alliance question, please

[brit6v]

Hi everyone,
Can someone tell me how to determine which alliance specific orchids are in, please? For example, I was told that my 'B.C. Little Marmaid 'Jane is in the Cattleya alliance, but I don't know how the lady knew this ???
Thanks in advance,
Vicki

[Bikerdoc5968]

Orchids belong to an Alliance because they are a group of genera sharing characteristics that can interbreed. Examples: Vanda Alliance includes Vanda, Ascocentrum and Rhyncbostylis. The Cattleya Alliance includes Cattleya, Laelia, Brssavola and Sophronitis. Similar situation for Oncidium Alliance. So your chid is a cross between a Cattleya and Brassavola hence the abbreviation "Bc". I'm sure other will be able to give a more complete answer.....

[sadie]

That is pretty much it. "Alliance" means just a big group of similar orchids--so kind of an over-arching term to describe orchids from the same type or family you might say. So, the lady was absolutely right that your Bc. Little Mermaid is in the Cattleya alliance. You'll discover that all named orchids have a couple letter abbreviation before their name--that tells you what kind of orchid it is and what "alliance" it is in.

If you actually "Enter the RVO ORchid Talk Forum" and scroll down, you'll see where you can post pictures of orchids. MOst of the names of the categories are the "alliances" where the orchids belong.

Does that make sense?

[JoeW]

Ading to Howard's post;
Alliance: a group of related genera, sharing common growing habits. Genera is the plural of genus. Genus: the smallest group of species having in common certain essential characteristics (DNA, leaf/blossom shape, etc. etc.). The first word in any scientific biological name is the genus and the second is the species, i.e., Cattleya loddigesii. The exact number of orchid species is unknown. Estimates range from 20,000 to 30,000. There are at least 70 species and many forms or varieties in the Cattleya genus. There are thousands of registered hybrids. Brassavola has about 15 species and these species are easily hybridized within the Cattleya alliance.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Great information, folks! Thanks. Also, Vicki, check out the RVO Orchid Genus Listing pages. This will give you the abbreviation and name by alphabetical listing. I have not added in some of the newer names to this list (newer within the last year anyway), but it is pretty complete. And if anyone sees a genus that needs to be added, please pm me and I will make sure to add it onto the list.

Cheers,
BD

[brit6v]

Thanks very much everyone! You've been a great help!

(I just "thought" Geometry in high school was confusing. lol)

Seriously, I've always felt sure there is a tremendous amount of things to know about orchids and their culture but now that I'm taking a closer look.....my thoughts are confirmed.....there's no doubt in my mind! I see that my work's cut out for me bigtime but if I can learn just the tip of the iceberg, I'll be happy.
Thanks again,
Vicki

[wetfeet101b]

You dont need to know the entire taxonomic heirarchy for all orchids to enjoy the hobby.
Start with your favorite orchid: Know its specific growing requirements and characteristics. From there, reach outwards in concentric circles, taking baby steps to learn about the others.
Before you know it you would be learning enough to keep a sizable collection and have fun at the same time not being burdened by the need for "hard learning" along the way.

Knowing the theory is good. But hands on learning is what makes this fun.
With orchids, even plants within the same genus can have varying growing requirements. So for a hobbyist, practical knowledge of the specific plants' requirements would be more important than general knowledge of the theoretical taxonomy.
Besides, have you seen the constant taxonomic musical chairs that has been going on? It is no fun.

But just in case, here is the general taxonomic hierarchy as far as orchids are concerned:

Domain
Kingdom
Subkingdom
Phylum
Subphylum
Infraphylum
Class
Subclass
Superorder
Order
Family
Subfamily
Tribe
Subtribe
Alliance
Genus
Species (or grex if it is a hybrid)
Variety

[ischel1]

Vickie, I believe the correct name for your chid is Bc. Little Marmaid 'Jenet', at least that's what my tag said.