Phal inflorescence

[Shadow]

I think the spike and inforescence mean the same thing. The old spikes on novelty phals don't die, next season they start branching and moreover - they continue to grow from the top. In other words, their spikes are not terminal, they become longer every season. And these phals initiate new spikes together with growing the old ones.

[Helen]

Thanks Fren...Looks like I still have a ton to learn about Phals...I see now why people concentrate on certain orchids in their collection and thus become experts in that genus.

[smartie2000]

If I was righting a scientific paper I would use the word inflorescent rather than spike. Not all inflorescents are refered to as spikes for plants

[Shadow]

Originally Posted by smartie2000

If I was righting a scientific paper I would use the word inflorescent rather than spike. Not all inflorescents are refered to as spikes for plants

Thanks for the info. I will use the term inflorescence from now on, though it is much longer....

[smartie2000]

omg lol I spelled both writing and inflorescence wrong lol I worked too hard last night

[smartie2000]

Orchids actually have raceme inflorescences because they have pedicles (short flower stalks that attach to the ovaries). Spikes are similar but they don't have pedicles