Cattleya mossiae S/A ('Aurora' x 'Ayalon') / Venezuela's National Flower: "Flor de Mayo"
First time bloom. It opened on the very same day of my good friend Marta's 35th birthday. She was travelling alone with a camping car through Australia these days, and I knew it would make her very happy to this flower with her name in Internet
I was expecting more color on the lip, from this cross, but I have seen 3 plants of this cross till now and all have pretty similar lip markings, which I assume must be the strong influence of 'Ayalon' (don't know the plant!) As 'Aurora' has a stronger colored lip.
The label indicates that both parents are semi-alba, and that teh pollen plant is named 'Ayalon'. However, it seems to be a tipo, and the correct name should be 'Alayon'... I have not been able to find a picture of this plant, and what I have found in internet shows coerulea or tipo plants (both Ayalon and Alayon).. so... who knows...
Actually, I just received information about the pollen plant. The correct name is 'Alayón' Honoring the name of Mr. Adolfo Alayón, who was one of the most important Cattleya mossiae growers from Caracas, Venezuela. The clon 'Aurora', as well as many other famous clons, is from his collection.
That's a great looking flower Ramon, especially since it is a first bloom. I think if it can get that top sepal to stand up next time you might be able to show it!
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