NEWS
VCPS Show
People who made it to this years show enjoyed some excellent displays of CPs including a fantastic display of Utricularia Longifolia by Stuart McIlroy.You could clearly see hundreds of small bladders growing into water and backed by a large mirror.Hundreds of tiny ostracods had been caught by the small bladders which outlined their shape very well.A spectacular sight for beginners as well as long time members.The grand champion plant was a large specimen of Sarracenia flava subs rubricorpora owned by president Steve Fretwell.It was a real priviledge to see such a large healthy beautifully coloured specimen and it was clearly the best plant there.You can see a photo here.Special guest Stewart Mc Pherson was there selling and signing his excellent books,being his friendly self, and sharing a substantial amount of knowledge on CPs with everyone.The turn out was in fact much less than in previous years and perhaps an indication that people are spending more time on line rather than out of the house.Nevertheless all the participants enjoyed catching up and chatting about the plants.Results and photos here.
July meeting
In keeping with the Tepui/Helimaphora theme that seems to be developing in the VCPS this year,member Stuart McPherson gave a special presentation on the topic.Stuart explained how the Tepui habitat is unique,high altitude,high rainfall (9000 mm per year) and consequently low nutrient.This habitat is known as a rain desert where the over abundance of water makes life difficult for plants as soil and nutrients are mostly washed away.CPs are one of the most common types of plants in such habitats as they have the advantage of getting nutrients from insects.Stuart then went on to describe the 15 species of Heliamphora (many of which have been discovered in the last decade) which are endemic to the Tepui region of Venezuela and talk about their various characteristics and distinguishing features.Making for a very enjoyable night. Stuart has a series of books out about Heliamphoras and other CPs for people wanting more information.
VCPS AGM
This years AGM included a special presentation by member Darren Cullen on his recent trip to the tepuis of South America to observe,photograph and study Heliamphora (Sun pitcher plants).Many members dream of doing such a trip as the tepuis habitat is still unspoilt and very scenic.One of the main reasons for this is that they are very inaccesible and isolated.Apart from being the main habitat of the unique and spectacular Heliamphora genus of CPs a wealth of other carnivorous plants grow amongst them as well.Most of the lucky few that get to do the trip will tell you it is a lifelong dream come true and well worth the effort and expense.Thanks goes to Darren for sharing the photos and thoughts from his trip.
Most committeepositions remain unchanged and we welcome Adam Strathairn into his new role as seedbankadministrator.
