Is this a Phalaenopsis multiflora?

[Viperalus]

Hello all,

This Moth Orchid of mine has started blooming since 23 May 2009 and as you can see at the photos and at the video

Phalaenopsis multiflora?

she produces even more buds! The flowers are very close together to each-other and there are too many, so I guess that it's the multiflora, am I correct on this?

For photos you can check here at a Greek website that I am registered: link

[slipperfreak]

Yes this is a multiflora Phal. Multifloras have smaller flowers but they are produced in great abundance, often on branching spikes. Note that this is not a Phal species, but a type of hybrid.

[greenbean]

The term is multifloral. Leaving off the "l" at the end makes it sound sort of like a specific epithet but Joe is right, multiflorals are a group of hybrids with many smaller flowers frequently on branching spikes, not a species.

I don't know if "multiflora" is a spelling used in other countries or if you accidentally left off the "l". I'm just trying to clear up any potential confusion regarding what we're actually talking about.

[slipperfreak]

Originally Posted by greenbean

The term is multifloral. Leaving off the "l" at the end makes it sound sort of like a specific epithet but Joe is right, multiflorals are a group of hybrids with many smaller flowers frequently on branching spikes, not a species.

I don't know if "multiflora" is a spelling used in other countries or if you accidentally left off the "l". I'm just trying to clear up any potential confusion regarding what we're actually talking about.

I have heard the term "multiflora" used to describe a line of Phal hybrids with miniature flowers on branching spikes (vendors use it quite often). All Phals are "multifloral" in that they have multiple flowers (although some species like violacea have fewer flowers).

[slipperfreak]

Here is a website that uses the term "multiflora" - just scroll down: The Best Orchids for Indoors. The article was published on the Brooklyn Botanic Garden website, and written by Carlos Fighetti, president of the AOS.

[Viperalus]

Thanks for your support guys

Originally Posted by slipperfreak

Note that this is not a Phal species, but a type of hybrid.

So, how can I call this orchid then, I guess something like: Phalaenopsis multiflora(l) hybrid?

Originally Posted by greenbean

The term is multifloral. Leaving off the "l" at the end makes it sound sort of like a specific epithet but Joe is right, multiflorals are a group of hybrids with many smaller flowers frequently on branching spikes, not a species.

I don't know if "multiflora" is a spelling used in other countries or if you accidentally left off the "l". I'm just trying to clear up any potential confusion regarding what we're actually talking about.

I do like also to use the correct names and also I do like very much using their latin (scientific) names, but which is the correct, with "L" or not?...

Just to add, this orchid made 4 spikes and just days before that a keiki and another plant besides the main plant (I don't know how do you call this). All these back on May 2009.
I find that 4 spikes are too many according to other Phalaenopsis that I have saw but of course they were not multiflorals.

[slipperfreak]

Originally Posted by Viperalus

Thanks for your support guys


So, how can I call this orchid then, I guess something like: Phalaenopsis multiflora(l) hybrid?


I do like also to use the correct names and also I do like very much using their latin (scientific) names, but which is the correct, with "L" or not?...

Just to add, this orchid made 4 spikes and just days before that a keiki and another plant besides the main plant (I don't know how do you call this).
I find that 4 spikes are too many according to other Phalaenopsis that I have saw but of course they were not multiflorals.

After doing some research I found that "multifloral" is sometimes used to describe this type of hybrid, but as the vast majority of Phals are multifloral plants, I see it as confusing to include the "l".

The term "multiflora" is not a real Latin name. It's just a term used to describe this type of hybrid. These hybrids are also sometimes called "sweethearts" and "mini Phals".

Without the actual name of the cross, I would call it a NOID Phal Multiflora hybrid, or something to that effect.

[Viperalus]

I see, so because it's a hybrid there is not a latin name for these orchids.

[Blueszz]

I guess the only correct Latin name for it is: Phalaenopsis

[Viperalus]

Thanks Nicole