Registration of Hybrids....who is right in this conversation and what would you do?

[peeweelovesbooks]

So,

My brilliant fellow orchid growers. I recently had this exchange with a vendor. Please tell me who is right, and who is wrong, and what would you do in this situation. Would you buy the plant?


Here is the conversation I had, via e-mail, verbatim:

QUESTION:

Dear ______,

Hi, do you have a picture of the actual division you are selling? Also, is this cross registered? What is the full parentage of the plant? thanks.

VENDOR'S ANSWER:

It's not a registered cross as registration is reserved for cultivars. The parents are _________ and __________. I only have a division photo if I've already got one. In this case, the division will be taken at the end of the auction if there is a winning bid. Thanks for asking.



QUESTION #2:

Hi,

I admit I'm a little bit confused by your response. What do you mean when you say that registrations are reserved for cultivars only? My understanding was that if you created a cross, one could register it with the RHS. Also, it was my impression that plants could not be shown unless they were registered.


It's a gorgeous plant, and it looks super healthy, and I'm highly tempted to press the button, so to speak, but I hesitate to purchase because I as a rule only purchase named plants that can be shown at some point.


I appreciate your prompt response.


Thank you and look forward to hearing from you.




So that was the exchange. It's a beautiful plant. Am I totally off base here? If so, I would really appreciate anyone telling me why I am wrong. What would you do?