Reproduced from Volume 7 of the Journal of the Carnivorous Plant Society. First published Spring 1983.

Questionnaire Comments

Following our successful petition of members’ views on whether they wished to receive literature from commercial growers, here is a selection of other comments, about the Society in general and the Journal. More comments will be published in the next issue of the Journal.

“Would like to have an article on the range of plants that can be grown on windowsills or under fluorescent light, for those without greenhouses.” Keith Ansell. (See pages 6 and 7)

“More Journals, and growing instructions on each species.” Paul Ashworth.

“How about designing and making some enamel badges for members of the Society? A small fee from members should pay for manufacture.”

“I do think it is a good idea to get involved with more nurseries, because the competition for buyers should keep the prices down. Also, I have never found one that sells Heliamphora.”’ Susan Ball.

“I would like to suggest the publication of a booklet giving detailed information on the propagation of CP’s, collection and treatment of seeds, divisions and cuttings, etc.” Alan Barnard.

“Would like to see reproductions of the original botanical descriptions in the Journal, and photographs.” Brian Bates.

“I do not agree with the view of Dorothy Davies that the Journal should be ‘down-toned” (vol. 6, p. 26). Please uphold the standard!” J. C. Broadbent.

“I agree with Dorothy Davies’ letter (vol 6, p. 26), that the journal is very technical and not everyone grows C.P.s professionally. I am sure that there are other people who do so just because they like to have one around.” Laura Fitzpatrick.

“Very good mag. One day I may get round to writing an article!” P. Brownless.

“I would appreciate an opportunity to meet other members, and especially see their collections, exchange plants and seeds locally. Could the Society try to get some of the more elusive plants from botanic gardens? e. g. Heliamphora.” Dr. R. W. Coles.

“I think the Journal is fairly well balanced, although I would like to see more cultural (sic) articles.” A. Davey

“I would like to see more Society products, e.g. T-shirts”. Joseph Domanski

Octopus Plant

Dear Editor,

I recently read in a “Weekend” magazine about a plant which supposedly has a massive carnivorous diet and apparently feeds on dogs!! The magazine describes it as follows. “A plant that grows on the shores of lakes in South America feeds on animals. The aptly named Octopus Plant wraps long tentacles around its victims and strangles them to death. When the plant has finished with its prey, which includes dogs, only the skeleton is left.” Although I feel it is pure invention, I would be interested to hear from anyone who has heard more of this plant.

Malcolm Goddard

Monkey Eating Plant

Dear Editor,

On a recent radio programme, Adrian Slack said that some pitcher plants could catch monkeys. What evidence has he got?

Anon.

Your views on these, or any other topics related to carnivorous plants are welcome — Editor.