Belize Orchids

 Bruce Holst

Born in California, Bruce Holst is an internationally known botanist and explorer who has worked extensively with many of the greats in botany to codify orchids, bromeliads, hoyas and other epiphytes. His specialty is exploring and investigating the ecology of various areas to see how they affect the evolution of local species.

He studied Plant Sciences at the University of California before joining the Peace Corps where he was stationed in Honduras for several years. He taught his favorite subjects to agriculture extension agents and undertook a broad survey of all native plants in the region. He was recruited by the Missouri Botanical Garden, where he worked on the Flora of the Venezuelan Guyana for twenty years.

As head of the Botany Dept. at Marie Selby Gardens, he has a lot of technology at his disposal, a lot of experience in the field and has brought many of these finds back to Sarasota. He’s led and participated in a number of expeditions to Belize, Bolivia, Peru and Venezuela and has been involved in extensive botanical inventories of Sarasota County. When you read about intrepid explorers that go into inaccessible places, find new orchids and get to name them, this is that person!  With his great personality, wonderful pictures and so much new information, this will be a very informative and educational presentation! He loves to share his adventures with others and welcomes questions from his audience.

One of our local vendors will have a great selection of orchids for sale.

Venice Community Center.  Doors open at 6:30, Meeting starts at 7:00