ENCINITAS — Orchid enthusiast Ron Kaufman will speak to the San Diego County Cymbidium Society Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Ecke Building at the San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive in Encinitas. Kaufman’s talk, “Life on the Rocks: The World of Rupicolous Orchids,” will explore the habits and habitats of orchids that grow on rocks, emphasizing Brazilian sites. Kaufman has traveled extensively to view orchids in the wild in South America, and has a large collection in a greenhouse at home and in his yard, according to a society announcement. He is a professor and the director of the Marine Science Graduate Program at the University of San Diego. His scientific work includes studies in Antarctic and deep-sea ecosystems as well as marine communities in coastal Southern California. An orchid culture class will take place before the talk at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is free and the public is invited. More information: 619-520-1366 or whartongc@aol.com.

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