Phrag kovachii
 

We need to get this thread on phrags moving, so I figured a discussion of kovachii would help.

After all of the hype, jail time, court cases, CITES battles, and flask wars, it appears that we will be seeing seedlings of kovachii on the scene within the next year and most likely before that. From what I've seen the seedlings will be priced at a level that will only require a small refinancing of your home mortgage.
The hybrids will be very exciting and evidently are growing very well. A cross with a good bessae or something like Jason Fischer should produce amazing blooms.
How many of you will be in line frothing at the mouth for these upcoming releases?

well I'll be frothing at the mouth, but If I have to refinance my home, forget it.
So what happened to Mr. Kovach? From what I read he didnt really seem to be breaking the law, but I didnt read too much.
I'm new to the scene and am still reeling about this flower. Its magnificent!
But, if its soo rare, why would you want to hybridize it so soon. Wouldnt it be better to just get a good sized popultation of the original?
Also aren't they able to transport pollen from Peru to US? If so, then why arent there any hybrids already?

Thanks.

I would assume that pollen or any part of the protected plant/flower would also be regulated by cites. If anyone would cross polinate using the P.kovachi pollen they would be in violation of CITES... and would be subject to prosecution. If you'd announce that you have a kovachii hybrid, you'd have F&W knocking at your door in no time.... Whence, you better wait to obtain it through the legal channels...

Similarly in the dart frog hobby, Dendrobates mysteriosus, which cannot be in posession outside of Peru, yet somehow you see pictures of it being in a captivity.

http://houstonorchidsociety.org/Imag...ii_Croezen.jpg
Phragmipedium kovachii

Without question, the discovery of Phragmipedium kovachii and the implact it will have on breeding programs will be tremendous. Its new, its rare, its outrageous in color and size - good for it!

If it is so rare, maybe a little more investment should be made to establish a sustainable population in the natural environment, insead of lining the pocketbook. There seems to be a little too much concern with how we can benefit ($$) from this discovery, instead of what we can do to benefit nature.

All frothing aside, eventually the hype will fade away, hybrids will become more prevelant and the mere commoners will be able to afford them.

Consider the very poor local peasants, Dave. If they have not dined well, will they understand conservation issues :confused:

Weng

So true. Should that not be the role of the 'haves', to help the 'have nots'. Perhaps a little more thought of global success is required by all. Cleanup our own backyards and look to help others outside our borders, so that we don't merely take or have them take what we need.

Ok, I am done ranting!

Michael Kovach was sentenced to 2 years probation and a $1000. fine. Selby Gardens got in a world of trouble and George Norris ended up in jail.

There have been no legal plants of kovachii imported from Peru. A few "legal" plants have been sibbed and flasks are now available although with many difficulties. Also some hybrids have been made and will be available over the next year.

The primary reason that these plants are being ripped out of their native habit is that the natives are poor and these plants are highly desireable by smugglers.
These things always boil down to economics.

Any part of the plant is covered under CITES, and even pollen cannot be legally imported without all of the appropriate bells and whistles.

well, i'm content to just know its out there in the wild.

Dunno if that works either. If the have-nots turn into haves, then they'll be building on the wild orchids. As an avid orchid hunter (with a camera), I find that habitat loss is the real problem for the vast majority of orchids :( .

Weng

So how exactly did they manage to get this plant within a stone's throw of being on the market?