We are heading towards the autumn, our plants have all been re-potted and we have enjoyed some lovely flowers. We still have to be careful and maintain social distancing so it doesn't seem that there are any meetings, shows or other events taking place, and indeed many Branches have announced that they will not be holding any face-to-face meetings for the rest of the year. However, if there are any meetings or events planned, then here at eNews we want to know – this is your free regular monthly platform where you can announce your activities, so send any newsworthy items to the email at the bottom of this section. There are five Tuesdays this month so we have an extra Zoom presentation for you, and just as the last time this occurred when we hosted an 'Ask the experts Q&A ' session, we are doing the same again, with a new set of experts who between them are very experienced. The weekly Zoom presentations will continue till the end of the year and our Chairman is already working on October's lineup. Please also make sure you scroll right down to the end of this eNews as the Chairman has some very important messages for you all.
The CactusWorld Editor is always looking for contributions to 'In my Greenhouse' (contact Editor for more information), as well as other articles, so do take some photos of your flowering cacti and succulents and write about any aspect of growing cacti and succulents.
As always, I am very keen to receive your articles for eNews on any matters of interest to members, especially for the ‘Favourite things’ feature, but any cactus or succulent-related pieces would be especially appreciated over the coming months, as would photos of favourite plants with a paragraph or two explaining why they are so fantastic. Articles can be any length from a paragraph or two to around 900 words. Longer articles are more suited to CactusWorld. Please submit items of interest to enews@bcss.org.uk
CactusWorld LIVE – Online talks for SEPTEMBER
The BCSS continues with the weekly online talks and this month we again have a fantastic line-up of speakers to educate and entertain us with various aspects of our wonderful hobby. I do hope that you can attend and if you have time please stay on after the talk for the usual informal chat which helps me understand what you want from the BCSS in the future. Please contact me, Ian Thwaites, by email at CHAIRMAN, if you would like to offer to give future talks or are able to recommend any top-class speakers.
The meetings are open to all so please spread the word and encourage more members (and anyone else) to join in.
These talks are NOT recorded and many of the lectures are one off ‘specials’ so there will not be another chance to experience the talk.
Stefan has always had an affinity for plants and first became aware of cacti when he was just a boy. In his adult years, he has travelled to exotic plant habitats in Chile, Peru, Argentina, Madagascar and the United States. Stefan has an academic background in applied sciences and now works in South America facilitating ecotourism and independently researching cacti, primarily Chilean genera.
Diane won the succulent section of the Virtual National Show and says, “From my first cactus purchase back in the 1970s, to two large greenhouses today, I have been passionate about growing these fascinating plants. I’ve been an enthusiastic grower from seed, and interested in some of the more challenging genera and species, (with a fair bit of success and some failures), and always willing to learn.”
Terry says, "I am a retired research chemist who has been growing succulent plants for 55 years. I served as the Chair of the Mesemb Study Group and ran their seed distribution for 32 years with my wife Jennifer. More recently I was a member of the RHS Tender Ornamental Plant committee and Vice-Chair with responsibility for the Award of Garden merit till the end of last year, and have judged with and chaired judging panels at Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows. Currently I am a proof-reader and referee for BCSS periodicals and a member of the Research Committee. I have written many articles, particularly on South African bulbs and succulents and normally give about 12 talks per year. I try to propagate as many unusual South African succulents as possible. My favourite groups are conophytums, haworthias and slow-growing cacti.”
John says, “I have over 60 years in the hobby, served on the Shows Committee for 12 years, judged over 90 provincial shows and the last five National Shows. As an exhibitor I have won over 100 Ginns medals and the Banksian Medal for most points and prize money at the 2012 National. I have an enduring and active interest in the science of horticulture.”
The talk covers three themes related to hybrids:
• Intergeneric hybrids
• Development of a hybrid species from culture
• Quality improvement of cactus hybrids over recent years
Andreas says, "I got my first cactus at about the age of 10 or 11 and within a short time all the windowsills of my parents’ apartment were covered with cacti. Already as a teenager the first cacti were crossed, when Mendel's rules of inheritance were studied in school. For the last 20 years I have been breeding cacti. Additionally, I try to interpret experiments and observations in culture biologically. As a biologist I have performed scientific experiments for about 15 years and have been active for another 15 years in many other functions; both of them more or less directly related to plant breeding.”
Thomas says, “All Tephrocactus species grow in Argentina, and the plants of the genus are very variable, much more than for some other small Opuntioid genera. In north-west Argentina, one can come across many different forms and colours, regarding the segments, the spines and the flowers, which make this genus very attractive for lovers of small opuntias. I am a 28 years old French process engineer, and have been growing cacti for over 15 years. I have a strong interest in South American cacti, especially the small opuntias, and I have made several trips to Argentina and Chile in order to see these plants in the nature.”
Derek says, "I have retired from the computer software industry and have been a BCSS member for over 50 years. Currently living in Highgate, London I am the long-standing chair of Harrow Branch. I have judged at cactus shows and have given over 600 presentations to specialist C&S societies and conventions in several countries. My passion now is growing and studying South African leaf succulents, after 16 visits to observe these plants in nature. My main interests are Adromischus, Cotyledon and Tylecodon, which are all members of the succulent Crassulaceae family. I maintain a private reference collection of these genera, as well as a comprehensive web site entitled 'Adromischus Displayed'. Tylecodon is a very diverse genus of about 50 species and T. tribblei was one of my discoveries. A continuous trickle of new discoveries continues from the veld, so the Zoom presentation will explore what is new and how to grow them well.”
IMPORTANT: You must either enter the unique Meeting ID or follow the link above
We now have a link for the Zoom talks on the BCSS website, so why not click on this and save that web page to your favourites/bookmarks so that you can see what the talks are even if you accidentally delete this eNews: https://tinyurl.com/CWLOnlineTalks
PUT THESE DATES IN YOUR DIARY NOW!
Stefan Burger - Chilean Altiplano - 01 September
Andreas Mordhorst - The colourful world of cactus hybrids - 15 September
Thomas Guerry - Argentina, homeland of Tephrocactus - 22 September
Derek Tribble - What's new with Cotyledon and Tylecodon - 29 September
A blooming delight!
The story behind this plant goes back probably 15 years when I was looking for trailing cacti to fit on a high shelf which would then cascade down the limestone wall. This wall formed the back of what we refer to grandly as ‘the orangery’ as the original glass in the rear wall was replaced with cut limestone blocks. I asked John Ellis if he had anything that fitted the bill and he produced something which was loosely described as a Cleistocactus, possibly a hybrid. After a few years a flower was produced which indicated that vertical stems belonging to the plant was C. wendlandiorum. Due to the lack of type location material, this was subsequently renamed C. brookeae. As to its suitability as a hanging plant, its original stem shows signs of this in maturity but the new one is currently more intent on vertical growth.
A pendant plant, with very similar flowers, originally described in 1962 as C. vulpis-cauda, was then reclassified as C. brookeae subsp. vulpis-cauda. I believe this is probably the correct identity of my plant. Several pendant cacti start off their growth with a vertical ‘surge’ and having reached whatever the critical height is, then ‘head south’. Morangaya pensilis is a good example. A few cleistocacti, such as C. colademononis dispense with the vertical growth completely and stems head off in lateral directions and drop over any wall or cliff they encounter.
Over the years my plant has produced a few of the unusual flowers of the species. The rather spindly stigma lobes appear to indicate sterility and may indicate that it was crossed with another taxon but the features of whatever that was are not visible in the physiology. Earlier this year I was delighted when it produced three at the same time on the old stem but nothing could prepare me for the flush of 17 flowers on the vertical stem which occurred on 15 August.
Text and photo by Peter Berresford
Josh, a badge and cacti
A short while ago, Vanessa Ridge posted on Facebook that we had five BCSS badges to give away and to say why you wanted one. Peter Smith from Leeds Branch commented that he wanted to give one to a young boy because of his health conditions. Bill Hildyard on behalf of the BCSS sent a badge and Vanessa sent a book. The following has been approved by Josh’s mother Christine who has also given permission for the photos to be used.
Peter says – This is about a boy who at the age of three started to have acute hearing problems and found the power of plants came to his rescue, and got him and his mum through some very dark days. I became aware of Josh Carter's love for cacti and succulents earlier this year on a Facebook post and after a few messages of my own about his plants, his mum Christine told me about his health issues.
At the age of three Josh showed interest in his granddad’s plants growing in his greenhouse but unfortunately granddad had dementia so could not look after the greenhouse. Josh stepped in to help. At this point Josh had recurring hearing problems which were picked up at preschool and what followed was several years of going to hospitals before being diagnosed with Elhers-Danlos syndrome along with Postural orthostatic tachycardia. This coupled with the death of both his grandmother and father in a space of three months was a lot for him to cope with. His interest in cacti and particularly big spiny ones had slowly been developing in the background and it raised its head when he saw a picture of a ‘devil’s tongue’ (in fact a large well-spined Ferocactus). He found the red spines fascinating. Later that year he inherited a plant from a bereaved family member which he called’ Eric the Ugly’ but it was sadly left outside one winter in the snow and was lost, leaving Josh very upset and sad. Around this time he was also diagnosed with a mass in his ear which was an aggressive non-cancerous Colesteatoma which was eating away at his hearing bones but fortunately was caught in time before it progressed into his brain cavity. Four operations later, one of which lasted eight hours, Josh ended up with the mass removed and a brand-new titanium hearing bone and he has some hearing back now, which keeps improving over time. COVID-19 has stopped further appointments to find out just how much hearing will become available again but all looks rosy for the future. Josh who is now nine has said that cacti make him happy with their array of flowers and spines, and his mum has said that just looking at them and collecting them got him through the traumatic dark times he has been through. He has since attended an Oxford Branch meeting and visited the Cactus Live event at Lullingstone where he proudly showed his BCSS membership to get in and then spent all his pocket money on an array of plants.
Having found out about Josh's love of cacti I sent him some small plants, seeds and mixed compost to encourage him more. This friendship flourished and more and more plants followed. Photos of his beaming face of pride with his collection and the receipt of plant packages made him feel special and more importantly part of our great Society of friends, although I am not sure his mum agrees as she has to do all the re-potting as it’s not something a nine-year-old should do! Recently he became one of the first owners of the new BCSS badge and a plant book followed, kindly sent by Vanessa Ridge. These acts of kindness have showed him he is not alone and that we all care in our hobby. The future of our society is the youth and we should all encourage more like Josh to see the benefits of plants and in particular their effect on mental well-being. By taking this opportunity with Josh and Christine I think our Society's future is bright and in good hands. So let’s all celebrate Josh and his collection. I for one feel humbled by his resilience over adversity, and slightly worried as he has stated he has eyes on showing at next year’s National Show!
Peter Smith BCSS Leeds Branch secretary
Josh proudly holding his BCSS badge and book
Josh with some of his favourite cacti
September CactusWorld
The September Journal should be with you soon and it is another bumper edition with seven articles on cacti and seven on other succulents, as well as the regular features such as ‘In my greenhouse’ and ‘Lit review’. The free Cultivation inserts will be there as usual too.
In these ‘political’ times, we have an article entitled ‘Fake News’, and you may be surprised at some of the ‘bunkum’ that has been written about a particular species over the years. Strombocactus and Discocactus are featured in separate articles, and their exceptional flowering this year is celebrated while at the same time we learn from experts on how to successfully cultivate them. And I feel sure that you have never seen such a splendid specimen of the ‘Queen of the night’ in flower.
Succulents of Tigray in Ethiopia are featured and also those from a part of South Africa that is not generally associated with them – the Waterberg. If sedums are your thing then a review of S. jarocho should be of interest.
Zlatko Janeba continues his series on his favourite cacti with part three, but the Presidential Pots series is coming to an end and this is the penultimate one. No longer will we be able to “ooh” and “aah” at our President’s fancy pots!
There is also something new – a new Austrocactus and a new Aloe are described, and a new hybrid Crassula. But if you are not keen on novelties then a couple of articles on cultivation about how to grow and look after your plants, will feature an indoor collection using grow lights and an easy-to-follow article on grafting – both by young members.
Coryphantha and Cylindropuntia are also covered…….and I feel sure that I have missed something out, so if you are reading this and do not receive CactusWorld then you too are missing out. The cost of membership (£15 in the UK) barely covers the costs of printing and mailing the journal so you are getting a huge bargain four times a year, and don’t forget, the December issue appears with the famous and not-to-be-missed BCSS seed list. Please encourage your friends to join or consider a gift subscription.
A festival of online talks and presentations by world-renowned speakers
Traditionally the second weekend in September is the date of ELK, (the Europese Landenconferentie), Europe’s largest cactus and succulent event held in Duinse Polders, Blankenberge. However owing to the COVID-19 pandemic the decision was taken to cancel the event. Faced by this disappointing decision a group of some 20 regular visitors, led by Paul Klaassen, decided to set up their own online event for that weekend. There will be a programme of online presentations reflecting the times when lectures and presentations would take place at ELK. It is hoped that there will be time for an online chat before and after the talks. Each presentation has a separate Zoom ID and these will be published on Paul’s website at https://pkcactus.info/
The talks will be given by experienced speakers who are prepared to meet the challenges of presenting online. ELK is usually attended by many people from the host country, Belgium, and the member countries, that includes the Netherlands, France and Germany although anyone who travels to Duinse Polders, Blankeberge is welcome. This year provides an opportunity for anyone in the world to join in this online.
Full details, including the programme of events on 11, 12 and 13 September 2020, and the necessary links will be available online so please check the website above for further information and updates.
The presentations will take place using Zoom, which is easy to download and use. On your desktop just follow the link to download Zoom. Download the app from either the Apple app store or for Android devices use Google Play. Even easier is if you click on the link provided for a particular presentation, you will automatically be able to download Zoom and access the talk.
What did you do in the ‘lockdown’ daddy?
UV Induced Visible Fluorescence (UVIVF) photography of cacti and succulents.
The question I asked myself over 40 years ago, was, “Could I achieve similar images?”, having seen images published in both the scientific and photographic press. I loved the urban myth, that, in some magical way, pollinators were guided to their mission completion by invisible (to us) markings. As a photographer and ‘dabbler’ (= concoctor of photographic processing fluids from basic chemicals and a great deal of experimentation), I had tried various different photographic techniques, including infrared reflectance photography and was keen to try some variety of ultraviolet photography (just to complete the set). This was filed at the bottom of the ‘to-do-list’ until quite recently. A fellow cactus enthusiast (and trained research botanist) and I were conversing at the Branch Christmas meal, and at around the same time a practical photographic UV source became available. A hypothesis was formulated; a plan of action created; time and cash were to be made available from the bank account. The COVID-19 pandemic made lots of time available, but access to a wider range of plants was curtailed. However, this was not to dampen the enthusiasm. A few technical hurdles with equipment were solved, and the first images photographed. Exposure times for the visible light exposures were around a twenty-fifth of a second with a standardised light source, but the UV fluorescence exposure were around 30 seconds and required specialised treatment to show the visible light produced by the fluorescence. The exposures were made in a totally blacked out room.
The original hypothesis seemed floored; 40 years of dreams dashed; no way could this be air traffic control for bees; and some of the rider hypotheses could not tested e.g. night flowering versus day flowering, and hybrids. A quick search of the scientific press yielded similar inferences to mine. The technical equipment was topped up with more purchases, and when a suitable flower opens, it becomes the subject of another record, and the research continues.
Beyond (or higher in energy) than blue light is UV, or ultraviolet. Our eyes cannot see it; it has such energy that it can damage eyes and skin of humans. Many cacti have ways of sheathing themselves with spines or wool to deflect UV because it also damages plants. But when objects fluoresce in UV light, the high energy UV cannot be seen by humans; the energy is part-absorbed; the remainder is re-emitted at a lower level as visible light; the object appears blue through green to red. Objects which appear black are absorbing light and neither reflecting nor fluorescing (in the part of the energy band we can see).
Some of the results were simply surprising, and not expected. Pollen was expected to be highly fluorescent, and it is. And now a whole new set of questions and hypotheses present themselves. Do flowers with a high red content fluoresce in red, making it appear that they don’t actually fluoresce? Figures 1 and 2 compare Rebutia atrovirens var. zecheri WR841 under visible light and UV light. Does fluorescence mask other reflections? Do night blooming flowers show less fluorescence? For me, the blooms of the Echinopsis Schick hybrid 'Elegant Lady' are more nocturnal and shorter lived than Echinopsis subdenudata. In visible light they both appear white; but in UV light, Echinopsis ‘Elegant Lady’ fluoresces with lower energy in the red part of the spectrum (figures 3, 4, 5 and 6). Since both are nocturnal, what benefit is there to the flower? The UV content of moonlight is negligible; fluorescence would be minimal at night. This begs the question, “Are the markings passed on in hybridisation?” Most hybridisers will not reveal the parentage of their most treasured and profitable plants; therefore, we might never know if this hypothesis could be proven. Since red and orange flowered plants do not reveal their fluorescence easily, hybrids with these colours might never reveal their secrets. Is it that afternoon blooming flowers show the most fluorescence?
Gymnocalycium berchtii LB320 flowers for a few days, opening as the sun reaches is highest point and closing as daylight fades. Figures 7 and 8, reveal the dark stripe, which appears grey in daylight, but is actually red. The question is why? Another story, perhaps for another day, but a dalliance with infrared reflectance photography has suggested more questions about the unseen reflections from flowers (and plant bodies). Gymnocalcium baldianum has plant variants with differing shades of red petals. My UVIVF photography, perhaps needs more results, since red flowers are poor subjects, but the IR photographs produced results which were not expected, and certainly mean that next season there is much to be investigated in this domain, and unquestionably with Rebutia which seem to have many flower colour variants in the same species.
In some ways, this study becomes simpler, namely, to enjoy some hidden features of cacti and succulents, and to share them with you, and the methods I used to gain them. As for future images, my cactus and succulent collection is relatively small; not all plants flower, although some plant bodies have interesting fluorescence; not all flowers produce attention-grabbing fluorescence; ‘carpe diem’ may be the maxim, but the search for, and accessing the ‘right’ plant at the ‘right’ time requires some effort. The project continues.
Text and photos by Terry Goodfellow
Mesemb Study Group (MSG)
The MSG was established in 1986 for the exchange of information and material relating to the two subfamilies of the Aizoaceae that contain succulent plants of interest to enthusiasts. The main way of doing this is through a quarterly Bulletin that in 2019 amounted to a total of 90 A4 pages including 125 colour images, with articles by well-known authors on plants both in habitat in southern Africa and in cultivation. With the exception of one year, there has been an annual seed distribution that has included some rare and new species that have not been available elsewhere. In 2020 this amounted to over 200 different items being made available. There is also a smaller-scale plant ‘exchange’ scheme. Distribution of plants and seeds to members, particularly internationally, is becoming increasingly difficult every year because of new regulations, but we will do our best to ensure that conservation of mesembs through cultivation can be maintained. Using part of the seed profits plus generous donations from members, the MSG has a Research Fund from which grants are made to qualified applicants who are obtaining new information on any aspects of the mesembs.
Every two years there is an MSG Event where members from around the world get together to chat, buy plants, view plant displays and hear a lecture by an authority on the mesembs. This year (2020), because of COVID-19, the Event is cancelled but we hope to get together with organisers of the similarly-cancelled North-west Mesemb Show to have a virtual Event on Zoom on the afternoon of 3 October.
The UK annual subscription is £12 (rest of Europe £15) for 2020 and further information about the Group and how to join can be found at www.mesemb.org or subscribe directly at www.mesemb.org/subscriptions.html
Text and photos by Terry Smale
Lithops verrucosa 'Rose of Texas'
Tanquana hilmari
Conophytum fulleri
Delosperma sphalmanthoides X esterhuyseniae
Edible Australian succulents
From down under, Attila Kapitany has sent this information about his new book. A more detailed review will be published in the December CactusWorld.
“My recent publications increasingly reference aboriginal associations, notably aboriginal regard for succulent plants, culminating in my latest publication titled, ‘Edible Australian Succulents’. I realise that my new publication could be a very important resource and benefit to indigenous people and a source of interest to home gardeners, cooks and those who like to learn about unusual succulents. It is critically not aimed at serious cactus and succulent collectors.
It is an extremely niche publication that currently has a very small print run of only 100 copies, printed locally at great cost. Plans to reprint will be in conjunction with partnerships we are still seeking through the aboriginal community, Commonwealth research body or similar. After which a larger print run can encompass a cheaper publication that can then be distributed widely through more outlets. I am very keen to see this publication as a shared undertaking with indigenous people”.
To view a short presentation featuring one of these succulents please watch ‘Edible succulents and emus’ https://youtu.be/uQaqeIhgUSI
We report with great sadness the news that Tom Bold died suddenly on 6 July 2020. He was 34 years old. Tom lived in Crayford and was a member of the Dartford Branch. He had been a member of the BCSS since September 2017 and had entered just one show (Bromley), where he was so proud to be a winner of awards for his cacti.
He was larger than life, full of energy for his family and friends, but didn’t let anyone get in the way of his passion for cacti. He was a true gentleman, with great knowledge and a big heart, but was very tight on watering his Lophophora!
His partner Emma O’Brien is going to continue to look after Tom’s cacti with his best friend Richard Strelow, and Emma has joined the BCSS Facebook group to gain further knowledge.
To his partner Emma and all of Tom’s family and friends, sincere condolences from the BCSS.
BCSS Social Media team needs YOU
The internet and social media team is expanding and we are looking for people to help with the website and social media content. You do not necessarily need any technical skills, although knowledge of WordPress or similar would be made use of. The role will involve:
• Looking after the existing content, ensuring it is current and relevant.
• Chasing responsible persons for updates
• Creating new content
• Commissioning new content from recognised experts
The sort of thing we would be looking for in terms of new content is how-to guides, essays on genera, etc. The work could be carried out by multiple people so if you just wish to take on one or two elements of the work that is fine.
You will have the full support of the Internet Manager and others to help you carry out the role. Email Billfor more information or to arrange an informal chat.
From Ian Thwaites – BCSS Chairman
What do you want from the BCSS?
As we look at growing the Society and delivering what members want, I need your feedback whether you are a BCSS member or not.
Can you tell me what you want from the BCSS. Sometimes it is easier to list the options as stop - start - continue, and please list as many as you think appropriate for your needs. Please remember to tell me the good things we do already otherwise these may be dropped.
If you are a member please let me know, and if you are not a member please tell me what you would like me to implement to tempt you to join.
As an example I would like the BCSS to stage, in addition to local Branch and Zone shows and conventions, a large event every year (in the brave new post COVID-19 world) with plant sales, speakers displays/shows and of course the opportunity to chat and meet up with friends.
All comments needed by 14 September please.
Listening to our overseas members
This pandemic has affected all of our lives and we have tried in the BCSS to maintain contact with all our members through the CactusWorld Journal, eNews and of course the new Zoom meetings which are now attracting well over 300 attendees each week. These meetings have proved to me that we are living in an ever-changing world and the use of new technologies is shrinking the miles and kilometres across the globe.
One of the wonderful elements of the Zoom meeting is making new friendships overseas and to meet fellow members all over the world. Some of these members do not have local Cactus and Succulent Societies so these Zoom meetings have been particularly welcome. This has also made me realise that all the overseas members are a silent part of the membership as they have never before had the opportunity to tell us what they would like to get out of their BCSS membership. Through the use of Zoom this year we had a particularly well-attended AGM, and for the first time some of the overseas members attended too.
I have given a lot of thought on how we can further support our overseas friends and we have agreed to set up ‘Zones’ in the major continents so that the local members will have a voice in the Society through the Zone Reps meeting which will probably now be held over Zoom as well, and potentially a separate UK face-to-face get together when that becomes possible.
Therefore if there are any members that would like to become the BCSS regional representative (Zone rep) in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia, South America and North America please feel free to contact me. It will not involve you with any financial transactions but we would like you to represent the regional members and let the BCSS know what members in your particular area want.
We hope that you have enjoyed reading this eNews.
All the previous eNews are archived HERE
Come and join us
If you have enjoyed reading eNews andare not a BCSS member, but are fascinated by cactus and succulent plants, why not join the Society?
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Contact
If you would like to discuss anything in the newsletter please email enews@bcss.org.uk
If you would like to discuss any aspect of the Society in general please email Ian Thwaites
Editor and layout: Al Laius
Contributors: Bill Hildyard, Peter Berresford, Terry Smale, Terry Goodfellow, Paul Klaassen, Peter Smith, Vanessa Ridge, Attila Kapitany and Ian Thwaites.
