Phragmipedium ecuadorense vendor?
 

Hi,

I'm looking for a Phragmipedium ecuadorense. Can anyone tell me where I might be able to find one?

Thank you

Phrag ecuadorense is a synonym. Look for Phrag pearcei, which is readily available.

Woodstream Orchids has it in their price list.

Thanks! My understanding is ecuadorense is at least a form or variety of peracei, not a synonym, am I incorrect then?

I can't answer that question (I just checked Kew's list of monocots).

Bill Goldner from Woodstream Orchids might know

They are currently considered synonymous.

Of course that's true of lots of variations of species that have differences that aren't recognized at the moment... it makes the search harder, of course. At the moment, lumpers rule but that may not be the story forever.

Plant people & taxonomists are always in a rush to announce 'new species'.

Very often, it turns out to be a regional variant on a previously recognized species. This is especially common for orchids with a wide geographical distribution. Rhyncostylis retusa (grows from India to Vietnam) has been 'identified' as a new species about 12 times.

The same thing happened with 'Phrag. manzurii', which in the end was determined to be a variety of Phrag schlimii. In the meantime multiple 'new' hybrids based on manzurii were registered, only to be rolled back as synonyms with previously registered schlimii hybrids.

To sum up, do not be in a hurry to obtain 'new' species. In most cases, you can save a lot of $$$ by waiting a few years.

I asked Bill at Woodstream and he said he has neither pearcei or ecuadorense available right now, but might make flasks of ecuadorense soon.

Any other recommendations for places I could look?

If you're flexible about the taxonomy, willing to "settle" for a standard P. pearcei, and unable to locate one elsewhere, let me know.

I have 3 large divisions of my P. pearcei (dozens ??? of growths each not like I've counted in years) and I could be persuaded to part with one or a chunk of one!

Ah ok I might actually take you up on that!!!