"Uncle Derek Says"

Aechmea 'Derek's Organensis Ha Ha'

"While I started with Bromeliads in about 1975 it was not until 1980 that I started to dissect plants "scientifically". At that time I keyed out an unknown Aechmea to A. organensis and I proudly announced my achievement to the more experienced growers in Queensland and New South Wales and they said "Ha! Ha!". Being a shy person at heart Aechmea 'Derek's Organensis Ha Ha' took a back seat. It rarely flowered anyway! My interest in the Ortgiesia group of Aechmea continued and was boosted when Peter Franklin of Raymond Terrace NSW started arguing with me. Two heads are better than one! My plant agreed with the description in Smith and Downs page 1874 but we found out from Reitz's Book on Santa Catarina that the ovary is wine-red for A. organensis. Peter wanted an offset from "my" plant but I couldn't find it! In October 1998 a photograph arrived from Maurice Kellett of Melbourne entitled "What is it?". It was Aechmea 'Derek's Organensis Ha Ha' that had risen from the dead! Anyone who can give a clue as to its identity will be corresponded with! Gladly! "

Ae. organensis

Aechmea 'Derek's Organensis Ha Ha'

Ae. organensis

Aechmea 'Derek's Organensis Ha Ha'

See also Aechmea 'Derek's Organensis Ha Ha' Revisited

Photo Credits:
Aechmea organensis - John Catlan
Aechmea 'Derek's Organensis Ha Ha' - Maurice Kellett, Derek Butcher