TALK DESCRIPTION: The genus Tolumnia, a captivating group of orchids, enchants

enthusiasts with its vibrant colors and unique growth habits. Native to the Americas,

particularly the Caribbean and parts of South America, Tolumnia orchids are known for

their small size, intricate flowers, and remarkable adaptability. Tolumnias are epiphytic

orchids, often found clinging to trees in their natural habitats. Their compact size and

vivid blooms make them popular choices for orchid enthusiasts with limited space. The

genus includes around 50 species, each displaying a distinctive charm. Tolumnia

variegata, for instance, showcases a delightful mix of colors in its petite flowers, while

Tolumnia henekenii captivates with its bumble bee appearance. Despite their

ornamental appeal, several Tolumnia species face threats due to habitat destruction and

illegal collection. Conservation efforts aim to safeguard these orchids and their natural

environments, emphasizing the importance of preserving the biodiversity within the

Tolumnia genus. As orchid enthusiasts continue to explore and appreciate the beauty of

Tolumnia orchids, their conservation becomes integral to ensuring the enduring

splendor of this distinctive genus. As many Tolumnias come from the Caribbean, Manny

has taken many trips for conservation efforts to his native Dominican Republic to

photograph and promote protection of these small but beautiful orchids. This talk delves

into the genus and the outstanding hybrids produced.

BIO: Manuel Aybar works in the Technology Industry. He is originally from the

Dominican Republic (A grower’s paradise, as he describes it). He has been growing

orchids for approximately 26 years. The genus that got him started was Dendrobium in

which he specializes (phalaenopsis-type). Member of the American Orchid Society

since 1997 and the Greater North Texas Orchid Society since 2000. Manuel Aybar is an

Accredited Judge of the American Orchid Society Judging program, and serves

currently as a Chair for the AOS Dallas Judging Center. His current research includes

the orchids of the Dominican Republic, for which he has gone in numerous orchid

collecting trips back to his home country. He has been extensively involved in the

judging of many shows around the US, including the Miami International Orchid Show

and most of the southwest region (SWROGA) shows (New Orleans OS, Baton Rouge

OS, Shreveport OS, Greater North Texas OS, Fort Worth OS, Oklahoma OS, and

Arkansas). He has also served as an international judge for Orchid Shows in Taiwan

(TOGA 2010,2011,2013,2015,2016), Peru, Costa Rica, Colombia, as well as the World

Orchid Conference in Miami (2008), Singapore (2011), South Africa (2014), Ecuador

(Judging Chair-2017) He is affiliated with the Southwest Regional Orchid Growers

Association (SWROGA), and within this association he belongs to the publications

committee and serves as the Webmaster for the organization’s web site. He has given

several Orchid Seminars and Potting classes at Smith and Hawkins, North Haven

Gardens, and other popular gardening stores. He offered a series of orchid workshopsfor Range Rover, US as a part of the Land Rover Destination Tour. He is a regular

lecturer for the local orchid societies and visiting speaker for societies around the

country.

PHOTO OF SPEAKER: