Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

I did like Orchid Fever much better than The Orchid Thief.

And if we're going to make money on concessions, then start scooping up some fox-testicle ice cream cones! That'll get 'em lining up!

McInLine

Thanks for the picture tour,Pat. Sorry that I couldn't get up there but from your description of the crowds, kinda glad I didn't go.
Cin

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This ain't no dress rehearsal

Great photo tour, thanks!

Orchid Fever was a great book I didn't read The Orchid Theif yet. Is it worth reading?
I'm just reading a article about how Cribb as trying to find errors in Orchid Fever and the book and get the book off the market. i wonder why lol

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Fren
Orchidacea are the largest and most diverse of the Angiospermae, and includes 800 genera and 30 000 species

I read 'The Orchid Theif', but honestly, I don't remember a thing about it 'Orchid Fever' was worth reading, quite interesting, but most of the details were either incorrect or so minute, it didn't matter. Also, Hansen takes an opinionated approach to the book, so he passes off almost everyone as a criminal (does he even realize that's his approach?). Also, 'Orchid Fever' in different languages has more lies in it, because of the translation

As for Phillip Cribb attempting to stop the production and distribution of Hansen's book, it is primarily because of CITES and other internal affairs (some were not mentioned in the book, which could have gotten the book off the market). You may recall the chapter when Hansen meets P.J. Cribb, and he tells him of his idea of making the book (correct me if I am wrong). Cribb tells Hansen he wants nothing to do with the book. Cribb, in more recent years, has regretted the acceptance of CITES in regards to plants and orchids (I believe he was part in the passing of the CITES treaty for plants).

Hansen hasn't been a popular figure ever since 'Orchid Fever', mostly afterwards. XPGDL described that there were mistakes and misconceptions about him; Braem says the same; and Henry Azadedhel's real name is 'Habib', and there are misconceptions about him as well (in regards to Paph. henryanum [Braem] vs. Paph. dollii, and his importing).

Perhaps a new thread should be created to discuss CITES, and how it really works. Great discussion, there are many misconceptions on how CITES works, who it benefits, and why it is still in use today, even after being proven it does not benefit the plants the treaty protects...

-Pat

Because...he's Cribb! LOL!

If there's somebody he can't bully, it's just not a good day.

The Orchid Thief was ok, but not nearly as good. You're a compulsive-obsessive orchid type - you'll read it eventually. Just don't waste your time on the movie!

McJulie

Its been I while so I don't remember everything. I bought a used copy of it for very little so I can re-read if I want to.

Yes the errors found are not really significant...Cribb spent a year only to correct a spelling error of a viper species....And this book is Hasen's interpretation and opinion so of couse its going to be biased or have some errors in retelling history. The message of the book is clear

Prof Crane is going to publish the Azadehdel/Kew letters along with a detailed explanation about their meaning. Is it completed yet?

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Fren
Orchidacea are the largest and most diverse of the Angiospermae, and includes 800 genera and 30 000 species

Who knows... probably not... There is more to find here at Selby in regards to Kew and Azadehdel...

-Pat

I'll have to read 'Orchid Fever'. I did read "The Orchid Thief" before I was interested in orchids or knew anything about them. Have to admit I remember quite a bit about the story.

The scenes where they are wading through the murky swamps looking for their prize made an impression, having visited some of the protected swamp areas in the Naples area myself, and having seen the big gators and a few snakes there. And of course, there was the main character, John Laroche. He and his fellow orchid enthusiasts were absolutely demented. And I have since found out that that part is absolutely true! LOL

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Lynda

Fantastic Tour of the Gardens and great pics of the orchids!

Thanks Pat!