The Wonderful World of Schomburgkias, Myrmecophilas, and their Hybrids
Paul Storm and his wife, Mary, are the owners of Meke Aloha Orchids. Following a move to Sarasota, Florida, Paul purchased a division of schomburgkia tibicinis at an orchid sale. That was the beginning of an obsession for schoms and their hybrids –– the world of ‘schombo-love’!
They now own the largest and most diverse collection of this group of orchids and their hybrids in the world. They have traveled extensively seeking the finest examples of schom species and hybrids and eventually started to make their own hybrids. Paul’s ‘schom-hero’, Dr. Carl Withner, donated his personal schom collection to the Storms. Some outstanding nurseries and hybridizers have named schom hybrids after Paul in honor of his schom mission.
The Storms’ love of people and orchids (and their mission of ‘schomboconversion’) have brought them invitations to many societies around the country and Central America.
The recent changes in schomburgkia/ myrmecophila taxonomy have necessitated a major revision in their program. Aided by the Sr. registrar at RHS, Julian Shaw, and by Dr. German Carnevali in Mexico City, their schom program includes all the latest information.
Paul has been a featured presenter at the Mid-America Orchid Congress in Ohio and at the annual species symposium at Fairchild Gardens near Miami, where he lectured to many judges on the identification of his favorite group.
The Storms look forward to sharing their passion for schomburgkias and myrmecophila.