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Question about dendrobium naming

Discussion in 'Issues, Disease and Pests' started by STJ, Nov 8, 2021.

  1. Nov 8, 2021 #1
    STJ

    STJ New Member

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    Hi, I am new to dendrobium. I have seen so many different name for same type of dendrobium. Anyone can help briefly explain what is the difference among all these names?

    eg:
    1. dendrobium cuthbertsonii;
    2. dendrobium cuthbertsonii 'red', 'orange','pink','purple';
    3. dendrobium cuthbertsonii 'Giant' on so many post;
     
  2. Nov 9, 2021 #2
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    All three are the same species, Dendrobium cuthbertsonii. As such, the genus is capitalized and the specific name is not.

    Dendrobium cuthbertsonii 'Giant' is a cultivar (cultivated variety, as opposed to a natural variety) of the species. A grower noted something unique about that particular plants, so assigned it that 'Giant' epithet, documented in single quotes. Any division or clone of that plant would also carry that tag.

    It is certainly possible that the color designations can be cultivar epithets, but my guess is that they are just notations of the flower color and are written incorrectly. Putting them in brackets is probably a better idea.
     
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