You guys are too much! There are so many growers of Sundews, how could you think that any one should wear the "Crown"? I just got a growlist from a German grower recently who grows most of the species in the genus: not a specialist growing a smattering of South American or Australian tuberous species, not someone who just grows a handful well, but the whole flipping catalog of them! I have so little experience with so many species, there is no way Tamlin could ever be a contender. Remember: it is a big world out there, and this is just a small local forum. I had never even heard of this grower: obviously, he does not need to associate with mere mortals, and has nothing to prove by showing off his extensive list to others less endowed with the sticky beauties. If sheer numbers grants Kingship, he hath pulled the Sword from the Stone!
Then, there is the question of knowledge. In this regard, Robert Gibson gets my vote for King. The information he has internalized, and his profound field experience, and his contributions of published material are unmatched. He is my own Hero, but King........
If generosity grants Kingship, then there are so many of the Nobility that they will have difficulty finding adequate subjects to rule! Look at the acknowledgements list on my website: each of the people mentioned there went out of their way to provide information, plants and kindness to a total stranger in another part of the world, without thought or care for recompense.
Nor do I have a wish to be a King! I simply love the genus, and try my best to learn how to best care for them. In the process of doing this, I have acquired some skills which I hope to pass on to others, that's it. Sure, I am proud of my collection of plants: but I am even more proud of the community that I am part of that has demonstrated such willing generosity in providing the opportunity for me to grow them. It is through this kindness from so many that I am able to learn. One of the greatest lessons taught to me has been the value of generosity: it is this that has brought to me the friends I have, not to mention all the plants that followed from learning this simple lesson: as you give, so shall you receive.
With success comes more plants to share...and this is the central point. Without the sharing of the joy and wonder there is little value in any Kingship or Mastery, is there? A King rules, and a Master teaches, but it is all for others - or it is all for nothing. Each positive or negative experience helps create such Mastery, and with enough chances to experiment with new methods each of us has the potential to learn, and more importantly, to teach others the art of growing these plants. The process can then spread exponentially, and this is the core of my desire and hope. It is why I try so hard to share what I have with everyone that has heart for them.
Reserving plants to distribute to only those who have great skills already in place will never foster this process, nor will purchasing the rare and expensive plants as "status" symbols, without first learning what is needed to successfully cultivate them. Greed and envy won't do it, that's for certain. Only by sharing, and by mutual exchanges will there be granted the chance for skilled growers to proliferate. Sure, to kill a rare species through ignorance is unfortunate - but worse by far is never to afford the chance for others to learn these skills by seeking to maintain an exclusive collection of plants that no one else has. This is not Kingship either.
Others have disagreed with this stance, saying that people do not appreciate what is given without cost. Such cases are the exception, and not the rule, by my experience (and I have plenty). Such unappreciative people will never become Masters, and they are not of import. They will indulge in the hobby until they lose interest, and move on. The others will learn from their mistakes, and from other teachers, and will eventually master the species, *if* they are given the chance. What they then do will determine their "nobility": either they will rest on their laurels, or they will seek to recreate their success in as many places as possible, by donation of information and material for others to practise with. Scatter your wealth of plants, seed, and knowledge until the rarest plants are as common as D. capensis! If it costs you a little $$$ to do this, take it on the cuff, after all what is money good for if not for the potential good it can do? Please let our mutual love rule this one thing, just this much. For once, let money take a back seat.
Lol, if I am "King", then this is my Royal Decree for the New Year that is upon us: let's make this the best year ever for increasing the presence of these fantastic plants amongst ourselves! Open your hearts and collections. Spread the wealth!
Let it Grow, and let it Go - for free, and remember: this is not a competition, but an excercise in what can be the most noble of human characteristics.
Just my 2 cents worth!