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| Hand Pollination of a Dendrobium White Bota Orchid | ||||||||||||||||||||
| On this page you will be able to see and follow the progress of an orchid from pollination to final bloom. We will hopefully update throughout the time span as needed to show the growing process. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Here the Dendrobium White Bota is blooming in its jungle environment October 2003 |
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| A close-up of the orchid blooms reveal that the petals and sepals are white with a tinge of violet. And the inner part of the lip, or the labellum, which is usually the fanciest and most decorative part of an orchid is almost engulfed with a rich, deep violet color. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Here I am with a dental tool removing the anther cap, which is where the pollen resides. The pollen in this particular Dendrobium was the size of a grain of sand. If you happen to see sweat forming on my head, it's because this is a nervous and painstaking job. Since the pollen is so small and light, the slightest breeze can send it flying away. Then, after straining my eyes, I find the stigmata, which is under the pollen cap, and insert the pollen onto the stigmatic surface. Within a short amount of time, if the pollen is accepted the flower will collapse, having served its purpose. Note: Usually one would pollinate with another species or related genus in order to strengthen the genetic pool. But, here I have opted to cross the Dendrobium with itself in order to possibly bring out recessive genes or characteristics! |
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