i've been looking at alata for a few weeks, trying to find a good strain and color... so i am not an expert, but having done some research on them lately, i'm going to guess it is not a full alata species. the petals are not long enough compared to the photos i have been viewing, and this is more star shaped, witht he petals more open flat. there are several other encyclias with this look, and these colors. this could be a cross with alata and something else though. i could also be completely wrong. is it scented? alata should have a strong scent. that and i hear it can take my winter temps are why i have been looking into them. whatever it is, this is a beautiful orchid. great colors.