Comparing Stans and Angs is like comparing apples and oranges. I've had my one Stan for at least three years, maybe more, and it has never shown a sign of blooming. Meanwhile, lots of Angs have bloomed. Stan flowers are very very ephemeral compared to most Angs. Most Ang flowers don't last long enough to get sick of them, but they last a lot longer (in general) than Stans. True that some Angs and some Jumelleas get huge, but a good many do not and some can even be considered 'mini'. I'm not down on Stans, I'm just really 'up' on Angs! lol Zygos do have powerful fragrances. If they're good, its great. But if the fragrance isn't so hot...you'll end up wanting to get rid of it. The one I had did great growing in s/h and bloomed like mad...but the fragrance was hella lame. If you do decide to get an Ang, check out both OakHill and Hoosier and CalOrchids. If the one you want is available from all three, chose in this order: Cal, Oak, Hoosier. (for size/price reasons) -MB

A short list of some that I know and some that I looked up! Aranthera Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Named after the President of the Philippines. Cattleya General Patton Cattleya Originally registered Cattleya Joseph Stalin, but was changed after his crimes became known during World War II. It's the only time that the RHS has allowed a name change. (Out of these, it't the only one that I actually have.) Cypripedium wardii is named after the famous British plant collector and explorer Francis Kingdon-Ward. But, this probably isn't what you're lookin' for! Dendrobium Masako Kotaishi Hidenka (to commemorate the royal wedding of Princess Masako of Japan to Prince Naruhito). Dendrobium Memoria Princess Diana It was planted on September 22, 1997, in Singapore, exactly 22 days after her death. Dialaelia Mizoguchi 'Princess Kiko' named after the wife of Emperor Akihito's second son Prince Akishino. Laelia gouldiana 'Greta Garbo'. From the Raymond Burr collection. Mokara Zhu Rongji 'Lao An' Created for Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's wife, Lao An. Zhu Rongji. Paravanda Nelson Mandela Named for him former president of South Africa, on the occasion of his visit to the National Orchid Garden,in Singapore, on 5th March 1997. Pecteilis(Habenaria) sagarikii-(the duck orchid) Named after Professor Rapee Sagarik, founder of the Thailand Orchid Society. Phragmipedium kovachii Considering the circumstances and hysteria surrounding this one, I'd say that the name Michael Kovach has become fairly famous! ;~) Renanthera Akihito 'Emperor' Named in honour of Emperor Akihito of Japan. Renaglottis Ricky Martin named for him in Singapore for his visit. Spathoglottis Jane Goodall Named after Dr Jane Goodall, for the occasion of her visit to the National Orchid Garden on Monday, 6 Dec 2004. Of course...Singapore!;~) Chadwick's does have their page of orchids named after celebs and heads of state. They also mention many other orchids with famous names.

Nick, glad Troy's was a good resource for you. If IOPSE didn't say the P. susannae was "large to giant sized," I would have gotten it, too, esp. because flowers are fragrant. Brooke, thanks for the culture info. Some days, I long for your growing conditions, which are lush, compared to a guest bedroom in a house near Minneapolis. :) Going by what's working for the Hab medusae, the dentata's in sphag and a plastic pot. So far, buds are continuing to develop. Your tips for winter care will come in handy. WC8

The presentation was quite excellent. I learned that vermiculite works well for rooting cuttings and that some, if not all, Sinningias can be grown from leaf cuttings. They really are amazing orchids...but the average highest bid was $3! Yikes! On one hand, I'm losing my shirt...but on the other hand I'm sharing some really great orchids with other plant enthusiasts.