OrchidSafari ARCHIVES*

An orchid is blooming for the first time. It is a beauty but what is its name? Does it really matter if we know the correct name or not? If we are a hobbyist or a gift recipient simply content with the ownership of a lovely orchid then its name is not really all that important except when discussing the plant with others to obtain appropriate cultural information. Knowing what the orchid is, its type, genus and species or hybrid name will help when asking for advice.

Hybrids are challenging if not impossible to accurately identify beyond type and genus although it is likely that their parentage will be suggested by plant habit and flower structure. If the orchid is a common species then it is likely able to be identified by a knowledgeable member of an orchid society. Species uncommon in cultivation may require the assistance of a professional taxonomist. Deciding just how far to pursue the name is dependent upon what we want to do with the plant. It is particularly important to correctly identify plants being used in species breeding programs. It is essential that species presented for award judging have their identities verified. How do we proceed with the identification process?

PROVENANCE - Where did the plant come from? There was a time when orchids were mostly imported from the wild. The collector often provided information to the wholesale dealer so that one would know the provenance of the plants. This could aid in the identification process. In our conservation-minded era of trade in seed-raised plants, we can no longer rely on species orchids obtained from one country being necessarily species of that country.

Stores and garden centers mass market beautiful hybrid Phalaenopsis, Ascocendas and Dendrobiums which may or may not be named. The names may be fanciful and incomplete and are therefore unreliable for judging purposes. Sometimes the plants are simply labelled ‘orchid' which doesn't help at all. Such ‘no name' plants can certainly be enjoyed when in bloom, even shared with fellow hobbyists as a show and tell subject but cannot be judged for an award unless they are correctly identified. Only registered hybrid grexes can be used. Invented names have no place in the show or award system. Unless show rules specifically forbid it, unnamed specimens can usually be included in an exhibit for mass effect but cannot be entered for individual consideration.

LABELS - If there is a label and the plant was obtained from a reliable source, we can be reasonably certain that it is what the label states. Sometimes the label is inaccurate, partly or completely faded, or even a blank. Sometimes there are spelling errors which might be easily corrected by someone who knows the plant and what the correct spelling should be. If we know who the supplier was then even a numeric code can be used to identify the plant. Use the name or address supplied on the tag to contact the supplier. Be aware that some nurseries buy wholesale lots from other suppliers so the trail may run cold.

SPECIES OR HYBRID? - The vast majority of Ascocendas, Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Doritaenopsis, Oncidiums and Phalaenopsis available in mass market outlets are hybrids. We have no choice but to accept the name on the label. Mixed in with these often lovely hybrids can be Zygopetalums, Rhynchostylis, and Phaius, all species orchids that have either been seed-raised or mericloned. If the plant in question is labelled with a complete name then present it as such until someone knowledgeable suggests that an error has been made. The owner cannot be held responsible for incorrect commercial labelling beyond their expertise. Take a D. (Dtps.) Lady Jewel to a show and try to enter it as a D. Lady Jewel (Dendrobium) and someone will quickly point out that the D. abbreviation has been incorrectly interpreted. If the label gives the hybrid as Cym. (X x Y), e.g, Cym. (Venus x Doctor Baker), we can check either Sander's List of Orchid Hybrids or a database such as Wildcatt to see if the cross has been registered. If it has which in this case is Cym. Millenium Dawn (1997) we will not only have an updated name but also a shorter name to write on the label and entry form.

The FLOWER - It is primarily the flower and how it is presented which is used to determine the identity of a plant. Is the inflorescence terminal (borne from the top of a growth) or is it lateral (borne from or near to the base of a a growth). Are the inflorescences borne from nodes along the pseudobulb? How many flowers are there and how are they arranged? Are the flowers resupinate (with the lip lowermost) as in most orchid flowers or non-resupinate (with the lip uppermost) as in e.g. Encyclia and female Catasetum blooms?

The anthers (pollen-bearing stamens) are often key to the separation of genera. Lady's-slippers (Cypripedium, Paphiopedilum and allies) have two lateral stamens on either side of the column while all other orchids excepting Apostasia have one centrally located fertile stamen. Pollen is contained in two, four, six or eight masses which can be further used to identify a genus.

The grains of pollen are distinctive as are the seed coats when viewed with the aid of a microscope.

When presenting a flower for taxonomic identification try to provide a fresh flower or detailed photographs with dimensions of the flower, the infloresence including how it is borne on the plant. Flowers can also be preserved in alcohol or pressed. If you have questions, contact the intended recipient for instructions.

The PLANT - In terms of vegetative growth habit, orchids are divided according to whether they do or do not exhibit monopodial growth where the stem continues to elongate, adding more and more leaves over time. Orchids having sympodial growth produce one shoot after another, the shoots being joined by a prostrate stem or rhizome. Cattleyas and Dendrobiums are sympodial types whereas Phalaenopsis and Ascocenda exhibit monopodial growth.

ID RESOURCES - Usually an orchid can be readily categorized as being a member of a particular Alliance or being closely related to a particular genus based upon physical appearance. Experienced club members should be able to help us go even further in our quest for knowledge by suggesting library reference books. In the age of the internet, we are able to photograph and circulate a picture with a request for assistance. Responses should at least provide a starting point for further investigation.

BOOKS - No one book can be recommended as a starting point. Many species descriptions have been published with drawing in Lindleyana. Phylogeny and Classification of the Orchid Family - Robert L. Dressler provides technical information while a title such as The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Orchids edited by Alec Pridgeon provides lots of pictures for comparison. Illustrated orchid catalogues can also be helpful.

AWARDS QUARTERLY - A colorful publication of orchids awarded by the American Orchid Society, the AQ offers many illustrations for your reference. Once a year, a list of approved Taxonomic Authorities is published to assist recipients of the Certificate of Botanical Recognition (CBR) and of the Certificate of Horticultural Merit (CHM) in having their plant identities verified. The most recent listing was published in June 1999, Vol. 30:2.

Once we know what the orchid is, what should we do?

Label it and preserve the records!

Prepare a label using non-fading ink. Print the name exactly as it appears with the identification. Minimize abbreviations to those commonly accepted such as C. (Cattleya), Bc. (Brassocattleya) and Den. (Dendrobium). Keep all correspondence surrounding the identification process. Be sure to label all divisions whether they be gifts or sale plants and to provide accurate information whenever using the plant as a seed or pollen donor.