Raoul + orchids

‘What is so special is that intimate relationship between plant and insect’ There are metres of books about orchids on the bookshelf. An attic room has been turned into a greenhouse. Many trips abroad are dedicated to hunting for orchids. Raoul Bino is crazy about orchids, particularly those of the Ophrys genus. ‘Because of their pollination system. The flowers of the Ophrys resemble insects. This makes for an almost personal relationship between flower and bee.’ He’s off orchid-hunting again in April: this time on Rhodes.