Explore the greenhouse part 4 – Cool Americas
This is possibly our most atmospheric section, dripping with roots and Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides). The section has a minimum temperature of 12C and is where we grow our plants from the mountains of South and Central America. Our aim is to make it feel as much like the amazing cloud forests of Brazil and Costa Rica that have left such an impression on me and the students that have explored these precious places.
Writhlington students in wet forest at 1400m altidude in Costa Rica in 2005 (above) and Brazil in 2006.(below)
There are always orchids flowering in Cool Americas, the current stars being Epidendrum parkinsonianum and Odontoglossum cristatum (below)
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This is one of my favourite sections with the Spanish moss, a real stage set. There is a lovely damp, decomposing smell. I think my favourite orchids in this section are the Draculas. I wonder if the Doctor Who Ood monster was based on Odontoglossum cristatum?