I am the person who registers the orchids for our society’s exhibits. I am frequently surprised at the lack of proper capitalization and incorrect spelling from society members. I have learned to verify each and every name I get. I typically use Orchid Wiz and/or the RHS website to do so.
Frequently, the plant label had been accurately copied, but is itself incorrect, using quotes (“) in lieu of apostrophe (‘) around the cultivar name or leaving this punctuation out altogether. I have even seen incorrect genus abbreviations from vendors. (e.g., the abbreviation for Encyclia is E. not Enc. which is the abbreviation for Encheiridion)
When preparing an exhibit that will be AOS judges, the spelling, capitalization, punctuation and generally correct label of each plant is one of the judging criteria. My society had won several AOS awards for their exhibits and I like to think that my diligence in plant labeling has made a small contribution of our success.
Having said all that, I never had realized that there were rules around the name and the capitalization, punctuation etc. until someone educated me. Sometimes, what we all take for granted isn’t so obvious to the novice – education is good! So thanks Ray.
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