What does this Dendrobium spectabile tag mean?

[PlumCrazy]

I bought this at Lowe's on my trip to Florida. It's one of the Better Grow baggie babies. It looks like it's in pretty good shape and has some new growths - although I couldn't see that or the official tag through the netting they put on those. Anyway, I would appreciate it if someone could let me know the technical details behind the 'short 2N' x '4N shorter'. Thanks!


(No, it does not fit in, nor is it suited for, my orchidarium, but I managed to squeeze it onto the Phal shelf in my office, so that's not *really* putting more orchids around the house... I was on vacation!!!!)

[estación seca]

One parent was in a group the grower considered short for the species. It has the normal chromosome number, which is denoted 2N.

The other parent was in a group the grower considered even shorter. It has twice the normal chromosome number, 4N.

Offspring of 2N x 4N usually have three sets of chromosomes, 3N, and are usually sterile.

[PlumCrazy]

Thank you for explaining. Fascinating, about the chromosomes really. I'll definitely be reading up on that when I have some time.

I remember liking spectible pictures when I saw this at Lowe's, and when I looked them up today saw some huge plants, so was very happy to see the short and shorter on the inside tag.