New Hybrid Orchid for Ponta do Sol

In Search of Hope – by Sam Gannon

Seconded to the parish of Tililngdon, the Reverend Dolores has been presented with a challenge.

She’s living in an antiquated house and she’s cold. Furthermore, her new Bishop, Bishop Alice does not approve of ‘showgirls in dog collars.’

Determined to prove the Bishop wrong, she sets about warming her house – who cares if it smells of horse! There is the crochet club, jumble sale, and soup run to organise. And this year, the church bells will ring, no matter what threats are made. Even more so, the newly formed choir will spread a little joy this Christmas, even though they can’t sing – yet! And with a little help from Phil, her bassist, this year could be full of magic.

However, she has a fight on her hands as the townies out in Knob Hill – she must stop calling it that, are trying to stop her from ringing her bells. When Krystal with a K decides to do some volunteer work, Dolores sets out to see just how committed she really is.

Up to her ears in granny squares and squawking choristers, Dolores is revving up for Christmas, yet a deeper darker secret is beginning to emerge!

A secret that could blow the whole parish apart and put Dolores in danger.

(available from Amazon)

Last updated on 20th July 2023

Using a verse from the song: “Casei c’uma Velha,” by Max, this is the most original and humorous form of hybrid orchid created by orchid specialist, Pedro Spínola. Similar to what happened to the orchid Bulbophyllum Xavelha de Câmara de Lobos, the new orchid pays homage to the municipality of Ponta de Sol.

This hybrid was created by crossing Coelogyne speciosa subsp. incarnata and Coelogyne mooreana, both close relatives of the famous and ancient “Bridal Orchid.” The new orchid, Coelogyne Velha da Ponta do Sol, is a compact plant, of intermediate height and its flowers are an interesting golden-white colour, with a brown-orange labellum.

The orchid was officially registered with the Royal Horticultural Society on the 17^th of July this year by Pedro Spínola. The orchid was originally created 5 years ago and has now bloomed for the very first time. On average most orchids mature from seeds in about 5 years.

Coelogyne Velha da Ponta do Sol, is the 6^th orchid to be named after a Madeiran municipality.

Samantha Gannon

Info at madeira-weekly.com

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