Oncos 2011

[Hans A.]

absolutely incredible place! all feeling mixed

Couldn't agree more Rafa, Fred, Luc

Ditto - I really enjoy this pictures! Thanks a lot Miriam!

[arillady]

Thanks so much for the pictures Miriam - AND ESPECIALLY THE OTHER PLANTS WHICH GROW WITH THE ARILS

[Miriam]

Thank you all 
Indeed, this is a marvelous reserve and many many people were there to see Iris atropurpurea.
There were traffic jams on the way to the reserve 

[Tom Waters]

Miriam, I know you probably did not enjoy the traffic jam, but this is a heartwarming report. It's good to hear that so many people are aware of them and value them. Without such awareness, there would be little hope of protecting the habitat long term.

[Maggi Young]

Miriam, I know you probably did not enjoy the traffic jam, but this is a heartwarming report. It's good to hear that so many people are aware of them and value them. Without such awareness, there would be little hope of protecting the habitat long term.

Quite right, Tom.

[xthomasx]

Greetings from Israel!

On Tuesday and Wednesday I saw a huge lot of Iris atropurpurea in a total of 7 habitats. What amazing views! Most of the clumps are in full flower, a few had faded but many were still in buds. So, if you hurry up, it is not too late for Iris atropurpurea. And the other species are (hopefully) starting to bloom next week...

Tuesday I went on my own but Wednesday I went to see habitats that were all new to me, thanks to Miriam who took her family and family car to show me around. Great!

The first three are brighter forms from the famous Nahal Poleg habitat, then two from Ilanot forest where they grow in an Eucalyptus forest (!) and the last is from a place near Rehovot city.

Thomas.

[BULBISSIME]

Superb Thomas !!
right places, right time...
best regards to Miriam's family and enjoy 

[Lesley Cox]

Fantastic pictures, every one. I really love the black one to finish Thomas, and the one which seems to have a golden glow in the standards. You look very nice too Thomas.

[Hans A.]

Fantastic pictures Thomas! I really envy you, have a good time and best wishes to Miriam!

[Otto Fauser]

Superb pictures , Thomas , herzlichen Dank. Amazing the colour variation within the species.
I am surrounded here by Eucalypthus forrests , but far too dense growth and too little sunlight .So I will not attempt to shift my 2 plants of I. atropurpurea into this enviroment and watch it linger.
                     
                             Otto.

[arillady]

Thomas it is great to see your photos and to know that you and Miriam are seeing their habitats. How lucky can someone be to be able to travel to the Middle East nearly every year. More articles for the Yearbook Thomas???
Have you any idea what species of Eucalyptus are planted as forests.
I guess if the cover is not too dense the roots of the gums will keep the soil fairly dry which would be good for them.

[arillady]

Thomas and Miriam - what are the other plants growing with the arils.

[Luc Gilgemyn]

Fantastic pictures Thomas !!!! Thanks so much for showing ! 

[Miriam]

Great pictures Thomas!

Pat,
The Eucalyptus is Eucalyptus camaldulensis. This species was planted in large amounts (about 100 years ago) for its reputation it can help to dry swamps (from winter rains) which caused the spreading of Malaria. This was found out as false, but already many trees were planted in many places.

You are right Otto, the Eucalyptus forest is not good for the Oncos because of the lack of sun. These Eucalyptus are also dangerous to people, as their branches tend to break and already some people were killed or injured because of this.

[arillady]

Uhm the red gums which are prolific along creek lines here and yes they lose branches without any warning - but good for firewood! Do not park or camp under them in late summer especially.