D R Y T I M E S VOL. 108 JUNE 2008 NO. 6 President: Rosalie Gorchoff Editor: Nels Christianson (310) 822-1783 (310) 396-1231 nchristianson@mednet.ucla.edu May meeting Tuesday, June 3, 2008 6:30 pm Burton W. Chace County Park 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey PROGRAM BBQ Celebration of our Successful Show and Sale Bring one hors d oeuvres or dessert and a nice plant to donate to the Auction PLANT OF THE MONTH CACTUS: Notocactus/Parodia, Uebelmannia SUCCULENT: Pachypodium, Adenium This month we will meet for dinner at 6:30 p.m. outside in the covered picnic area behind the meeting room. The Club will supply hamburgers and veggie burgers, as well as salad and drinks. Later, we will convene in the meeting room for Plant of the Month. Last month Guillermo Rivera of Argentina gave a beautiful slide presentation on the cacti of central Brazil. He informed the group that cacti of the region cannot tolerate wet and cold at the same time. He demonstrated a good knowledge of the area and of its unusual and often blue-skinned plants. Guillermo operates Cactus Expeditions, a tour company focused on the interests of succulents, bromeliads, and birds. If you don t save stamps, please bring the envelope you received your newsletter in to Nels at the meeting. He saves stamps and postmarks.
DRY TIMES Vol. 108, No.6 June 2008 p. 2 THANK YOU * THANK YOU * THANK YOU * THANK YOU * THANK YOU * THANK YOU from SSS President Rosalie Gorchoff Thank you Karen Ostler, Brigitte Williams, and Laurel Woodley for the show area, clerks and brilliant organization, Kazuko Benadom Vendor tags, Sue Swartz Member Plant Donations and show tally, Cindy Burg Information table and security, John Ryan and his set-up and take-down crew, Jeff Jamison treasurer, cashiering and tag puller crew, Sandy Fletcher charge card affiliate, and big thank you to all the members who brought plants for the show and plants for the donation table, as well as to those who brought food and muchies to eat. We had a beautiful show and a successful sale and you should be proud. from Karen Ostler The 2008 Show is over and it was a success. We had great sales for all of our vendors and the Show itself was fantastic. We had two vendor displays, one each from Jim Hanna, and Desert Creations, our thanks go out to them. There were 24 Show entrants, 12 Advanced and 12 novices. Without our members entering their plants we would have no Show. The Society would like to thank the following people for their help. Without their help our Show would not be the great success that it is. This year we were fortunate to have many plants donated. Brigitte Williams donated over a hundred and Karnie Starrett donated a very nice Bursera microphylla. The Bursera was auctioned off during the sales on Saturday after noon and brought in $60.00 for the Society. Sue Swartz, for growing the club plants year round, doing the awards tabulations, and working at the register. John Ryan, Phillip Herrera, and Martin Ostler for setting up the sales area, working with the public and other general help. Jeff Jamieson, for being the moneyman, working in the sales area and always being the last man to leave. Brigitte Williams for being the judges advisor, working the show, and keeping us all honest. Roberta and Jim Hanna, vendors, sales chairman, handling the registers and generally just helping everyone have a good time. Cindy Berg for working the registers and setting up our security. Nels Christianson for sitting security both Saturday and Sunday. Kazuko Benadom for doing the most menial of jobs, sorting all of the plant tags for the vendors and the club Thanks to our Judges, Charles Spotts and Artie Chavez And last, but not least, Rosalie Gorchoff. She is the one that sets up the Show s location, deals with the Veteran s Center, makes sure we all have food to eat, beverages to drink and works unstintingly throughout the year to make our show a success. All of these people make our Show the success it is year after year. Without them we would tank. Next year it would be nice to see some new faces volunteering and helping to make our next show a success. Just remember this is your Show, it is what we all make of it together. Thank you all, again. Karen Ostler, Sunset Show Registar.
DRY TIMES Vol. 108, No.6 June 2008 p. 3 Sue Swartz would like to give a special thank you to John Ryan for transporting the Club plants to the Show and Sale and to Brigitte Williams, Darlene Weld, John Ryan, Phillip Herrera an his brother Paul for helping to set up the Club plants with top dressing, pricing and arrangement of plants on the sales table. In addition, Sue would like to thank the following for donating plants to the Club table: Cindy Burg, Bonnie Ikemura, Stan Kamin, Petty, Oberg, Craig & Peggy Phillips, Tony Princiotta, Millicent Stein, Robert Trichter, and Brigitte Williams. The Club would like to thank Sue for donating plants also and for her years of dedication to this project which nets the Club a good additional income. Sue reports that she still needs 4 and 6 square plastic pots for next year. Please bring to meeting. We received word from potter Joe Wujcik that this year s show and sale was one of his three best years ever at Sunset. He wishes to compliment the Club for the breadth and quality of this year s show. AWARDS RECIPIENTS, 2008 SHOW Rookie of the Year Stan Kamin 1 st Place Sweepstakes Novice Darlene Weld 120 points 1 st Place Sweepstakes Advanced Peter Walkowiak 142 points 2 nd Place Sweepstakes Novice Phillip Herrera 70 points 2 nd Place Sweepstakes Advanced Nels Christianson 85 points Best Cactus Novice Darlene Weld Gymnocalycium eurypleurum Best Cactus Advanced Calvin & Cheryl Newman Buiningia brevicylindrica Best Succulent Novice Brian Gold Senecio fulgens Best Succulent Advanced Laurel Woodley Euphorbia cubiformis Best Caudiciform Peter Walkowiak Petopentia natalensis Best Collection Matt Maggio Lithops Best Crest/Monstrose Brian Gold Echinocactus grusonii Best Miniature John Matthews Ariocarpus kotschubianus Best Variegated Cactus Calvin & Cheryl Newman Trichocereus poco Best Variegated Succulent Laurel Woodley Agave lophantha Best Aloe Matt Maggio Aloe ramossisima Best Cereus Darlene Weld Espostoa sp. Best Copiapoa Darlene Weld Copiapoa krainziana Best Crassula Joyce Enomoto Crassula marnieriana Best Echinocereus Peter Walkowiak Echinocereus baileyi Best Euphorbia Peter Walkowiak Euphorbia bupleurifolia Best Gasteria Nels Christianson Gasteria batesiana Best Gymnocalycium Calvin & Cheryl Newman Gymnocalycium triacanthum Best Haworthia Darlene Weld Astroloba agregia Best Lithops Karen & Martin Ostler Lithops dorotheae Best Mammillaria Peter Walkowiak Mammillaria bocasana Best Pachypodium Peter Walkowiak Pachypodium saundersi Best Rebutia Peter Walkowiak Rebutia flavistyla Best Sansevieria Duke & Kaz Benadom Sansevieria canaliculata We would like to thank the following vendors who were an integral part in making the show and sale a success: Matt Maggio-Rainshadow Plants, Jim & 'Berta Hanna-Hanna's Succulents, Due and Kaz Benadom, John Matthews, Dean Hart-Sunrise Nursery, Peter Walkowiak, and potters Joe Wujick, Ericka and Al Van Auker, Charlie & Debbie Ball-Anhk Works
DRY TIMES Vol. 108, No.6 June 2008 p. 4 Cacti of the Month June 2008 Parodia (Notocactus) and Uebelmania The genus Notocactus is now synonymous with Parodia, and in modern references, all Notocacti have been moved into Parodia. The number of species has also been greatly reduced. The original distinguishing characteristic was the red stigmas in the flowers of Notocactus, and the yellow stigma in those of Parodia. The distinguishing characteristic between the two genera evolved over time, eventually becoming a minor difference in the attachment of the seed to ovary. Parodia has swept up several other genera, and is likely to grow and swallow a few more as botanical and genetic studies continue. Nonetheless, the two are separate in many seed catalogs, in older reference books, in our shows, and in most of our collections. Parodia are South American Cacti, with the center of the genus in Brazil and Argentina, but with members throughout the Eastern side of the Andes. All are easy to grow, growing freely in the spring through the fall, and going more or less dormant in the fall. Some will flower in mid winter, and given their native environment, most do better given a little water year around. If watering Notocactus in the winter, avoid fertilization or weak growth may result. Some of the more tropical species need protection from colder weather to prevent scarring, but most will take normal Southern California winters without protection. All the species are easy to grow from seed. Seed is available for nearly all the species and from many localities. Fresh seed germinates readily and can grow to a show quality plant in just a few years. Vegetative propagation of the clustering types is easy as well. Cuttings taken during the late spring and early summer root readily and show new growth before the season is over. Parodia schwebsiana var. applanata, photo by Nels Christianson Uebelmannia is a tropical Brazilian genus (as far as known) confined to a single state in Brazil, Minas Gerais, concentrated around Diamantina in the Serra do Espinhaço (the Backbone Mountains). BRAZIL BOLIVIA Santa Cruz Mato Grosso PARAGUAY Goias Sao Paulo Parana Bahia Minas Gerais Rio de Janiero Uebelmannias grow in rocky quartzite soil, often protected by nurse shrubs. The soil contains the decaying remains of bromeliads, lichen, and other organic matter, and is acid. The humidity is high, particularly during the growing season. This genus will not tolerate cold, and 2008 Sunset Succulent Society
DRY TIMES Vol. 108, No.6 June 2008 p. 5 particularly cold and wet. They will scar if the temperature approaches 40, even if bone dry. Most references recommend keeping them above 55. The distinguishing characteristics of Uebelmannia are the rows of bristle-like spines on the ribs. The flowers are small, grow close to the crown, and are yellow to yellow-green. References: E. Anderson, The Cactus Family, J. Pilbeam, Cactus for the Connoisseur, Innes & C. Glass Cacti Tom Glavich February 2003 June 2008 Succulents of the Month Adenium and Pachypodium Adenium is a member of the Apocynaceae, and is a relative of Pachypodium, Plumeria, Amosonia, Carrisa, Oleander, Thevetia and Vinca. The Apocynaceae is home to many showy flowering plants used for ornamental and medicinal purposes. Oleander is a staple of much of Southern California Gardening, Vinca is used world wide, and Thevetia, and Carrisa, although not as often seen, are spectacular shrubs. Adenium are native to Africa. Adenium are easy to grow, requiring only good fertilizer and lots of water when in growth and protection from cold and damp when dormant. Several growers place their plants in their garages in late fall to force dormancy, and protect them from cold and damp. Adenium hybridization for the caudex shape and flower color is being undertaken in many locations. One of the best hybridizers is Bill Hagblom, and the pictures that are on his page are from his plants and web site. Go there to see these and many others in full color. Adenium, but can be grown in the ground in frost free areas. When grown in pots, they need the same protection as Adenium. Pachypodiums are native to only Southern Africa and Madagascar. There are more Madagascan species then there are African, due to the geography of the island of Madagascar, with isolated regions that encourage the
DRY TIMES Vol. 108, No.6 June 2008 p. 6 development of populations of plants, animals and insects unique and isolated from others of the same genus. New species are still being discovered as botanists explore the more remote and isolated regions of Madagascar. The Madagascan species are easy to grow, with the sole difficulty being their sensitivity to cold and wet. If they are protected, either by being brought indoors during the winter, or protected from rain and cold in a cold frame, or even a garage, they will survive and grow quickly. African species are generally easier, and are more tolerant of cold and wet. The standard method of propagation of both the Madagascan and African species is from seed. Seeds are simply placed on good wet potting soil, and germination generally occurs within a week. Seeds should be sown in the spring to mid summer, however the seeds are generally not long lived, (about a year is as long as they should be kept) and good results can be obtained nearly any time of year except mid winter. Protection from direct sun is necessary until the first few leaf pairs have formed, and then gradual movement into strong light, with an increase in feeding and water will bring quick and strong growth. Tom Glavich November 2004 Mark your calendars: Saturday, August 2, barbecue and plant auction at Rosalie s. PLANT OF THE MONTH 2008 Cactus Succulent No meetings in July or August September Gymnocalycium Aloes Madagascar October Ariocarpus Agave, Calibanus, Nolina, Yucca November Miniature under 3 Conophytum, Lithops, Argyroderma, Faucaria UPCOMING EVENTS June 14, Gates Cactus and Succulent 29 th Show and Sale, 9-4, Jurupa Mountains Cultural Center, 7621 Granite Hill Drive, Glen Avon, CA., Info: 909-360-8802. June 14-15, Los Angeles Cactus and Succulent Society Show and Sale, Sepulveda Garden Center, 16633 Magnolia Blvd., Encino, CA, Info: 818-363-3432. June 14-15, International Fern Society Show and Sale, 9-4:30, LA County Arboretum June 27-29, CSSA Annual Show and Sale, Huntington Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA, 626-405-2160 or 2277. Plant sales start June 27. July 19, Westchester Begonia Society 49 th Annual Show and Sale, 9-5, Covenant Presbyterian Church, 80 th & Sepulveda. July 25-27, Orange County Cactus and Succulent Society, 12-4, info 714-870-4887, Fullerton Arboretum, exit 57 Fwy at Yorba Linda Ave. August 2, Sunset barbecue and plant auction, home of Rosalie Gorchoff, 2:00-6:00.August 16-17, 23 rd Annual Intercity Show and Sale, LA County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, info call Tom Glavich at 626-798-2430 or Barbara Hall at 818-368-6914. August 30, Huntington Botanical Gardens Succulent Symposium, all day at the Huntington.
DRY TIMES Vol. 108, No.6 June 2008 p. 7 About DRY TIMES DRY TIMES is published monthly by the Sunset Succulent Society (SSS), whose officers are: President Rosalie Gorchoff (310) 822-1783 Vice Pres. Brigitte Williams (818) 352-4531 Secretary Peggy Oberg (310) 645-7946 Treasurer Jeff Jamison (310) 647-7946 2 nd Vice Pres., Plant of the Month Laurel Woodley Material for publication in the newsletter must be in the Editors' hands by the 1st day of the publication month (e.g., by Aug. 1 for the next issue). Articles and letters may be edited for space and clarity. Editorial comment and signed articles are the opinions of the Editor or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the Board of Directors of the Society, an affiliate of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America, Inc. Unless expressly denied in a note with the article, all material in the newsletter may be reprinted by non-profit organizations, provided that proper credit is given to the SSS and the author, and that one copy of the publication containing the reprinted material be sent to the Editors. Reproduction in whole or in part by any other organization or publication without the permission of the SSS is prohibited.