» About the WSOS:
Established in Sydney, Australia by a small group of dedicated enthusiasts, the Western Suburbs Orchid Society Inc. has grown to an organisation with a membership of more than 40. The WSOS is dedicated to bringing together people whose interests lie in the cultivation of plants from the family Orchidaceae. Our society meets once a month.
The WSOS aims to diseminate knowledge of the cultivation, conservation and biology of all orchids worldwide. With a membership that includes people from various backgrounds with experience ranging from beginners to advanced hobbyists. As such the society has at its disposal considerable expertise with a range of orchids and an library of material available for viewing by the membership.
Joining the WSOS is inexpensive and members can participate in various orchid exhibitions and receive a monthly bulletin produced by the society. Along with results from our friendly competition, the bulletin contains cultural notes and other information of interest to orchid hobbyists. Membership is not limited to Sydney and all are welcome! The society meets once per month at Strathfield, in Sydney's inner western suburbs, for a night which includes informative talks and a range of orchids on display. Visitors are most welcome!
» About Orchids:
Orchids (Orchidaceae) are the largest family of flowering plants (angiosperms) in the world. Approximately 30,000 species have been described. This constitutes almost 10% of all known flowering plants! The most familiar orchids to most people are the Cymbidiums or Phallenopsis which are frequently seen as potted plants and cut flowers, respectively. Many people believe orchids are exclusively tropical plants and while many are indeed tropical, orchids also occur in a range of other climates. Orchids can be found on every continent with with exception of Antartica and occur in a variety of vegetation communities from the alpine tundra to tropical forests and everything in between. Some orchids have large, colourful flowers which are often perfumed, while others have tiny inconspicuous flowers. The diversity of species of orchid is paralleled only by the diversity of flowers the group produce.
Orchids can be divided into two broad groups, those that grow in trees (without harming the tree) called epiphytes and those which grow in the ground called terrestrial. Both groups contain a number of fasciating plants that vary markedly in their ease of cultivation. Although public perception marks orchids as difficult plants to grow - this is untrue for a large number of orchid species.
