This project started on the 1/3/2022, and runs for a year. At first the observations were low in number, primarily due to the paucity of orchids in this area between March and July. The main orchids observed during this period were Disperis macowanii and Holothrix parviflora. Then in August I sent out an important notice to the group, listing all the local orchids that started to flower at that time. The observations increased, as did the competition. In September we had multiple outings, which pulled in an unprecedented amount of species. At that stage I was leading with 52 observations when Justin shot me down with his Kogelberg specials. I have been tailing him until today, when I passed him again by two species. It will not last much longer, but I've had my moment of glory- this time screenshotted for the benefit of posterity. The jostle to reach the top is becoming truly hectic, as Ren is about to hit us with schizodioides and who knows what else. The current stats are as follows:
Observations:
Ludwig leading at 230
Justin tailing at 147
Ren climbing with 81
Mark and Jeremy content to wait, with 17 and 3 respectively.
Species:
Again, Ludwig leading with 64
Justin close behind with 62
Ren keeping up the pressure with 41
Mark and Jeremy tailing with 11 and 3 respectively.
The odds are as follows:
Justin the clear favourite to win, holding back much of his obs for the moment but building a formidable list.
Ren, as predicted, a dangerous wild card who already has a scary list. Will most likely come in 2nd place or even 1st if he can wangle it.
Jeremy- performance this year is not quite like his usual self, but I hear rumours of an impending trip to the Garden Route...
Ludwig- despite his magnificent, if desperate, performance thus far, he remains the 4th in line to win. He might trump Jeremy and even pull off a victory on observations, but Ren and Justin will in all likelihood remain ahead.
Mark is too busy at the moment to attend much to orchids. He has a valid excuse.
Rare and special orchids seen by us this year, in numerical order:
Bartholina etheliae (8 obs)
Satyrium princeps (6)
Satyrium pallens (5)
Disa racemosa 4
Disa atrorubens 4
Disa pygmaea 4
Satyrium eurycalcaratum 4
Disa uncinata 3
Disa cernua 3
Satyrium lupulinum 3
Brownleea recurvata 2
Disa arida 2
Satyrium carneum x coriifolium 2
Disa spathulata 1
Angraecum conchiferum 1
Satyrium rupestre 1
Ceratandra globosa x grandiflora 1
Others not posted:
Disa procera 2
Disa hallackii 2
Acrolophia lunata 2
Well done guys! Keep it up, and may the best man win!
Good luck,
Ludwig 'Intshe'
