SITF Blog

Brassia-andreettae-2023-12-05 *SITF has determined this plant to be Brassia mendozae, not Brassia andreettae (Jan 2024).

The dorsal sepal of this plant is narrow, linear and does not widen out like B. andreetae. The strongly incurved lip apex of this plant does not match that of B. andreettae. The overall form of this plant, measurements and lip color agree with the Baker and Baker description of B. mendozae in the OW. The fragrance was described as similar to vanilla pudding which agrees with the vanilla fragrance of B. mendozae. This plant was subsquently also identified as B. mendozae by Guido Braem, a noted Taxonomist. This plant closely matches Dodson's drawing of then Ada mendozae in the IOSPE.

Posted on Dec 5, 2023

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Brassia-wageneri-2023-11-06 SITF confirms that this plant is Brassia wageneri (Nov 2023).

Identification is based on the detailed description of the callus having two parallel, thick keels, the basal portion with a high rounded base and obliquely triangular leading edge. There are two erect oblong, obtuse-rounded teeth on the apical portion which are taller than the basal portion. These teeth appear distinctly in photos of B. wageneri found in orchidroots.com, IOSPE and OW. This plant is an excellent match to the illustration in Garay and Dunsterville, Vol. 1 of the Venezuelan Orchids Illustrated. There is also a good description of B. wageneri by Baker and Baker in the OW.

Posted on Nov 6, 2023

Judging team feels that the plant with prior CBM/AOS award (19750608) appears to be a different species.

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Brassia-pozoi-Rosie-Steiner-CHM/AOS-2023-03-28 *SITF confirms this plant as Brassia pozoi (Yellow color group) (Jun 2023).

Xanthina is not a taxonomically accepted subspecies of B. pozoi; however this plant exhibits an unusual yellow color, not typical of the species, otherwise the flower form and vegetation match the "Icones Plantarum Tropicarum" 1984 description and drawing by Dodson. The drawing shows what appears to be articulation and photos of this plant show this articulation as well. The description states the species is distinguished by the pandurate, acuminate at the apex, lip, which this flower also exhibits.

Posted on Mar 28, 2023

Twelve strikingly-colored stellate flowers on two inflorescences to 43 cm; plant robust, leaves lanceolate, 4.5 cm wide by up to 47 cm long, borne on distinct petioles; pseudobulbs flattened and compr...

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