The Orchid Farm Stall hosted the Interspecific and Other Pendulous Clivias Show on Saturday July 20.
The event saw seven exhibitors of the Lowveld Clivia Club showcasing their most precious interspecific clivias to the public and the judges, Oosie Strydom and Greg Jones.
Awards were given to Jurie Lintvelt for the best on show, Ronnie Brink as first runner-up, Morné Dorfling as second runner-up, and Paul Kloeck for the most exquisite flower.
The exhibit showcased 43 plants with stunning colours and shapes. Each contestant was judged on rarity, striking flowers (this includes the shape of the flower and flower count), how high the flower would carry above the leaves, and the strength and straightness of the peduncle.
“Anything in life that is rare will be worth more, and anything that is worth more will be more appreciated, and if it’s more appreciated, it needs to win at the show – that’s the motto,” said Strydom.
The six species of clivias that are all indigenous to South Africa, include clivia caulescens, gardenii, miniata, mirabilis, nobilis and robusta.
The exhibitors have taken these six species and crossed them with one another, which is where the name ‘interspecific’ comes from.
They found that in their habitats, each one of these species will flower in different times of the year.
“By crossbreeding two of these species, you slightly change the flowering time of that plant,” said Kloeck.
These clivia breeders have managed to get plants that flower for almost 10 months a year.
The aim of these exhibitions goes far beyond showcasing plants to judges; and to also show them to the public. Kloeck believes that the public is unaware of these kinds of flowers, and he wants to get more people involved in his passion.
Cindy Heart, the Lowveld Clivia Club’s secretary, also wants more people involved, especially the youth.
She believes there’s not much for young people to do in Mbombela, and this could prove to be a healthy and lasting hobby.
@lowvelder Lowvelder is did its part for Mandela Day. We headed to different NPOs to plant trees and share gifts and care packages. Mandeladay 67minutes doyourpart Donation orphanage orphanagehome orphansupport
