Bifrenaria inodora - Orchid Board

Frdemetr · #1 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 06:39 PM

First inodora of the season, with very large lateral sepals. Besides its name, strongly scented!

stitz · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 02:37 PM

Frederico, Very nice! Congratulations on a beautiful plant and fotos!!

Years ago, I wrote Alvim Seidel and asked him about the differences between Bif. fuerstenbergiana and Bif. inodora since his price list offers both as separate species. Alvim's reply was simple -- visually, they are identical. fuerstenbergiana has a strong fragrance; inodora has no fragrance.

I am aware that the RHS does not recognize the name of fuerstenbergiana. Alvim was, of course, also aware. Alvim did not hesitate to state his opinion, even when others thought that he was incorrect. I recall that he also had strong opinions about the names of some Zygopetalum species. Since these species are native to Santa Catarina, I defer to the expert who lived there more than to others who live thousands of miles away.

Frederico, I am interested to know your thoughts.

Best regards,

--Stitz--

Frdemetr · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 05:33 PM

Hi Stiz!

Well, everyone is entitled to some idiosyncrasy, and Donato Seidel is no exception!

I don't know nothing about Zygos, but I have some experience and good contacts (highly regarded scientists with several publications in the field) and can and I can say that Bifr. fuestenbergiana is just a synonym for Bifr inodora, the accepted name. Under any name, all varieties of Bifr inodora are deliciously fragrant; the original description should have been made based on herbarium preserved specimen (obviously not smell)

Some of my Bifr inodora varieties (Bifr inodora alba, I guess) were purchased from Donato Seidel, under the name of inodora, and are very fragrant!!!

RosieC · #4 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 05:01 AM

I love that hary lip!

stitz · #5 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 09:51 AM

Hi Frederico,

Unless Donato Sr. was "ghost writing" for Alvim many years ago, my references were directly to Alvim. I also used to write occasionally to Alvim before the internet was invented. Back in old-timey days of envelopes and stamps!

The pretty Brasilian stamps were always very popular here!

--Stitz--