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Thread: Question about "Var. Alba"

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  1. #1
    Real Name
    Connie
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    Mini Vanda, Schombs &Encyclia.
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    Default Question about "Var. Alba"

    I have seen at least ten of the different plants crossed L. Purpurata and Walkeriana 'Blue Madonna of Poland'. According to the seller they are all "coerula". I have one that is just as white to the eye as can be. Only in photos and up close can you see the slightest hint of color to it. Would that then give it the designation of "var. alba" ?? Or is it still considered a Blue??
    I'm not really up on the Botany end of this sort of thing, so while I can keep up with most of the info, that sort of thing I'm at a loss at. Also, the shape of the flower is way different than any of the others I've seen. It doesn't fold back, Both petals and sepals are forward like a cymbidium type flower. What's with that??? These orchids like to mess with me....just when I think I've got them down they do something like this.
    Thanks for looking...
    Connie

    Now for a picture of the "White" Blue Madonna. It still has four more buds to open and three new p-bulbs coming up fast....when do I repot???? It needs it bad!!

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  2. #2
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    Saratoga Co. New York
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    Default

    Connie, an alba would be an all white variety of a flower that normally has color and would not have any color in the lip either. Example C walkeriana is normally a pink species. the alba is all white. The semi alba would be white but with color in the lip.

    walkeriana var alba 'Pendentive'

  3. #3
    My Grow Area
    Windowsill
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    Default

    nice blue lip! "var alba" is an incorrect term for the most part, as most of these cultivars devoid of pigment are really from single plants (and not an actual discrete population). 'fma. alba' would probably be more appropriate. and hybrids technically don't have "forms" or "varieties" although you will see them attached to designate their breeding lines. if there's any color then I probably wouldn't consider it alba since if you self that plant, chances are you will get colored forms.

  4. #4
    Real Name
    Connie
    My Grow Area
    Porch/Patio.
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    Mini Vanda, Schombs &Encyclia.
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    Mar 2007
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    West of Tampa, FL
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    Default

    Thank You for your help....guess I'll just call Blue Madonna then....

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