Paph Harrisianum

[Fairorchids]

I have two clones of this old (first) primary hybrid. It is Paph barbatum x Paph villosum, registered in 1869.

I have bloomed G.S.Ball's variety (4N) several times. It is a somewhat slow grower, which is not uncommon for 4N plants. The fans are about the size of an average to large sized Maudiae.

The second plant has much smaller fans (6-8"), and is a better grower, but it has not bloomed till now. I am guessing that the dorsal might roll back a little more as the flower matures.

[Fairorchids]

In case anyone is wondering, there is some ambiguity as to how old the G S Ball variety is. One author states, that the first reference in a book dates to after WWII.

I have found a mention of an orchid exhibit by G. S. Ball, Esquire, in a publication from 1910, and he is also mentioned in a 'New Orchids' publication in 1898.

That gives us a time frame of 50-60 years. It would be interesting if some of our UK members might be able to provide more information.

[Fairorchids]

And, not all clones are as good as these.

Some years ago I came across another Harrisianum at the Slipper Orchid Forum in DC. My guess is that this plant was bred with villosum as the pod parent, as it strongly resembles the villosum shape. Here it is for reference.

[NYCorchidman]

I really like the first one. The glossy texture, nice barbartum shape with interesting patterns on the dorsal.

The last one would have been so nice if the dorsal would have been better. Overall nice dark villosum look.

I was just reading about this cross the other day. how funny!

By the way, does pod parent really dictate the flower shape? I guess it differ by each cross?
I read about how the pod parents "might" affect the overall plant size, which is not always the case.

[WhiteRabbit]

Nice!

[Fairorchids]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

I really like the first one. The glossy texture, nice barbartum shape with interesting patterns on the dorsal.

The last one would have been so nice if the dorsal would have been better. Overall nice dark villosum look.

I was just reading about this cross the other day. how funny!

By the way, does pod parent really dictate the flower shape? I guess it differ by each cross?
I read about how the pod parents "might" affect the overall plant size, which is not always the case.

When dealing with primary hybrids, the pod parent tends to dominate in one or more areas (size, shape, color, etc.). For example, in Paph Nitens (= insigne x villosum) the insigne always dominates for color, but the pod parent dominates for shape.

Likewise, I have 4 Neostylis Pinky (= Neofinetia falcata x Rhynchostylis gigantea). In terms of size, it is very obvious which one was the pod parent in each case.

[boltoncs]

Does anyone know when GS Ball clone was named? I can't find an award for that clone either. Thank you

[Fairorchids]

'GS Ball variety' is a synonym for 'Superbum'.

It is mentioned in the UK shortly after WWI, when it was awarded an FCC by the RHS.

The AOS shows that an HCC/AOS was awarded in 1980 to: Paph Harrisianum 'FCC/RHS'. The photo seems to be the same as 'Superbum'.

[boltoncs]

Thanks you