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Old 08-08-2008, 01:29 PM
maitaman maitaman is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Bocas del Toro, Panama'
Posts: 125
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The problem (as I see it) with DNA classification is that the position of dominant characteristics is sometimes as important as the having or lack of the specific gene. A weak marker in a dominant position will have far more effect on the plant than a strong marker in a low influence position.
I personally think many so-called species are merely varieties of the same thing, with strong argument in Epidendrums, catasetums, etc. Most divergent catasetum "species" found here are really sub-species (varieties) of integerinium (IMHO) as many Epidendrum are sub-species of diforme, and almost all anacheilum are sub-species of the old radians (now radiatum?) or fragrans. The supposed differences are in dominant/non-dominant positioning on the chains.
A lot of the problems could be solved by calling a sub-species a sub-species - but that has its own bewares.
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