Diana,

Two things: Books, Experts.

I've spent the last month IDing orchids from books!

I took the A to Z of SE Asian Orchid species with me - that got me
several IDs. I bought Orchids of Borneo Vol 4 in Kinabalu - that got me
several more IDs, and then when I returned home I consulted Volumes 1
through 3 of Orchids of Borneo, getting yet more IDs. I also bought The
Genus Coelogyne: A Synopsis in Kota Kinabalu, and The Orchids of
Sarawak. Both helped with yet more IDs.

Finally, I've had stellar help from many experts. Jim Cootes, Peter
O'Byrne, Ng Tensung, Elisabeth George, Timothy Choltco, and I am sure I
missed a few people, have all provided IDs from my unidentified photos.

-Eric in SF
www.orchidphotos.org

Diana Kulaga wrote:
How, pray tell, can you identify so many relatively obscure species? Do you
take with you some type of reference? I find your knowledge incredible.

Diana, with thanks to all who post these wonderful plants.