Phal - what is species and hybrid differences?
 

Hi Everyone,
In the Phal Alliance section of the forum there are two links for hybrid and species. I have not found info as to what the definition of those two things are in relation to orchids.
Are hybrids a crossing of two species plants?

Thanks for the help with these terms.
Carla

A species plant is either a plant as found in nature or a varietal of the natural plant. The term hybrid is a bit more open. Because some species are interbred to improve on certain characteristics there are those who consider it a hybrid (I think it's a varietal). Examples of varietals would be Phalaenopsis equestris v. alba or Phal equestris v Orange (nope, not a very orange flower). There are also a few "natural hybrids", which are crosses of two species and are found in the wild. Phalaenopsis Intermedia (or Phal. X Intermedia) is a natural crossing of P. equestris and P. aphrodite. However, there are tons and tons (and tons more) man-made hybrids, most of which are crossed from other hybrids. A hybrid bred from two species if often referred to as a simple hybrid, while those with longer and more convoluted lineages may be referred to as a complex hybrid. Additionally, there are intergeneric hybrids, wherein two different genuses (genii? genei?) are crossed. Sometimes a new hybrid doesn't yet have a name and so the label would read Phal. (species x species).

In the plant name, the first word, here Phalaenopsis, refers to the genus of orchids, while the second (part at times) of the name is the species name. Thus the plant Phalaenopsis equestris is a species (equestris) within the genus (Paraphalaenopsis). In labels or registeries the genus name is always capitalized while the species designation is not - thus, again, Phalaenopsis equestris. Just at a glance, because of how the name is written, you know that the plant is a species. Hybrids will still capitalize the genus name but also capitalize the hybrid name, such as Phalaenopsis Little Emperor. Sometimes a varietal is given both a species name and also a name indicating that it's a varietal, such as Phalaenopsis stuartiana "Star Wars".

It's interesting that the Phalaenopsis area is the only one on OB which divides species from hybrids. Some Phal enthusiasts are hard-core species growers, and may even consider varietals to be a sin, while other growers love the hybrids. As a rule, just like a dog that's a mutt is healthier than a purebred [which really are hybrids, to, these days]), hybrids tend to be easier to grow and more adaptable in collections, especially the more complex ones, than are species plants.

Not that it matters much, jkofferdahl, but if you are curious, the plural of genus is genera. It's from the Latin word genus (nominative singular), generis (genitive singular), genera (nominative plural) which means origin or type :)

jkofferdahl covered it pretty thoroughly, so that's all I've got to contribute :)

What's hybrid compared to species?
 

What a great - and concise - answer. This explained much for me.
Thanks!
Carla

or you can make it simple grocery stores sell the hybrids . big showy flowers that last a long time.

Be careful! Classic Latin (which I learned in school, as well), botanical Latin, and church Latin differ. AND IT CAN BE FRUSTRATING AS HELL!

The word just wouldn't come to me when I was typing. It happens at my age.

And, as Ray pointed out, the language is sui generis.

It doesn't matter about the Latin. Good boys and girls go to heaven. Bad boys and girls...

Bad boys and girls...turn out just like me.

Good girls go to heaven. Bad girls go everywhere.
- Mae West