New World Orchids: Two New Neofinetia Orchids - Page 2 - Orchid Board

gmdiaz · #2 03-21-2008, 10:24 AM

Photo of the Awa Ai

This is about three feet long, two feet wide.

This is what my paperwork from NWO says on the subject. . .no author attributed.

"History of Awa Ai

The origin of Awa Ai is still uncertain. One explanation is that Lord hachisuka Iemasa introduced indigo to Awa no Kuni (Tokushima) in 1585, but other evidence suggests that indigo was already an important source of revenue in the Muromachi Period (1378-1573 a.d.). By the Edo Period (1603-1867 a.d.), Awa Ai was extremely profitable and under the protection and control of fiefs (han).

In 1903 (36th year of the Meiji Period), the production area of indigo in Tokushima reached an all time hight of 15,000 hectares (1 hectare=2.471 acres). However, by 1966 (41st year of the Showa Period) chemical dyes had dramatically reduced the production areas to 4 hectares. I recent years, concern for Awa Ai has increased and efforts are being made to preserve and protect this important cultural treasure."

And

" Raw Indigo Dye (Sukumo)

The raw materials used to make Awa Ai come from the leaves of the 'Tade" indigo plant. The leaves are harvested, dried and allowed to ferment. This substance which contains raw fermented dye material is called 'sukumo' and is used to produce various indigo products.

'Sukumo' is made by placing dried indigo leaves in a fermentation bed and spraying them with water between 15 to 20 times. After 5 to 7 days, this process is repeated. After about 3 months of repeated spraying and fermentation, a solid mass with a dark brown color appears. This substance, called 'sukumo', will later be used to make Awa Ai."

Becca · #3 03-21-2008, 10:29 AM

Gwen....you lucky little.....

You make me want to run out and buy more...lol. The one with the red in the leaves....is this due to high lighting or does it grow natural this way?

gmdiaz · #4 03-21-2008, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Becca

Gwen....you lucky little.....

You make me want to run out and buy more...lol. The one with the red in the leaves....is this due to high lighting or does it grow natural this way?

Actually, I think the ones you got from icepengwyn were bigger and better looking!

But I do love these. . .the red leaves is just the way it grows and is not due to high lighting.

The yellow leafed version is quite golden yellow and I really don't see any tiger stripe to speak of, the coloration is more of a blend. . .but we'll see. I think I would prefer a crisper tiger stripe but think this one is a beauty. Yellow leaves, such as the hue of these, would normally cause me to become alarmed for the plant's health. . .but I keep reminding myself, this is the way they are supposed to look but we'll see if they don't become a little more robust and quit that little black spotting. I hate that, you know.

shakkai · #5 03-21-2008, 12:03 PM

Very pretty cloth! It would make a really nice display to put under your Neos when they flower. I have a book on indigo dye fabrics... I'll have to look up what they say (if anything) about Japanese indigo.

Becca · #6 03-21-2008, 12:05 PM

Gwen that indigo fabric is beautiful!

gmdiaz · #7 03-21-2008, 12:37 PM

Hiya Becca and Shakkai. . .it is really beautiful and the indigo hue is gorgeous. . .soft and elegant.

And yes, I was thinking display platform! lolol

I love these Neos so well, I've written to Dr. Lehr to see if he might have enough for our group project should it be the winnah this time. . .not that I am trying to throw the votes. . .*evil laughter*

Becca · #8 03-21-2008, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmdiaz

I love these Neos so well, I've written to Dr. Lehr to see if he might have enough for our group project should it be the winnah this time. . .not that I am trying to throw the votes. . .*evil laughter*

Gasp! That would be so cool! We would have to all order the same one...I wonder if they would be a little over some of our budgets price wise for the project plant? I know I paid more then what you paid for my two including the shipping...the most I have ever paid for orchids before...I felt bad afterwards because I really should have just saved my money...lol...but it was soooo worth it!

gmdiaz · #9 03-21-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Becca

Gasp! That would be so cool! We would have to all order the same one...I wonder if they would be a little over some of our budgets price wise for the project plant? I know I paid more then what you paid for my two including the shipping...the most I have ever paid for orchids before...I felt bad afterwards because I really should have just saved my money...lol...but it was soooo worth it!

IF he has 25-30 of the same type, in near blooming size. . .but maybe fewer if we did just an Neo Project per Shakkai's GREAT idea!

I thought about the price being too high, for pretty much all of us, including me.

I am hoping he'll have mercy on us with a discount. Maybe we could get seedlings and pot our own or something. ROFLOLOL

shakkai · #10 03-21-2008, 01:41 PM

Hey!!

If a couple of other people would be interested, why don't we do an OB Neo mini-project?

Just imagine all of the fun we'd have selecting the one that we all wanted to get?! Of course, I've got to wait until June to get mine, but I'd be happy to order one more for them to bring over!