The flowers of Dendrobium spectabile defy description. The bizarre 3-inch blossoms have sepals and petals that are extremely twisted — sometimes wrapping around each other and keeping the buds from opening. The colors are a blend of yellow, burgundy and white but give the impression of a washed-out tan. The throat has a “hinged” mechanism that bounces with air movement, attracting a specific pollinator in the wild. The grower can simulate this bounce by gently shaking the flower. The blooming duration is about six weeks, and older plants can easily produce 100 blossoms or more.

Fragrance is a highly coveted trait in orchids, though few genera offer it. This Aussie Dendrobium’s semi-sweet aroma is strong from across the room, day or night. Even Oncidium Sharry Baby, the famous chocolate-scented Dancing Lady, cannot compete with the intensity.

Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch, by Arthur Chadwick

Alien Orchid. Photo credit: Randy Neufeldt

At least 85 people have been killed and around one hundred injured, after a cooking gas cylinder blew up in a crowded restaurant in central India.

Pitcher Orchid. Photo credit: Randy Neufeldt

Cypripedium species are members of the orchid family. Most are native across much of North America and some parts of Europe. Also referred to as lady slippers, these interesting plants have only two leaves branching out from the center. The flower itself resembles a slipper or moccasin, which is what spawned its name. These dainty blooms (ranging from white, yellow and deep pink to nearly purple) remain tightly closed with exception to the small opening in the front.

Many of these plants are considered to be endangered in some areas due to over collecting from the wild. According to Indian lore, these plants were thought to induce dreams and were once used as a sedative. Unfortunately, they also happen to be a favorite food source for many insects and deer.

Collecting and transplanting from the wild is strongly discouraged both because of its rarity and low survival rate. However, various species are grown commercially and can be obtained for gardening purposes so growing a lady slipper wildflower in your own garden is possible.

Lady slippers prefer to grow within their natural environments – shady woodland areas. Interestingly enough, lady slippers require the aid of fungus in spreading their seeds, and a single plant can live up to 20 years or more if left alone.

By Nikki Phipps
Source: Planting Flower Bulbs

A puppy does not begin trying to walk until as early as 2 weeks and as late as 5 weeks old – They do not automatically know how to walk, they stumble and fall down just like toddlers do. Out of the 5 senses: touch, taste, smell, hearing and seeing, a puppy first experiences touch. At about 6 weeks old, a dam will start encouraging her pups to venture out and slowly become more independent. Source: The dog fact information center

The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort. ~Skipper Young

If you always care what people think about you, you will always be their prisoner. ~Unknown