The pink coloration of the katydids is the result of a condition called erythrism, an unusual reddish pigmentation, and is similar to albinism where the condition is due to recessive genes.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Pink Katydid
Pink Katydid ~ The pink colouring of some katydids is due to a condition called erythrism, an unusual reddish pigmentation that can affect an animal's body, skin, feathers, hair or eggshells. It is caused by diet or a genetic mutation that either leads to the absence of a normal pigment or the excessive production of another. In katydids, the pink colouring might be a kind of camouflage that hides them on reddish or pinkish plants.
The pink coloration of the katydids is the result of a condition called erythrism, an unusual reddish pigmentation, and is similar to albinism where the condition is due to recessive genes.
The pink coloration of the katydids is the result of a condition called erythrism, an unusual reddish pigmentation, and is similar to albinism where the condition is due to recessive genes.
Monday, April 21, 2014
More About ORCHIDS
Paphiopedilum acmodontum
The paphiopedilums (genus Paphiopedilum) – often abbreviated Paph and colloquially known as paphs in horticulture – are flowering plants in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). It contains about 80 accepted species nowadays, some of which are natural hybrids. These slipper orchids are native to South China, India, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, and form their own subtribe, the Paphiopedilinae.
Subtle beauty of and odd-looking orchid, Pahiopedilum
Paphiopedilum callosum
The genus name Paphiopedilum was established by Ernst Hugo Heinrich Pfitzer in 1886; it is derived from Paphos (a city on Cyprus) and Ancient Greek pedilon "slipper". Ironically, no paphiopedilum occurs on Cyprus – at least not as the genus is understood today. But it was long mixed up with its Holarctic relative Cypripedium, which indeed grows in the Mediterranean region. Paphiopedilum was finally decided to be a valid taxon in 1959, but its use has become restricted to eastern Asian species in our time.
The paphiopedilums (genus Paphiopedilum) – often abbreviated Paph and colloquially known as paphs in horticulture – are flowering plants in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). It contains about 80 accepted species nowadays, some of which are natural hybrids. These slipper orchids are native to South China, India, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, and form their own subtribe, the Paphiopedilinae.
Subtle beauty of and odd-looking orchid, Pahiopedilum
Paphiopedilum glanduliferum
Paphiopedilum species naturally occur among humus layers as terrestrials on the forest floor, while a few are true epiphytes and some are lithophytes. These sympodial orchids lack pseudobulbs. Instead, they grow robust shoots, each with several leaves; some are hemicryptophytes. The leaves can be short and rounded or long and narrow, and typically have a mottled patte...rn. When older shoots die, newer ones take over. Each new shoot only blooms once when it is fully grown, producing a raceme between the fleshy, succulent leaves. The roots are thick and fleshy. Potted plants form a tight lump of roots that, when untangled, can be up to 1 m long.
Members of this genus are considered highly collectible by orchid fanciers due to the curious and unusual form of their flowers. Along with Cypripedium, Mexipedium, Phragmipedium and Selenipedium, the genus is a member of the subfamily Cypripedioideae, commonly referred to as the "lady's-slippers" or "slipper orchids" due to the unusual shape of the pouch-like labellum of the flower. The pouch traps insects seeking nectar, and to leave again they have to climb up past the staminode, behind which they collect or deposit pollinia.
Paphiopedilum species naturally occur among humus layers as terrestrials on the forest floor, while a few are true epiphytes and some are lithophytes. These sympodial orchids lack pseudobulbs. Instead, they grow robust shoots, each with several leaves; some are hemicryptophytes. The leaves can be short and rounded or long and narrow, and typically have a mottled patte...rn. When older shoots die, newer ones take over. Each new shoot only blooms once when it is fully grown, producing a raceme between the fleshy, succulent leaves. The roots are thick and fleshy. Potted plants form a tight lump of roots that, when untangled, can be up to 1 m long.
Members of this genus are considered highly collectible by orchid fanciers due to the curious and unusual form of their flowers. Along with Cypripedium, Mexipedium, Phragmipedium and Selenipedium, the genus is a member of the subfamily Cypripedioideae, commonly referred to as the "lady's-slippers" or "slipper orchids" due to the unusual shape of the pouch-like labellum of the flower. The pouch traps insects seeking nectar, and to leave again they have to climb up past the staminode, behind which they collect or deposit pollinia.
One of the "Miya" hybrid Paphiopedilum cultivars bred by T. Ozawa.
The paphiopedilums are among the most widely cultivated and hybridized of orchid genera. Spectacular new species are being discovered every now and then; for example the Golden Slipper Orchid (P. armeniacum), discovered in 1979 and described in 1982, amazed growers of orchids by the extraordinary beauty of its golden flowers. In a...ddition, growers have bred thousands of interspecific hybrids and registered them with the Royal Horticultural Society in London over the years.
These orchids are relatively easy to grow indoors, as long as conditions that mimic their natural habitats are created. Most species thrive in moderate to high humidity (50-70%), moderate temperatures ranging from 13 to 35 degrees Celsius and low light of 12,000 to 20,000 lux. Modern hybrids are typically easier to grow in artificial conditions than their parent species.
The paphiopedilums are among the most widely cultivated and hybridized of orchid genera. Spectacular new species are being discovered every now and then; for example the Golden Slipper Orchid (P. armeniacum), discovered in 1979 and described in 1982, amazed growers of orchids by the extraordinary beauty of its golden flowers. In a...ddition, growers have bred thousands of interspecific hybrids and registered them with the Royal Horticultural Society in London over the years.
These orchids are relatively easy to grow indoors, as long as conditions that mimic their natural habitats are created. Most species thrive in moderate to high humidity (50-70%), moderate temperatures ranging from 13 to 35 degrees Celsius and low light of 12,000 to 20,000 lux. Modern hybrids are typically easier to grow in artificial conditions than their parent species.
Paphiopedilum callosum
The genus name Paphiopedilum was established by Ernst Hugo Heinrich Pfitzer in 1886; it is derived from Paphos (a city on Cyprus) and Ancient Greek pedilon "slipper". Ironically, no paphiopedilum occurs on Cyprus – at least not as the genus is understood today. But it was long mixed up with its Holarctic relative Cypripedium, which indeed grows in the Mediterranean region. Paphiopedilum was finally decided to be a valid taxon in 1959, but its use has become restricted to eastern Asian species in our time.
ORCHIDS
Orchidaceae, commonly referred to as the Orchid family, there are over 35,000 species of orchids and they are the largest group of flowering plants on earth with one out of seven of every flowering plant being an orchid.
The Giant Orchid, Grammatophyllum speciosum, also called Tiger Orchid, Sugar Cane Orchid or Queen of the Orchids, is the world's largest orchid. It is native to New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines, growing in crotches of large trees on exposed areas of the lowland tropical rainforest.
It is an epiphytic and occasionally a lithophytic plant, forming spectacular root bundles. Its cylindric pseudobulbs can grow to a length of 2.5 m. It can grow to gigantic clusters weighing from several hundred kilograms to more than one ton. A Giant Orchid weighing two tons was one of the highlights in the 1851 exhibition at the Crystal Palace in London.
Each raceme can grow to a height of 3m, bearing up to eighty flowers, each 10 cm wide. The flowers are yellow colored with maroon or dark red spots. These flowers are remarkable, since the lowest flowers have no lip. It blooms only once every two to four years. This orchid can, however, remain in bloom for up to two months.
Because of its enormous size, it is rarely cultivated.
It is an epiphytic and occasionally a lithophytic plant, forming spectacular root bundles. Its cylindric pseudobulbs can grow to a length of 2.5 m. It can grow to gigantic clusters weighing from several hundred kilograms to more than one ton. A Giant Orchid weighing two tons was one of the highlights in the 1851 exhibition at the Crystal Palace in London.
Each raceme can grow to a height of 3m, bearing up to eighty flowers, each 10 cm wide. The flowers are yellow colored with maroon or dark red spots. These flowers are remarkable, since the lowest flowers have no lip. It blooms only once every two to four years. This orchid can, however, remain in bloom for up to two months.
Because of its enormous size, it is rarely cultivated.
Oncophyllum globuliforme (Nicholls) (previously named Bulbophyllum globuliforme), the Green Bead Orchid, or Miniature Moss-orchid is an epiphytic orchid that occurs in subtropical rainforest in Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, in a variety of habitats including warm temperate rainforest, dry rainforest and wet sclerophyll forests at an altitude of 100-900 metres.
One of the smallest orc...hid species known, the tiny pseudobulbs are about the size of a pinhead and each has a tiny reduced thread-like leaf at the apex. It can form quite extensive mats on tree trunks. Flowering occurs mainly from October to November and May to August. Flowers are cream with yellow labellum, rarely flushed with red and cream labellum, and are carried on a solitary stem in the axils of stem bracts.
It grows on bark and forms a thick mat, on the trunk and larger branches of the Hoop Pine (Araucaria cunninghamii), and is often mistaken for moss or lichen.
One of the smallest orc...hid species known, the tiny pseudobulbs are about the size of a pinhead and each has a tiny reduced thread-like leaf at the apex. It can form quite extensive mats on tree trunks. Flowering occurs mainly from October to November and May to August. Flowers are cream with yellow labellum, rarely flushed with red and cream labellum, and are carried on a solitary stem in the axils of stem bracts.
It grows on bark and forms a thick mat, on the trunk and larger branches of the Hoop Pine (Araucaria cunninghamii), and is often mistaken for moss or lichen.
Warty Hammer Orchid, a plant with an amazingly unflower-like flower that attracts a particular wasp, which is deceived into attempting to mate with the flower. Darwin's method of studying the pollination of other orchids is described, and used to illustrate how evolutionary biologists can test hypotheses on the adaptive value of the attributes of living things.
Some may say it's ugly looking, but it's depends on you.
Spiranthes, commonly called Ladies'-tresses, is a genus of orchids (family (Orchidaceae) belonging to the subfamily Orchidoideae.
It has a very wide, almost continuous distribution, mostly in temperate zones of the northern hemisphere: Europe, North Africa, Asia, Australia, New Guinea, the Americas and the Caribbean. It is a provincially endangered orchid, in North America it can be found in Manit...oba, Ontario and more than 20 American states. They grow in meadows, fields and savannas but are also found in forests, both on acid and calcareous soil. Most species tend to become weeds in disturbed areas, while they may be scarce in undisturbed areas.
Plants can grow to a height of 12 to 38 cm (4.5 to 15 inches). Spiranthes consists of perennial, terrestrial orchids with clustered, tuberous or rarely fibrous, fleshy roots. The leaves are basal or occasionally cauline (i.e. emerging from the stem). They are variable in shape. They range from broadly ovate to elliptic, or absent at flowering.
The flowering stem has foliaceous sheaths. The stem is erect and spiraling (as the name Spiranthes indicates). It carries persistent, sheathing bracts. The resupinate, tubular flowers are arranged in a more or less spirally twisted, showy or inconspicuous terminal spike. Their color is typically a shade of white or yellowish-white or even pink (as in Spiranthes sinensis).
This genus has undergone many taxonomic changes: originally Spiranthes contained all the species from the subtribe Spiranthinae. In 1920 Schlechter divided this genus in 24 genera. A revision by Williams in 1951 and by Schweinfurth in 1958, inflated the number of species of this genus again. Finally D. Szlachetko, with several studies in the 1990s, divided this genus in several genera, contained in 3 subtribes. During all these changes, there is only one species that has remained taxonomically unchanged: Spiranthes parksii.
It has a very wide, almost continuous distribution, mostly in temperate zones of the northern hemisphere: Europe, North Africa, Asia, Australia, New Guinea, the Americas and the Caribbean. It is a provincially endangered orchid, in North America it can be found in Manit...oba, Ontario and more than 20 American states. They grow in meadows, fields and savannas but are also found in forests, both on acid and calcareous soil. Most species tend to become weeds in disturbed areas, while they may be scarce in undisturbed areas.
Plants can grow to a height of 12 to 38 cm (4.5 to 15 inches). Spiranthes consists of perennial, terrestrial orchids with clustered, tuberous or rarely fibrous, fleshy roots. The leaves are basal or occasionally cauline (i.e. emerging from the stem). They are variable in shape. They range from broadly ovate to elliptic, or absent at flowering.
The flowering stem has foliaceous sheaths. The stem is erect and spiraling (as the name Spiranthes indicates). It carries persistent, sheathing bracts. The resupinate, tubular flowers are arranged in a more or less spirally twisted, showy or inconspicuous terminal spike. Their color is typically a shade of white or yellowish-white or even pink (as in Spiranthes sinensis).
This genus has undergone many taxonomic changes: originally Spiranthes contained all the species from the subtribe Spiranthinae. In 1920 Schlechter divided this genus in 24 genera. A revision by Williams in 1951 and by Schweinfurth in 1958, inflated the number of species of this genus again. Finally D. Szlachetko, with several studies in the 1990s, divided this genus in several genera, contained in 3 subtribes. During all these changes, there is only one species that has remained taxonomically unchanged: Spiranthes parksii.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Cherry tomatoes/Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. (Purple)
Cherry tomatoes/Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. (Purple)
How to grow:
1 Sow purple tomato seeds indoors five to seven weeks before the last frost date in your area, if planting from seed. If planting from starts, skip this step. To plant from seed, slow seeds 1/4-inch deep in a seed tray, then keep them moist until the seeds germinate. Water the seedlings and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer t...o promote growth.
2 Prepare the soil for planting after the last frost date in your region. Turn the soil over with a shovel, removing rocks and weeds. Pull apart clumps with your fingers or break them down with the shovel until you have loose soil.
3 Dig one hole for each tomato plant. Leave 15 to 24 inches in all directions between plants. Make the hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
4 Remove your tomato start or seedling from its container and place one plant in each prepared hole. Hold the plant steady with one hand, then push soil around the roots. Firm the soil around the plant.
5 Fertilize your plants at planting time to promote growth. Use 1 tablespoon of nitrogen fertilizer per plant, sprinkling the powder around the base of the plant. Fertilize again three weeks later, and then again three weeks after that, applying the same dose per plant. 6 Water the tomato plants until the soil becomes saturated. Thereafter, water until saturated whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
How to grow:
1 Sow purple tomato seeds indoors five to seven weeks before the last frost date in your area, if planting from seed. If planting from starts, skip this step. To plant from seed, slow seeds 1/4-inch deep in a seed tray, then keep them moist until the seeds germinate. Water the seedlings and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer t...o promote growth.
2 Prepare the soil for planting after the last frost date in your region. Turn the soil over with a shovel, removing rocks and weeds. Pull apart clumps with your fingers or break them down with the shovel until you have loose soil.
3 Dig one hole for each tomato plant. Leave 15 to 24 inches in all directions between plants. Make the hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
4 Remove your tomato start or seedling from its container and place one plant in each prepared hole. Hold the plant steady with one hand, then push soil around the roots. Firm the soil around the plant.
5 Fertilize your plants at planting time to promote growth. Use 1 tablespoon of nitrogen fertilizer per plant, sprinkling the powder around the base of the plant. Fertilize again three weeks later, and then again three weeks after that, applying the same dose per plant. 6 Water the tomato plants until the soil becomes saturated. Thereafter, water until saturated whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Mindanao Nature: Indigenous Plants
Mindanao Nature : Indigenous Plants
The unveiling of Mindanao’s treasures are still on the top! Since the Philippines is identified as one of the world’s biologically richest countries there are quite a few species to get acquainted with. The most fascinating and charismatic endemic plants of Mindanao: starting with the tree climbing queen, the jade vine and a meat-eating giant named after David Attenborough.
A tree climbing queen
How many of you have an orchid in a pot at home? Standing straight, next to a stick and a plastic clip holding it up? This is indeed how most of us Westerners are used to seeing orchids today. These exotic flowers have become a common feature in our homes. And we kind of forget that they normally grow on tree trunks – dangling high up in the air – with no plastic clips as far as the eyes can see. Now, this is where you can see true beauty!
Unfortunately, many of these gorgeous and unique orchid breeds are losing the trees it grows on. One of these beauties is the Euanthe sanderiana orchid. She is considered the “Queen of Philippine Orchids” and you can only find her on Mindanao. This unique lady is clinging to the tree trunks up to 100 meters high! Despite the height she has been collected without restraint and is very rare in nature today.
Meat-eating giants
Another interesting plant, perhaps less common in our living rooms, is the giant meat-eating pitcher plant. These carnivorous plants got their name from looking like beautiful pitchers full of nectar. Curious insects are tempted to come and take a sip, only to slide down the slippery slope to their deaths. In the deep cavity filled with digestive enzymes the plant consumes the trapped insect and obtains its mineral nutrition. (Some say pitchers even burp!) The variety of pitcher plants worldwide are impressive, however, the Nepenthes mindanaoensis can only be found on Mindanao.
In 2009, a new species of giant pitcher plant was discovered in the highlands of the central Philippines with a trap so big that it can catch rats as well as insects. The botanists named the plant after British natural history broadcaster David Attenborough; Nepenthes attenboroughii.
A tree climbing queen
How many of you have an orchid in a pot at home? Standing straight, next to a stick and a plastic clip holding it up? This is indeed how most of us Westerners are used to seeing orchids today. These exotic flowers have become a common feature in our homes. And we kind of forget that they normally grow on tree trunks – dangling high up in the air – with no plastic clips as far as the eyes can see. Now, this is where you can see true beauty!
Unfortunately, many of these gorgeous and unique orchid breeds are losing the trees it grows on. One of these beauties is the Euanthe sanderiana orchid. She is considered the “Queen of Philippine Orchids” and you can only find her on Mindanao. This unique lady is clinging to the tree trunks up to 100 meters high! Despite the height she has been collected without restraint and is very rare in nature today.
Meat-eating giants
Another interesting plant, perhaps less common in our living rooms, is the giant meat-eating pitcher plant. These carnivorous plants got their name from looking like beautiful pitchers full of nectar. Curious insects are tempted to come and take a sip, only to slide down the slippery slope to their deaths. In the deep cavity filled with digestive enzymes the plant consumes the trapped insect and obtains its mineral nutrition. (Some say pitchers even burp!) The variety of pitcher plants worldwide are impressive, however, the Nepenthes mindanaoensis can only be found on Mindanao.
In 2009, a new species of giant pitcher plant was discovered in the highlands of the central Philippines with a trap so big that it can catch rats as well as insects. The botanists named the plant after British natural history broadcaster David Attenborough; Nepenthes attenboroughii.
Jade vine
One of the most prized treasures of the Philippine rain forest is the jade vine. The name refers to the rare jade or bluish-green color of its flowers. ( See top image.) Just like the orchids, the jade vine grows high up in the canopy and they have stems that can reach up to 18 meters. The flowers hang like clusters of grapes, three meters long with more than 75 flowers!
These spectacular flowers are very popular in conservatories and greenhouses in temperate countries. But in the forests of Mindanao jade vine are considered one of the most endangered species due to the destruction of its habitat and the decrease of its natural pollinators.
We know there are so many beautiful flowers in the world. Many of them we want to keep in our houses; grow in our gardens or nurture in greenhouses – which is lovely but would it not be a tragedy if they all disappeared from the wild? Together with hundreds and thousands of species we have not yet discovered? Next time you see an orchid in a pot – give a thought to the Philippine orchids swaying in Mindanao’s rainforest and you will realize what a wonderful world we live in.
Jade Vine Flower
One of the most prized treasures of the Philippine rain forest is the jade vine. The name refers to the rare jade or bluish-green color of its flowers. ( See top image.) Just like the orchids, the jade vine grows high up in the canopy and they have stems that can reach up to 18 meters. The flowers hang like clusters of grapes, three meters long with more than 75 flowers!
These spectacular flowers are very popular in conservatories and greenhouses in temperate countries. But in the forests of Mindanao jade vine are considered one of the most endangered species due to the destruction of its habitat and the decrease of its natural pollinators.
We know there are so many beautiful flowers in the world. Many of them we want to keep in our houses; grow in our gardens or nurture in greenhouses – which is lovely but would it not be a tragedy if they all disappeared from the wild? Together with hundreds and thousands of species we have not yet discovered? Next time you see an orchid in a pot – give a thought to the Philippine orchids swaying in Mindanao’s rainforest and you will realize what a wonderful world we live in.
Jade Vine Flower
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