Rare Orchids Featured in Software

From across the world, dozens of orchid aficionados sent their digital photographs, some of rare species and hybrids, for publication in the newly released OrchidWiz Encyclopedia 2.0.

Miami Shores, FL (PRWEB) February 11, 2006 –- From across the world, dozens of orchid aficionados sent their digital photographs, some of rare species and hybrids, for publication in the newly released OrchidWiz Encyclopedia 2.0.

"I like knowing that my photos contribute to others learning more about their orchids and orchids in general," says Eric Hunt, of OrchidMania. "Also, having my photos displayed in OrchidWiz means that I get to be a part of the OrchidWiz community."

Eric is part of a growing group of orchid aficionados contributing their digital photography for inclusion in OrchidWiz Encyclopedia. In total, Eric contributed nearly 800 photos to the program. Part of his collection includes seldom seen orchid species, such as the beautiful Miltonioides oviedomotae, endemic to the state of Michoacan, Mexico.

Long-time orchid hybridizer and originator of 71 new hybrid genera, James E. Rumrill contributed hundreds of photos, some of never-before-seen hybrids, such as Brassoepilaelia Rumrill Red, the first registered hybrid of Brassolaelia Richard Mueller. "I’m thrilled that the results of my hybridization efforts will be revealed to a great many people," he says.

Another major contributor is Tom Larkin, AOS Accredited Judge, hybridizer and Orchid student of 56 years: "The orchid world has needed an electronic encyclopedia such as Orchidwiz, to facilitate the education of the orchid family, the judging process and the hybridization effort. As a student of Dr. W. Edwards Deming’s Total Quality Management, the process of continual improvement, I was immediately attracted to the opportunity to provide some meager input to the massive photographic image needs of this product. Photos, of both typical and award quality flowers, are worth a thousand words. I am only too excited to contribute whatever images I can to help make this product the most useful and educational tool it can be. It is my opportunity and honor to help make a great product even better."

Professionals and hobbyists alike heeded the call for digital photos. Mauro Rosim, a hobby grower in Sao Paulo, Brazil, contributed over 200 photos, primarily of Brazilian species. "I contribute because there are so many things to learn about orchids, from genes to photography, that showing some of them, those I can depict with fidelity, is my way of taking part of this vibrant world." Among Mauro’s photography are several unusual color forms of Laelia purpurata.

Ken and Judy Russ are hobby growers in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. They say "after using OrchidWiz and seeing how helpful the Orchid photos are for identification we wanted to be a part of the process. We really are thrilled to take part and contribute to something so important and educational in the orchid community."

OrchidWiz, LLC, is a software company based in Miami Shores, Florida. The company develops computer programs for the orchid-growing community. For a list of data sources, consult the company’s web page. A portion of the 2006 OrchidWiz Encyclopedia proceeds will be donated to the American Orchid Society.

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