As a newcomer, it is my pleasure to introduce myself.
I wouldnt try categorize myself (Re: Amateurs, professionals), just tell
you who I am.
I started research with CP in 1979, when joining Dr. Barrie Juniper's lab
in Oxford, UK as a post-doc. At that time we studied the ultrastructure of
digestive glands, gradually covering more aspects of carnivory... which
eventually develped as a comprehensive book: The Carnivorous Plants
(Academic Press, 1989).
Though being a scientist I am still a CP lover, interested in the plants
and in the research going on with CP. At home I grow a variety of
plants,like S. purpurea, P. primuliflora, D. muscipula, and D. capensis,
but more space and perhaps tools need to be added in order to extend the
collection.
A CP society was founded in Israel two years ago, now having 90 members. As
president of this young society I am trying, with some success, to make
people aware of the existence of the wonderful CP world. The circle of
enthusiasts is gradually growing, as also the number of species grown in
the private and on display in the botanical gardens.
We organize at least three annual meetings (at the Botanical Gardens of
Tel-Aviv University), each dedicated to one group of CP. For example,
yesterday's meeting was dedicated to Sarracenia. A member of the Bot.
Gadns. of Jerusalem talked about the species and their cultivation, and I
introduced the interactions between insects and pitchers. Plants are on
display and for sale in all meetings, and films are presented when
available.
CP growing in Israel is only in its infancy. various species gradually
arrive with the help of the society and in collaboration with the botanical
gardens.
The greatest difficulty in growing CP in Israel is the lack of experienced
growers for the different species under local conditions. We will be
grateful to anyone anywhere who could advise and help us establish a good
and flourishing collectin.
Sincerely
Danny Joel
Neve-Ya'ar Research Center, P.O. Box 1021, RAMAT-YISHAY 30095, Israel.
Email: dmjoel@netvision.net.il