My new purchase this a.m., what is it? - Orchid Board

Queenslander · #1 11-13-2010, 09:35 PM

Hi, the label said P. Cassandra Alba Strain. The leaves look like a Phal. and are mottled. The tiny white flowers, are baby pink tinge, 1inch. Has tiny little purple spots around centre on the 3 bottom petals. Can any member tell me what the P. stands for.

My new purchase this a.m., what is it?-img_1303-1-jpg

My new purchase this a.m., what is it?-img_1307-1-jpg

My new purchase this a.m., what is it?-img_1302-1-jpg

Apologise for the camera study, not v.good I'm afraid.

mspatt · #2 11-13-2010, 09:43 PM

Cute little guy...I'd have picked it up,too. "P" stands for phalaenopsis.Enjoy!!

Call_Me_Bob · #3 11-13-2010, 10:02 PM

"alba strand" could stand for var. alba. because it does look like a var alba

ronaldhanko · #4 11-13-2010, 10:23 PM

Phalaenopsis Cassandra (alba=white variety)

Queenslander · #5 11-14-2010, 06:33 PM

Thank you Ron for the explanation, so is this a minature Phally.? The speckled leaves, never seen this before.

ronaldhanko · #6 11-14-2010, 07:22 PM

It is a miniature with small but charming flowers and the speckled leaves - not all have them - come from one of its parents, Phal stuartiana.

Queenslander · #7 11-15-2010, 12:39 AM

Thank you again Ron.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #8 11-15-2010, 02:58 AM

Note: While, the "P" does stand for Phalaenopsis in this case...

The actual abbreviation for Phalaenopsis is Phal.

So it should've read Phal Cassandra var. alba.

Just remember that albino is a derivative of the word alba and var. is short for variant.

Phal schilleriana, Phal stuartiana, Phal philippinensis, and Phal celebensis all have mottled leaves.

Queenslander · #9 11-15-2010, 03:23 AM

Thank you so much Philip for your information on this variety. I have noted it all in my "Orchid ID Book". It is wonderful how you people are so helpful to us beginners. We all appreciate this.