Is this a Stinker?
 

I finally left my comfort zone and ordered a few orchids that are unlike any other in my collection. Among the ones I selected is a Cirrhopetalum Rothschildianum. Is this a stinker and if so can anyone give a description. Thank you.

I don't believe it is, on a different note, where did you order it from?

The Orchid Gallery on eBay. They had a 100% satisfaction rating so I took a chance.

It's pollinator is the fly...and you know what they are attracted to ;)

According to Orchidwiz, the fragrance is described as anywhere from "unpleasant" to "downright yukky", depending on the nose of the beholder

I love the look of these plants but anything that smells like that is a no go since they're all grown in a basically enclosed room...right off the area where we spend a lot of our time ;)

Thanks Susanne. I guess that's why I couldn't find the description of the odor any where on the internet. If people knew they were stinky they probably wouldn't sell very well. Just my luck...this one will probably thrive and flower all the time. It will be grown outdoors as far away from the house as possible. Maybe it will cease to smell after being pollinated. June

Junebug

The bloom takes your mind off the stench...which is not that bad.

Marilyn

That's how I feel about it but there are many folks who really like collecting "the stinkers". It's just another aspect of the diversity in this wonderful obsession of ours ;)

The blooms are SO beautiful...and sometimes the "fragrance" on certain chids can only be detected when you're really close to the plant.

Location, location, location :D

The following site Fragrant orchids - lists this orchids as

"rothschildianum – Moderate, Foul Old mushrooms"

Here is a photo of it - IOSPE PHOTOS

I wanted to thank everyone for their knowledgable input. I had a feeling this was a stinker when making the purchase, but didn't know how bad of a stinker. I like the curiosity factor (Looks can be deceiving) as this is such an important lesson in life.

I'm really drawn to the Daisy Chain's. Are they stinkers too?

I've never taken classes in Botany but have always been fascinated with plants. Are there any good sources for furthering my education on plant biology, terminology and classifications without signing up for classes? Susanne mentioned that she found some info. on Orchidwiz and I visited their site but have not yet invested my money. I'm not sure where to begin to expand my knowledge...so far it is very basic and all the classifications and lineage gets me overwhelmed. I'm fascinated and curious about all plants. Are there any publications or sources for learning the prefix/suffix or anything regarding plant/orchid terminology that might help me to decipher things?

Sue, Are you talking about me ? :rofl: