"Nature Guide Journal"

3 May 2001

Science is a process; one that is engaged by humans. And, humans make mistakes.

The recent column on orchids elicited an e-mail bringing to light an error I had made and, eventually, led to a classic reference with a mass of information new to me.

My error was on the origin of the word, "orchid." The word is derived from the Greek word for testicle, but refers to the shape of the roots of an Eurasian member of the family, Orchis sp.

Dale Borders, an avid orchid fancier in Bandon, also pointed out a misleading statement about orchid distribution in his e-mail. Orchids are found world-wide, except in very arid deserts and polar regions–if you define "polar regions" as those areas permanently frozen. The reference Dale recommended, The Native Orchids of the United States and Canada by Carlyle Luer, states that "at least 13 species occur north of the Arctic Circle." (1975, pg.11) According to Luer, there are more orchid species native to the Arctic Circle than are native to Hawaii–which has only three native orchids!

As for distribution, Luer noted that many northern orchids are circumpolar, i.e., found around the top of the northern hemisphere, in Eurasia as well as North America. In fact, Luer reported that "our" heart-leaved twayblade (Listera cordata) is one of the most widely distributed species of orchid; we see it near the southern end of its American range.

Luer's hefty volume offers a rich body of information about orchids, orchids in general as well as details about North American species. Such references can greatly enhance learning about nature, as the bit about the distribution of the hearth-leaved twayblade helps put this charming plant in a larger geographic perspective.

The best way to learn about nature is to observe it directly. However, while personal observation will certainly give us the most intimate connection to nature, such observation is limited by our location and abilities, as well as our biases and perspective.

Field guides and keys, text books, journals, monographs, and other references, as well as experts and other observers of nature, are all part of one's arsenal to figure it out. One of the greatest–and most pleasurable–challenges for a student of nature is to locate (and acquire!) an accurate, well-balanced library that suits the student's region, interests, and tastes.

New information, and new interpretations of old information, means such tools generally don't age well and usually need revising in time–perhaps even replacing. While there are classics well worth using and owning, new documents are always becoming available with updated data and fresh interpretations.

Central to the process of science is discovering new information that corrects or updates–and sometimes completely alters–our understanding of the world. Gathering valid new information, embracing updated theories, and correcting errors are all key elements of the process.

Thanks, Dale, for helping me along this ever-challenging course!

Wavecrest Discoveries can craft your personal discovery of this delightful part of our world by customizing one of our distinctive guided excursions.   Our walks, tours, and special activities are wonderful ways to explore this fascinating region—and are the perfect entertainment for guests.