A  Colchicine is not widely used even today, and with the death of Don Wimber, PhD, several years ago, the orchid world lost its most experienced coichicine expert. First, a word of caution: Although colchicine is of plant origin, it is a known carcinogen and must be handled carefully. The paper given by Wimber at the 5th World Orchid Conference in Long Beach, California, and found in the Proceedings of that WOC, is still a detailed and usable experimental procedure. Wimber always stressed that experience of the technician was a key factor in determining whether a reasonably high level of conversion was achieved. Take care not to leave the colchicine in the liquid medium as just a few days too long and all you have left is a bottle of dead protocorms. —Andy Easton.