ABSTRACT
The convention is designed to stop the depredations of collectors; however, in most African countries, and presumably also in other parts of the world, collecting plays a very small part in the disappearance of species in the wild, by far the most important factor is habitat destruction. The orchids may be grown in a mixture of chopped bark and charcoal, or mounted on bark or Xerophyta. It goes without saying that living plants of Xerophyta should not be cut for this purpose but it is often possible to find discarded pieces. Failing that, sections of pine branch seem to be satisfactory. Branches of other trees could, of course, be used, but those of some kinds, such as species of Brachystegia, crumble and fall to pieces surprisingly quickly.
