Mr Alvim Seidel

[Frdemetr]

Mr Alvim Seidel passed away yesterday at 80 years of age. Mr Seidel was the owner of Orquidário Catarinense in Corupá, Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Orquidário Catarinense was considered by AOS the longer lasting nursery yet in activity in the ownership of same family. The nursery was founded in 1906 by Roberto Seidel, and completed 100 years in May, 2006. Mr Alvim Seidel dedicated his entire life to plants, and there are more than 100 species of orchids and bromeliads that he personally discovered. I hope Donato Seidel continues his father work and keep Orquidário Catarinense - when I bought some of my best orchids - in the business for more hundred years!
Frederico

[Phantasm]

I remember years ago they used to have ads in The AOS Bulletin. You had to send cash so they could forward their catalog back to you. I fell for this one time and never saw a catalog, and imagine that whoever opened the mail "screened" it for the boss....I wish I could have contacted them.

[cb977]

Sorry to hear of Mr Seidel's passing
Thank you for the notification, Frederico...

[Shadow]

So sad... There are so many valuable plants and rare varieties in his collection. I hope they won't be lost.

[Tindomul]

Too bad I never heard of them before. SOrry for the passing.

[smartie2000]

Sorry for the passing of someone so important in the orchid world

[stitz]

Originally Posted by Frdemetr

I hope Donato Seidel continues his father work and keep Orquidário Catarinense - when I bought some of my best orchids - in the business for more hundred years!
Frederico

Frederico,
The tradition continues! I just received another order from Donato.

I often ask for one hybrid from each Seidel order of species orchids. This year, I ordered Lc Cypheri (L. purpurata X C. forbesii aurea) at the recommendation of L.C. Menezes in her recent book. I received a strong plant. I hope for the best!!

One of Alvim's prize Laelia purpurata plants includes "Comendador Alvim Seidel". Do you know the significance of the "Comendador"? As I understand this word, it translates to "Commander" in English. I don't understand the context.

--Stitz--

[Frdemetr]

Hi Stitz!

"Commander" is just a purely honorary distinction; in the past "Commander" is someone who received a knighthood, this is a benefit that was formerly granted to ecclesiastical and military orders of knights.

Kind regards!

[Shirley]

Very sad to learn of his passing but what a wonderful legacy he has left behind.

[stitz]

Hi Frederico! Thank you for your response. I have catalogs from Alvim Seidel back to the '70s. 'Comendador Alvim Seidel' entered back in the '80s, I think. Donato assures me that it is a much better looking flower than the foto that he sent! I believe!!

My first orchid order from Alvim was in 1980. I also ordered some bromeliads for a friend. I now have some broms from the Orquidario Catarinense, including Vriesea fosteriana var seideliana -- Alvim's favorite. He wrote me that many years ago.

This orquidario is a treasure. The plants are divisions, not seedlings.

--Stitz--