Classification - Orchid Board

Ian61 · #1 10-15-2007, 05:51 PM

I posted earlier about an orchid called Beallara Marfitch 'Howards Dream' which I purchased the other day.
I was trying to gain as much information and understanding about this particular orchid by trying to find what "classification" it was under (thinking that it must fall under a larger category).
What I have found is that Beallara is the genus for this orchid.
Apparently, it is a "class 078" and the "Formula is: Brs X Cda X Milt X Odm.

I was wondering if someone would care to translate this for me, so I can better understand the classification.

Ian

justatypn · #2 10-15-2007, 05:58 PM

Brs X Cda X Milt X Odm

Brs is the genus name for Brassia
Cda is the genus name for Cochlioda
MIlt is the genus name for Miltonia
Odm is the genus name for Odontoglossum

quiltergal · #3 10-15-2007, 06:20 PM

Ian, it's called an intergeneric hybrid composed of the four genus Cheryl listed above. All four of those are within the Oncidium alliance, so Beallara is also in the Oncidium alliance.

justatypn · #4 10-15-2007, 06:25 PM

Thanks for finishing the formula Terri left that part out...senior moment

quiltergal · #5 10-15-2007, 06:38 PM

That's OK, I called them species instead of genus!

Ian61 · #6 10-15-2007, 08:51 PM

Thank you both for the clarification. I now understand the origins and your information is much appreciated.

Ian

cneos · #7 10-15-2007, 09:01 PM

Classification 078 happens to be the category into which Beallara fits in many orchid show judging lists -- you wouldn't entering plants in the upcoming Massachusetts Orchid Society Show, would you?

Several societies in New England have adopted the same judging catergories ... Classification 078 happens to be the one that we all use for Beallara.

Ian61 · #8 10-15-2007, 09:28 PM

Hi cneos,

I'm just a novice when it comes to Orchids, but as I mentioned in my other post about Beallara's, I have been researching information about this plant.
I found the "class number" along with their "formula codes" at the following website:An Orchid Handbook

You can find the information part way down the page under the heading "Orchid Genera Names "

The above website was also a wealth of information.

Ian

cneos · #9 10-15-2007, 09:57 PM

Indeed, "The Orchid Handbook" has a wealth of info,
but the Orchid Genera Names section where you got the class info refers to judging categories ...

... "Below is a list of names for cultivated orchid genera followed by their abbreviated names, this list is not complete but represents most of the exhibited genera. The first column is the judging class as defined by the Mid-America Classification adopted onApril 11, 2000. The letter ‘H’ indicates the judging class(es) for hybrids of that genus. The last column indicates whether the genus is a naturally occurring genus or which genera were crossed to produced it." for example ...

078 Beallara Bllra Brs x Cda x Milt x Odm
053 Beardara Bdra Asctm x Dor x Phal

The Mid-America Judging Center, affiliated with the Michiana Orchid Society, developed the judging class list that is the prototype of the program that we use in New England.

078 is probably the category used by many shows as the place to enter you Beallara for ribbon judging; but the part of "An Orchid Handbook" that you need to grow your Beallara to perfection is its culture tips for growing plants in the Oncidium Alliance.

Hope you'll post a photo of your plant ... Bllra. Marfitch 'Howard's Dream' is always stunning!

Happy growing!

Ian61 · #10 10-15-2007, 10:19 PM

Thanks for the info, cneos. I do not have a digital camera, but I will take a photo with my SLR camera and try to post it later. The Beallara caught my eye and as a "newly bitten" orchid enthusiast, I had to have it for my study. I know now why folks here can't resist orchids.

Happy Growing to you too!

Ian