Here's a picture of the subject in flower. Maybe.

Nice long skinny stem with flowers on it Dolly! :biggrin:

Sorry… just because I can.

Not quit, I found an underexposed picture I took of it at the last blooming.

I don't have a problem with "scape" but I usually use the term "inflorescence" or "spike"

I know the spike that grows from the center of a garlic plant that has the flowering head on top is called a scape. And they make an amazing pesto with some basil and parmesan cheese.

WW said it well: "Someone in the overall floral world wouldn't have a doubt about the meaning. Call it a stalk, a stem, a spike, a scape, a long thing with flower buds... it's casual language."

When I take someone to my flower bed to show them a plant that's blooming I don't say inflorescence, scape, spike, raceme, I say "oh man I have to show you what's blooming today!"

This is part of the reason I have stayed away from the OB. I feel like many times we lose the fun and the wonder of what we're doing in favor of splitting hairs and correcting people. I stuck my toe in the water with this post and I'm beginning to wonder if it was a wise choice.

I, for one, don't give a rodent's behind what you call most 9f the things associated with orchids, unless the discussion is very detailed about a certain aspect of a plant/flower/growth pattern, etc. I DO, however, enjoy reading your posts and comments. That should be enough incentive for you to stay. Yes, sometimes people get caught up in the details, but such is the fate of academia! (JK)
Don't go, Dolly.

It depends what you call fun. I'm a scientist by training, and I was taught to be precise in my use of vocabulary. I'm also very curious about things, and when I read about a spike being called scape, my first reaction was "that's interesting I didn't know that : I want to research the question further". My goal wasn't to correct you, or anyone, but just share some info I came across. Pursuit of knowledge is something fun for me and it is the main part of my day job to be constantly asking questions, learning the WWWWW of things, and I'm sorry if it ruffles feathers here. So I'll try to keep the science-y attitude at work, and stick admining and posting pretty photos over here. :)

I enjoy your sciene-y comments. And I did some research about scapes, and it appears that botanically, a scape arises from the base of the plant, from the rhizome or certain root structures, or from the base of bulbs, so I guess a Cymbidium flower spike might be considered a scape, and maybe Oncidium spikes, but most other orchid flower spikes would be not. But I don't really care. Call it whatever you want.

You are quite right, JScott. I am capable of using Google. My point was that this was a simple post about a Dendrobium. At 5:00 a.m. CST I used a wrong word. No one died, no foreign powers withdrew their ambassadors. Now we have three pages of correction that has nothing to do with the OP. It is not just this post, it is that I gave been corrected over and over again (,usually by one party) and this is no longer fun.

Camille, I understand your need to be precise. If was at work, I would also be precise and guard my tone and words. But, I am trying to have an innocent, fun, post with friends I like and respect and swoosh... Spike, scape, call it George, I don't care.

I haven't read or posted for months and the first time I come back this happens. Now hear this friends: I am not, cannot, be the only one who feels like this. Take others feelings until consideration before you post. This isn't just my thin skin. Good night.

I wasn't correcting anybody, I was just sharing the information I found. I apologize if I offended your particular sensibilities.