That must be a strange feeling.
I found out that my good friend Dr Alastair Robinson, well known Nepenthes expert, just got a Paphiopedilum named after him a few months ago. But Alastair would not tell me directly. I had to ask for the taxonomic paper. Why is so? Most people would have gloated and would have carried the paper wherever they go. Their Facebook wall and Twitter account would have been submerged by pride and petty satisfaction. But my friend felt none of this: he was... embarrassed. False modesty? I don't think so.
But first things first.
Let me introduce you shortly to this new gem from Sulawesi before I give you a few more behind the scene informations.
Here are:
-the references of the paper;
Cavestro W. Paphiopedilum robinsonianum sp.nov. Rhône-Alpes Orchidées 52 : 10-15 (2014).
Paper published by extract on 2nd September2013 for the journal Rhône-Alpes Orchidées (ISSN 11 57 6316).
-the English abstract (but the rest of the paper is in French):
A new species of Paphiopedilum from Sulawesi is described. This species belongs to the subgenus Paphiopedilum Karas. & Saito and the section Barbata (Kraenzlin) V.A. Albert & Börge Pett. The plant and the flower have some morphological affinities with P. javanicum but the dorsal sepal is white with esmerald-green center, the margins of the petals are twisted and heavily ciliated (margins entire for P. javanicum), the staminode is transversely elliptic (reniform for P. javanicum).
-And few photographs of this stunning orchid:
(C) Alastair Robinson & Mike Howlett
(C) Alastair Robinson & Mike Howlett
(C) Alastair Robinson & Mike Howlett
The 'discovery'
Paphiopedilum robinsonianum was recognized as a potential new species during a Redfern Natural History Expedition. Seriously. It was during the course of one of these eco-tours operated by the well known carnivorous plants writer and expert Stewart McPherson that this orchid was first thoroughly documented. Last year, a small team of enthusiasts travelled to Sulawesi guided by field botanist and Nepenthes expert Alastair Robinson, who planned and organised their itinirary around the island. His itinerary included a climb of Mount Lumut from the west, something that has not been done before, and which is what led to this new orchid find. Alastair, of course, is well known, among other feats, for having co-discovered the epic Nepenthes attenboroughii, arguably one of the most stunning pitcher plant discovered these last years (and one whose name is one of the most difficult to pronounce for us French speaking frogs ;-)
During their journey in Sulawesi, the small team witnessed the beauties of Nepenthes species such as N. pitopangii, N. glabrata, N. tentaculata, N. nigra, N. hamata, N. eymae or the highly polymorphic N. maxima. They also photographed an unidentified Paphiopedilum.
Shortly after, a few photographs leaked and Nicolas Bougourd, a French nurseryman specialized in orchids contacted a French orchid taxonomist, William Cavestro. Alastair's help was inevitably requested and of course he did everything he can to help documenting this taxon. This is why, despite his strong reluctance, Cavestro named this Paphiopedilum after Robinson, supported in doing so by N. Bougourd.
Why did Alastair felt so uncomfortable with this? Why did people like me and many of his friends barely heard about this? And in most cases, not even from him?
Naming a plant (or an animal) after someone is common practice: think Nepenthes rafflesiana, Nepenthes (x) hookeriana, Nepenthes lowii, Heliamphora tatei, Heliamphora huberi, Drosera slackii, Pinguicula kondoi, Utricularia petertaylori or Sarracenia x moorei. There are so many examples. On top of that, there is a kind of tradition to name a Paphiopedium after a person, usually its discoveror.
Actually, the fact is that the discovery was collegial. Alastair was not the only one who 'found' this orchid. He was accompanied during this expedition. Moreover, the plant had been sighted a couple of years back by Ch'ien Lee himself, another Nepenthes taxonomist (does one need to be a Nepenthes expert to find a new Paphiopedilum species?) as this picture tells from Ch'ien Lee well known WildBorneo website:
http://www.wildborneo.com.my/
So yes, Alastair was not the first and only man to 'discover' this new species. No doubt about that.
But as a matter of fact, all people from that Redfern expedition and Ch'ien Lee have been cited and acknowledged in Cavestro paper. And do I need to mention the hundreds of 'local people' who surely saw this slipper orchid before? A thought that always diminish the importance of all so-called 'discoveries' ('New? Naaah...' New to science, yes').
But one thing is sure, Alastair was the one who documented the plant, the one who contributed to bring it to light to the attention of the Orchid community of specialists. So even if I understand Alastair reluctance, even if I can tell how awkward it must feel, I certainly do not support his feeling. He's lucky to be honoured that way and he should enjoy it or at least not be embarrassed by it.
Spending so much time in the field requires a level of dedication and passion than few can imagine here (yes, you grumpy reader!) and the rewards are few and often futile. Money? You don't really make a living with that kind of travels. Fame? C'mon, these are just plants! Groupies? Think twice! CP and orchids fans are just lunatics! ;-)
Incidently, I was quite amused when Alastair told me how he felt because I have had this conversation once before with another friend of mine: Jeremy Holden, whose name was chosen by me for a new tropical pitcher plant: Nepenthes holdenii.
Jeremy first completely disagreed with my choice. He eventually wrote a paper about this on the Fauna and Flora International website (you all should read this):
'What's in a name- the perils of naming a new species by Jeremy Holden':
http://www.fauna-flora.org/whats-in-a-name-the-perils-of-naming-new-species/
Eventually, Jeremy embrassed my decision. Some matters (of private nature - I can't share everything here) followed that make me think, even today, that naming this Nepenthes after Jeremy was the smartest move I could have ever made. And we got both our names stuck together for eternity, ha! ha! (Nepenthes holdenii Mey. Geil!!).
So Alastair, yes it is futile, yes it might sound selfish but still, it is beautiful,
it is fitting and it is essential.
Am I talking about you and 'your' slipper orchid? Nope, I am just defining botany
and all Natural Sciences ;-)
A la tienne, mon ami! ;-)
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