Is conservation of orchids an important issue?
A. Absolutely! Sadly, orchid species are becoming extinct faster than they can be described and classified. Threats to orchids originate primarily from loss of habitat and collecting. The American Orchid Society (AOS) advocates the purchase of only artificially propagated orchids, either from meristems or seeds, which will help discourage the collecting of orchid species in their natural habitat. The AOS also encourages orchidists to pollinate orchid species already in their collections and to share the seedlings with their fellow orchidists. For more information about this serious topic, and to learn how to get involved and to support conservation efforts, visit: http://www.orchidweb.org or email the AOS at TheAOS@compuserve.com. Florists Discover Beargrass Also known as Indian basket grass, Squaw-grass, soap-grass and Quip-Quip, this unique green is actually an evergreen, perennial herb from the lily family. Its basal leaves form thick clumps that rise up from a short, woody rhizome.
