Orchid Nomenclature

[Pete]

Hi All -

I've studied-up on the nomenclature that is used for orchids and I do believe that I finally am starting to understand it. Not an easy thing to grasp for a newbie, I must say.

Perhaps a forum member could advise if my interpretation of the following name is correct: Phal. Baldan's Kaleidescope "Golden Treasure" AM/AOS (Hausmann's Candy x Daryl Lockhart)

Phalaenopsis is the genus and Baldan's Kaleidescope is the hybrid (Hausmann's Candy x Daryl Lockhart). "Golden Treasure" refers to a particular plant or cultivar of the hybrid that received an Award of Merit from the American Orchid Society. Whew, how did I do?

Since I recently purchased an in/bloom plant bearing the nomenclature referred to above, I assume that what I bought is a "clone" of the awarded cultivar plant "Golden Treasure." Is this also correct?

[slipperfreak]

You did great! If I were to nitpick, the only problem is that cultivar names are in 'single quotes', not "double quotes".

Yes, your plant is more than likely a mericlone of that cultivar, since Phals can't be divided.

[Pete]

Regarding the cultivar or name provided within the single quotes ' ', is it a registered name or anyone can propagate a hybrid (via mericlones, for example), select a choice plant(clone) and give it a cultivar name?

[PaphMadMan]

Originally Posted by Pete

Regarding the cultivar or name provided within the single quotes ' ', is it a registered name or anyone can propagate a hybrid (via mericlones, for example), select a choice plant(clone) and give it a cultivar name?

Anyone can give a cultivar name to any plant they want to, as long as it does not already have one. It does not have to be propagated or awarded or even choice to qualify, but any plant that is awarded must get one, and any orchid plant that is vegetatively propagated should.