p u b l i s h e d b y f a i r c h i l d t r o p i c a l b o t a n i c g a r d e n

a u t u m n 2 0 0 7

POPPIN’ ARTRoy Lichtenstein

at Fairchild

The Shop at FairchildThe Shop at Fairchild10901 Old Cutler Road

Coral Gables, FL 33156

305.667.1651, ext. 3305

www.fairchildgarden.org

shop online at

www.fairchildonline.com

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Vase Blue Hand, $142 Members price, $127. Photo by Gaby Orihuela/FTBG.

departments

from the executive director

news

explaining

displaying

calendar

tropical cuisine

ask martha

vis-a-vis volunteers

plant societies

book review

conserving

gifts & donors

garden views

from the archives

contents

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A BOTANIC GARDEN INTHE HEART OFGUATEMALA

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THERECOVERYOFJacquemontia reclinata:THESCIENCEOFPATIENCE

34

DR. DAVIDFAIRCHILD’SDREAMFULFILLED

46

SALVIAS FOR COLORAND MORE

28

THE ART OF FLOWERS: BLOOMING ART22

contributors

SAM WRIGHTSamuel is a Field Biologist whoreceived his B.S. in Wildlife Ecologyand Conservation at the University ofFlorida. He has been a valuablemember of the Fairchild SouthFlorida Conservation Team for sixyears. In addition, he has extensivecollection management and fieldexperience with coastal dunevegetation surveys, design andimplementation of endangeredJacquemontia reclinata experiments.

SCOTT ZONA, PH.D. Dr. Zona has been Fairchild’s PalmBiologist for over 14 years and enjoyswriting about plants that combine hislove of botany with his passion forgardening. Salvias, with their dazzlingflowers and intriguing relationshipswith pollinators, are one such group.He has collected and photographedsalvias in their natural habitats inCalifornia, Florida, Mexico and theCaribbean.

MARILYN GRIFFITHSMarilyn has been a plant recorder atFairchild for 14 years. Working inLiving Collections and GardenLandscapes, she is responsible formaintaining data on all plants in thegarden through inventories, maps andthe database. She is also Chairman ofthe Plant of the Year Committee andhelps to manage the HorticultureLibrary.

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ON THE COVERMiconia calvescensPhoto by Pedro Lastra

5www.fairchildgarden.org AUTUMN 2007

from the executive director

I hope you enjoyed the lush opulence of Fairchild during the summer. The Victoria water lilies are

filling their pool and the hedychium gingers are spicing the air. I greatly enjoyed our fourth Butterfly

Festival at Fairchild—a wonderful partnership with the Miami Blue chapter of the North American

Butterfly Association. For two days, we celebrated butterflies and butterfly gardening with the

wonderful Lisa D. Anness Butterfly Garden as the centerpiece. It is hard to believe that only one year

ago Larry Rutherford initiated the project. It is now a vibrant garden that attracts flocks of people and

butterflies. A highlight for me is seeing how Fairchild’s population of the endangered Atala butterfly

is thriving to the extent that we now provide caterpillars for reintroduction to other sites. As with all

our festivals, it was tremendously rewarding to see how Fairchild’s great staff and volunteers worked

together to deliver a wonderful event.

Gardening should be about celebrating the locality and developing a sense of place for plants and

people. Accordingly, butterflies and mangos are defining elements for the South Florida garden. In

mid-July, we held our most successful International Mango Festival with thousands of people

enjoying our garden and celebrating the Caribbean’s mango heritage. Behind the festivities are

decades of hard work and that particular horticultural understanding that is gained, not from books

but from the field and grove. Dr. Richard Campbell and Noris Ledesma are two extraordinary people

who have developed and curated the world’s greatest mango collection. The table display of mango

cultivars at the International Mango Festival is a potent display of mango diversity and a dizzying

selection of shape, size, aroma and taste, a reflection of centuries of horticulture.

Dr. David Fairchild provided the original institutional focus on science that is reflected in our mission

and excellent research collections. As with all great endeavors, our garden has grown across the

generations, building on the energy and expertise of each generation. Our experts in tropical

horticulture and botany represent a direct link with Dr. Fairchild and his philosophy: the

interconnection of plants and people.

The first book by Dr. Fairchild that I read was The World Was My Garden, a wonderful heady

mixture of plantsmanship and exotic travel for a teenager in the south of England. Today you can see

the world at Fairchild. Our plant collections have never been richer and more spectacular. While we

continue to exhibit the world’s tropical flora, our staff works to conserve that flora for future

generations. This summer, Fairchild staff explored in the Cockpit Country of Jamaica; helped

establish a new botanic gardens in Guatemala and Oman; assessed Asian palm conservation

priorities in the Philippines; and ran a training program for botanic garden staff in Panama. Here at

home, our education team continues to inspire thousands of Miami-Dade students. The horticulture

team has been transforming the garden in preparation for our forthcoming Lichtenstein at Fairchild

exhibition.

This summer the readers of The Miami Herald voted Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden as the

number one wonder of Florida. This was a great tribute to the garden and the generations who have

nurtured it. Thank you for supporting us and allowing your garden to grow to its current glory.

Fairchild’s work has never been more important as we realize that all life depends on plants.

Mike Maunder, Ph.D.

CORAL GABLESCOMMUNITYFOUNDATIONLandscape architectRaymond Jungles, DanKeys of the Coral GablesPublic Service Department,and Mike Maunder, Ph.D.,have been named asadvisors of the CoralGables Community

Foundation’s Greening of the Gables initiative. The announcement wasmade by Foundation Chair Howard Glicken of The Americas Group.The Advisory Committee will provide counsel and recommendationson all aspects of the greening project with an emphasis on selecting treeand plant types with the greatest environmental and aesthetic benefits.

7www.fairchildgarden.org AUTUMN 2007

news

STUDYING Aiphanes minima Florida International Universitygraduate student, KarenLaubengayer, just returned fromher final collection trip toMartinique and St. Lucia in theLesser Antilles. With the help of herassistant, Fairchild volunteer, LynneRittenberg, they collected researchmaterial from 36 Aiphanes minima(Arecaceae) trees for Laubengayer’sthesis, which will later be stored asdried specimens in Fairchild’sHerbarium. Laubengayer’s thesisstudies have taken her to Barbados(where she has also left vouchers intheir herbarium), Dominica,Martinique, St. Lucia and St. Vincent.

Aiphanes minima is a spiny palmthat grows throughout the LesserAntilles. Throughout history,

botanists have argued whether thereis only one or several species on the different islands. Under thedirection of her research adviser Dr. Scott Zona, Laubengayer’sthesis will determine if there is more than a single species of thispalm in the Lesser Antilles by studying morphological andanatomical variation. Accompanying her most recent collections, atotal of 79 DNA samples were collected for future molecular work.

FAIRCHILD LEADS A REDLISTING WORKSHOP IN THEPHILIPPINESPalm Biologist Dr. Scott Zona leda workshop at the University of thePhilippines, Los Baños, in earlyJune. At the request of theorganizer, Mr. Bian Tan of BotanicGardens ConservationInternational, Dr. Zona instructed17 delegates from eight southeast

Asian countries in the use of the Word Conservation Union/SpeciesSurvival Commission’s conservation assessment software. Thedatabase program is a checklist designed to track the status,distribution and ecology, threats and needed conservation measuresof species. It also creates a searchable list of threatened species,known as the red list. Botanists, conservationists and foresters fromCambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines,Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, began the process of producinga red list of their threatened palms and ebonies, two groups ofplants that have tremendous economic importance in the region.They expect to complete the palm red list by the end of this year,with the ebony list to follow next year. The red list allowsgovernments and conservationists to prioritize and focusconservation efforts on the most imperiled species. Conservationassessments such as these are part of the Global Strategy for PlantConservation proposed by the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Karen Laubengayer collecting wildpalms in the forest on St. Lucia.

Lynne Rittenberg behind a youngAiphanes in the forest on St. Lucia.

Workshop participants Soe Tint andMya Win, both of Myanmar, receiveinstruction from Dr. Scott Zona onusing the red listing software.

FAIRCHILD AND FIU’S CONSERVATIONTRAINING PROGRAM

Fairchild’s international conservationtraining program continues to growwith two visiting scientists, DanaeCabrera from Instituto de Ecología,Xalapa, Mexico, and Nirzka Martínezfrom Universidad de Puerto Rico, RioPiedras. These two Ph.D. studentsvisited Fairchild to receive training onDNA fingerprinting techniques fromDr. Javier Francisco Ortega andDr. Carl Lewis. These new techniques, being pioneeredby Fairchild’s DNA team, are solvingseveral conservation biology questionsrelating to the definition of species andassessing levels of genetic diversity withinpopulations. Both students are workingwith critically endangered species. Wethank the Montgomery Botanical Centerfor providing housing during their stay.

Danae Cabrera

Nirzka Martínez

This past summer Isidro Ojeda, abotany graduate student from Universityof British Columbia, worked with Dr.Javier Francisco-Ortega on thefunctional biology of petal traits oflegumes (the bean family or Fabaceae).He found that the surfaces of the flowerpetals are related to phylogeneticpatterns. Flowers visited by insects havevery different surface cells than those

visited by birds. The research visit was supported by the MORPHOprogram of the National Science Foundation. Fairchild is one the fewbotanic gardens that belongs to this prestigious program. During hisvisit, Isidro was able to sample fresh flowers from our extraordinarycollection of tropical legumes. He used the Scanning ElectronMicroscope (SEM) at FIU. The Montgomery Botanical Centerprovided additional support during his stay.

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(L-R) Dan Keyes, Dr. Mike Maunder, Raymond Junglesand Howard Glicken

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he piece was part of “CelebratingAmerica’s Public Gardens,” an exhibitthat was held in the shadow of the

Capitol building’s dome, at the United StatesBotanic Garden in Washington, D.C. It ranfrom May 26 through October 8, 2007. Thebroad exhibit celebrated the work and theimpact of botanic gardens across America inthe segment titled “A Sense of Place,” wheretwelve gardens dazzled with the beauty oftheir diverse displays. In the “Green Today,Growing Tomorrows,” where the Challengesculpture was located, eight gardens offeredglittering representations of their educationalprograms.

Fittingly, everything about the Challengesculpture glowed with teen energy and spirit.Florida artist Sande Keil captured the lily onthe second night of its bloom, when its whitepetals turn to pink – symbolic oftransformative experiences of secondaryschool students all over the worldparticipating in Fairchild Challenge activities.Teens everywhere seek higher meaning, rebelagainst accepted wisdom and have boundlessimagination and creativity to contribute.

Even the sculpture’s primary material, bamboo—chosen for its versatility, strength and flexibility—is reflectiveof the transformation of teen participants in the Fairchild Challenge. Ms. Keil created the piece using some800 lengths of different varieties of bamboo and incorporated textile dyes and copper mesh. The wordsburnished into the bamboo represent the ways in which teens’ restless energies are channeled andencouraged: compose, explore, build, inspire and motivate. In a mysterious, complex process familiar toartists and parents everywhere, the natural materials were polished to a shine, shielded with coats ofprotective varnish, cajoled into place and refined and adjusted and, over time, lovingly pieced together toreveal a nature both unique and resplendent.

The Challenge is only one of Fairchild’s programs tailoring botanical and environmental education to theneeds of audiences from pre-school through retirement. Crafted specifically to entice teens to rely on studies inand across various disciplines while appealing to their natural sense of curiosity, the Challenge engaged morethan 25,000 middle and high school students in 91 South Florida schools last year, setting a new record.

THE TROPICAL GARDEN 8

Fairchild Challenge Sculpture in the Shadow of the U.S. CapitolBy Nicole Gérard, Ph.D., Education Outreach CoordinatorPhotos by Diane Franklin

T

You think teens can be prickly? Examine the underside of a Victoria amazonica, the giant water lily of

the Amazon. Because of the qualities it shares with adolescents – buoyancy and resilience, a certain

thorny quality combined with undeniable grace – the legendary lily was chosen as the subject of a

sculpture representing the Fairchild Challenge, Fairchild’s multidisciplinary environmental education

outreach program structured specifically for adolescents.

Miami artist Sande Keil withthe sculpture she created for

the Fairchild Challenge.

explaining

What’s bloomingBy Marilyn Griffiths, Plant Records

displaying

Bougainvillea arborea We are accustomed to Bougainvillea as a large,

vining shrub. However, this species has the growinghabit of a tree. It is covered much of the year with

rose/lavender flowers and is a native of Brazil. Ourspecimen is growing in Plot 33 in the Arboretum.

Cananga odorata, ylang-ylangThis lovely, tall tree is the source of one of the

essential oils in Chanel’s famous No. 5 perfume aswell as other cosmetic products. Our large tree in the

Rainforest sends out waves of fragrance throughoutthe area. Unusual long-petaled yellow flowers form

intermittently during the year. It is native to India,Indonesia and the Philippines. Near the Visitor

Center in Plot 17 is a particularly beautiful youngspecimen of ylang-ylang, and the older one can be

found in Plot 131.

Chorisia speciosa, floss silk treeNative to Brazil, Bolivia and Peru, this large tree

becomes covered with large distinctive flowers in thefall. The blossoms have brilliant pink petals with a

white center streaked with magenta. Our trees can befound in Plots 26 and 52.

Euphorbia leucocephala, little Christmas flowerThis stunning shrub is in the same family as the

poinsettia and flowers at the same time of year. Theentire shrub becomes covered with small white

flowers. Look closely to see white bracts surroundingthe small fragrant flower. Look for our plants in the

Arboretum in Plots 41c and 50.

Neomarica caerulea, twelve apostlesThis fragrant tropical iris has lavender-blue petals and

royal blue and chestnut markings. It is a native ofBrazil which flowers from August through December,

and was chosen as Fairchild’s Plant of the Year in2005. Find many of these irises in the Rainforest

along the tram road and in the Tropical FlowerGarden in Plots 49 and 50.

The complete list of flowering plants and aplot map of the garden are available at

www.fairchildgarden.org and at Fairchild’sinformation desk upon arrival.

Autumn is here. The steamy summer days have given way

to a pleasant balmy atmosphere. In response to the drier soil and air,

our plants are starting to put on their winter colors. In South Florida,

this means the flowering season is beginning for many trees, shrubs

and vines. The following is a small sampling of what you’ll find in

bloom this fall at Fairchild. Please come and enjoy these and many

other fascinating plants in our collections.

Bougainvillea arborea

Cananga odorata, ylang-ylang

Chorisia speciosa, floss silk tree

Neomarica caerulea, twelve apostlesEuphorbia leucocephala,little Christmas flower

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THE TROPICAL GARDEN 10

calendar of events fairchild

boardof trustees

NOVEMBERTHE PALMS FALL FIESTAPresented by the Fairchild PalmsVisitor Center, Friday, November 27:30 - 11:00 p.m.Information, sponsorship andtickets at www.fairchildgarden.org

PALM SALEPresented by the South FloridaPalm Society, Saturday & SundayNovember 3 - 4 , 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

MEMBERS’ LECTURE AND WINE AND CHEESE RECEPTIONWednesday, November 76:00 - 8:00 p.m.“ROY LICHTENSTEIN: Seeing isBelieving,” by Bonnie Clearwater,Executive Director and ChiefCurator, Museum of ContemporaryArt, North Miami.

THE 67th ANNUAL RAMBLE - A GARDEN FESTIVALSaturday & Sunday, November 17 - 18,9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Early admissionfor members at 9:00 a.m.

MEMBERS’ MOONLIGHT TOURTuesday, November 207:00 - 9:00 p.m.Members may bring as manyguests as their membership allows.

DECEMBERHOLIDAY MUSIC AT FAIRCHILD Garden HouseSunday, December 2, 6:00 p.m.Information, sponsorship andtickets at www.fairchildgarden.org

ROY LICHTENSTEIN ATFAIRCHILD OPENSMembers’ preview dayFriday, December 7,9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

ROY LICHTENSTEIN ATFAIRCHILD OPENSFeaturing the monumentalsculptures of Roy Lichtenstein. December 8, 2007 throughMay 31, 2008

POPPIN’ TROPICAL NIGHTSEvery Thursday beginningDecember 13 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.Admission: $20 for Fairchildmembers, $15 for member children6-17; $30 for non-members, $20for non-member children 6-17,and free for children 5 and under.Information atwww.fairchildgarden.org

JANUARYVOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT COFFEECorbin BuildingFriday & Saturday, January 11 and 1210:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.RSVP at 305.667.1651, ext. 3324

4RD ANNUAL FINE WINES ATFAIRCHILDSaturday, January 19Information, sponsorship andtickets at www.fairchildgarden.org

MEMBERS’ MOONLIGHT TOURMonday, January 21, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.Members may bring as manyguests as their membership allows.

CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL CINEMABOTANICA PRESENTS A VIEWINGOF Like Water for ChocolateFriday, January 25, 6:00 p.m.

2ND ANNUAL INTERNATIONALCHOCOLATE FESTIVALSaturday & Sunday, January 26 - 279:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Information and sponsorship atwww.fairchildgarden.org

MEMBERS’ LECTURE AND WINEAND CHEESE RECEPTIONWednesday, January 30, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. “The Garden atNight – A Photographic Journey,” bynoted photographer Linda Rutenberg,who shares her experiences whilecreating the book The Garden atNight: Private Views of Public Edens.FEBRUARY

MEMBERS’ LECTURE AND WINEAND CHEESE RECEPTIONWednesday, February 136:00 - 8:00 p.m. “Invasive OrchidBees: Implications for Orchids andother Plants in Florida,” by Dr.Robert W. Pemberton, ResearchEntomologist of the USDA’sInvasive Plant Research Laboratory.

MEMBERS’ BRUNCH AND TOUROF WILLIAMS GROVESunday, February 24, 11:00 a.m.Information and reservations at305.667.1651, ext. 3391.Adults: $50, Children: $35

FAIRCHILD’S 5TH ANNUALINTERNATIONAL ORCHIDFESTIVALFriday, Saturday and Sunday,February 29 through March 2Information and sponsorship atwww.fairchildgarden.org

fallINTO THE

SEASONAT FAIRCHILD

Mike Maunder, Ph.D.EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BOARD OF TRUSTEES2006-2007Bruce W. GreerPRESIDENT

Louis J. Risi, Jr.SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT &

TREASURER

W. Bryan Latham, M.D.ASSISTANT TREASURER

Suzanne SteinbergVICE PRESIDENT

Joyce J. BurnsSECRETARY

L. Jeanne AragonVICE PRESIDENT &

ASSISTANT SECRETARY

Leonard L. Abess, Jr.Henry N. Adorno, Esq.Alejandro J. AguirreRaymond F. Baddour, Sc.D.Nancy BatchelorNorman J. BenfordFaith F. BishockLeslie A. BoweSwanee DiMareSilvia E. FortunJosé R. GarrigóKenneth R. GravesWillis D. HardingPatricia M. HerbertRobert M. Kramer, Esq.Lin L. LougheedBruce C. MathesonRobert A. McNaughton, M.D.Clifford W. MezeyStephen D. Pearson, Esq.T. Hunter Pryor, M.D.Charles P. SacherJean Ellen ShehanJaná Sigars-Malina, Esq.Penelope W. StampsJames G. Stewart, Jr., M.D.Vincent A. Tria, Jr.Reginald N. WhiteheadAngela W. Whitman

Harold E. Kendall, Sr.TRUSTEE EMERITUS

This schedule of events is subject to change. Please call305.667.1651, ext. 3301 or 3362 for information. For the latestschedule and to purchase tickets visit www.fairchildgarden.org.

The Fruit MarketAT THE WHITMAN PLAZA

Open every weekend fromNovember 24 to May 20.

Fruit tasting from 11:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m.

Be sure to stop by and try a deliciousfruit smoothie and buy some freshtropical fruit from our fruit collectionto take home.

THE TROPICAL GARDEN 12

tropical cuisine

editorial staff

executive director

Mike Maunder, Ph.D.

editor/chief operating officer

Nannette M. Zapata

design

Lorena Alban

copy editors

Amy ButlerMary CollinsPaula Fernández de los MurosAnn Schmidt

staff contributors

Jennifer DrozdArlene FerrisNicole Gerard, Ph.D.Marilyn GriffithsMartha KentJack B. Fisher, Ph.D.Noris LedesmaJavier Francisco-Ortega, Ph.D.Carl E. Lewis, Ph.D.David WhitmanScott Zona, Ph.D.

advertising information

Mari Novo305.667.1651, ext. 3357

former editors

Marjory Stoneman Douglas 1945-50Lucita Wait 1950-56Nixon Smiley 1956-63Lucita Wait 1963-77Ann Prospero 1977-86Karen Nagle 1986-91Nicholas Cockshutt 1991-95Susan Knorr 1995-2004

The official publication of Fairchild Tropical Botanic GardenDifferent Ways to Use Jackfruit

By Noris Ledesma, Curator of Tropical Fruit

ackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is atropical tree native to western India. Thishandsome tree is cultivated in Florida as a

novelty for its very large (up to 70 pounds) tree-born fruit. The flesh is an orange to custardyellow color with a banana-like flavor enclosinga smooth, oval, light-brown seed. When fullyripe, the unopened jackfruit has a strong earthyodor, and its ripe fleshy bulbs smell of sweetpineapple and banana.

Westerners generally appreciate the jackfruit’sflavor when it is in the full-grown but unripestage. In India, it is preserved by boiling thebulbs with sugar syrup, butter and coconut milk.The jackfruit bulbs freeze well, and they may beused at a later time like fresh fruit. The fresh

bulbs are excellent dried or preserved in syrup.Traditionally, bulbs are used in fruit salads andsoups, boiled with rice or coconut milk and areoften served with fish.

The seeds may be prepared in several ways.One way is to boil them for five minutes andthen roast the seeds in a heavy frying pan with alittle oil. Similar results are obtained if they arecooked in a microwave oven. Use a low settingand enclose the seeds in a paper bag since theytend to explode. The seeds are best whenroasted in the coals of a burned down fire.

The seeds are edible and nutritious. Theycontain 38% carbohydrates, 6.6% proteins and0.4% fats.

Jackfruit Casserole (serves 4)

2 cups green jackfruit flesh (cooked) 2 eggs 1 cup mayonnaise 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 cup grated cheddar cheese 1 tsp minced onion

Preheat oven to 450°F. In a medium bowl, beat eggs. Blendin mayonnaise and cream of mushroom soup. Stir in cheese,minced onion and jackfruit. Turn into a two-quart casserole.Bake for 45 minutes.

J

The Tropical Garden Volume 62, Number 4. The Tropical Garden is published quarterly.Subscription is included in membership dues.© FTBG 2007 ISBN 1071-0914

Paper is 10% total recovered fiber and 100% post-consumer waste.All rights reserved.No part of this publication may bereproduced without permission.

Accredited by the American Association ofMuseums, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardenis supported by contributions from membersand friends, and in part by the State ofFlorida, Department of State, Division ofCultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council,the National Endowment for the Arts,Institute of Museum and Library Services,Miami-Dade County Department of CulturalAffairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, theMayor, and the Miami-Dade County Boardof County Commissioners, and with thesupport of The City of Coral Gables.

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Fairchild’s 2nd Annual International

CHOCOLATE Festival 2008 Saturday & Sunday

January 26 - 27

F A I R C H I L D T R O P I C A L B O T A N I C G A R D E N

Illustration by Wes Jurgens/FTBG

ask martha

Pine Island Nursery, Inc.

16300 SW 184th St., Miami, FL 33187 phone (305) 233-5501 fax (305) 233-5610

www.TropicalFruitNursery.com

Martha Kent is a staff horticulturistat Fairchild. Ask Martha yourgardening questions by calling herat 305.667.1651, ext. 3317 oremail mkent@fairchildgarden.org.

y first camping experience in the Everglades taught me a waterconservation lesson I never forgot. At the end of the day, I entered therestroom to brush my teeth. I turned on the faucet, wet the brush,

applied some toothpaste and began to brush my teeth. I lost myself in a reveriethat comes with a day of hiking, sailing and enjoying the ‘Glades. Bringing meback to the present, however, was another camper staring unrelentingly at me.It took a couple seconds (although it seemed longer) to hear the water runningdown the drain and realize that this was offending the other camper. Quickly,I turned the water off, feeling very uncool for such a glaring lack of waterconservation conduct—in the Everglades—no less. Reverie definitely lost. Areally sound conservation rule gained.

After that, I began listening to the running water in my life: as I washed myhands, shampooed my hair and at my kitchen sink and other numerousoccasions throughout the day. Water was simply running down the drain for nopurpose or as if there were an endless supply. Wrong. So, I changed my habits.

Now, with the current water restrictions, the biggest hardship for me is cuttingout the frequent hand watering in my garden that I so enjoyed. To me, it is likea type of meditation: standing in the garden with my thumb over the end of thehose, providing faux-rain to the plants, then seeing the leaves dripping withwater and the ground, which is usually sandy and gray, becoming dark brownbecause of the moisture. This was one of my great pleasures.

The good news is that the camping trip was more than 20 years ago, yet, Iremain vigilant and I listen. Water conservation is serious and must become partof our daily lives. Are you listening?

Are you listening? (To the water you waste)By Martha Kent, Staff Horticulturist

M

Finest quality fruit trees for the landscape,garden center, and grove.

15www.fairchildgarden.org AUTUMN 2007

vis-a-vis volunteers

Fairchild’s Fabulous Tram GuidesBy Julie Petrie, Volunteer Program Assistant

Tom Abell

Shelly Adelman

Carl Bauer

Don & Terry

Blechman

Dick Bowers

Marnie Broman

Jan Brown

Tom Brown

Ellen Browning

Elliott & Joan Byrd

Miguel Carson

Ginnie Cronk

Mike Elder

Jim Farrell

Jean Fowler

Mitch Haness

Jane Iversen

Glen Ivie

Libby Mahaffey

Cliff Mezey

Bob Petzinger

Wayne Richardson

Nancy Roberts

Roger Rosenberger

Benard Rosenblatt

Sandi Smith

John Soliday

Sam Steiner

Ken Strang

Fairchild’s Fabulous Tram Guides(narrators and drivers) are:

Terry and Don Blechman give tram tours to visitors on Friday mornings. They have been membersand volunteers for many years, and their knowledge and love of Fairchild shows through in every tourthey give.

hat is the best way to see Fairchild Tropical BotanicGarden? Is it a slow stroll around the Palmetum, ashort shuttle to the Conservatory and Gallery, or is it a

tram tour around the whole garden? Our volunteer tram guides willassure you that the most pleasurable and educational way to seeFairchild is by a tram tour.

Last year, Fairchild volunteers gave a total of 2,500 tram tours to86,000 passengers. In May alone, 13,000 visitors boarded the tramto hear our volunteers narrate these fascinating tours. Withunpredictable weather and the fact that groups can range from verysmall to very large, our volunteer tram guides make it look easy,but they have to be ready for anything. One thing is for sure, ittakes a special volunteer to be a tram guide.

Often, you can hear visitors say that they’re amazed at the amountof knowledge our tram guides have. And it’s true. Many of themspend two to three months in training. When a volunteer decidesto become a guide, he or she receives a manual of informationabout Fairchild’s history, collections and programs. Each volunteerstudies the manual and rides with other guides to create his or herown unique 45-minute tour.

We wanted to find out more about these creative andknowledgeable volunteers, so we asked them two questions: “Whatis your favorite plant story to tell about Fairchild?” and “Who is themost memorable passenger you have had?”

Guide Ginny Cronk tells us what she loves sharing with visitors on hertram tour. “Describing how bananas are propagated gives me theopportunity to discuss plant exploration in the 19th century, how

plants are losing genetic diversity and about the importance of plantexploration in the 21st century,” she said. “Visitors can learn somebotany, economic botany and conservation all with a fruit theyprobably eat nearly every day.”

Tram tour guides Libby Mahaffey and Bob Petzinger agree that theirfavorite story is that of the Victoria amazonica. They find it fascinatingto tell the guests about the flesh-piercing spines that lay beneath thesegently floating water lilies. Bob tells his passengers, “A network ofhollow tubes and air pockets under these large leaves give it thestrength to hold up to 100 pounds.” Libby is convinced that weshould rename these plants the “Amazing Amazon water lilies.”

We asked tour narrator Sandi Smith about the most memorable ridershe ever had. Without hesitation she talked about two riders whogenuinely touched her life. “At the end of one of my tours, a couplecame up to me and, as they told me how much they enjoyed mytour, the man pressed a $2 bill in the palm of my hand. He said,‘This is not a tip; it is my lucky $2 bill. It has brought me luck overthe years.’” Sandi says that she still thinks of them every time sheopens her wallet, for she now carries that $2 bill as her lucky charm.

By talking to our tram guides we found out amazing stories ofuniting long lost cousins, mispronouncing palm names in thepresence of Texas’ most outstanding palm expert, meeting relativesof Dr. David Fairchild and the unending education of being avolunteer tour guide. Having these experiences and learning newthings is what makes Fairchild’s tram guides so terrific. Every oneof our tram tours is unique from day-to-day, and this only becauseour volunteers each bring something special to Fairchild.

W

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.

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ow is the time to step into the fascinating world of cactiand succulents. Cacti and succulents display a wide range ofcolors, forms and sizes from small buttons to trees. Drought

tolerant cacti and succulents are perfect for patios, window gardens,rock gardens, cactus patches and xeriscape landscaping.

Afraid of spines? Not all cacti and succulents have spines. Comeand see for yourself. The South Florida Cactus and SucculentSociety, Inc. (SFCSS) has been promoting the culture andpropagation of cacti and succulents for over 30 years. We haveparticipated in many events at Fairchild and hosted 24 annual showsand sales. SFCSS meets on a quarterly basis at different members’homes. At our meetings, we conduct an educational segment, aswell as a plant swap and sale. Meetings are held on a weekendday, and the public is invited.

For information on cacti, succulents or our society, please call305.606.5365 or e-mail us at soflacactus@earthlink.net. You canalso visit our Web site at www.sfloridacactus.org.

The South Florida Cactus and Succulent Society, Inc. is a 503(c)3non-profit corporation.

plant societies

Drought and Water RestrictionsDon’t Have to Ruin YourGardening PleasureBy Emy de la Fuente, President of the South FloridaCactus & Succulent Society

Caralluma dummeri

Phot

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F A I R C H I L D T R O P I C A L B O T A N I C G A R D E N

Become a volunteer atFairchild and

Be part of a wonderfulcommunity

Gain Knowledge and

Be part of a globalconservation effort right here

in South Florida

Volunteers are needed now for guiding, gardening and to serve as hostsand docents for the Lichtenstein at Fairchild exhibition.

For more information about becoming a volunteer,please call Sandy at 305.667.1651, ext. 3324.

Thanks! We hope to see you at the garden soon!

Photos by Arlene Ferris and Julie Petrie/FTBG.

We are fortunate atFairchild. Fortunate tohave such a welldeveloped garden with along rich history. We arefortunate to have anorganizational name whichis recognized for andsynonymous with goodhorticulture, research,education, communityrelations, festivalsand…need I go on?

ComingSoon…WorldClassBotanicGarden inthe heartofGuatemala

The small church in the village within Finca San Luis,under a mighty guanacaste tree (Enterolobiumcyclocarpum).

Text and photos by Christie Jones,Curator of Palms and Cycads

I t was easy for me to appreciate Fairchild’sprivileged position recently. I was inGuatemala in April, working with anambitious, multidisciplinary group ofscientists and professionals. Their goal is tocreate a national botanic garden, el JardínBotánico Nacional de Guatemala, fromnothing. Though this group will notnecessarily have to start at square one, theyhave a long hard climb ahead of them.

The idea to create a national botanicgarden comes from the Defensores de laNaturaleza, a Guatemalan NGO withnational recognition and quite a bit ofclout. (This is why I say the planners are abit past square one—maybe they’re atsquare two). Defensores is an organizationdedicated to conservation and thesustainable management of Guatemala’snatural heritage. The organizationalresume includes management of nationalparks and other protected areas which addup to nearly five percent of the total landarea in Guatemala. Its many projectsinclude saving the jaguars’ habitat andcreating a fund to preserve the country’sdrinking water sources.

Besides the momentum of this large NGO,the project has another great thing goingfor it. The tract of land selected to becomethe future garden, currently known asFinca San Luis, is naturally gorgeous andsituated in a spot realtors only dream of(location, location, location!). Picture it—along, narrow piece of property of about700 acres resting between the peaks oflow mountains. It is tucked just far enoughaway from Guatemala City to avoid themaddening city noise and the chokingdiesel fumes of elaborately paintedsecond-hand school buses, otherwiseknown as public transport. The windrustles through the leaves of the lush treecanopy. Birds sing. In the distance is thelow rumble of a wide waterfall beatingagainst large angular stones. Through themiddle of the property runs a river whichis harnessed to generate hydroelectricpower. In the center of the farm is aclearing with a small, cute-as-a-button

I

TOP: The city’s public transport, colorfullypainted second-hand school buses. This

one is in the heart of Antigua.RIGHT: One of three rivers which run

through Finca San Luis.

THE TROPICAL GARDEN 20

village complete with church andsoccer field (it wouldn’t be aGuatemalan village without thesetwo). There are agricultural fieldsaround the village on which thecorn crops are rotated. Runningthe length of the property on bothsides are swaths of primary andold secondary growth forests.Several abandoned buildings siton the land, just waiting to berefurbished and given new life. Inparticular is the historic greathouse, aspacious two-story, early 1900sconstruction that was once the farmmanager’s home.

Finca San Luis is a dream. Thecatch, however, is that Defensoresdoes not have possession of it yet.They are negotiating with theowners, the government-ownedelectric company known as INDE,for its use. What Defensores mustdo is convince INDE that they canput the nearly-abandoned farm tothe best possible use.

I must give credit to thevisionaries at Defensores whohave had the good sense andforesight to spend the necessarytime planning this garden beforerushing head-long into buildingit. The garden is an idea thatbegan years ago as the dream oftwo prominent Guatemalanorchidologists. From their dream, the plans have progressed untilfinally it seems the timing and political climate are right to makethe first moves toward breaking ground. A planning group met for aweek in April to make these first moves. Included in the group isan assortment of folks: board and staff of Defensores, botanicalexperts from local universities, owners of the largest nursery in thecountry and three outside consultants, including myself.

We began our week-longworkshop by asking ourselvessome basic questions. What is abotanic garden? Why doesGuatemala need a botanicgarden? Why should Defensorescreate the garden and not someother group? Is the chosen FincaSan Luis the best location for anational botanic garden? Whatdoes it take to create a botanicgarden? Where do you start?Where does the money comefrom? These all seem like simplequestions until one tries toanswer them.

By the end of the week, we wereall pleased with what we hadaccomplished. We had answeredthe above questions – with nodoubts that a botanic garden ismuch needed in the country,that Defensores is theorganization to pull it off andthat there is no better locationthan Finca San Luis. We createda mission and specific objectivesfor the new garden which fitswell within the existing missionof Defensores. In short, it will bea garden meant to display,conserve and study plants withspecial emphasis on plantsnative to Mesoamerica. Somegeneral partitioning of the landwas worked out, as well, allocatingareas such as horticultural displays,agricultural plots, reforestationzones, the village, parking andvisitor entrance.

In my mind, though, our greatestaccomplishment for the week wasto solidify a somewhat distantgroup of individuals into a closeworking group passionate aboutgoals we created together. Thisgroup will be the force which

makes Guatemala’s Jardín Botánico Nacional a reality. One day, thisgroup will be able to look back and reflect on years of successfulgardening and will feel just as fortunate as we at Fairchild feel now.

As this publication was going to press, we received exciting newsfrom Defensores. They have been granted permission from INDE foruse of Finca San Luis and are moving forward with the planning andconstruction of the garden.

Four members of the planning group (including the author) flew by helicopter overpolluted Guatemala City and then on to survey Finca San Luis from the air. GuatemalaCity is Central America’s largest city with over 2.5 million inhabitants.

The group landed in an unplanted corn field at Finca San Luis. From left:Dr. Rafael Majicano, who kindly arranged the flight; the author; Oscar Nuñez,Executive Director of Defensores; Carlos Martínez, consultant and landscape architect;and Shannon Smith, consultant and Horticulture Director Emeritus of MissouriBotanical Garden.

We are fortunate

and must recognize

and appreciate to

the fullest all that

has been built in

these 70 or so years.

21www.fairchildgarden.org AUTUMN 2007

t first glance, the Tropical Flower Garden at Fairchild might just look like a colorfulplace with textures and scents made to please its visitors. While this is true, it is notthe whole truth. Mixed in among the plants are wild-collected plants from all over

the world, developed by nature herself. Some are plants that botanists and horticulturistssuffer dislocated shoulders and poison ivy rashes to find. Sure, you could say that all plantsare developed by nature, but you would be amazed how much control a nurseryman haswith some time and space. Wild-collected plants serve as a window to what is actuallygrowing in the world’s natural areas.

In Plot 50, you will find Cubanoladaphnoides, a wonderful plantendemic to Cuba that grows in thesub-montane forests of the HolguinProvince. Glossy leaves shimmer inthe sunlight and the large, creamy-white pendant flowers hang inabundance. Most people think thatthey are looking at Angel’s TrumpetTrees from the tomato family whichare in Plot 50 as well, but they areactually enjoying one of the manycoffee relatives.

A few feet away grows Brunfelsiadensifolia. As the name suggests,the foliage is very dense on thisupright shrub. At first glance they

appear to be Podocarpus, commonly used as screening or a hedge, but they certainly arenot. There are times throughout the year when B. densifolia is covered in fragrant yellowflowers and whose scent can be enjoyed even from the tram path. This awesome plant isknown from one area in Puerto Rico and is listed as endangered due to habitat destructionfor agriculture. Originally collected for the garden by Dr. Timothy Plowman in the early1970s, the bulk of the collection was entrusted to us by the Center for Plant Conservationin the 1980s.

Great plants from the 2006 Fairchild Latham Expedition to Cockpit Country, Jamaica, ledby our own Dr. Lauren Raz, have already made it into the garden. On the lawn southwestof the Visitor Center sits Ceiba pentandra, the famous Kapok Tree. Collecting Ceiba canbe difficult due to its enormous stature, but we found a younger one growing along a paththat was willing to provide some propagules. Hamelia axillaris and the Jamaican endemicTournefortea staminea, both new introductions to the garden, sit next to each other in Plot43. I cannot tell you how excited I was during both of these finds. H. axillaris has thereddish tones and leaf shape of our native Firebush, and the yellow flowers of the BahamaFirebush, only smaller. Tournefortea staminea is typically found growing in thickets andwoodland margins on limestone cliffs. We collected our cuttings from White Rock Hill, aclassic collecting locality made up of slippery clay and jagged karst limestone. As thisplant matures, its deeply fissured bark and highly fragrant inflorescences becomewondrous.

As the wave of color that is the Tropical Flower Garden expands, keep an eye out forthings you do not recognize. They could be from local nursery stock or they could be aBarringtonia collected in Malaysia by Dr. Jack Fisher or even an Antidesma collected inAsia by Dr. David Fairchild himself.

The Colors of the Tropical Flowering GardenText and photos by Jason Lopez, Manager, Rainforest and Horticultural Exhibits

A

Sure, you could say that allplants are developed by nature,but you would be amazed howmuch control a nurseryman has

with some time and space.

Hamelia axillaris

Ceiba pentandra on the lawn at the Visitor Center. Brunfelsia densifolia

This autumn brings a continuation of Fairchild’s recent tradition of displaying extraordinary art exhibitions, a series which has broughteven greater recognition to the garden and invited visitors to view the landscapes in a different light. Perhaps in complete contradiction tolast year’s Dale Chihuly sculptures, which were based on organic forms, the art of Roy Lichtenstein seems to spring from the one-dimensional, the bubblegum comic. The juxtaposition of his sculpture with the riot of living forms growing at Fairchild is sure toemphasize both the living and static, in the same way a bromeliad clinging to a rock invokes wonder. No doubt Mr. Lichtenstein, whopassed away in 1997, would be pleased to see his work on display at William Lyman Phillips’ masterpiece of landscape architecture, abotanic garden hewn from the wind-beaten Cutler Ridge and dredged from Biscayne Bay’s mangrove flats.

Fairchild’s horticulturists live with a grand inheritance. Earlier generations secured the land, blasted the rock with dynamite, built up bedswith fill, terraced the ridge and mulched heavily. Old giant trees persist against countless storms, providing shade for plants that need it.Hundreds of expeditions to the most remote tropical forests on Earth have gifted South Florida with a remarkable collection of plant life.Fairchild is Miami’s Louvre.

Blooming ArtBy Michael Davenport, Director, Living Collections and Garden Landscapes

No doubt Mr. Lichtenstein, who passed away in 1997, would be pleased tosee his work on display at William Lyman Phillips’ masterpiece of landscape

architecture, a botanic garden hewn from the wind-beaten Cutler Ridgeand dredged from Biscayne Bay’s mangrove flats.

the art of fl wers

Hibiscus fragilis

23www.fairchildgarden.org AUTUMN 2007

As in any art museum, Fairchild curators are involved in theplacement, care, restoration and interpretation of the collection’sholdings. Unlike an art museum, however, botanic garden curatorsare the artists, as well. You can’t grow a Picasso from a cutting. Planting can be a leap of faith. Will it grow there? Can it take thesun? Perhaps the greatest joy for a Fairchild horticulturist is to acquire a seed or cutting from a plant new to cultivation, raise it to the perfect size, plant it where it has a good chance to live, andwatch it grow and thrive. A healthy tree is fine art.

Planting is also shadowed by the fact that no matter how well anyplant grows, someday it will die. As most gardeners know, you cannot really know how to grow plants until you have killed a few. Asheartbreaking as it can be to lose something precious, horticulturistslearn much from these failures, bookmark the mistakes in theirminds and collection records and make wiser decisions next time.There is also some beauty in death. Witness the many palms thatgrow to large sizes, never flowering until a final reproductive burstbefore the quick decline. And, of course, dead plants are removed(unless we leave the stems for the insects, squirrels andwoodpeckers), creating space for a new planting opportunity.

The current crew of Fairchild horticulturists has transformed thegarden since the hurricanes of 2005. Those storms felled over 500trees, palms and shrubs, but also opened up the garden plots for anew cycle of intensive planting. With the help of many dedicatedvolunteers who constantly braved intense heat, back pain andstinging insects, the garden was reclaimed. At this writing, thehealth of the collections is fantastic, in no small part because ofinnovative improvements in fertilization regimes, implemented bycuratorial staff. Plus, the weather has been better than we couldhave wished for. Since Hurricane Wilma, every dry spell has beenquenched, winds have been light and there has not been a freeze.We will enjoy it while it lasts and continue to knock on wood.

At Fairchild, not all the plants in the collection are viewed equally.As a research institution, we place a greater value on wild-collectedplants with known, documented origins. That said, although themain focus of the plant collections is not purely display, it would bea shame to leave Phillips’ design unadorned. With modestpurchasing of ornamentals, the garden has more color, softer edgesand more flowers, both for the butterflies and the humans. Agardenia flower that smells like bubblegum needs to be at Fairchild,regardless of origin. With all of the planting space available, wehave been able to match each new plant with an optimal spot,unless, of course, we are experimenting. Will it grow in the shade?Can it handle salt winds? Do weevils find it delicious?

We have been planting butterfly bait. We consider an Atalabutterfly flying art, even though the rascal has chewed down ourcoonties. In the same vein, the colorful mass plantings in thegarden are bait for human visitors. For the people who can not tellthe difference between a palm and a pandanus, and, frankly, donot care, perhaps the drift of beach sunflower in the Palmetum willexcite them. Perhaps the Lichtenstein sculptures are the reasonthey came, but the rainbow eucalyptus is why they will return.

By no means do the Fairchild horticulturists renounce their plant snobstatus. Most of the species we select are good growers, generally low-maintenance and just the sort of plant we would like to see growingall around town. Some of the plants are none of those things, and weruthlessly remove them at the first sign of poor performance,invasiveness or general ugliness. The garden is never static, evolvingevery moment, changing with the winds and by the hands of yourartists in residence. As you walk the grounds this winter, look longand hard, and see the pulsing beats of all the art around you.

Heliconia rostrata

Nymphaea sp. Waterlily

Unlike an art museum, however, botanicgarden curators are the artists, as well

A Pop Artist Icon

His Monumental Sculptures

Fairchild’s Stunning Landscape

December 8, 2007through

May 31, 2008

Roy LichtensteinAirplane, 1990© Estate of Roy Lichtenstein

Roy LichtensteinHouse II, 1997© Estate of Roy Lichtenstein

Roy LichtensteinCoup de Chapeau II, 1996© Estate of Roy Lichtenstein

RoyLichtensteinAT FAIRCHILD

it’spoppin’

Come to Fairchild andexperience Pop Artist icon

Roy Lichtenstein’smonumental sculptures.

LICHTENSTEIN AT FAIRCHILDTo purchase tickets in advance and for

more information, please visitwww.fairchildgarden.org

Admission is free for Fairchild membersand children 5 and under, Non members:$20 for adults, $15 senior citizens 65 and

older and $10 for children 6-17.

POPPIN’ TROPICAL

NIGHTSEvery Thursday from6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Experiencethe monumental sculptures ofLichtenstein after dark!

Admission is $20 for Fairchildmembers, $15 for memberchildren 6-17, $30 for non-members, $20 for non-memberchildren 6-17, and free forchildren 5 and under.

Sponsored by

PARTICIPATING SPONSORS: The Roy Lichtenstein Foundation, James Goodman Gallery and Mr. and Mrs. Ira HarrisADDITIONAL SPONSORS: JLR Holdings LLC, The Aaron I. Fleischman Foundation, Ms. Evelyn Langlieb Greer andMr. Bruce W. Greer, The Latham Charitable Foundation, Mr. Lin Lougheed, The Stamps Family Charitable Foundation,Mr. and Mrs. Allan Herbert, Mrs. Angela W. Whitman, The Israel, Rose, Henry and Robert Wiener Charitable Foundation,the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Mayor, and the Miami-DadeCounty Board of County Commissioners.

THE TROPICAL GARDEN 26

PLANTS THAT CHANGED THEWORLD: CINCHONA

It is fascinating that the cure for one of theworst Old World diseases was actuallyfound in the New World. Malaria wasbrought to the Americas by Europeansettlers. Long before the arrival of theSpaniards, the natives of the tropical Andesof South America treated fevers with thebark of a sacred plant they called quina-quina (the bark of barks).

Quina-quina is known today as Cinchona, and is a genus of the Rubiaceae family (coffee and gardenias are also Rubiaceaes).There are roughly 40 species of cinchona, and all are native totropical South America, specific to the eastern slopes of the Andes.Cinchona trees generally grow to 50-65 feet, have lanceolateleaves and display small, fragrant flowers that cluster on the endsof branches. Cinchona flowers look like lilac flowers and may beyellow, white or pink. The alkaloid quinine is responsible for thefebrifugal properties of cinchona bark.

It is unclear if Peruvian natives told the Jesuits of cinchona’smiraculous properties or if the Jesuits figured it our on their own, but in1630, an Augustinian Monk in Peru was the first to describe the use ofpowdered cinchona bark. During the mid 1600s, the Jesuits broughtcinchona bark to Europe. At that time, Rome had become the center ofthe world’s malaria epidemic. Not much was known about malaria’sorigins or how to treat it. Most believed that malaria was caused by themala aria or “bad air” emanating from bogs. It is easy to understandhow this association was made since most malaria cases occurred nearswampy areas where we now know mosquitoes proliferate. JesuitsBark or Popish powder as cinchona bark was called, quickly became aprofitable business. Treatment of fever with quinine, however, wascontroversial in Europe during the 17th century as bleeding hadbeen the most accepted way of treating disease for years. Bleedingwas certainly less effective than cinchona bark, and therefore moreprofitable to doctors.

During the late 1600s, English apothecary Robert Talbor’s resume ofcuring malaria included the likes of King Charles II and Louis XIV of

France. After Mr. Talbor’s death, it was discovered that his secretmedicine contained cinchona bark. In 1677, Cinchona waslegitimately introduced into London’s pharmaceutical industry and injust a few years, it became widely accepted as the most effectivemalaria treatment. A common way to introduce the groundCinchona bark into the human system was through drinking amixture of the powder with wine; quinine is better broken down inalcohol than water. Cinchona bark was known legitimately as CortesPeruana until the 1740s when Linnaeus classified the genus asCinchona in honor of the Countess of Chinchon, the wife of Peru’sSpanish Viceroy in the 1630s. Legend has it that during her time inPeru, the Countess of Chinchon was cured from her malarial boutsafter a cinchona bark treatment administered by natives. Cinchonabark was very expensive and only the well to do could afford themedication. For the next 200 years, Europe imported cinchona barkfrom South America.

During the late 1700s, it became clear that Britain’s expansion intovarious colonies would depend heavily on botanical knowledgeand the availability of cinchona. During that time, Britain’sbotanical explorations were masterminded by Sir Joseph Banks,Royal Gardens at Kew’s unofficial director. As Britain’s demand forcinchona grew, it became clear that something needed to be doneto increase the quantity and quality of cinchona bark. In responseto this, Banks requested that cinchona plantations be established inBritish colonies. It is estimated that during that time, over 25,000cinchona trees a year were being felled.

Cinchona pubesces.Collected inPuerto Rico

by Roy O. Woodburyin 1977.

By Jeremy Davit,Development Associate

27www.fairchildgarden.org AUTUMN 2007

t wasn’t until the late 1850s that Kew Gardens began toorganize the cinchona transfer from South America. Two plantcollectors, Clements R. Markham (later to be involved in the

rubber tree transfer) and Richard Spruce, were employed for theplant hunting expedition. Markham ended up collecting the“yellow bark” or Cinchona officinalis species in Peru and Bolivia.While Markham’s accounts of the cinchona transfer give theimpression that he was responsible for the entire transfer, reality isfar from it. Markham was indeed successful in collecting thousandsof cinchona seedlings; however, excess heat killed most during thetransfer.

Meanwhile, Richard Sprucewas far more successful.Spruce, a hypochondriacoddly enough, wascollecting plants in SouthAmerica for quite sometime prior to his newassignment. In Ecuador,Spruce used his diplomacyand negotiating skills(something Markham didnot possess to great ends) tosecure the rights for largecollecting areas. Sprucegathered over 600 seedlingsplus 100,000 seeds. In1860, months ahead of anew law that made plantmaterial transfers out of thecountry illegal, Sprucemanaged to get his materialon its long journey to Kew.Spruce remained in SouthAmerica for four more yearswhere he mapped terrain,studied local ways of lifeand collected thousands ofplant species that he sentback to the archives inEngland. His contributionswere invaluable to futureexplorations of SouthAmerica, although he sawlittle profit from this. In1885, already back inLondon for many years,Spruce completed his greatest work on his true passion, liverworts,in which he described over 700 species.

Spruce’s cinchona seeds and saplings were received at Kew in1861, and were transferred to plantations in India. Unfortunately,Spruce had collected an inferior variety of cinchona, “red bark” orCinchona pubescens, ‘Succiruba.’ Markham’s “yellow bark,”Cinchona officinalis was known to produce higher levels of quininethan the “yellow bark,” but all of his had died in the transfer. Afterall of Britain’s efforts in securing cinchona, the Dutch were theones to actually come out ahead. The Dutch had previously failedat acquiring Cinchona, but in 1865, they managed to secure one

pound of Bolivian seeds from a servant to British alpaca traderCharles Ledger. Ledger’s servant initially attempted to pawn off thesmuggled seeds to the British, and when they refused, heapproached the Dutch who agreed on the sale. The British laterimprisoned the servant for treason. These seeds grew into the tensof thousands of trees that produced the crop for Dutch plantationsin Java. The species was named Cinchona ledgeriana in honor ofCharles Ledger. Cinchona ledgeriana’s quinine quantities are farsuperior to that of yellow or red bark that Spruce and Markhamhad gathered. Eventually the British and Dutch collaborated on ahybrid of Cinchona officinalis and Cinchona ledgeriana that was toproduce even higher levels of quinine. Unfortunately for the

British, however, this hybridadapted far better to Javathan India, and the Dutchgained a 97 percent stake inthe quinine market.Meanwhile, Bolivia, Peruand Ecuador saw none ofthe profits of the hugecinchona industry.

Quinine was only isolatedin 1820 by French chemists.Until that time, only thebark of Cinchona had beenused as a medicine.Synthetic quinine wasfinally derived during WorldWar II after Java was takenover by the Japanese andaccess to the cinchona wascut off.

For thousands of yearsmalaria has killed millions ofindividuals. Even after 100years of continuous researchand vast medical advances,malaria continues as one ofthe world’s major diseases.The huge global strategies toeradicate malaria in the1950s by spraying DDT andwidespread usage ofsynthetic quinine backfiredand resulted in pesticideresistant Anophelesmosquitoes and drug

resistant strains of Plasmodium. The world saw a huge surge ofmalaria contractions. Today the World Health Organizationestimates that 300-500 million new cases of malaria kill up to 2.7million individuals yearly, mostly children. Malaria affects roughly40 percent of the world’s population, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Today, Cinchona bark is still used for the extraction of quinine withZaire as the major producer. Nearly half of 5,000 to 10,000 metrictons of harvested cinchona bark is used in the food industryspecifically as a bitter additive to quinine water and tonic water.

I

Cinchona officinalis. Herbarium/FTBG.

THE TROPICAL GARDEN 28

With about 1,000 species, hybrids and cultivars, the genus Salvia is sure to havesomething for every garden. Salvia is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae,and many salvias have aromatic foliage, ideal for a scented garden. Salviaofficinalis, common sage, and S. fruticosa, Greek sage, should have a place inevery kitchen garden. The nutritious seeds of chia, S. hispanica, were a staplefood of Aztec people. More frivolously, chia’s mucilaginous seeds are popularfor growing on the surface of terra cotta figurines in windowsill gardens. Thereare dozens of ornamental species of Salvia, both annuals and perennials, andmany of these are rich nectar sources for insects and hummingbirds. Of course,not every species of Salvia is garden worthy, and some species are not adaptedto South Florida conditions. There are, however, several that perform well in ourarea and have a bright – and colorful – future in our gardens.

As a bedding annual, Salvia splendens has been popular for many decades. It isavailable in colors ranging including coral, white, purple, and the most common,a bright, eye-popping red. Salvia splendens is grown as an annual, readilyavailable at most nurseries in the spring, and the compact plants will bloomreliably all season. They require a steady of supply of moisture (usually oursummer rains are sufficient) and the removal of spent flower stalks.Unfortunately, as is the case with many highly inbred and modified cultivars,they offer little in the way of nectar. Wildlife soon learns to regard the showyflowers as little more than false advertising.

Two of the finest hummingbird attractants in my garden are Salvia miniata and S.mexicana. Both are perennial shrubs that can be pruned and kept within amanageable height of three or four feet tall. Salvia miniata forms a dense shrubwith many stems, whereas S. mexicana tends to keep just one or a few mainstems that become woody at the base.

Salvia mexicana is available as several differentcultivars, which differ from one another in thecolors of the leaves, corolla (the fused petals ofthe flower) and calyx (the cup formed by fusedsepals that enclose the corolla). Salvia mexicana‘Limelight’ has bright chartreuse calyces and darkblue flowers. The flower clusters are large andstriking, but the shrub is a bit leggy. A bettercultivar is S.mexicana ‘Compton’s Pride,’ whichhas dark, lustrous leaves and dark, velvety purpleflowers nestled in greenish black calyces. Itflowers once in mid-winter, and if cut back, again

in late spring. Pruning this Salvia prevents the brittle branches from growing toolong and breaking. Although most books will tell you that hummingbirds areattracted to red flowers, hummingbirds are smart enough to take advantage of the

Salvias for more than

just color Text and photos byScott Zona, Ph.D., Palm Biologist

Salvia guaranticia ‘Black and Blue’

Salvia miniata is an excellenthummingbird plant.

Any plantthat attracts

hummingbirdsand painted

buntings to mygarden gets

my vote!

nectar in Salvia mexicana. It is one of their favorite plants. It alsoattracts butterflies. Salvia mexicana is best renewed every two orthree years by propagating new plants from cuttings.

Salvia miniata grows well in very light shade or an easternexposure. It will tolerate full sun if enough moisture iscontinually present. The corollas are fuzzy and the brightestscarlet imaginable; the calyces are green tinged with dark red.It never makes a mass of flowers, but according to my records,my own plant has had flowers on it continually for over 30months. This plant is a favorite nectar plant of thehummingbirds, but I have also seen sulphur and monarchbutterflies feeding on the nectar. Last March, I witnessed apainted bunting feeding on the seeds from this Salvia. It wasthe first time I had seen this bird species in my garden. Anyplant that attracts hummingbirds and painted buntings to mygarden gets my vote!

Another good Salvia is S. guaranitica ‘Black and Blue.’ There aresome specialists who believe this is not a cultivar, but a hybridbetween S. guaranitica and some other species. Either way, it isa handsome perennial species that grows well in our climate.It grows about two feet tall, but it spreads by undergroundrhizomes and tuberous roots. It has light green foliage, blue-black calyces and indigo blue corollas. Hummingbirds will visitthe flowers and drink the nectar. It too is a brittle shrub, but aswith most salvias, broken branches can easily be rooted to givenew plants. ‘Black and Blue’ can show signs of nutrientdeficiencies in our alkaline soils, but applications of acidfertilizer keep this species happy.

Salvia offers color and so much more to our gardens, and wehave only just begun to tap their horticultural potential.The yellow-flowered S. madrensis and the purple and whiteS. leucantha both received high marks in a trial at the MountsBotanical Garden in West Palm Beach. The native S. coccineaflowers prolifically in the Lisa D. Anness Butterfly Garden.Many more species await introduction into horticulture. Mexicoand Central America are home to dozens of attractive, untestedspecies, and we have yet to tap the potential of the manyCaribbean species. Plant breeders could unlock even morediversity and versatility, so the future for Salvia is bright indeed.

Salvia mexicana ‘Limelight’ has chartreuse and blue flowers.We are displaying some of these in the Tropical Flower Garden.

Two of the finest hummingbird attractants in mygarden are Salvia miniata and S. mexicana. Both areperennial shrubs that can be pruned and keptwithin a manageable height of three or four feet tall.

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31www.fairchildgarden.org AUTUMN 2007

Helianthus debilis – beach sunflower, is anexcellent groundcover for a sunny, dry location.Native to the east coast of Florida, this prostrateform of beach sunflower is often used as a groundcover or in mass plantings. It is used for dunestabilization and is especially useful on banks andslopes in beach-front situations. Beach sunflower iswell suited for borders along beach walkways. Butyou don’t have to live on the beach to enjoy thisbeach sunflower. Beach sunflower is not tolerantof irrigation or low, wet areas so plant it in full sunwhere you where it will not receive irrigation andwatch the butterflies visit the flowers.

Crossopetalum ilicifolium is native to pinerocklands and marl prairies of South Florida.Commonly called quailberry, this species isendangered in its native habitats. Quailberry formvery low-growing, circular shaped individualplants that when planted in close proximity to oneanother, create an interesting groundcover. Itproduces pink to white flowers among the smallholly-like leaves. Small bright red fruits remain onthe plants for a long time, adding to the beauty ofthis native gem. Quailberry is best grown in a fullsun area with good drainage.

Liriope muscari, sometimes known as lily turf orliriope, is an excellent ground cover for sunny orlightly shaded locations. There are several cultivars

of lily turf including “Evergreen Giant,” “Big Blue,”“Green Giant” and “Variegata.” Lily turf cultivarsrange from eight inches to nearly two feet tall. Ifgrown in full sun, occasional irrigation keeps lilyturf looking its best. In light shade, it requires lesswater. Lily turf does not grow well in low, wetlocations.

Peperomia obtusifolia, known as Floridapeperomia, is native to South Florida’s moisthammocks and Tropical America where it may beseen growing as an epiphyte. Florida peperomiamay be grown as a groundcover in well-drainedleaf litter or mulch. It is best grown in a shadylocation. It is propagated by cuttings and spreadseasily.

Microsorum scolopendrium, known as wartfern, is a great goundcover for areas that are notexposed to full sun all day. Once established, noirrigation is required. This fern spreads easily byabove ground rhizomes. The lobed leaves are heldupright and up to one foot long. Although notalways available in nurseries, just a few plants willeventually fill a large area. The result is a compact,very dense mass of green, erect leaves, creatinginteresting textures and color in the landscape.This is an excellent choice for planting undergroups of palms.

Five bestGROUNDCOVERS

roundcovers can serve many purposes. Some groundcovers such as grass, can be walked upon. Other ground covers are morefragile and cannot take any foot traffic but serve as a low filler or means to add color or texture interest to the landscape. Theuse of groundcovers can also help protect the base of trees and shrubs from lawnmowers and edgers. If you do chose to plant

groundcovers among palms and other plants, be cautious when applying granular fertilizers. You might have to fertilize your trees andshrubs more often using less fertilizer at any one time to prevent burning the groundcover.

Text and photos by Mary Collins, Senior Horticulturist

Crossopetalum ilicifolium Liriope muscari

Peperomia obtusifolia

Microsorum scolopendrium

Helianthus debilis

G

THE TROPICAL GARDEN 32

oberto Burle Marx celebratedBrazil’s native flora through hisunmistakable landscape designs

made famous by their bold sweeps ofcolor and abstract patterns. Revered as oneof the greatest landscape architects of the20th century, the influences of his designsare evident in landscapes throughout theworld. Roberto Silva’s, New BrazilianGardens: The Legacy of Burle Marx,highlights Brazilian landscape architectswho carry on his legacy.

Silva begins with an in introduction tomodern landscape design and itsprogression in Brazil beginning with theColonial period. This brief historyprovides the context for understandingthe innovative designs of Burle Marxand color photographs depict a few ofhis classic landscapes. While thissection is certainly informative, readersunfamiliar with Burle Marx might notgain an adequate perspective on hisdiverse and influential career.

The book then features over 30landscapes designed by Brazilians whowere influenced and inspired by BurleMarx. Perhaps Silva’s greatest challengeis compiling a book that addresses suchdiverse styles of landscape design, butby dividing the book into chapters basedon water, planting, abstraction andsculpture, he creates unifying themes.Silva covers residential, commercial andpublic spaces in regions throughoutBrazil, in styles ranging from sleek andmodern to lush, dense landscapes.

Plant lovers and gardeners willappreciate the chapter on planting,where Silva describes unique plantcombinations and design principles thatcan be applied to any landscape. Agood example is Silva’s description ofGuilhermian Machado’s garden in Barrada Tijuca (located in Rio de Janeiro).“Green is the predominant color here,and so to add brightness, the white-flowered Phalaenopsis was trained onthe trunks of the palms,” Silva wrote.Plant lists, planting plans, sketches andexcellent photographs, combined withtext addressing design intent and clientinput, provide the reader with detailedinsights into each landscape.

Art lovers will enjoy the chapter onsculpture, where art and landscape mergein remarkable compositions. In thechapter on water, Silva portrays a widerange of aquatic features, fromnaturalistic ponds to infinity edge pools,which will convince anyone of theimportance of water in any landscape.The chapter on abstraction may notresonate with fans of more traditionalgarden designs. As Silva explains, “Thisform of artistic expression is in completecontrast to the picturesque tradition oflandscapes found in America and Europein the 19th century.” The book concludeswith a short but helpful reading list and acomplete directory of all landscapedesign firms represented in the book.

Whether you are a fan of minimalistmodern design or prefer lush, tropicallandscapes you will identify with one ofthe 30 contemporary Brazilian gardenscovered by Roberto Silva in NewBrazilian Gardens: The Legacy of BurleMarx. However, if you are looking for abook where you will fall in love withevery design, the diversity representedhere may not suit you. For those BurleMarx fans out there, the thoroughattention paid to each design coupledwith the remarkable photographs mightjust inspire a trip to Brazil.

book review The Shop at FairchildThe Shop at Fairchild has atremendous selection ofbooks about landscape andgarden design that willinspire novices andprofessionals alike.

A Pattern Garden:The Essential Elementsof Garden Making$34.95Author: Valerie Easton.Hardcover.

Easton details the 14garden patterns she sees

as fundamental to garden design and showshow to apply these patterns to any backyardarea. She also offers concrete advice on how toapply these pattern designs to your backyardand what plants to select for the best results.

Reinventing theGarden:Chaumont-GlobalInspirations fromthe Loire$45Author: Louisa Jones. Hardcover.

The Loire Valley in France annually hosts theChaumont Festival, an international festivalcelebrating cutting-edge garden design.Reinventing the Garden details the best designsto come out of the festival in the last 10 years,including the designers’ original design plansand photographs from the festival.

Tropical GardenDesign $30Author: Made Wijaya.Paperback.

In Tropical GardenDesign, Wijaya, agarden designer for aslew of high-profile

clients, shares his design ideas and advice forachieving your own tropical paradise athome. His design plans and historicalbackground information are accompanied bygorgeous full-color photographs.

New Brazilian Gardens:The Legacy of Burle Marx By Roberto Silva

By Jennifer Davit, Conservatory and Special Projects Manager

R

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THE TROPICAL GARDEN 34

conserving

THE RECOVERY OFJACQUEMONTIA RECLINATA:THE SCIENCE OF PATIENCEBy Sam Wright, Field Biologist

Photos by Sandra Namoff, Julissa Roncal and Sam Wright

We use these reintroductions as experimental plantings in order tolearn more about the species’ biology. Together with ourcollaborators we have introduced over 4,300 plants back into thewild to assist with the conservation of these species. The overall goalof these reintroductions is to increase the numbers of plants andpopulations in the wild to reduce the risk of extinction. We haverecently reached a milestone with one endangered species.

On a very hot summer day last July, Fairchild staff and volunteersplanted 324 federally endangered Jacquemontia reclinata (beachclustervine) at Haulover Beach Park on Miami Beach. Not only isthis the largest reintroduction that we have ever done, but inaddition to the other J. reclinata reintroductions conducted over thelast six years, we now have more than doubled the wild population!

Over the past 10 years, Fairchild has worked to conserveJ. reclinata, conducting reintroductions at seven different siteswithin its historic range. Through our research, we now have anunderstanding of its historic range, habitat preference, associatedvegetation, mycorrhizal relationships, pollination biology, genetics,demography and horticultural requirements. Yet after learning somuch about this plant, the wild populations are still in decline.The primary habitat of J. reclinata is coastal strand, but they havebeen greatly reduced by development. Remaining fragments ofcoastal strand are further threatened by aggressive native and non-native woody plants and fire suppression.

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY FOR IMPERILED PLANT SPECIES DOESNOT INVOLVE A QUICK OVERNIGHT FIX. SINCE 1991, FAIRCHILDHAS CONDUCTED REINTRODUCTIONS OF 13 DIFFERENT ENDANGERED ORTHREATENED SOUTH FLORIDA PLANT SPECIES TO OVER 32 LOCATIONS.

TOP LEFT: A group of Fairchild staff and volunteers that helped with outplanting.TOP RIGHT: Flowering Jacquemontia reclinata plants were propagated and maintained

at the Center for Tropical Plant Research before the Haulover outplanting.BOTTOM LEFT: Dune erosion at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park caused by

Hurricane Michelle in 2001.BOTTOM RIGHT: A young volunteer contemplates his work.

Flowering Jacquemontia reclinata Volunteers plant, measure and document the size of Jacquemontia reclinata plants.

J. reclinata seedlings are not very common in the wild. Rare plantpopulations must be able to reproduce new individuals to be self-sustainable and persist over time. This is true for wild andreintroduced populations. In the six years that I have worked withthe species, I did not observe a wild seedling until two years ago.In contrast, a reintroduced population of the state endangeredTephrosia angustissima var. corallicola (coral hoary pea) produced3,062 seedlings within the first two years after 141 plants wereintroduced to a local pineland in 2003. For J. reclinata,encouragingly, there is another recent milestone to report.

This year was the first time we observed new seedlings in aJ. reclinata 2001 reintroduction at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State

Park on Key Biscayne. In the past six years, the original transplants

have endured many hardships. Plants have died from shading byCoccoloba uvifera (sea grape), herbivory from marsh rabbits andthe effects of six hurricanes (Michelle 2001; Frances and Jeanne2004; Katrina, Rita and Wilma 2005). Salt water intrusion fromdune overwash caused by the hurricanes killed the majority of theplants in plots located closest to the ocean. Yet six years after thereintroduction and two years after the hurricanes, we documentedour first seedlings, two of which were in the plots closest to theocean! This discovery is extremely promising, and over time wehope to show that our experimentally outplanted populations arecapable of producing new individuals and will become self-sustainable. The conservation and recovery of an endangeredspecies is not only a labor of love, but a test of persistence and thescience of patience.

Hats Offto the67th Ramble!By Ann Schmidt, Director of Special Events

airchild’s oldest and most beloved festival will take placeNovember 17-18, and preparations have been going on allyear for this wonderful garden festival. The Ramble originally

started as a way to raise money to buy a new truck for the garden,and it now serves to share Fairchild’s beauty and bounty with thecommunity. Early on, the treasures from Miami estates were sold atthe White Elephant sale; jams and jellies were made from theexotic tropical fruits Dr. David Fairchild brought back from histravels; and tea was served among the garden’s splendor.

All of these things are still enjoyed today as we celebrate the 67th

Ramble. The Garden House will once again be filled with antiquesand unique objects collected and painstakingly researched byDorothy Errera and her incredible group of volunteers. This year,the Antiques and Collectibles booth will have three paintings byLester Pancost available for purchase, among other treasures. Thechair of Old Books Committee, Stuart Debenham, has gatheredthousands of old and rare books. One of the highlights includes asuperb collection of Dr. David Fairchild’s writings.

Tropical botanic artists will sell their beautiful watercolors, oils andphotographs, and many of South Florida’s guilds—from theWoodturners to the Ceramics League to the Enamel Guild—will berepresented.

The Ramble also offers the best variety of plants in town.Thousands of plants will be for sale, all of which are grown byFairchild, as well as local plant societies, such as the Aroid,

Put on your best hat and cometo this year’s Ramble!

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Bamboo, Banana, Cactus, Rare Fruit, Tropical Flowering Tree,Orchid and Palms. And this year garden hats will be out in fullforce. You’ll spot them on ladies serving tea and scones at Nell’sTea Garden, in the form of make-it-yourself hats in the Kidway andas traditional hats woven from palms on display by the coconutbooth. So put on your best hat and come to this year’s Ramble!

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s a biologist, Oman is fascinating since it is where thefloras of Central Asia, Arabia and tropical Africa converge.In the northern mountains, you find vegetation with

affinities to the steppes and grasslands of Iran and Turkey. In thedeep south near the Yemen border, you see tropical Africanspecies such as the baobab thriving in the summer mists.

The Sultan of Oman, Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, has taken Oman froma relatively forgotten backwater country and developed it into oneof the region’s fastest growing economies, moreover, he has doneso while maintaining the character and integrity of his nation. Aspart of the Sultan’s commitment to conservation and education, hehas commissioned a new national botanic garden. This new botanicgarden will redefine the role of botanic gardens in the 21st century.

The garden will focus on the display and conservation of theOmani flora and habitats and will give special emphasis to theOmani heritage of ethnobotany, a tradition of using native plantsfor food and medicine that goes back thousands of years. A majorpart of the garden’s mission will focus on energy and resourceconservation with solar and wind power contributing a major partof the garden’s energy needs.

Fairchild was selected to be part of the “green team” — a group ofinternational experts to help design this extraordinary andambitious project. We are working with colleagues from the RoyalBotanic Garden Edinburgh, to establish the horticultural andbotanical component of the botanic garden. RBG Edinburgh hasbeen studying the flora of Arabia for decades.

Paysage Luis Vallejo, a Madrid landscape architecture firm, isorchestrating the design of the garden along with OBM Internationalof Coral Gables, and a Madrid-based architecture company,ALATEC, to design the buildings and infrastructure. The Omani team,from the Court of the Sultan, is lead by internationally respectedconservationist Dr. Andrew Spalton and expert botanist, Dr. AnnettePatzelt, from the Court of the Sultan.

The garden is set among the valleys and mountains just outsideOman’s capital city of Muscat, in what must be one of the mostdramatic locations of any botanic garden. The site is a naturalamphitheater of high rocks and crags that encompass a complex ofsmaller hills and valleys. Between the valleys and scattered acaciatrees, the new botanical institution will be complete with visitorfacilities, a modern research center, nursery, museums and a desertresort lodge. The horticultural focus will emphasize theextraordinary mountain flora of Oman.

In the south, from mid-June to mid-September, the monsoon, orkhareef, brings heavy rains to the mountains and wraps the uplandforests in a deep mist. This unique ecology will be a key exhibit forthe new botanic garden. On the edge of the fog zone grow thefamous frankincense trees and an extraordinary community ofsucculents including Dragon Trees (Dracaena), desert roses(Adenium), carallumas and endemic Aloe species. In the highnorthern mountains, you find ancient juniper trees and orchards ofalmonds. Each of these extraordinary habitats will be displayed inseparate biomes, special climate controlled greenhouses.

It is a great privilege for Fairchild to play a role in creating amajor new botanic garden. Over the next months, the plans willbe finalized and in 2008, roads and buildings will start to appearon the site, and a new botanic garden for the 21st century willtake shape.

A New Botanic Garden for the Land of Frankincense and SinbadText and photos by Mike Maunder, Ph.D., Executive Director

The garden willfocus on the displayand conservation ofthe Omani flora andhabitats and will givespecial emphasis tothe Omani heritageof ethnobotany - atradition of usingnative plants for foodand medicine thatgoes back thousandsof years.

The Sultanate of Oman rests on the corner of theArabian peninsula between Saudi Arabia, the UnitedArab Emirates and Yemen. However, geographicallyand historically it lies at a nexus of ancient traderoutes that linked East Africa, India and theMiddle East. It is a land of mountains, desert,frankincense trees and the birth place of Sinbad.

A

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MAJOR GIFTSCapital FundNorthern Trust Bank of FloridaEducationPublix Super Markets Charities, Inc.Twenty Little Working GirlsSouth Florida Water Management

DistrictSchool Board of Miami-Dade CountyEdward S. Moore Family FoundationMr. and Mrs. Antonio Farina, Jr.Drs. Bernard and Marilyn S. HorowitzWilliams GroveMs. Virginia De SamanExpedition FundMr. and Mrs. Cyrus B. Sweet, III

FELLOWSThe following lists combinemembership and annual funddonors at the $1,000 level andabove.Corporate FriendHunton & WilliamsSilver Fellow Mr. and Ms. Steven CarlsonMr. and Mrs. Milton J. WallaceFellow Mr. and Mrs. Norman BramanMr. and Mrs. Juan CentoMr. Mario de Varona &

Ms. Gina FabeloMr. and Mrs. James R. Field, Sr.Mr. Joel FriedlandMr. David Perez-Goldstrom Miss Lauren R. GouldDr. and Mrs. Steven M. HolmesMr. and Mrs. Marc IacovelliMr. Charles Intriago &

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TRIBUTE PROGRAMTree ProgramIn Memory of Orion HirschIn Memory of Bradley Melzer

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FoundationMs. Josephine R. WaynerDr. & Mrs. T.B. WhiteBal Harbour VillageMiami Country Day SchoolMrs. Marian Y. BradleyMrs. Patricia S. LarimoreMr. and Mrs. William L. White

PLANNED GIVINGMs. Kathleen M. BurgerDecade Charitable

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CHIHULY AT FAIRCHILD2006-2007Presenting Media SponsorsThe Miami Herald / El Nuevo HeraldGold SponsorsThe Clinton Family FundR. Kirk Landon and Pamela GarrisonSilver SponsorsDiario Las AmericasBronze SponsorsAmerican AirlinesMr. and Mrs. Donald Blechman,

Landscape Lighting by Outdoor Gardens, Inc.

CBS 4 / MY 33With the support of the City of

Coral GablesMr. Bruce W. Greer and

Ms. Evelyn Langlieb GreerAgnes Gund and Daniel Shapiro /

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Le Basque, Inc.With the support of the Miami-Dade

County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and the Board County Commissioners

Mr. and Mrs. E. Roe Stamps, IV / The Stamps Family Charitable Foundation

Terranova CorporationTropical Trailer LeasingWithers WorldwideLatticino SponsorsJayne and Leonard Abess /

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& Axelrod, LLPBlue Cross & Blue Shield of FloridaMr. and Mrs. Richard D. FainGeneral Motors R * Works / CadillacHunton & Williams

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Financial GroupOrange Bowl CommitteePodhurst Orseck Josefsberg Eaton

Meadow Olin & Perwin P.A.The Samantha Foundation, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. David ServianskySouth Miami HospitalStearns Weaver Miller Weissler

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of Medicine University of Miami OrthopedicsFellows SponsorsMr. and Mrs. Richard B. BermontThe Farago Foundation, Inc.MAMCO / Miami Asset

Management Company Mr. and Mrs. Willard L. Wheeler, Jr.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:Florida International University

School of Art & Art HistoryThe Greater Miami Convention

and Visitors BureauUniversity of Miami Department

of Art and Art History

The following gifts were donated betweenMay 19 to July 31, 2007.

Support Fairchild Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden needs the support of donors like

you. Please consider making a donation to the garden to supportour ever-growing operational and programmatic needs. Every gift

helps ensure our continued growth.

For information on making a donation, please call 305.667.1651,ext. 3323, or send contributions to:

Fairchild Tropical Botanic GardenDevelopment Office

10901 Old Cutler RoadCoral Gables, FL 33156

Donations may be made online atwww.fairchildgarden.org.

Click on Supporting Fairchildand Annual Fund.

Dietes grandiflora

43www.fairchildgarden.org AUTUMN 2007

garden views

3RD ANNUAL EDUCATION CELEBRATION LUNCHEONDuring the third Annual Education Celebration Luncheon this past spring,hundreds gathered to honor Bank of America, the Peacock Foundation andDiane and Michael Rosenberg for their outstanding commitment toenvironmental education and conservation at Fairchild. Each year, Fairchildhonors a corporation, a foundation and an individual who has accepted aleadership role in taking environmental education to new levels.Congratulations to our honorees for their continued support of Fairchild.

Fairchild would also like to thank the following individuals for theirsuppor. The Education Luncheon Sponsors 2007: Mrs. Terry and Mr. DonBlechman, Ms. Ann Bussel, Mrs. Jolie Cummings, Mrs. Dorothy Errera,Mr. Mario Facella, Mr. Alan Farago, Ms. Barbara Hobbs, Ms. Lynn Leverett,Mrs. Nelly Farra, Ms. Josephina Yespica, Mr. Michael and Mrs. DianeRosenberg, Mr. Vincent and Mrs. Barbara Tria, Mr. Ramon Rodriguez, Ms.Pamela Garrison, Mrs. Paulette Mintz and Publix Supermarkets Charities,Inc. The Education Luncheon Committee 2007: Mrs. Terry Blechman, Ms.Ann Bussel, Mr. Mario Facella, Mr. Alan Farago, Ms. Barbara Hobbs, Ms.Janet Mosely, Ms. Janet Patrice, Mrs. Sue Steinberg and Mrs. Barbara Tria.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND VOLUNTEERSButterfly, Mango, Orchid, Chocolate Festivals. What do these four Fairchildfestivals have in common? Volunteers! From dressing as pirates at theMango Festival to baking decadent pastries for our First Annual ChocolateFestival, Fairchild volunteers have contributed their unique talents in manydifferent ways to make our festivals successful and great fun for ourvisitors. Thank you, special event volunteers. None of this would bepossible without your enthusiasm, dedication and willingness to help withthe thousands of little tasks that add up to one truly special event.

IN MEMORIAMED PRINCE, 1933-2007Fairchild staff and volunteers mourn the loss of Ed Prince,a volunteer tram guide for five years, who passed away inJune. He was retired from Miami-Dade County PublicSchools and was a past president of the Bromeliad Societyof South Florida. Ed had a wealth of plant knowledge andwould tell fabulous stories of trips to exotic locations toinform and enliven his tours. He made many friends forFairchild by giving visitors memorable tours of the garden,and he will be missed by all who had the pleasure ofknowing and working with him.

BARBARA SMITH, 1917-2007Former volunteer Barbara Smith passed away in July at herhome in Wisconsin, after a short illness. In 2002, Barbarareceived Fairchild’s Lifetime Service Award in recognitionof the unique and invaluable contributions she madeduring her 17 years of service to the garden. Barbaraprovided invaluable assistance in plant records and in thearchives, but her most notable contribution was re-cataloging the 8,000-volume Research Library collection.The job took several years, and Barbara gave thousands ofhours of her time. She formed many friendships with staffand other volunteers, and she was a cherished member ofthe Fairchild family. Her work contributed to makingFairchild one of the leading research, educational andhorticultural institutions of our time.

NELLY DIJKMAN, 1918-2007Fairchild recently lost a long time friend and one of thedesigners of the Windows to the Tropics Conservatory, orRare Plant House. She was 88 years old. Nelly was bornin 1918, in Java, and was the daughter of Dutch tropicalbotanist J.J. Ochse. Dr. David Fairchild once visitedNelly’s father when she was only eight years old, and hereturned to Java in 1940 to secure plants for the garden.

Nelly married Marinus “Dick” Dijkman in 1938, atropical agriculturist. During the World War II, Nelly andher husband were captured by the Japanese, and she gavebirth to their son Dick while in a detention camp in Java.When the Dijkman family was released and reunited in1945, they transferred to Australia. Two years later,Dr. Fairchild secured teaching jobs at the University ofMiami for Nelly’s father and husband. They lived in asmall cottage at the Kampong from 1949-1959.

In the 1960s, the Dijkmans were asked to design a rareplant house at Fairchild. Today, it is known as the Windowsto the Tropics Conservatory, and it has become one of themain attractions at Fairchild.

In addition to her sister, husband and son, Nelly issurvived by three grandchildren. Nelly was a caring,generous and thoughtful individual and will be sorelymissed. However, her legacy lives on.

Volunteer Don Winston entertained kids (and adults) at the Mango Festival. He led the pirateparade and helped the young buccaneers practice their “aarrgh!”

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MIAMI ARCHIVISTS EXPLOREFAIRCHILD’S HISTORICALCOLLECTIONS

The Miami Archivists consist of individuals whowork in or manage historical collections in theMiami area. These collections represent a highlydiverse population of historical collections,ranging from fairly large and establishedorganizations to the very small. The meetingsprovide an excellent forum for networking,learning how other organizations operate andseeing first-hand the diversity of collections inMiami-Dade County. The April 2007 meetingwas held jointly at Fairchild and the MontgomeryBotanical Center. Nancy Korber and Jared Fogg,

archivists at their respective institutions, hosted tours of their archive collections, lunch and anillustrated walk through the Montgomery grounds. Many of the participants were surprised tolearn that, along with beautiful gardens and respected research programs, both organizationsprotect substantial historical collections of manuscripts, photographs and correspondence.

WISH LIST

WISH GRANTEDFlat files for storing student artwork byMarcie ZivFOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORSix-passenger golf cart: $6,000FOR THE SPECIAL EVENTS &MARKETING DEPARTMENTSFour-passenger golf cart: $4,000Permanently installed audio visual systemfor Visitor Center BallroomFOR THE VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENTLaptop computer: $1,200FOR THE ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM2 wireless laptop computer stations foroutdoor classrooms: $10,000 eachFOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENTFreestanding display panels for studentartwork: $4,000Portable solar powered generator toeducate children about alternativeenergy: $1,200Panasonic AG-DVC7 camcorder withcase: $1,000FOR THE HORTICULTURE DEPARTMENTRock/chipping hammer: $1,0001 digital SLR camera with memory card,battery pack and case: $1,500Walk-behind aerator: $1,500Soil mixer for nursery: $6,000Laptop and LCD projector: $5,000Antique coontie grinder: PricelessFOR THE CENTER FOR TROPICALPLANT CONSERVATIONTechniques for the Study of Mycorrhiza,Volume 23 (Methods in Microbiology),by J. R. Norris: $230Lightweight laptop computer withminimum of 80GB hard drive, 1GB RAM,and a DVD read/write drive: $2,000Mid-size pick-up truck with king cab and2-3” gasoline-powered pump: $26,400Ultra-cold freezer for the Tropical PlantDNA Bank: $6,000FOR ARCHIVES DEPARTMENTComputer, large-format transparencyscanner, Photoshop: $5,000FOR THE FAIRCHILD TRIBUTE PROGRAMDigital SLR camera with memory card,spare battery pack: $1,500FOR THE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTLaptop computer: $2,000LCD Projector: $3,000

To fully fund a wish, donate a portion ofthe cost or donate the actual item, pleasecontact Suzanne Kores at 305.667.1651,ext. 3323 or skores@fairchildgarden.org.

PLANTING THE SEEDS,GROWING OUR FUTURE

On Saturday, June 2, Fairchild held theFirst Annual “Planting the Seeds, GrowingOur Future” event in cooperation with theBelafonte Tacolcy Center and AubreyWatkins Simms Memorial Garden inLiberty City. Children of all agesparticipated in educational games, craftsand activities including planting seeds,learning about kitchen botany anddiscovering rainforest artifacts. Two of

other partner organizations, Friends of the Everglades and Operation Green Leaves, presentededucational displays, and we are thrilled to have more organizations pledging to participate inthe future. Fairchild educators and Liberty City community members are already lookingforward to the next rendition of this annual celebration to be held June 7, 2008.

Jared Fogg and Nancy Korber show participantsfrom the Historical Museum of Southern Florida andCoral Gables Museum items from the DavidFairchild collection.

69TH MEMBERS’ DAY PLANT SALE

On Saturday, October 6, hundreds ofFairchild members attended the 69th AnnualMembers’ Day Plant Sale. Nearly 3,000plants representing 150 species of trees,shrub, vines, palms, herbaceous and nativeplants were grown in Fairchild’s nurseryespecially for our members.

THE RARE EVENT 2007

On October 10, an exhibit and sale of originalpaintings by internationally acclaimed artists openedat the Gallery at Fairchild. On October 20, the plantauction to Bid Against Extinction took place. Theevents were a great success. Guests enjoyed the tastesand sounds of the Caribbean while supporting thearea’s distinctive biodiversity.

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(L-R) Teofilo Gonzalez, AXXA, SeniorVicepresident and Axel Stein, Rare Event 2007Chair and Art Coordinator

45www.fairchildgarden.org AUTUMN 2007

Give aMembership Gift

Consider a gift of membership andshare your support of Fairchild.Members enjoy free admission toFairchild; a subscription toThe Tropical Garden; priorityregistration for Fairchildclasses; invitations to members-only events; libraryprivileges; discounts on books, giftsand classes; and free admission tohundreds of gardens, arboreta andscience museums throughout theUnited States. To give the gift of membership orto renew, please contact themembership office at305.667.1651, ext. 3301 or visitwww.fairchildgarden.org.

VALERIE DEAN Valerie has joined the SpecialEvents Department. A recenttransplant from New York,Valerie held the role seniorsponsorship and salescoordinator with structuredfinance firm, InformationManagement Network.She holds a B.S. in socialsciences and a minor inEnglish literature andwomen’s studies from FloridaState University. She isdelighted to continue hercareer in event planning withFairchild and their wonderfulstaff and volunteers.

SUZANNE BOYERSuzanne joined Fairchild inJuly as a MembershipAssociate after workingpart time in theMembership Departmnetduring the last Chihulyexhibition. As a long termmember, Suzanne hasenjoyed what Fairchild hasto offer by being a frequentvisitor, volunteer at TheRamble and taking many ofFairchild’s wonderful adultclasses.

MARIA TOMEU-JACKSONMaria joined Fairchild afterworking during the Chihulyexhibition. She comes fromthe corporate world, whereshe worked in the trainingand development field for15 years in the U.S. andLatin America, and mostrecently at Baptist Health.She has lived in the Miamiarea for 46 years and hasbeen visiting Fairchildsince childhood. Maria ishappy to be surrounded bya great team of professionalsin one of the most beautifulgardens in the world.

ROSE RICKSA Miami native, grew up witha deep appreciation ofnature. She joined the financedepartment as a staffaccountant this summer. Roseloves landscape gardeningand looks forward to learningmore about tropical plants.“There are a lot of new plantsthat I have never seen in mywhole life!” she said. Rose isvery enthusiastic about hercareer at Fairchild and isdelighted to be working forour beautiful garden.

staff news

THE TROPICAL BOTANIC ARTISTS

The Tropical Botanic Artists evolved as a resultof the camaraderie that took place duringFairchild’s Wednesday afternoon botanicalillustration class taught by local artist, DonnaTorres. Donna’s knowledge and experiencehave fostered the talent and abilities of thisgroup whose members are becoming wellknown as the talented Tropical Botanic Artists.

They had their first show in July 2006, at theWirtz Gallery at the First National Bank ofSouth Miami. In June, the group had theirfourth exhibition for 2007, Fairchild Inspiration,at the Gallery at Fairchild. Their latest exhibitfeatured 33 works in watercolor and mixedmedia and focused on the beautiful diversity oftropical plants from Fairchild’s collection.

THE 14TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY MUSICAT FAIRCHILD

This year, Fairchild Chamber Soloists willperform an enchanted evening of seasonalmusic under the direction of Robert Heath on Sunday, December 2, 2007. For moreinformation, please contact Valerie Dean at305.667.1651, ext. 3358 or atwww.fairchildgarden.org.

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Botanic Illustration student Margorie Brown hasbeen taking classes since 2002.

Fairchild’s continuing educationcourses offer classes for every levelof experience. Register today bycalling 305.667.1651, ext. 3322.

THE TROPICAL GARDEN 46

from the archives

n 1940, on the Cheng Ho expedition, one of Dr. DavidFairchild’s dreams was to collect seeds from the sago palm forthe garden. Dr. Fairchild observed that sago palms, Metroxylon

sagu, provided food for much of the Maluku Islands, and todaythey are still an important crop. Dr. Fairchild described them as,“Tall forest palms with trunks two feet through which, when felledand split from end to end, can have their interiors dug out andeaten and in fact can form the sole or most important food ofgreat populations.” The expedition members were given apersonal tour into the interior of Amboina (now Ambon) by theRaja of Soya to witness first-hand the entire process. They foundpalms that were only 20 years old that yielded over 100 poundsof pure sago starch.

What they did not find were any seeds for the garden. Dr. Fairchildlearned that cultivated sago palms were never allowed to produceseeds. The palm was cut down before the rich starch in the stemcould be metabolized by the palm to produce the flowers andfruits. Cultivated sago palms are grown from suckers, much likebananas are propagated. Dr. Fairchild photographed one palm thathad flowered, but the fruits had long since fallen.

A Metroxylon at Fairchild is producing flowers for the first time thissummer. This palm is M. vitiense, a species native to Fiji. Like M.sagu, it will die after it completes its reproduction, but this specieswill not produce suckers. We hope our palm will produce a largequantity of seeds, and that we can have stately Metroxylon palmsgrowing throughout the garden, something that Dr. Fairchildalways dreamed of seeing.

David Fairchild’s Dream FulfilledBy Nancy Korber, Librarian/Archivist

1. Dr. David Fairchild encountered this sago palmlong after it had bloomed. Unfortunately, he couldfind no seeds to collect.

2. The garden’s Metroxylon vitiense in Plot 71-B-E-1.This specimen was grown from a seed collected byNancy Hammer, former Curator of Palms.

3. A local islander uses an adze made exclusively ofbamboo and rattan to chip out the sago palm stem.The harvested pulp and starch was washed to separatethe fibers from the starch, which was then dried andused like flour.

4. Some species of Metroxylon have hard seeds thatare used as “vegetable ivory.” This carved pendantwas made from a seed of Metroxylon amicarum by anartisan in Pohnpei, Caroline Islands.

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DISCOVERY: Field Studies

Experience the sculpture of RoyLichtenstein at Fairchild while exploringscience, art and technology! Student

groups rotate between activity stations.Program content varies with grade levels.

October 2007 to May 2008$5 per student

FOR INFORMATION AND SCHEDULING, CALL 305.667.1651, EXT. 3322

GUIDED ACTIVITIESMonday to Wednesday, grades 3 to 12

• COLOR, CATERPILLARS AND BUTTERFLIESDiscover how light separates to create color and patterns innature in a habitat for butterflies. Students will also identify butterfly species, the life cycle and species adaptation.

• NAVIGATE THE GARDENExplore from North to South in the Palmetum. Students use GPS units, maps and compasses to explore the biodiversity ofFairchild, learn about conservation and orienteering.

• ROY LICHTENSTEIN (Available December 2007)Study Roy Lichtenstein, one of the creators of Pop Art, through bubble gum wrappers, cartoons and sculptures. Students will receive a guided tour of selected sculptures, explore the significance of his technique and create their own artwork while reflecting on patterns, history and modern culture.

• LICHTENSTEIN INSPIRES DESIGN (Available December 2007)Teachers independently lead students through drawing, photography or journaling activities, after groups participate inthe guided Roy Lichtenstein activity.

SELF-GUIDED DISCOVERY Thursday and Friday, grades 6 to 12Teachers independently lead students in science and art activities.

• INDEPENDENT ARTFairchild is a rich, outdoor resource of colors, textures and forms.Teachers independently guide students in drawing, photography or journaling activities.

• PLANT KINGDOMExplore Fairchild and discover the unique characteristics of mosses, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms. Teachers receiveall the materials needed to direct an outdoor investigation of the variety of plant life. Teachers must attend a training session.

f a i r c h i l d t r o p i c a l b o t a n i c g a r d e n

Non-ProfitOrganizationU. S. Postage

PAIDMiami, FloridaPermit No. 155

The Ramble Plant Sale: Buy from the largestselection in South Florida.

The KidWay: Face painting, making crafts,carnival games and much more. It’s fun andeducational.

The Fairchild Greenmarket: Purchase organicallygrown produce and products from local farmers,hand-made soaps and fresh herbs.

Traditional Favorites: The Waterpoorter DutchStreet Organ, products from the WoodturnersGuild and the Ceramic League, Old and Rare Books,the Antiques and Collectibles sale.

Shopping, Artwork and Raffle: Artist Marketplacesand Garden showcasing garden furniture, tools,planters, original art, sculpture and jewelry.

Food, food, food: Nell’s Tea Garden, the Gardenof Chocolate, the Food Court on the GardenHouse Lawn, and The Veranda Restaurant.

there’s lots to do...

For nearly 70 years, The Ramblehas been South Florida’s favoriteevent. You don’t want to miss it!

Celebrating

outdoorliving in South Florida’s

tropical paradise

Saturday and SundayNovember 17 - 18, 2007

9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Early admission for members at

9:00 a.m. each day.

The Ramble67th annual

A GARDEN FESTIVAL