less protruding tips, you can reduce the size of the tree while leaving a full, natural appearance. Next, liminate sucker branches and arms that crowd and The constant thinning of a tree’s compete on the inside of the tree, and lightly shape the canopy. The end interior with limited canopy result is natural shaping and thinning. reduction creates a tree that is gorgeous, natural-looking and last but not least, tall. www.fairchildgarden.org SUMMER 2008 15 Native trees such as oaks, banyans and gumbo limbos do very well with a natural lift and thinning.

The next concept is crown reduction. This refers to lowering the height of the tree without leaving a large stub cut. Reduction is accomplished by using a technique called drop crotching. If you want to reduce the size of the bonsai severely, you could choose one or more of the main vertical leaders, usually the tallest, and flush cut them down to the main trunk or to the crotch where another large branch can be left to maintain the form of the tree. This cut requires a good eye and experience.

These two pruning techniques represent the hurricane preparation that most tree companies will use. A knowledge of these practices might enable you to make

Photo by Jason Lopez/FTBG suggestions or clarify your wishes. Not all tree species respond well to a hard trim.

What To Do Now

Start Early: Trees that are pruned correctly from a young age and not allowed to become overgrown will never be in need of severe pruning.

The Roof: Branches touching the roof or stretching over it are considered huge no-no’s by your insurance company.

Power and Telephone Lines: It is a given that these services will be disrupted by a big storm. Eliminating hazards from your personal telephone line and the power drop to the house could save you from additional headaches.

Palms: Remove bottom fronds and heavy seed pods. Queens, coconuts and washingtonias will benefit from this; royals should be left alone. For the

Photo by Jason Lopez/FTBG palm’s health, limit frond pruning to below the 9:00 and 3:00 o’clock A black olive pruned according to code and ready for the hurricane season. positions.

Fruit Trees: Most codes allows for the topping of avocados and mangos. Get them down to a comfortable height for picking.

Cut-downs: There are a handful of trees that can often be removed without a permit. They are listed as noxious exotics or prohibited species. Removing these can eliminate hazards and make room for new landscape ideas.

Note: Topping and cut-down regulations are different from city to city. It is important to know your city’s codes.

Most tree companies and independent arborists are aware of all these principles and have your best interests in mind. It is important to know that “certified arborist” does not imply “good tree trimmer.” A good company or tree trimmer is usually one recommended by a friend; not someone knocking on your door looking for work. Photo by Jason Lopez/FTBG A Ficus tree that is the victim of hatracking.

16 THE TROPICAL GARDEN ask martha Plant Societies, more than meetings, shows and sales By Martha Kent, Staff Horticulturist

id you know some plant societies do much more than host monthly meetings and shows and sales? There is another level of satisfaction to being Dpart of a plant society. The good works and generosity that many societies continuously engage in deserve recognition.

The Bromeliad Society of South Florida (BSSF), for instance, donated plants for a bromeliad garden at Palmetto Middle School. The BSSF also donated funds to a community in New Orleans after Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma, and it continuously donates to the Bromeliad Identification Center at Marie Selby Gardens and to the ongoing research of eliminating the bromeliad weevil.

The Tropical Flowering Tree Society (TFTS) donated and planted over 200 flowering trees to Miami Metro Zoo’s Rainbow Island. Not only has TFTS produced the Royal Poinciana Fiesta for many years, but it has also given over $2,500 in scholarship money to the Royal Poinciana Queen and princesses.

Students, schools and Girl and Boy Scouts projects that need help finding native plants are fulfilled by the Florida Native Plant Society Dade County Chapter. Each year, one master or doctoral candidate who conducts orchid research receives scholarship money from the Orchid Society of Coral Gables. And the Tropical Fern & Exotic Plant Society has awarded three scholarships over the past few years to college students who have made horticulture their primary study.

Photo by Martha Kent/FTBG Lastly, the South Florida Palm Society (SFPS) helps support individual research, A grouping of Plumeria pudica, one of a number of plant donations given over the years by the Tropical planting projects and educational efforts at Fairchild, Montgomery Botanical Center Flowering Tree Society to Fairchild. and other institutions. To this end, SFPS created a Community Service Committee 27 years ago to yearly evaluate palm-related projects and guide the directors in allocating funds.

These horticultural societies as well as others not listed here take their giving and outreach seriously, and Fairchild and our community benefit from their largesse. Congratulations to all of them—we are grateful for their myriad of contributions.

All societies welcome visitors to their meetings. For meeting times, visit Martha Kent is a staff horticulturist at Fairchild. www.fairchildgarden.org/livingcollections and click the garden landscapes/plant Ask Martha your gardening questions by calling society meeting schedule. her at 305.667.1651, ext. 3317 or email [email protected].

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16300 SW 184th St., Miami, FL 33187 phone (305) 233-5501 | fax (305) 233-5610 www.TropicalFruitNursery.com plant societies Orchid Society of Coral Gables

By Jill Sidran, Past President, Orchid Society of Coral Gables

t a time when we often hear talk about the death of social clubs, Orchid Society of Coral Gables (OSCG) meetings easily dispel any notions on that Asubject. Meetings, which are held at Fairchild, are regularly attended by 50-80 members, guests and visitors. Looking around the room during a typical meeting, you will see not only a diverse cultural mix, but also people of all ages. Talking with attendees, you will meet orchid growers of all skill levels—from 30- year veteran growers to beginners.

Any orchid club, be it large or small, is only as good as its members’ willingness to Paphiopedilum Crystelle Lycaste Larry Cox ‘Electra’ AM/AOS was the roll up their sleeves and volunteer. Earlier this year, OSCG members put in society ‘Awesome Blossom’ grand champion of the Fairchild show. exhibits at the concurrent 19th World Orchid Conference and Tamiami International Orchid Festival, and OSCG also hosted their own show just a month later at Fairchild. In addition, OSCG produces the exhibit and educational component for Fairchild’s annual International Orchid Festival. Fairchild is a beautiful setting for an orchid show and sale, and visitors can stroll the gardens after enjoying the bounty of orchids.

After a lecture by an outstanding speaker, members and guests socialize and enjoy the incredible food supplied by the society members. Following the refreshments, members enjoy a raffle of orchid plants supplied by the speaker.

Come and join us for lots of fun, food and new knowledge on growing orchids. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Garden House. Fairchild’s International Orchid Festival

Become a volunteer at Fairchild and be part of a wonderful community. Gain knowledge and be part of a global conservation effort right here in South Florida.

Volunteers are needed now to serve as guides, gardening assistants, garden hosts and in a variety of other areas. If you are dedicated to Fairchild’s mission and can give 4 hours once a week, we can find a volunteer job for you! To learn more come to Volunteer Information Days on Thursday, September 4 and Friday, September 5, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. OR Saturday, September 13, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. OR Saturday, September 27, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. For more information and to RSVP, contact Sandy at 305.667.1651, ext. 3324. FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN

Photos by Julie Petrie/FTBG. vis-a-vis volunteers Fairchild Volunteers Help Madagascar By Pauline Goldsmith, Volunteer

airchild volunteers have always been known for their generosity, so it was no surprise that the F volunteers enthusiastically supported the newly- formed Friends of Fairchild (FOF) Garden-to-Garden Committee. The committee members, Stacy De Meo, George Gates, Pauline Goldsmith, Cornelia Hurst, Lynn Leverett and Yonna Levine, joined to raise funds to assist Fairchild’s partner gardens around the world who are striving to preserve the biodiversity of our planet.

This year the focus was on a little-known area in the southwest of Madagascar, home to a key regional conservation facility, Arboretum d’Antsokay. Fairchild has partnered with this arboretum to further develop their capacity to preserve the unique spiny forest of Madagascar. A sampling of the plants found in this extraordinary habitat is displayed in Fairchild’s Lin Lougheed Spiny Forest of Madagascar exhibit.

Garden-to-Garden committee members drew the names of the 12 lucky raffle prize winners at the Spring Social. Over the years, the Arboretum d’Antsokay has collected an amazing and diverse range of plant life from the region and built a priceless living collection. It is now a destination spot for many enthusiastic botanists and recent field trips have identified 25 endangered species. However, there are some areas of the arboretum that require immediate improvement and where horticultural expertise is needed. Their seed and clonal propagation experience is limited, and the arboretum’s actual growing facilities are inadequate. To compound the issue, basic horticultural tools are also in short supply.

The FOF Garden-to-Garden Committee decided to explore ways to improve this dire situation and raised $5,700 for the project from both a highly successful raffle and a generous donation from Fairchild Trustee Lin Lougheed.

This support from the Fairchild community will help provide Arboretum d’Antsokay with desperately Volunteers enjoyed the company of their friends and great food at the season-ending Spring Social. needed tools and aid conservation in an area of extreme hardship. Over the next few months, The Friends of Fairchild and the Garden-To-Garden, Fairchild staff will visit and train the Arboretum Tools for Madagascar Committee Recognize and d’Antsokay workers. Thank Our Generous Raffle Donors The Committee thanks all the generous raffle prize donors, as well as the volunteers and friends of April Dominguez Kerry’s Bromeliad Nursery Paula Hamelik Fairchild who bought raffle tickets. The drawing of the Celebrity Cruises and Living Colors Nursery Pauline Goldsmith raffle winners at the Volunteer Spring Social added Maxi Travel Lynn Leverett Talula’s Restaurant fun and excitement to this season-ending event. Coty Fragrances Miami MetroZoo TanSolaire Body Spa Curb Appeal Landscaping Motes Orchids Upper Eastside Flowers Greenstreet Café New Theatre of Jaguar Ceviche Bar Coral Gables www.fairchildgarden.org SUMMER 2008 19 Step into a paradise of tranquility, beauty and the embracing comfort of a secret garden Palm Hammock Orchid Estate, Inc.

Orchids, begonias, ferns, statuary, aroids, supplies, water lilies, butterfly plants, rare plants and more. Class schedule available on our website and at the nursery.

9995 Southwest 66 Street, Miami, FL 203173 (305) 274-9813 www.palmhammockorchidest.com exploring

The Mangos of Africa

By Dr. Richard Campbell, Senior Curator of Tropical Fruit Photos by Dr. Richard Campbell and Gaby Orihuela/FTBG A hmed Zeitoun tends to his young mango trees growing beneath the shade of centuries-old date palms near Alexandria, Egypt. The dates are still growing and fruiting, but they have long since extended beyond the reach of man. Now, mango varieties with names like ‘Bullock’s Heart,’ ‘Taimour,’ and ‘Zebda’ fill the void. These mango varieties are but a few of the descendants of seed introduced to the Nile Delta from India centuries before. From Luxor north along the Nile, the mango grows to mammoth proportions in the deep alluvial soils made rich from the natural flood cycles of the river. The Nile is now kept within her banks, but residual fertility still pushes the trees onward with vigor unmatched throughout the mango world—wonderful for the mango tree, but for the flowering, fruiting and harvest, these mango forests are challenging at best —rich in tradition and ingenious invention, but incapable of adjusting to a modern world.

Mr. Zeitoun, however, tends to his mangos outside the Nile Delta, in the deep sands near the Mediterranean Sea. Here, and in many of the desolate tracts of Egypt, the mango is finding new life through the addition of water and technology. The trees struggle to find nutrients and water, receiving only what is given to them, staying small and productive and allowing for a positive change in the industry. The mangos of Egypt now frequent the Cairo nights, filling blenders for locals looking for a respite from the stifling heat and arriving in the export markets of the Middle East and Europe. The all-powerful pharaohs, despite their wealth, had no mango to grace their lands. The conquerors who followed celebrated hollow victories indeed, for they were without the sweet fruit. Modern Egypt, in contrast, has seen the mango blossom into a local staple and world commodity worthy of its heritage.

South across the Sahara, the mango was carried by Portuguese traders. This movement was carried out in the last two centuries—relatively recent history and not reflective of the importance the mango has assumed for the people. Coastal towns throughout sub-Saharan Africa boast huge mango trees of mostly unimproved Ahmed Zeitoun in his Alexandria, Egypt, genetic stock. Common villagers, often women, plant orchard. the seeds and live beneath their shade. Make no mistake; just because they are not genetically improved CLOCKWISE Dr. Campbell standing in front of one of the pyramids of Giza.

Gahanian mango farmers near Accra.

A mango harvester in South Africa. trees, they are no less tasty, nor less important to the local people and economies of the region. Relying almost exclusively on Mother Nature for their care, their abundance or their scarcity is unpredictable at best, resulting in a gracious plenty or grave shortage at the hands of the weather.

In West Africa, the mango was once again transformed into a more modern export crop in the countries of Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Ghana in recent decades. Ivory Coast and Cameroon were devastated by civil war, with the mango suffering greatly, yet in Ghana, which recently celebrated its fiftieth year of independence, the mango pushes on. The Ghanaian farmer is clever and capable of much with little in the way of inputs. They possess deep savannah lands, bursting with fertility and blessed with adequate natural rainfall. The mango grows well—so well in fact that their excessive growth and proper flowering and fruiting are problematic. However, in Ghana, the farmer is dedicated to the mango, and he molds the fruit into an export crop with the help of varieties from Florida and beyond. The export markets of Europe were open and receptive to the Ghana mango; yet, quarantine issues have closed the door at present. The world should take heed, however, of the mango of Ghana, for its quality is formidable, its location fortuitous and its people ingenious.

Venturing still southward, to the very limits of mango ‘Bullock’s Heart’ mangos growing, we find the South African mango industry. Coming into existence in an organized manner in the last half century, the South African mango is unique for the continent, with bright red colors and modern, innovative growing techniques. In South Africa, the mango is not a traditional crop; to the contrary, the South African grower is not burdened with the ways of previous generations. For the South African grower and researcher, the mango is treated more as a peach or an apple tree, and the mango does not seem to mind. This is fortunate for all of us, for we have much to learn from this non-biased approach. Trees are small, pruning exact and varieties specific for the climate. South African technology continues its spread from the Tzaneen to Tamale, but for South Africa, there remains one cruel reality—they are a long way from the export markets of Europe and the Middle East. This fact has forced great innovation in picking, handling and shipping, but the shape of the industry has turned more toward local sales and products like dried mango.

A continent of contrasts plays host to the king of fruit. We can celebrate the traditions, the innocent pleasures and the innovations, for this is the essence of the Mangos of Africa.

‘Zebda’ mangos miami blue chapter celebrates with july festival

By Dr. Gary Noel Ross and Dr. Elane Nuehring S ince 2004, each July the Miami Blue Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association has teamed up with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden to produce Butterfly Days, a festival that is filled with butterfly fun and education. This annual event is part of a larger partnership between the chapter and Fairchild, which aims to promote butterfly habitat and gardening in Miami and South Florida through a growing number of collaborative initiatives. These events afford rich examples of how butterfly conservationists can partner with their local botanic gardens. Ceraunus Blue. Photo by Ron Nuehring Nuehring www.fairchildgarden.org SUMMER 2008 27 Butterfly Days 2008 featured the “blue butterflies,” including the Miami Blue. The Friday reception provided a forum for local researchers in biology and botany to interface with our accomplished keynote speaker from Harvard University, Naomi Pierce, Ph.D., who is recognized for her creative and in-depth work on the Lycaenidae or “the blues.”

The festival offered many indoor and outdoor butterfly activities. For example, some outdoor activities included guided walks through the extensive Lisa D. Anness butterfly garden and tram tours of butterfly viewing spots elsewhere in the garden. Plant vendors marketed butterfly nectar and host plants that are particularly productive in South Florida. Several kiosks offered nature-oriented creations. Special activities for children included face painting, seed planting and short interpretive butterfly walks. The Shop at Fairchild was also stocked to entice butterfly aficionados.

Inside the Garden House, booths offered information on the Miami Blue Chapter, Fairchild and select groups whose efforts are significant to butterfly habitats, such as Dade County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. Dramatic macro- photographic prints by one of the Miami Blue Chapter’s outstanding photographers, Hank Poor, showcased the life cycle of several butterfly species from egg to caterpillar, chrysalis to adult. Books authored by the special presenters were for sale in The Shop at Fairchild. Photo by Gaby Orihuela/FTBG

On both Saturday and Sunday, butterfly experts from national, state and local authorities gave informative lectures on butterflies, their behavior, habitats and conservation. This year, in addition to Dr. Naomi Pierce and her work with the blue butterflies of the world, we welcomed Dr. Jaret Daniels (McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville), who has provided leadership in the efforts to re-introduce the Miami Blue butterfly to its former haunts. Dr. Daniels is also a key player in a state-wide effort to secure the future for our many imperiled butterflies.

In addition, we were also delighted to have Roger Hammer, Director of Castellow Hammock Preserve and author of several books on area plants and wild places, and Steve Woodmansee, Director, Pro Native Consulting and founder of the Institute for Regional Conservation. Mr. Woodmansee is also the co-author of the invaluable book, Rare Plants of South Florida: Their History, Conservation and Restoration. Mr. Hammer shared his vast knowledge of wild butterfly habitats and plant hosts, and Mr. Woodmansee took us back to our home lawns and gardens to explore the butterfly habitats provided by our “weeds.” For folks just venturing into butterflies, we offered “Butterflies 101” sessions. Photo by Gaby Orihuela/FTBG

The exuberance of Butterfly Days is that every year is different, by design. For example, in 2007, we enjoyed the vibrant presentations of Dr. Gary Noel Ross, “An Enchantment of Wings” and “The Joy of Butterflies: Personal Reflections;” “Butterflies of the East Coast” by Rick Cech (New York City, and author of book of same title) and “A Trip to the Southern Hemisphere: Butterflies of Peru” (also by Cech); “The Atala Butterfly—A Fairchild Favorite,” by Sandy Koi (a regional biologist recognized for her studies of the historic plight and more recent conservation success of the Atala in South Florida); ”Butterfly Gardening in Zone 11,” by Cindy David (a local in-demand butterfly landscape designer); and “Butterfly Gardening in Highly Urbanized Areas,” by Sam Wright (field biologist and coastal habitat restoration authority with Fairchild).

Since Fairchild is located within an extreme southern zone of the U.S., subtropical/ tropical butterflies dominate the landscape and are tantalizing targets for national and international butterflyers. A cumulative list of species recorded from the garden now

28 THE TROPICAL GARDEN Cassius Blue. Photo by Bill Perry Fairchild: A butterfly habitat

totals 53, including the commonly seen: Polydamas Swallowtail, Great Southern White, Florida White, Dina Yellow, Orange-barred Sulphur, Large Orange Sulphur, Statira Sulphur, Lyside Sulphur, Atala, Fulvous Hairstreak, Cassius Blue, Ceranus Blue, Gulf Fritillary, Julia Heliconian, Zebra Heliconian, White Peacock, Mangrove Buckeye, Ruddy Daggerwing, Monarch, Queen, Mangrove Skipper, Hammock Skipper, Dorantes Longtail, Baracoa Skipper, Monk Skipper, Tropical Checkered Skipper and Brazilian Skipper. Others sightings are possible. For example, the Malachite has been seen and photographed in recent months and efforts are being made to encourage its host, the green shrimp plant (Blechum brownei). Photo by Gaby Orihuela/FTBG

The richness of butterflies at Fairchild is the result of several factors: a policy of no pesticides, reduced mowing in select habitats containing herbaceous butterfly host plants and recently amplified butterfly gardening throughout the facility, including the newly expanded Lisa D. Anness Butterfly Garden. The original butterfly garden was installed by Eagle Scout Florian Feiberg and members of Troop 457, along with youngsters ages 8– 11 from the Let’s Explore at Fairchild Program. From the beginning, the butterfly garden has been maintained by the diligent work of Mary Ann and Hank Poor, Fairchild volunteers and Miami Blue Chapter members. This pioneering work was enlarged multifold in 2006 by Fairchild’s generous benefactor, Larry Rutherford, in honor of Lisa D. Anness, a tireless supporter of the Miami Blue Chapter, Fairchild and butterfly habitat in residential gardens.

Butterfly gardening at Fairchild also has the robust backing from Executive Director, Dr. Mike Maunder, former Director of Living Collections and Garden Landscapes, Mike Davenport, and the Fairchild Trustees—especially Bruce Greer (President), Sue Steinberg Orihuela/FTBG (Vice President) and Willis Harding (trustee and new NABA member). The expanded Lisa D. Anness Butterfly Garden was orchestrated by Mike Davenport and a joint

Photo by Gaby planning committee of Fairchild staff, Fairchild volunteers and Miami Blue Chapter volunteers. Adding even more energy to the butterfly agenda, a cadre of Fairchild volunteers was trained to lead weekly butterfly walks in the garden, spurred by the leadership and mentoring of Linda Evans, Miami Blue Chapter Vice President, Lisa Blackwelder and other Fairchild volunteers and Miami Blue Chapter members. Butterflies will also now be part of Fairchild’s education programs in which over 45,000 school children visit annually and learn about many aspects of the natural world.

The partnership between Fairchild and the Miami Blue Chapter of NABA has proven to be unique and mutually tactical. For example, Fairchild consists of 83 acres on the shore of Biscayne Bay—a prestigious property and the gateway to the popular Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys. Besides reigning as the county’s oldest cultural institution, with over 45,000 members, Fairchild is recognized internationally as a leader in tropical plant conservation, education and horticulture. With its dynamic leadership, reputation, financial base and physical layout, Fairchild has the infrastructure necessary to host major public events. Of tremendous significance is the genius and enthusiasm found in the Fairchild’s Special Events Department, where Director Ann Schmidt and her team seem to see only promise and possibility, never barriers and obstacles.

In contrast, like most NABA chapters, the Miami Blue Chapter has a small membership, no paid staff, a low budget and no physical venue for events. However, the chapter has a president with vision, Dennis Olle (recently elected to NABA’s Board of Directors), an expert advisor, David Lysinger, who gave his encouragement and wisdom about butterflies, plants and habitats to the development of our butterfly partnership, a committed, hard-working membership and the capacity to access leading figures in butterfly study both locally and nationally. So, by joining forces, the Miami Blue Chapter and Fairchild have succeeded in producing an annual public event that showcases the region’s free-ranging butterfly species and a magnificent botanical garden. Upping the ante, the collaboration enhances the shared focus of both—namely wildlife and botanical conservation. Photo by Gaby Orihuela/FTBG SundaYsEnjoy FREE at Fairchild In August and September! Bring your friends.

FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN

Sunday, September 14, 2008 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. This is the ONLY day of the year that you can bring your pooch to Fairchild. All dogs must be pre- registered to attend. Please call 305.663.8091 to register. For more information, please visit www.fairchildgarden.org. FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN

oy holds a celebrity status among “vegetable wonders.” Used for numerous products including bioplastics, fuel and food, today’s domesticated soybean Glycine max, is s the descendent of the Chinese Glycine soja. Historical evidence points to the origin of soybean domestication in northern China at around 11th century B.C. Sea and land routes, including the Silk Road, enabled the movement and distribution of soybeans during hundreds of years to southern China, the Korean peninsula and beyond. During the 16th and 17th centuries, European explorers in China and Japan made notes on the usage of a local and abundant bean. John Locke once wrote on the two “sauces” brought into England from the East Indies; mango and soy. The history of soy is fascinating and its success as we know it today is due in part to our friend Dr. David Fairchild. More on this shortly, but first, a quick look at the soybean plant:

The soy plant is a legume. Modern soy plants grow to approximately 36 inches in height, exhibit trifoliate leaves and produce hundreds of pods. Pods, typically containing two to four beans, are directly attached to the stem of the plant. Commercial soybeans are typically straw yellow as a result of genetic selection, but can come in many different colors. The roots of this plant harbor nodules created by Rhizobium japonicum, which allow the plants’ roots to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil. Nitrogen fixation helps stimulate the growth of this plant as well as other plants that are rotated in the same planting areas. Soy is a fast growing plant and, in most cases, are harvestable only 100 days after planting.

Soy most likely entered Europe through the Netherlands in the 1730s. During this time, Linnaeus described the soybean in the Hortus cliffortianus based on a plant found at the Hartecamp garden. Later, in 1790, the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew featured their own soybean plantings. It is interesting to note that soybean plants in Europe were only planted for display purposes at that time.

Soy first reached the United States in the mid-1700s when Samuel Bowen brought the plants to his Savannah plantation from China. There, he harvested the plants for the production of soy sauce and soy noodles, which he later exported to the United Kingdom. Dr. David Fairchild and his Benjamin Franklin also played a crucial role in the introduction of soybeans into the United friends in the USDA’s States. In 1770, he sent seeds from London for his garden in Philadelphia. Office of Foreign Seed and Henry Ford was probably one of the most important soy product pioneers. He used his marketing talents to bring soy products into the public eye despite heavy skepticism. Mr. Plant Introduction were Ford’s drive was to develop technological and agricultural uses of soy which could then be instrumental in a massive used to help farmers. As always, Mr. Ford was way ahead of his time. effort to establish soy plants Dr. David Fairchild and his friends in the USDA’s Office of Foreign Seed and Plant Introduction were instrumental in a massive effort to establish soy plants in the United in the United States. States. From 1929-1932, Dr. Fairchild’s friends Palemon Howard Dorsett and William Photo by Bob Randall/Istockphoto Archives/FTBG Soya piled bundles, 1929. A soybean field in mid-July in northern Illinois. Joseph Morse from the USDA, researched and collected soybean plants from China. These plants were then introduced into the United States, a move that is still considered the greatest contribution to American soybean production. During World War II and the two decades immediately after the war, soybean production greatly expanded.

Soy is the cheapest source of protein cost per kilogram bases. The demand for soy has doubled that of corn in the last 10 years and surpassed that of wheat and cotton by seven times. The United States is currently the primary producer of soy in the world, contributing 38% of total world crop. Brazil comes in second with 25%, and Argentina in third place with 19%. Other producers include China, India, Canada and Paraguay. Soy’s role in the health food industry took a center stage when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved that “foods containing 6.25 grams or more of soy per serving are low in fat, cholesterol and sodium.” There are also many critics of soy who site scientific studies showing increased estrogen levels and risk of cancer associated with soy consumption.

The increasing demand for soy and shifting of crop focus in numerous countries is adding pressure to ecosystems and rainforests. American soy farms have moved to growing corn to supplement the ethanol biofuel industry in the United States. Brazil, being our neighbor and the second largest producer of soy, is perfectly poised to provide the U.S. market with necessary soybeans. Many environmental leaders fear this change will increase deforestation of rainforest and other habitats in Brazil. Glycine max, soybean Herbarium/FTBG

Soybean field in New Jersey.

The United States is Brazilian soybeans are grown in the Cerrado grasslands. As megafarms continue to take over the Cerrado, smaller farmers move to the neighboring Amazon rainforest where they currently the primary make space for their own subsistence farms. At the same time, soy farms are pushing north toward the Amazon region as sugar cane plantations expand to supplement Brazil’s producer of soy in the sugarcane-based ethanol industry. Soy plantations in the Amazonian region of Brazil world, producing 38% of currently cover more than eight million hectares and soy production in Brazil has been growing at almost 17% each year. Soy production is also a driver in the construction of total world’s crop new highways, which dramatically contributes to rainforest deforestation and open areas to previously remote cultures.

The various products and consequences of soy seem endless. Just how will the world handle the increasing need for soy products with limited plantation space? There is still much to research and learn. We certainly know that soy will continue, as it has for thousands of years, to change the way we feed and industrialize our world.

www.fairchildgarden.org SUMMER 2008 33 LANDSCAPE DESIGN | INSTALLATION | MAINTENANCE

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p: 786-242-4443 berniesrockandgarden.com After harvest, proper mulching and pruning maintains the mango tree’s health, productivity and size. Sustainable Living AT FAIRCHILD’S WILLIAMS GROVE Text and photos by Noris Ledesma, Curator of Tropical Fruit

36 THE TROPICAL GARDEN Daily decisions regarding what we do, what we consume, where we buy, how we choose to live and the values that we hold and promote, affect the Earth and the communities we live in.

Sustainable living requires following a model of natural resource conservation and innovation. At Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden at Williams Grove, we believe in the preservation of agriculture in South Florida, as well as providing a living heritage and improving our quality of life through sustainable living. By using innovative horticultural techniques and proper genetic resources, we can realize this potential. It is a simple equation; yet, the modern world works against us, through a fear of the natural world and a perceived need for chemical inputs.

The research collection at Williams Grove is maintained in just this manner. In less than five acres, we house the entire genetic bank for avocado, mango, jackfruit, mamey sapote, sapodilla, canistel, abrico, caimito, Spanish lime and tamarind. The management techniques we use also provide guidance for your own back yard. Farm animals help children learn about the benefits of sustainable living. Mulch is used with a heavy hand given the spartan nature of South Florida soils. As the mulch decomposes, it releases nutrients to the trees, retains water and builds soil structure. Four to six inches of mulch are used annually, and care is taken not to place the mulch directly on the trunk since this can introduce pathogens or cause the trunk to rot. Weeds are suppressed for a time in order to allow the trees to grow and provide future weed control through shading.

Pruning maintains a tree’s health, productivity and size. After harvest, the trees are pruned by hand, and the branches, twigs and leaves are mulched or ground up for use as mulch in other locations. Height, width and training techniques depend on the species and desired results. The constant is consistency.

Irrigation is used for water-loving species like jackfruit, avocado and mamey sapote, but frequency is never more than once per week. Mango, canistel, sapodilla, Spanish lime and abrico receive no watering after establishment. During the spring flowering season, weeds are allowed to provide a nectar source for bees, flies and wasps. Weeds are allowed to provide a nectar source for bees, flies and wasps during the spring flowering season. Weed control is accomplished mechanically, through mulching and shading by the trees themselves.

Organic wastes, such as fruit peelings and kitchen compost are recycled through our chickens, geese and worms. The animals also provide assistance in the production of organic fertilizers, weed control, eggs and as educational tools for children.

Insects are presumed innocent until proven guilty of damage. Since 2004, no insecticides have been applied. Control has been achieved through understanding and patience and through beneficial insects such as bees.

Eco-friendly materials are used when possible, such as the 100% corn cups in which we serve our smoothies.

At Williams Grove, bees are used as a natual insecticide. www.fairchildgarden.org SUMMER 2008 37 Growth potential MEMBERSHIP AT FAIRCHILD

embers of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden make a big difference, because they are part of a global community focused on tropical conservation and education. Fairchild members support programs M in far away places like Madagascar and Kenya. And, Fairchild members support conservation and education programs right here in South Florida. In fact, Fairchild’s scientists are leading plant conservation efforts in our local areas and neighborhoods.

In addition to supporting a global habitat recovery efforts, Fairchild members receive free admission everyday during regular hours; free admission to more than 500 other U.S. gardens, arboreta and museums; a free subscription to The Tropical Garden; 10% discount at The Shop at Fairchild; priority registration and discounts for educational courses and free use of the research and member libraries. Members also receive special invitations to members’ only events such as moonlight tours, spring and fall plant sales, lectures and trips.

So join or renew your membership today. Your Fairchild membership has growth potential.

For more information, please call the membership department at 305.667.1651, ext. 3362 or visit www.fairchildgarden.org.

FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN What’s In Store By Erin Fitts, Director of Retail and Visitor Services

Fairchild’s Estate Jewelry Program Do you have estate or antique jewelry that you no longer use? Fairchild’s recently established Estate Jewelry Program is a perfect way to give these items a new life and support the garden.

Please consider donating necklaces, bracelets, watches, tie clips, cuff links or small collectibles, such as Limoges boxes. They will be displayed for sale in The Shop at Fairchild, and all proceeds from this program will go directly to support Fairchild’s programs.

The Shop at Fairchild will accept donations every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please ask any sales associate for assistance with the donation registration. Each donor will receive a letter by mail acknowledging the donation. If you have any questions concerning this program, please call The Shop at Fairchild at 305. 667.1651, ext .3305 or e-mail us at [email protected].

Lichtenstein Beach Towel As summer continues and thoughts turn to long days relaxing at the beach, be sure to take along a Lichtenstein at Fairchild beach towel! This gorgeous, oversized towel sports a whimsical image perfect for Miami beaches. The towel is screened with Roy Lichtenstein’s Hot Dog with Mustard image, a reproduction exclusively allowed by a private Miami art collector. The towel is available now in The Shop at Fairchild at the special price of $28 (regular price $38). 3.5 feet x 6 feet. Photo by Gaby Orihuela/FTBG D.D.M.HORTICULTURE SERVICES, INC. A DESIGN & BUILD COMPANY

CREATIVITY - QUALITY - INTEGRITY - VALUE Diverse Garden Projects New garden construction reflecting architecture & personality. Native planting that create quiet, inviting areas. Contemporary design for a bold, exciting statement. Older plantings refurbished, re-worked and revitalized. We are the single source provider for the entire project, including plantings, hardcape, irrigation, lighting, ponds, fountains and its follow up maintenance. 6790 SW 74 Street Telephone: (305) 663-0993 Field: (305) 710-8848 South Miami, FL 33143 Debra DeMarco, B.S., Ornamental Horticulture Email: [email protected] conserving The Shop Joint Meeting of the Florida Rare Plant Task Force and Center for Plant at Fairchild Conservation Dr. Joyce Maschinski, Conservation Ecologist/Team Leader

he joint meeting of the Florida Rare Plant Task Force and Center for Plant C ins Conservation was held at Fairchild April 24-27, 2008. Co-hosted by Historic T Bok Sanctuary and Fairchild, the event was sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry and FOR CONSERVATION the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC). State and national land managers and plant conservation professionals attended to learn about new rare plant AT FAIRCHILD conservation research and management. This professional network helps to move plant conservation efforts forward more efficiently and effectively. Highlights included a keynote address by Dr. Bruce Hungate, Co-Director of the Western Regional Center of National Institute for Climatic Change Research at Northern Donate your Arizona University, who spoke about evidence of climatic change and its potential effects on important U.S. terrestrial systems; a plant monitoring workshop conducted by Rob Sutter, Senior Conservation Ecologist/Regional Scientist for the change to Southern U.S. Region of The Nature Conservancy, where key components of monitoring methodology, design, and analysis were discussed; and a special performance by the Coconut Grove Ballet. Fairchild’s

Fairchild’s South Florida Conservation team led field trips to pine rockland, marl prairie, hardwood hammock and coastal dune habitats. At Bill Sadowski Park, conservation Fairchild’s Jennifer Possley showed guests an ongoing community restoration area and some of Florida’s rarest ferns. At Luis Martinez Army Reserve, Dr. Joyce Maschinski explained a recent introduction of the federally endangered Amorpha programs herbacea var. crenulata, crenulate leadplant, a study in collaboration with Dr. Bruce Schaffer from the University of Florida Tropical Research and Education Center. At North Shore Open Space Park, Sam Wright engaged guests in hands-on invasive Help fund Fairchild’s plant removal while they reviewed our recent introductions of Jacquemontia conservation programs by reclinata. Joie Goodman led a group to Everglades National Park, where they learned about the recent joint national effort between CPC participating institutions rounding up your purchase and the National Park Service to collect and store seeds of the park’s rarest plants. to the next dollar or by Happily, Dr. Christina Walters, Lead Scientist from USDA-ARS National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation, who is coordinating seed storage tests for these rare donating the change from species, was able to see the rare plant species from Fairchild’s collections in their your purchase next time natural habitats. you’re at The Shop at Fairchild. Your donation will go toward Fairchild’s conservation programs in South Florida and more than 20 countries.

Please speak with any of our sales associates the next time you visit Fairchild. Photo by Alina Balean/FTBG

40 THE TROPICAL GARDEN Thank you.

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RECENT VISITS TO FAIRCHILD COMMISSIONER HEYMAN AND RUTH K. Sargent and Eunice Shriver BROAD STUDENTS The Shrivers recently visited Fairchild while on their vacation in South Florida. Development Associate Jeremy Davit guided the Shrivers who said, “It was a most delightful few hours together exploring the gardens.” Mrs. Shriver enjoyed the various colors and textures of the flowers that were in bloom and marveled at the “lovely staff.” They were both excited to learn about Fairchild’s

Photo by Jane Sprogis mission in tropical plant conservation.

Douglas S. Cramer and Hugh Bush Photo by Alina Balean/FTBG Douglas S. Cramer, contemporary art collector and producer of such television Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman series as “The Love Boat,” “Dynasty,” recently brought Ruth K. Broad-Bay Harbor Islands “The Brady Bunch” and “Mission Elementary students to Fairchild for a unique visit. The Impossible,” and Hugh Bush recently students learned about Fairchild’s work in tropical plant visited Fairchild. Mr. Cramer and Mr. conservation while experiencing the garden and Bush enjoyed the Lichtenstein sculptures. admiring the Botero, Chihuly and Lichtenstein sculptures. A Fairchild volunteer, who happened to Commissioner Heyman said, “I’m pleased to be able to be reading Danielle Steele’s most recent introduce these students to the beauty of Fairchild novel, was delighted to meet Mr. Cramer Tropical Botanic Garden. Not only did they get to see and learn that he had produced most of nature at its best, but [they] also experienced art in three Ms. Steele’s hit TV series. very different forms created by world-renowned artists.” SAVE THE DATE

2009 Gala in the Garden A Night of Romance Saturday, February 7, 2009 Jean duPont Shehan Honorary Chairman

Chairmen Brenda Nestor Castellano  Swanee DiMare

Philanthropic Chairmen Paula Brockway  Joyce J. Burns  Lin Lougheed  Frances Aldrich Sevilla-Sacasa  Penelope W. Stamps Peter Duchin Orchestra

For more information contact Suzanne Kores, 305.667.1651, x3323, [email protected] Keeping the kids busy this SUMMER Summertime is a great opportunity to explore Fairchild and the natural environment with your junior naturalist child. Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Build up your library of books on nature and the 7. Create your own nature journal. Come to environment. Be even more eco-friendly by Fairchild and explore, listen and look. Sketch and supporting your local library, Fairchild’s library or a describe what you see or what you wonder. You will used book store. surely be delighted as you discover your personal 2. Plant a butterfly garden. Butterflies love connection with the world around you. summertime in Florida, and butterfly plants are well 8. Collect flowers and leaves in your yard or adapted to our climate. For more information, visit neighborhood and carefully press them in newspaper www.miamiblue.org. under a heavy book. Put them near the AC vent to 3. Put on your sunscreen and go explore South dry out completely, and then use them to make Florida’s natural areas—you don’t have to go far to cards, bookmarks or placemats. find unique and amazing ecosystems. Think cypress 9. Make a “book” of your favorite trees. Create swamps, sawgrass marshes, coral reefs and barrier individual pages for each of your favorite trees. Place islands! To learn about Florida’s parks, visit a piece of paper on the trunk of the tree to make a www.floridastateparks.org or www.nps.gov/state/fl. bark rubbing, and then make a rubbing of the leaf. 4. Create art projects from recycled and natural Add extra drawings of the flower or fruit of the tree, materials. Get creative with items found around the or add observations of what bugs and animals you house and yard. For ideas to get you started, read see on the tree. Recycled Crafts Box or Nature’s Art Box, both by 10. Do an eco-audit of your home and come up Laura C. Martin. with creative ways to reduce your carbon footprint. 5. Create your own ecosystem in a bottle. For Consider shopping habits, cleaning products, energy suggestions on building terrariums, read Bottle usage and water consumption. To get started, visit Biology by M. Ingram. www.dreamingreen.org/ryl.php. Consider a community action or service project Have a yard sale or ‘swap party’ with your friends. 11. 6. with an environmental theme. For ideas, visit Project One person’s trash is another person’s treasure! Donate Learning Tree at www.plt.org or what is left at the end to a non-profit organization. www.teensforplanetearth.org/teenshome.

FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN gifts and donors

The following gifts were donated Fellow’s Sponsors Mrs. Margalie Edouard-Desroches Mr. and Mrs. E. Roe Stamps, IV between March 1 to May 31, 2008. The Israel, Rose, Henry, Robert Mrs. Bobbe W. Dooley Mr. and Mrs. Alan W. Steinberg Please notify the Development Wiener Charitable Foundation Florida Power & Light Dr. and Mrs. James G. Stewart, Jr. Office at 305.667.1651, ext. 3310 if Shelley Gorson and Alan Salpeter Mr. and Mrs. Chayo Frank Mr. and Mrs. Kemp C. Stickney your information is not correct. We Family Fund Mr. and Mrs. Gregory J. Freeborg Dr. and Mrs. Herbert Wertheim apologize in advance for any errors SPONSORS Mr. and Mrs. José R. Garrigó Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Westra or omissions. The following lists combine Dr. and Mrs. Lucien Gordon Ms. Josefina A. Yespica MAJOR GIFTS membership and donors at the Mr. Alan Greer and Ms. Patricia Seitz Ms. Nannette Zapata and Art Exhibition $1,000 level and above. Mr. and Mrs. Willis D. Harding Dr. Frank DeLaurier Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Hector Clinton Family Fund SPECIAL EVENTS Donor Society Mr. and Mrs. Allan Herbert 2008 Education Celebration Education Stamps Family Charitable Mrs. W. Warfield Hester Sponsors The Farago Foundation, Inc. Foundation, Inc. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Bank of America School Board of Miami-Dade County U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Dr. Jane F. Katcher and Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Blechman U.S. Botanical Garden Wealth Management Mr. Gerald Katcher Ms. Ann B. Bussel Robyn Wolf Mr. and Ms. David N. Kaye Platinum Fellow Mrs. Jennifer Buttrick Jay I. Kislak Philanthropic Fund Endowment Prof. and Mrs. Raymond F. Baddour Mrs. Dorothy Errera Mr. Philip B. Korsant Mr. Bruce C. Matheson Mr. and Mrs. Heinz Luedeking Mr. Alan Farago Mr. and Mrs. Leigh Livesay Mr. and Mrs. Louis J. Risi, Jr. Elaine Heldewier – SPECIAL PROJECTS Ms. Zayber Massot and Carnival Corporation Tropical Fruit Program Gold Fellow Mr. Joseph Meneskie Ms. Barbara L. Hobbs Mrs. Angela W. Whitman Bank of America Mr. Bruce C. Matheson Dr. F. Lynn Leverett Weeks Conservation Fund Goldstein Schechter Koch, CPAs Maxi Travel & Cruises Ms. Paulette E. Mintz Mrs. Marta S. Weeks RBB Public Relations Mr. Edwin McAmis and Ms. Janet Mosely Mr. Gerson Gonzalez Botero, Chihuly and Lichtenstein at Silver Fellow Publix Super Market Charities, Inc. Ms. Naomi McKinney Fairchild 2007-2008 Mr. and Mrs. David Bianchi Maggie and Marco Rossi Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables Presenting Sponsor Ms. Sharon Christoph and Mrs. Sue Steinberg Mr. and Mrs. Clifford W. Mezey Gary Nader Fine Arts Dr. Christopher Davidson Ronni Smulian Mr. and Mrs. Scott Miller Barbara Tria Participating Sponsors ExxonMobil Foundation Mr. and Mrs. James Mitchell Mrs. Angela W. Whitman The Roy Lichtenstein Foundation Mrs. Daphne Lewis Fomon Dr. and Mrs. William P. Murphy, Jr. Mrs. Victoria Williamson James Goodman Gallery Dr. Paul Malek Mrs. Ruth Dowell Myers Mrs. Robyn Wolf Mr. and Mrs. Ira Harris Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Takach Ms. Lamar J. Noriega Mr. and Mrs. Milton J. Wallace Media Sponsors Mr. and Mrs. Bradley P. Noyes TRIBUTE PROGRAM The Miami Herald Fellow Ocean Bank Bench El Nuevo Herald Mr. and Mrs. Angel I. Alvarez Mr. and Mrs. Dennis J. Olle In Memory of Daniel Brown Diario las Americas Anonymous Ms. Caroline H. Owre In Memory of Linda Wellman Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Ault Ms. Judith E. Parker Tree Silver Sponsor Ms. Maria J. Beguiristain and Mr. Stephen D. Pearson Ms. Victoria Cummock In Memory of Anna Jane Hansen Ms. Zeraida Beguiristain Mr. Raul R. Rodriguez In Memory of Ramon Lozano Bronze Sponsor Mr. and Mrs. Irving Bolotin Mr. David M. Rogero Hunton & Williams Mrs. Challis M. Lowe-Bowers and Ms. Lynn Saewitz Bench and Tree Mr. Richard C. Bowers Mrs. Aileen R. Salokar In Memory of José Garrigó, Jr. Friend Sponsors Mr. and Mrs. M. Anthony Burns Ms. Jennifer Lage & Mr. Morris Salty Homestead Hospital LEGACY SOCIETY Ms. Ann B. Bussel Ms. Ann Schmidt Mr. and Mrs. Louis J. Risi, Jr. Estate of Kathleen M. Burger CSSA Research Committee Mr. and Mrs. Harper Sibley Jr. Katy Sorenson, Miami-Dade Mr. Douglas S. Cramer and Mr. and Mrs. Philip W. Skove County Commissioner Mr. Hugh S. Bush Mrs. Adelaide J. Skoglund Ms. Debra DeMarco Mayor Donald D. Slesnick, II Give a Membership Gift

Consider a gift of membership and share your support of Fairchild. Members enjoy free admission to Fairchild; a subscription to The Tropical Garden; priority registration for Fairchild classes; invitations to members-only events; library privileges; discounts on books, gifts and classes; and free admission to hundreds of gardens, arboreta and science museums throughout the United States. To give the gift of membership or to renew, please contact the membership office at 305.667.1651, ext. 3301 or visit www.fairchildgarden.org. Supporting Fairchild it’s simple

Fairchild’s annual giving program provides support for our critical work in tropical plant conservation, tropical science and research, horticultural science and education.

Fairchild’s education programs reach more than 45,000 students annually, and with your help, we could reach even more students and help them learn about the importance of science and environmental stewardship, as well as experience Fairchild, one of the few remaining green spaces in Miami. Our scientists are saving native plants right here in South Florida, and on an international scale, Fairchild is working with over 20 partners worldwide on conservation studies and wildlife management plans. And, we are your community garden—a place of beauty and connection with nature.

But we need your help! Please take a moment and support the vital work of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. It’s simple. Please send your gift in the enclosed envelope or you can call 305.667.1651, ext. 3377.

FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN

Photo by Gaby Orihuela/FTBG garden views Photo by Alison Walker/FTBG Photo by Gaby Orihuela/FTBG

EDUCATION CELEBRATION LUNCHEON ARBOR DAY In order for Fairchild’s pioneering annual Fairchild Challenge, Explorer In celebration of Arbor Day, students at Dr. Edward and Discovery programs to stimulate K-12 students year after year, to Whigham Elementary school planted a Gumbo Limbo tree reach more than 52,000 school children from almost 300 schools, to bring (Bursera simaruba) in their school yard. Two trees were gardens to the local schoolyards, to make lifelong learning affordable and donated to the school by Fairchild. Alison Walker, to subsidize buses for Title 1 Schools, it takes a united effort of wisdom, Community Outreach Coordinator, joined a group of funds and work. students and staff for the planting ceremony.

This year’s educational activities culminated in the 5th Annual Education Also in celebration of Arbor Day, Fairchild collaborated with Celebration luncheon held on May 8, 2008. A preview of students’ work Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the Office of and education programs followed a luncheon to thank all donors, the Sustainable Initiatives on a project to distribute a tree (Senna Miami-Dade School Board, and especially this year’s honorees, the surattensis) to every school in the City of Miami. Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners and Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM).

Accepting the award for DERM were Director Carlos Espinosa and Herb Balfour. For four years, DERM has been very supportive of the Fairchild Challenge program and has awarded financial contributions through the Miami-Dade County Commission Environmental Community Based Organization Grants. Annual awards have ranged from $40,000-60,000 and have allowed the program to grow throughout Miami-Dade County. DERM’s contributions have been used to help inspire tens of thousands of local teenagers and their teachers, as well as improve their environmental awareness, scholarship and stewardship. Speakers this year included Photo by Gaby Orihuela/FTBG Vincent Tria, Fairchild Education Committee Chair and member of the garden’s Board of Trustees, who outlined the valuable educational TRAIL OF THE IGUANA, INTERPRETING THE programs conducted at Fairchild, the community and worldwide. Guests JEWELS OF THE CARIBBEAN also enjoyed presentations by Fairchild’s Director of Education, Caroline Mr. R. Kirk Landon/ The Kirk Foundation has provided Lewis, and staff members Alison Walker, Gillian Drake, Teresa generous funding for a special new project-the Trail of the Chormanski and Netiva Kolitz, who shared quotes from students and Iguana, Interpreting the Jewels of the Caribbean. Designed teachers that described their Fairchild educational experiences. Special for families, this project will provide an interpreted walking thanks to our luncheon sponsors: Angela Whitman, Publix Super Market trail through the lowlands and highlight plants at Fairchild Charities, Inc., Lynn Leverett, Jennifer Stearns Buttrick, Ann Bussel, Janet that represent key habitats of the Caribbean. The funding will Mosely, Sue Steinberg, Robyn Wolf, Bank of America, Terry and Don also help to train volunteer guides, support field research Blechman, Dorothy Errera, Alan Farago, Carnival Corporation, Barbara activity in the Caribbean and provide interactive outreach Hobbs, Paulette Mintz, the Rossi Family, Ronni Smulian, Barbara and through a Fairchild Challenge project. The exotic iguana Vinnie Tria and Vicki Williamson. (Iguana iguana) is the flagship species that explores the issues of invasive species and the conservation of wild resources.

46 THE TROPICAL GARDEN FAIRCHILD FRUIT SAFARI AT WILLIAMS GROVE Take a personal tour of Williams Grove and share a new experience with your family. Learn how Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden grows mangos, avocados, caimitos, jackfruit, canistel, sapodilla, mamey and more, where they come from, what is in season and why we choose to farm them.

Come and find out about sustainable agriculture and organic foods, taste and see unusual fruits, learn about composting, see the chicken and bee productions and get excited about making healthy food and environmental choices.

Saturdays at Williams Grove from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. $10 per person (limited to 10 people). Please submit your requests two weeks in advance. Questions? Please contact Jon-Mario Bautista at [email protected] or 305.667.1651, ext. 3303. Williams Grove is located at 14885 S.W. 248 St., Homestead, FL. Photo by Noris Ledesma/FTBG

WEEKS CONSERVATION FUND A generous donation from longtime Fairchild friend, Mrs. Marta S. Weeks, will establish the Weeks Conservation Fund. This fund will enable Fairchild staff to conduct conservation training that will help save endangered species and habitats from extinction. The training will be conducted both at Fairchild and overseas with our international partners. There is an increasing demand for Fairchild’s staff expertise in the area of tropical plant conservation. Potential training activities include conservation genetics, horticulture and species recovery. This year, the fund will support work in Madagascar, South Africa and the South Pacific. Photo by Lorena Alban/FTBG

20TH YEAR OF THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT SOCIETY SHOW AT FAIRCHILD Congratulations to the South Florida Cactus and Succulent Society (SFCSS) on their silver anniversary! This past May 23-25, the SFCSS presented its 25th consecutive annual show and sale at Fairchild. Once again, the Garden House was filled with the uncommonly beautiful, the strange and weird, sometimes spiny and prickly and always fascinating succulent plants. Of course, the members and vendors of SFCSS were on hand to share their knowledge of the care and culture needed for the successful growing of these plants. We wish the society many more successful show and sales! Photo by Alina Balean/FTBG

Support Fairchild

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden needs the support of donors and members like you. Please consider making a donation to the garden to support our ever-growing operational and programmatic needs. Every gift helps ensure our continued growth. For information on making a donation, please call 305.667.1651, ext. 3323, or send contributions to: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Development Office 10901 Old Cutler Road Coral Gables, FL 33156 WISH LIST

WISH GRANTED One ultra high-resolution Microtek ScanMaker 1000XL 3200-dpi 12 x17 Large Format Scanner by ExxonMobil in honor of Shirely Breckmans FOR THE SPECIAL EVENTS & MARKETING DEPARTMENTS • 100 custom oilcloth table covers to be used for all festivals, 100 @ $100 each: $10,000 • Four-passenger golf cart: $4,000 • Permanently installed audio visual system for Visitor Center Ballroom: $3,000 • Fully-equipped commercial kitchen for Visitor Center, including stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, sinks, FAIRCHILD ARTISTS IN BLOOM garbage disposals, cabinets and countertops, flexible On the picture perfect spring evening of May 15, 2008, over 500 patrons were work areas and professional installation: priceless FOR THE MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT amazed at the 140 pieces of artwork during the opening reception of the Fairchild • 1 digital SLR camera with memory card, battery pack Artists in Bloom (FAB) Exhibition Show and Sale. The botanically-inspired original and case: $1,800 works by 56 of the current art students and their instructors were created in • Adobe Creative Suite 3 software, two copies: $2,500 watercolors, oils, acrylics, graphite, water-based oils and colored pencils. The FAB FOR THE VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT • Lightweight notebook computer, new with 1GB RAM: exhibit show and sale ran May 15-19. $1,200 FOR THE LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAM Fairchild’s Lifelong Learning program is proud to be able to offer such quality art • Laptop computer and LCD projector: $1,000 courses to our members and the community. Some of these student artists, who • 2 wireless notebook computer stations for outdoor showed at FAB, have been taking classes at Fairchild for over 10 years. These classrooms: $10,000 each FOR THE TEACHING AND LEARNING DEPARTMENT students are multi-talented and many take several types of art classes that Fairchild • Weather monitoring station for tracking how climate has to offer. Some students even take a series of two courses in one day! change affects plant growth: $1,800 • Panasonic AG-DVC7 camcorder with case: $1,000 There is a constant flow of students who want to learn how to create their own FOR LIVING COLLECTIONS AND GARDEN LANDSCAPES masterpieces, and it is from the following talented and devoted Fairchild art • Rock/chipping hammer: $1,000 • Walk-behind aerator: $1,500 instructors who teach and inspire their students at Fairchild; Silvia Bota— • Soil mixer for nursery: $6,000 Beginner Botanical Illustration in Watercolors; Helen Burgos—Basic and • Notebook and portable LCD projector: $5,000 Advance Drawing, Drawing with Colored Pencils and Acrylics and Oils; Helen • Antique coontie grinder: Priceless Burkett—Fairchild’s Annual Watercolor Master Class; Dottie Greene— FOR THE CENTER FOR TROPICAL PLANT CONSERVATION • HP Designjet 500 42-in Roll Printer (C7770B), Watercolor Landscape at Fairchild and The Kampong; David Maddern— including accessories: $3,820 Beginner and Transitional Studio Watercolors; Elsa Nadal—Beginner Botanical • Seed germination chamber: $8,500 Illustration; Donna Torres—Advanced Botanical Illustration and Graphite • Cannon Digital Rebel 10.1 megapixel SLR camera, Drawing; Lynda Wellens—Studio Watercolors Beginners and Beyond and lenses and memory cards: $1,000 • Techniques for the Study of Mycorrhiza, Volume 23 Composition; Marcelle Zanetti—Realistically Inspired Oils; and Maida Yap (Methods in Microbiology) by J. R. Norris: $230 Jimenez—Beginner’s Flower Painting with Water-Mixable Oils. Lastly, this • Lightweight notebook computer with minimum of FABulous event could not have happened without the energy and creativity of its 80GB hard drive, 1GB RAM and a DVD read/write curator, Pauline Goldsmith, and her team of volunteers. drive: $2,000 • Mid-size, pick-up truck with king cab and 2-3” gasoline-powered pump: $26,400 Save the date for May 15-17, 2009, when you can see the Garden House • Ultra-cold freezer for the Tropical Plant DNA Bank: $6,000 transformed into a bountiful gallery of botanic artwork. FOR THE VIRTUAL HERBARIUM • One, two or more new computers with at least 1 GB memory, 250 GB hard drive, DVD-RW/CD-RW, for HERBARIUM VOLUNTEERS scanning and data entry: $400 each FOR THE RESEARCH LIBRARY Volunteers perform most tasks at Fairchild’s • Books from Kew, including the Flora of Somalia Herbarium under the direction of Curator (4 vol.), the World Checklist & Bibliography of Lynka Woodbury, and donate over 6,000 Euphorbiaceae (and Pandaceae) and other volunteer hours a year. Volunteers scanned monographs on tropical plant families: $1,000 FOR THE FAIRCHILD TRIBUTE PROGRAM over 80,000 specimens for Fairchild’s • Digital SLR camera with memory card and spare Virtual Herbarium—the first of its kind in battery pack: $1,500 the world. Two volunteers recently FOR THE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT donated ultra high-resolution scanners to • Notebook computer, new, small, lightweight and wireless: $2,000 the Herbarium: Shirley Penna Berckmans • Portable LCD projector: $3,000 and Moyna Prince, in memory of Ed To fully fund a wish, donate a portion of the cost or Prince. We extend our warmest thanks to donate the actual item, please contact Suzanne Kores at them and to all Herbarium volunteers. 305.667.1651, ext. 3323 or [email protected]. Visit www.virtualherbarium.org to see

Photo by Gaby Orihuela/FTBG some amazing specimens. RAMBLE NOTES The Fairchild Ramble will be held November 8-9, 2008. Mark your calendars for Fairchild’s most beloved festival! Your donations are needed now to insure the financial success of this important friend- and fund-raiser.

To donate to The Ramble’s famous Antiques & Collectibles Sale, call Dorothy at 305.666.3010. Items of age, distinction and beauty, including art, jewelry, linens, silver, china, ceramics and other collectibles will be greatly appreciated. To donate good quality used and rare books and other media for the Old & Rare Books booth, call Stuart at 305.665.8572. Pick-ups of all items can be arranged.

REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT—COMPOST! The Friends of Fairchild volunteers enjoyed their final meeting of the season with a talk given by Morgan Levy of the South Florida Soil and Water Conservation District, who spoke on “Easy Composting for the Home Gardener.” Mr. Levy convincingly promoted the benefits of composting in home gardens. By composting, organic solid waste (including yard waste, food waste and paper) can be turned into valuable, organically rich soil for gardens, lawns and potted plants. To learn more about composting in your own backyard, and to learn how you can join the great group of people who serve as Fairchild volunteers, visit www.fairchildgarden.org, and click on the link to volunteers, Friends of Fairchild. staff news Photos by Gaby Orihuela/FTBG

CHRISTIAN FAULKNER MEGAN CUNNINGHAM JONATHAN LANDSMAN SHEILA CURRY recently moved from Venice, joined Fairchild as a Jonathan joined the Education Sheila started at Fairchild as a Florida, where he owned a marketing intern in May Department this summer to temporary staff member in rare plant nursery. He has also 2008, following her work on the Fairchild December 2007. Shortly lived in Virginia and New graduation from Palmer Challenge, to fulfill a thereafter, she accepted a York. Christian received his Trinity High School. She is component of his Cornell full-time position as a bachelor’s degree in very excited to start college at University master’s work in Membership Associate. Prior international politics from George Washington horticulture and public garden to joining Fairchild’s staff, Connecticut College before University in Washington, administration. A Queens, Sheila worked as a school he became obsessed with D.C., in September, where New York native and Williams teacher and Girl Scout palms and cycads. He is she will study to become a College alum, Jonathan is leader. enthusiastic about being a lawyer. enjoying befriending the palms, part of both the Fairchild plant cycads, land crabs and and people families. phenomenal botanists around his summer residence at the Center for Tropical Plant Conservation.

www.fairchildgarden.org SUMMER 2008 49 from the archives Portraits of Fruits Which Talk By Janet Mosely

n 1945, Dr. David Fairchild was introduced to Lee Adams, then a young botany student with a strong artistic bend. Dr. Fairchild was impressed by his artwork, and I considered it botanically correct as well as aesthetically pleasing. He wrote, “Here is the man to do for tropical fruits what Audubon did for the birds.” Dr. Fairchild was a great believer in mentoring young talent, and he took Mr. Adams under his wing.

Dr. Fairchild had long looked for an effective way to introduce tropical fruit to the American market. He felt photographs were inadequate and had decided that no one, including himself, could describe unknown fruit in such a way as to interest the uninitiated. He was thrilled to have found in Mr. Adams “…one who is able to draw in the Audubon style and make portraits of fruits which talk…living plant pictures such as I have been longing to see for years and never seen.” He took to calling him, “My young friend, Lee Adams the plant portrait painter.”

In that eventful year, 1945, Mr. Adams stayed as a guest at The Kampong during mango season, and under Dr. Fairchild’s helpful tutelage, studied and painted a series of mango watercolors. Dr. Fairchild then sent him to Casa Antigua, Wilson Popenoe’s home in Guatemala, and on to Lancetilla in Honduras, to study and paint the many fruits of those regions. The work paid off.

“And painting! You have no idea what I have learned. It is becoming easier. I find that my hands know what they are doing now whereas before—they tried, failed many times, and occasionally succeeded. Mastery is coming, let us hope.” (Letter to D. Fairchild from L. Adams, October, 1945.)

Mastery did come. Mr. Adams’ botanic and artistic talents blossomed under Dr. Fairchild’s guidance. During his trips to Miami, Guatemala and Honduras, he developed a firm vision of his life’s work, his craft matured and he developed the watercolor techniques he would use throughout his successful painting career.

The charming and highly readable correspondence between Mr. Adams and Dr. Fairchild is in the Bertram Zuckerman Archive at the Center for Tropical Plant Conservation. Please e-mail Nancy Korber for visitation information at [email protected]. Also, Mr. Adams’ palm paintings are on display in the Garden House during special events.

Afraid he might miss the earlier than usual mango season of 1945, Mr. Adams bought a mango from a North Florida grocery and sent this image to Dr. David Fairchild. May 30, 1945. Voted the Best Festival in Miami by The Miami New Times, May 2008.

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ver 8,000 visitors were in mango heaven during the weekend of July 12 - 13, 2008, as they celebrated the “king of fruit” at Fairchild’s O16th annual International Mango Festival. At the Mango Cultivar Tasting, over 1,000 people evaluated 10 cultivars. The results rewarded the Bombay mango, a native of India, first place in taste, while the Edward mango came in second. At the famously quirky mango auction, trays of mangos were auctioned off, raising $4,375, with a highly desired plate of Champagne® mangos selling for $540. The proceeds from the International Mango Festival help support Fairchild’s Tropical Fruit Program.

The festival featured the world’s largest display of mango cultivars, over 1,200 mango trees for purchase, fun activities for children, a marketplace of mango products, educational lectures, mango-inspired cuisine, entertainment and much more.

FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN

Photos by Gaby Orihuela/FTBG EVENT RARE BIDDING AGAINST EXTINCTION THE Rare and Unusual Tropical Plants and Contemporary Art Saturday, October 18, 2008 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Garden House and Lawn at Fairchild

Fairchild Fellows – Free Fairchild members – $100 per person Non-members – $150 per person

The Rare Event is an auction of hard-to-find plants and one-of-a-kind contemporary art works with the objective of bidding against extinction. Guests have the opportunity to obtain plants and art for their collections that are not easily available, in the case of the plants; or one-of-a-kind pieces, in the case of the art.

The Rare Event 2008, “Under the Shade of the Poinciana,” will celebrate the biodiversity and culture of Madagascar. The most colorful and abundant shade tree in Miami is the Royal Poinciana, Delonix regia, a tree from the forests of Madagascar. This beautiful tree was thought extinct for centuries until it was rediscovered surviving in the remote valleys of Madagascar. Fairchild is working to save the unique plants and forests of Madagascar from extinction and has partnered with two Madagascan groups, the Man and the Environment (MATE) and the Aboretum D’Antsokay.

In February 2008, the Indian Ocean coast of Madagascar was hit by a powerful hurricane. The Vohibola field station, a collaborative Fairchild-MATE installation, was destroyed along with the Vohibola village, home to the villagers, the guardians of the forest. We will use The Rare Event to restart conservation activities and help the village rebuild.

To purchase tickets or for sponsorship information, please contact Mari Novo at 305.663.8057 or [email protected].

Nela Ochoa. Palma Palmetto (gene sequence of Sabal palmetto), 2006. Confetti palms and spray paint on glass and cardbord covered by resin.

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