2026 Convention – Speakers
Chicagoland Celebrates 75 Years of The Gesneriad Society
June 28 to July 4, 2026
Convention Speakers
Wen Fang – “Embark on a Journey Through Time: The Past, Present, and Future of the Genus Primulina”
Join us for a captivating exploration into the enchanting world of Primulina, a remarkable genus of gesneriads that thrives amidst the striking limestone karsts of southern China and northern Vietnam. This talk will unveil the stunning diversity of Primulina, delving into its unique ecological roles and the critical conservation efforts dedicated to safeguarding these natural treasures. Prepare to be mesmerized by the latest findings, including the exhilarating discovery of new species, as he shares exciting tales from his recent field expeditions. Together, we will navigate the intricate landscape of species conservation, the art of cultivation, and the evolving field of taxonomy. Discover how our past influences the present, and how our actions today will pave the way for the future of Primulina. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in the wonders of biodiversity and the urgent importance of conservation in a rapidly changing world.
Panel Discussion – “Growing Primulinas” with Linda Hall, Jim Vlasic, Vicki Ferguson, Josh Higgins
As a companion session to the presentation by Wen Fang that will focus on the genus Primulina in the wild, we are going to enjoy a panel discussion on growing these wonderful plants. The panelists are all expert growers, much awarded and with a great many years of collective experience. Each will briefly present on their conditions and growing strategies, leaving plenty of time for discussion, questions and answers.
Fu Jia Xin – “Petrocosmea: Hidden Treasures of China’s Karst Landscapes”
Enjoy an exhilarating journey into the enchanting world of Petrocosmea, a captivating genus that thrives in the breathtaking limestone karst regions of China. In his talk, Fu will unveil the stunning diversity and ecological significance of these remarkable plants. He will share thrilling discoveries from recent field expeditions, including newly identified species that add to the allure of this genus. Fu will also delve into the habitats these unique species call home, the challenges they face, and the critical conservation efforts underway to protect them. Discover how researchers are working tirelessly to cultivate and study these hidden treasures, ensuring their survival for generations to come.
Beverley Williams – “Petrocosmea – The Must Have Plant”
Beverley grows many varieties of species, miniatures, and semi-miniature African violets, primulinas, kohlerias, petrocosmeas, and countless other gesneriads. She especially became interested in growing petrocosmeas and says that the public finds them extremely interesting and can’t believe that they are real. In 2017 Beverley produced the webinar on Petrocosmeas for The Gesneriad Society. She is a Gesneriad Society Master Judge and in 2024 was awarded a Gesneriad Society Award of Appreciation.
John L. Clark – “Neotropical Gesneriaceae: Three Decades of Discovery and Change
Drawing on more than thirty years of exploration across the tropical Americas, John will share discoveries of new and rediscovered species and illustrate how fieldwork and laboratory research are transforming our understanding of plant diversity. He is a botanist specializing in the floristics and systematics of Neotropical Gesneriaceae and is currently a Research Botanist at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida. Over the past three decades, John has conducted extensive fieldwork throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean, describing more than one hundred new species and several new genera. His ongoing work integrates field work, herbarium research, molecular systematics, and horticultural collaboration to promote the diversity and evolutionary history of tropical plants, with a focus on Neotropical Gesneriaceae.
GHA Guest Speaker Martin Steel-Brown (New Zealand)
As someone who runs a landscape design business, being creative comes naturally, and hybridizing allows Martin to express creativity in a scientific way. Despite a self-proclaimed lack of patience, his plants have taught him that the wait is worth it, and he is now officially “hooked.” Living in New Zealand presents the unique challenge of a limited genetic pool and strict importation rules, meaning many of the world’s newest hybrids remain out of reach. Rather than being discouraged, Martin has embraced the challenge of starting from scratch to create his own. While his primary focus is Sinningia, he has recently expanded into Seemannia, accepting that his “hybridizing bug” will only continue to grow. His current goals include developing compact Sinningia speciosa hybrids with strong floral stems, unique mini and micro sinningias, and mid-sized plants with peloric upright flowers—all while striving to introduce the elusive yellow gene into as many hybrids as possible.