worimi

Thanks for the tip. I will plant them if nobody wants them.

Very viable. They were gathered only 7 days ago. I'll let you know when I will be sending out the seedlings.

I have a small amount of these seed to trade (no reasonable trade refused). The seed is very fresh and is from the white form of C. sinensis (commercial tea). I have also a limited number of 100mm pots(C.sinensis) ready for shipping soon. Please e-mail me and I will send them out until they are all gone. I am also more then happy to provide culture notes on request.

Torsten, once again you have shown that you are a true Chief. You were right. the supposed T.pachanoi (purchased at Arizonas) has tuned out to be a T. scoplocolis which is a bummer (still I will give it the same care and attention that I give all my plants). I also went to the NSW cacti and succulent societies Spring fair today looking for a few cacti on my list of collectables. Once again nothing I dont already have! Although the large range of showy cacti were fantastic but I wish they were all identifed properly. All in all it was a beautiful day and there were lots of well looked after plants on display. From now on I will stick to growing all my stock from seed from a reliable source. Or if any Sydneysiders know of a good supplier of maturing cactus that are identified correctly, please let me know. [This message has been edited by worimi (edited 28 October 2000).]

These cacti mature with age. You might receive a gift from that many cacti but whats the rush? Why not let them grow, flower then collect the seed, plant, then harvest your bounty. You will surely experience what you are looking for then. I suggest that you purchase a more vigrous species, T. pachanoi springs to mind, for quicker results. Another option would be to trade your seedlings, on the trade forum, for more mature specimens or other plants that you may be looking for to add to your collection. A little bit of time and respect for this powerful allie goes a long long way. Be patient. worimi

Mulga has hit the nail on the head. As a horticulturalist,that grows his own vegetables and herbs, I also would like to learn more about native and exotic plant that not only produce altered states of consciences but help in our everyday life eg herbs and spices. I suffer from colitis and stopped taking my conventional medicine and turned to veganism as a way of control, now 18 months down the track I have not suffered relapse...once !(If other members suffer from this disease please consult an alternative theropist before ditching the drugs, I did but others may not be able to) I also agree that most universities are interested in producing graduates that 'can contribute to the system' but without grass roots pioneers the wheel may not have been invented. The main reason that, I feel anyway, a 'hands on' workshop would benefit us lies in the proper identification of plant species that are useful spiritually,mentally,emotionally and physically. Sorry to use you, Pigdog, as an example but maybe the Coral tree that has produced adverse sideffects could have been avoided if a tangable example had been studied,sited, touched and smelt etc. (I'm sure you have identified the plant correctly Pigdog, but I needed an example. Hope you are feeling better)Yes I know that we live in a world that does not except change readilly but we are the future and feel that it is my right as an inhabitor of this beautiful planet to harvest all that bounty we have been offered. To do otherwise, in my opinion, would be an absolute waste. worimi

Jessie put forward a brilliant idea relating to a mushroom hunt, which I second. I also think that a workshop covering the entire topic of ethnobotanicals would be a great way meet the people with whom we converse with through this forum. Torsten you seem to be the man with his finger on the pulse, what do you think ? I relise that all of us come from different states within Australia, but if it is a success it could turn into an annual event with each state having a turn at hosting the event. Of course there would be guidlines that would need to be followed so that public vilifacation was avoided. Also once numbers of support increased international guests, such as Terence Mckenna and alike, could be invited as guest speakers to address the forum. I also believe that such an event could lead to a formal, or web-based/corrospondence, course for those interested in such studies. I feel that we are in a transitional stage of our views towards plants and there interaction with people (eg pulic interest in herbal remedies and Chinese medicine) and until there are qualified practioners operating I feel that our, including my our, research will be kept underground and not receive the recognition we deserve. Any Ideas ???? or do I look at the world through rose-coloured glasses....alone worimi

Well I have cracked the code to growing E.sinensis, I think ! Torsten was right. My seedling seem to do well with a little bit of negelect. I initially propagated them in a seed flat in an open soilless mix consisting of equal parts of perlite, vermiculite and peat. The flat was placed on a cheap heat mat(no temp. control)with a layer of capillary mat between the tray and heat mat. Seeds germinated within ten days at which stage I removed them from the heat. Once the cotyledons had developed I transplanted them in a cell tray, which can be a worthwhile investment as you know when to pot-up because the roots can be seen through the bottom of the cell. Normal at this stage the first true leaves are are starting to develop. This the stage that I am upto. I will keep you posted as time goes by. worimi

Hydroponically speaking any thing can be grown using soil-less culture. the main problem that may arise is that the plant will quickly absorb all the 02 in your solution. For this I suggest a small fish tank pump and an airstone to supply the roots with ample 02. Regarding an nutrient plan I would need to now a little more about the plant eg family/genus, time of year that it grows best. It can be done

Please correct me if Im wrong but dosent that stuff explode on exposure to 02. If so be careful

I here what you are saying. I will give it a go with A. muscari. Know of any other funky fungi that would be suitable.

I'm looking at converting an old fish tank into a small rainforrest. I was thinking of putting a few salvias, coleus, peperomia and pilea (maybe even a St. paulia) together to create a nice lounge room feature. In this humid environment I would also like to grow P. cubensis on some old decaying timber as the centre piece. Firstly what type of timber should I use and would this work. I have a feeling that it will, but any pointers would be very helpful. As the fungi will be researched I will be taking all precautions to prevent contamination eg soil-less media and sodium hypochloride sterilisation of all plants, tools and glass surfaces. I know this may sound strange but imagine having your our micro-climate to sit back and watch. Beats watching the idiot box (with some exceptions of course!). [This message has been edited by worimi (edited 19 October 2000).]

Well that was an explanation worth reading twice! Cheers. The particular cultivar is called C. blumei 'Jade' which colour white from the mid-ribe with a jade/emerald margin. Depending on extraction method used (any suggestions?, Im thinking along the lines of S. divinorm) I also believe that further reserach of this common house plant is required before any conclusion are draw. As I have plenty growing (300+) There is alot to sample. In passing, are there government authorities that fund/support private enterprise that deliver plant material from ethnobotanical plant production including those that sit on the fringe of conventional medicine eg T.iboga. If so what would be the usual channel used to contact such departments (may be CSIRO, Health) . As some of these ethnogenes contain contraversial proporties. Worimi

I have recently read the book 'Plants of the gods' by Richard Evans Schultes and Albert Hofman. In there overveiw of plant use they suggest that C. blumei, native to the Philippine Islands, 'has aquired similar significance to Salvia'(diviorum). Has anyone got any reports to share regarding its use and/or alkaloid compounds. The text suggests that the leaves are chewed or ground, then diluted in water for drinking. The artical suggests that it is used as a divinatory plant although no hallucinogenic principle has yet been isolated.

I have recently purchased a number of cacti from a specialist cacti and succulent nursery in Sydney. Some psychotropic and others rare collectables. I asked the head hort. for a T. pachanoi of which he had plenty ranging in price and size. From your pics I believe that yours is not a t. pachanoi as the specimen that I have has very small spines (less than 1mm), a waxy feel and club-like with a bluish-green colour with six ribs. [This message has been edited by worimi (edited 07 October 2000).]