tiny but elegant Sarcophyton pachyphyllus

[ntgerald]

Endemic to the Philippines, not so commonly seen in collections because the blooms are tiny. However, the flowers are compact and on closeup are quite elegant.
Around 1/2 cm. across.
The ant is a small one, maybe 0.3 cm. long :-).

[Tikva]

That's my jealous face... I adore that orchid... It makes me think of lilacs... it's so dainty and beautiful!

[amyarquiza]

I collected the species for UPLB. It was reported to be collected April, May...ours surprisingly October. This plant will be a good breeding stock for new
forms.

Nelson, did you get my message about the Pomatocalpa? I wont mind if you are not interested!

Amy

[Diane]

That's my jealous face... I adore that orchid... It makes me think of lilacs... it's so dainty and beautiful!

Yes, with the shape of the bloom spike, it does look like lilacs...Lovely flowers, Nelson.

[ntgerald]

Nelson, did you get my message about the Pomatocalpa?

Amy

Maraming salamat Amy, but what is the additional information that you need?
They are not in bloom right now, so I am sorry I cannot supply you with photos any more than what has been posted here.

Perhaps it would be better if you list down questions, so I can give replies?

[amyarquiza]

I sent you a private message...I dont know if it will help you understand the situation.

Here's my question: From whom did you get the plant and when did they flower?

You have materials that we can add to our study, if you will allow us.

The light violet Pomatocalpa:

As of now I have the holotype of a similar plant stored at Harvard Ames, an image from Singapore collected from the Phils. For both images I have authorization to study, use and publish image if needed. I am glad I saw your images, I search images on my spare time.

The correct or accepted name should be studied carefully coz different taxonomist will give it a different name...depending on the author that they will follow. I am working with Eric as he is very knowledgeable on the matter,
we are in the process of collating available herbaria ( which we request first as not all are open to the public)

Just to cite a scenario...someone may call it You can take a guess ( depending if your british/dutch/american in harvard or danish etc etc)

Pomatocalpa merrilli Schltr.
Pomatocalpa kuntleri (Hook) JJ Smith

It was known as formerly a Cleisostoma kuntsleri (Hook)

But there is another one very close to yours which is darker in color, probably of different size ( THAT's why it will help if we can know the size) which one may say as a possible new varient of the kuntsleri ( has a wider distribution in SEA)

Then there published papers and other materials that are not yet identified in some herbaria or mislabelled which we are attempting to closely investigate to shed light.

Actually this is the easiest one, as the others are even much more bizarre!

I dont want to give you a specific answer or name yet as I want to be firm with our diagnosis of all the materials that will be in our hands in the coming days/weeks/months. As of now I have my own view, but I will be glad to decide this when all materials are in . And my collaborator and I have made a joint diagnosis.

The brown one with yellow lip, I am trying to compare with other Pomatocalpas ...other descriptions published are vagued. But I think I wont be groping in the dark for long if I confirm the size. I already have a few candidates close to it.

Even if your plant does not have flowers...if you can take a photo of the plant with a ruler beside it ( where I can still see the old leaf). Then I can make a more reliable comparison of the size. Both plants I assume have small flowers!

Or you can lead me to your source who may have some more photos so I can still look at the possible variation.

Hope you understand why I contacted you.

Salamat,
Amy

[Rence]

Welcome to this forum!
amyarquiza , It seems that this world is getting smaller by the day.


I liked the articles in the joint POS and PHS publication which tells about Philippine plants which are found in other countries! I hope that it would be published before the end of March!

I hope that the mebers of POS and PHS would also liked my articles about
Noteworthy Philippine Flora in Stamps.

[amyarquiza]

Hi Rence,

I am not sure if you are talking about another article/s or an article I wrote for FF.I have not heard again from Jen and Jun. Although Baby S showed me her paper on Spaths nice lay-out and very informative.

Did you see the title "Encounters with Kababayans" Phil. Ornamental in the US?
And another on selection of Phils orchids?

Salamat,
Amy

[Rence]

Hi Rence,

I am not sure if you are talking about another article/s or an article I wrote for FF.I have not heard again from Jen and Jun. Although Baby S showed me her paper on Spaths nice lay-out and very informative.

Did you see the title "Encounters with Kababayans" Phil. Ornamental in the US?
And another on selection of Phils orchids?

Salamat,
Amy

Yes, Maam
I was at the publishing house on March 1 since we need to re-check the articles and the advertisers .

I had also an article about Philippine Flora in Stamps. Baby Spowart had also been a guest speaker at the Flora Filipina conference last February 25 (saturday) she was the last speaker

[Piper]

While I love the close-ups, the second shot really captures the feel of the flowers. Nice call on lilacs, Kirstie - that's what they remind me of too! Sorry you couldn't make it today. Hope you're feeling better.

Julie