Dracula Hybrid? I'm skeptical. Could someone check this out?

[Cymbaline]

I've been hunting for one of these for a while and really haven't seen one for sale but today I came across this listing and the flower is the exact one I want BUT the picture of the flower is a stolen image from orchidsanfrancisco.org ( Google images showed me that ) and I question the plant being shown in the listing.

Black Monkey Face Orchid Plants, Long Flowering Fragrant FREE SHIPPING | eBay

I don't know what the name of this particular hybrid is but I've been on the hunt for a black one like this.

I found this picture that shows the whole dracula plant.
Dracula vampira

The one in the picture looks like a catasetum to me.
Plus it's cheap . The price I found listed on San Francisco Orchid Society was 75.00 dollars.

Maybe I'm too skeptical so can anyone help me out? It's one of my wish list plants but soooo hard to find.

Thank you!!

[PaphMadMan]

The plant shown in the listing is definitely not a Dracula, and probably is Catasetum or a relative.

[camille1585]

You are right, the flower is a Dracula, but the plant photos are a of a Catasetum type orchid.

Even if it were the correct plant, you would have another problem: the seller is in Thailand. You would need to ensure that and pay for the proper documentation, usually import permits and CITES and/or Phyto certificate.

For me there are too many red flags and problems, I'd avoid it no matter how desirable that species is.

[Cymbaline]

Originally Posted by camille1585

You are right, the flower is a Dracula, but the plant photos are a of a Catasetum type orchid.

Even if it were the correct plant, you would have another problem: the seller is in Thailand. You would need to ensure that and pay for the proper documentation, usually import permits and CITES and/or Phyto certificate.

For me there are too many red flags and problems, I'd avoid it no matter how desirable that species is.

Thank you! I didn't even get that far with this. Thank You so much!

---------- Post added at 12:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:22 PM ----------

Originally Posted by PaphMadMan

The plant shown in the listing is definitely not a Dracula, and probably is Catasetum or a relative.

That's what I thought. I wish there was a way to report these listings to Ebay and Etsy and have them remove it or something. I see this happen a lot.

[Roberta]

Cymbaline -
Where are you located? If you are in the SF Bay area, the SF Orchid Society is having an online sale next month - but no shipping, only local pickup (alas... there are some great plants, but I'm not there.)

The flower in the listing looks like it could be Drac. vampira, Drac, roezlii or Drac. Raven .. obviously a deceptive listing.

[Cymbaline]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Cymbaline -
Where are you located? If you are in the SF Bay area, the SF Orchid Society is having an online sale next month - but no shipping, only local pickup (alas... there are some great plants, but I'm not there.)

The flower in the listing looks like it could be Drac. vampira, Drac, roezlii or Drac. Raven .. obviously a deceptive listing.

Boo. I'm in Austin, TX and I so wish I checked it out when I visited in 2019.

The company I work for has an office there ... maybe time to buddy up to some of my co-workers I don't normally work with LOL.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Cymbaline

Boo. I'm in Austin, TX and I so wish I checked it out when I visited in 2019.

The company I work for has an office there ... maybe time to buddy up to some of my co-workers I don't normally work with LOL.

I'm hoping that some form of Orchids in the Park can happen this summer. The club is dependent on the requirements of the Arboretum where they meet and have shows. If not this summer, definitely hope that the February shoe will happen.

---------- Post added at 02:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:49 PM ----------

A thought with regard to source... if you go for species (both D. vampira and D. roezlii are big and dark and bloom sequentially from their spikes and bloom repeatedly through the year), Andy's Orchids might have them. (If not on the website, send an email and ask, lots of species are available that aren't on the website). Drac. Raven is the hybrid of the two, not sure who has that one.

[Cymbaline]

Originally Posted by Roberta

I'm hoping that some form of Orchids in the Park can happen this summer. The club is dependent on the requirements of the Arboretum where they meet and have shows. If not this summer, definitely hope that the February shoe will happen.

---------- Post added at 02:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:49 PM ----------

A thought with regard to source... if you go for species (both D. vampira and D. roezlii are big and dark and bloom sequentially from their spikes and bloom repeatedly through the year), Andy's Orchids might have them. (If not on the website, send an email and ask, lots of species are available that aren't on the website). Drac. Raven is the hybrid of the two, not sure who has that one.

Thank you! I ran across Andy's website when I have been searching and he does have a lot of Drac orchids. I'll email. Thank you

[estación seca]

When you go plant or seed shopping on eBay or Amazon, be careful to scroll way down the list of choices, and choose delivery from "US Only." It is cumbersome to import orchids to the US, and if you don't do it properly, the US plant inspection will intercept and burn your shipment. And perhaps assess you a $10,000.00 US per plant fine.

[Cymbaline]

Originally Posted by estación seca

When you go plant or seed shopping on eBay or Amazon, be careful to scroll way down the list of choices, and choose delivery from "US Only." It is cumbersome to import orchids to the US, and if you don't do it properly, the US plant inspection will intercept and burn your shipment. And perhaps assess you a $10,000.00 US per plant fine.

10K? Ouch. Is that for any plant or primarily orchids?

I have purchased from overseas like cuttings and I know they need a phyto cert or something like that.

Maybe I need to be more careful with other plants too?