Topp honour for collector

Kew takes on his exceptional orchid collection

Apassionate collector of orchids has received the highest honour by having his collection adopted by Kew gardens. Research bacteriologist Michael McIllmurray spent 24 years building up his 400-strong collection of Maxillaria orchids, which was accepted as a Plant Heritage (PH) National Plant Collection in 2002.

The orchids, which mostly come from South and Central America, have small flowers, some of which are fragrant, Maxillaria tenuifolia smelling strongly of coconut. The collection in Michael’s greenhouse spanned more than 350 species and hybrids. It was so well-administrated that PH awarded it Scientific Collection status in 2014.

Michael was given the charity’s prestigious Brickell award for his work by plant explorer and botanist Dr Jamie Compton at the show.

Health problems meant Michael could no longer look after his plants, and so Kew, which knew the collection, stepped in to adopt it for the future, also naming a variety after him.

“It has given me peace of mind. It’s also good to know my work is not being wasted,” said Michael.

Expert gathering (from right) Kew orchid specialist Bala Kompalli, Michael McIllmurray, Dr Jamie Compton and Roy Lancaster Maxillaria vulcanica grows on an Ecuadorian volcano Maxillaria striata grows in the wet forests of Peru Maxillaria grandiflora...