KERP: Remarkable Paphiopedilum: Exiled Exuls Return Home

Exiled Exuls Return Home

From original story by Saridporn P.: http://www.pantip.com/cafe/jatujak/topic/J10942071/J10942071.html

The royal initiation of H.M.Queen Sirikit

According to the royal thought of H.M.Queen Sirikit, to conserve the native orchid of Krabi province, Paphiopedilum exul, this project has been organised during the queen's birthday (August 12) for many years. This year, the event was held on August 9, 2011.

This year, 1,684 clumps of exul has been plant. Until now, there have been in total more than 5,000 clums planted so far in this site.

In the beginning, plants were stolen quite a lot. But after the Royal Thai Navi allowed the organiser, P.exul grower club of Krabi, to plant orchids in military area, there has been no lost since then.
There was also a problem of rotting since soil was used as a compost so they changed to use charcoal instead. The surviving rate improves to 90% in last 3 years.

This year, many exuls at the site, are found in bloom even though the peak blooming period is passed. (normally during December to March) Most of them looks very healthy. Some also produce new young growths. Some are having already a seed pod from previous season.

Paph. growers in Krabi and provinces nearby (i.e. Phuket and Phang-nga) also donate their plant to the project every year. Students and community also attend and help each other in plant P.exul and other kind of orchids on the site.

Krabi club are running to problem of budget shortage as they have been spending on its own for years in hosting the event. Hopefully, they can solve the problem to keep this activity as long as possible.