Harunoumi - Legit Neofinetia?
 

Hey everyone,

I had a question for you. I have a good many orchids, but I don't have a Neofinetia Falcata. I've been looking around and saw one I like on ebay. It think the price is a little up there, but I still wanted to look up info on it. I couldn't find the cultivar anywhere and I wanted to know if this guy was legit or not. The name of the plant he's selling is called Neofinetia Falcata Harunoumi.

He says it's a "small child tree" and that it's a "rare species". I think it would be shipping from japan. The grammer and description layout isn't very good, but it could be explained by English being a second language. Can anyone tell me if this is a legit cultivar. If you need a link to the ebay add I can provide it. I'll include some pictures below from the sale. They'll probably break after the sale is over. I don't know. Thanks.

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/LCAAAO...B1N/s-l500.jpg

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/QNQAAO...B1O/s-l500.jpg

Do you realize that a permit is required to import plants?

I think this guy has it covered. He says the flow from purchase to shipping is order, payment verification, CITES and plant quarantine, customs passage, and shipping. He says it could take about 30 days to ship it after purchase.

That's why I'm asking you guys for help. I don't know if all this is legit and if everything would be covered. I also don't have to have this exact plant. I liked the ruby tipped roots and the pinkish-purple flowers with the purple stems. Does anyone know a cultivar I could get, like this, that's already in the US?

There are others here that are more informed about the Japanese "Culture" who can speak on legitimate cultivars.

If you don't have to have this plant, if you do not already have a Neo-falcata...

I wouldn't add it to my collection. It is pricy, it is small (a couple or more of years before blooming). Besides ruby roots, there isn't anything remarkable about it. It may or may not be high on the Meikan (maybe you care about that kind of thing).

Go browse NWO and Orchidweb and keep an eye out for Japaneseorchids on ebay.

---------- Post added at 06:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:43 PM ----------

Other domestic vendors include:
Diamond Orchids/Peter T. Lin
Al's Orchid Exchange

Dalton, in addition to Photo and CITES export documents, you do need import permit (PPQ587) if you want to legally import. PPQ587 is free from APHIS, but it does take at least a month to obtain.

I briefly checked this variety, and it is not a registered variety. But it doesn't make it illegitimate, many varieties are not registered. One worry (for me) with deep colored flowers is the possibility of hybridization.

If I were you, I would contact Satomi of Seed engei. Neofinetia falcata/Japanese orchid/Samurai orchid/SEED ENGEI. She will send you price lists. You can try her eBay items, but you frequently have to pay more than buying directly.

Yes, do not import the plant unless you have your own USDA import permit and follow the instructions to import. It can be very expensive to pay a fine, in addition to having your plant burned at the quarantine station on entry.

Why don't you first try your hand at growing a normal Neofinetia for a year? The normal type is an exceptional plant, and they are widely available. Their culture is not difficult, but is a little different from some other commonly-grown orchids, and it would be better to learn on a less-expensive plant.

Al's Orchids in Leasburg VA has several Neofinetia to choose from. Take a look at his listed, some are expensive some are reasonable. I live close and he always has several. He would be happy to answer any questions.

I think you guys are really just confirming what I suspected. I found an orchid 'Koukakuden' from New World Orchids that seems pretty similar. I'll probably end up getting it from them. It's much cheaper and seems much more legitimate.

Dalton,

The plant in the pic is definitely a hybrid.
If it's your first neo, go for a Shutennou (pink flowered), Tamakongou (compact gower, upright white, star shaped flower) or a Amami (large plant and white large flowers). These are very good starter plants, easy to grow.
In the US, there are 3 Neofinetia specialists; Orchids Limited, NWO, Seed engei.

Regarding USDA Import Permits:
According to APHIS, you can import up to 12 individual bare-root Neofinetia falcata plants without a permit as long as the exporter has applied for the CITES permit and Phytosanitary/Quarantine certificate.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/our...plantmaterials

Regarding CITES permits:
Neofinetia falcata are a CITES Appendix 2 species. According to CITES, the exporter needs a permit for these but not the importer.


Regarding the Harunoumi. Skip it. Too expensive.