Paph Danella "Christmas Cracker"

[Dorsetman]

An old UK cross - probably about 1970. Awarded a couple of times in UK (AMs - 72, and 73 ) also awarded half a dozen times in USA with different clones - a couple of HCCs and the others AMs. Usual dimensions then 12.5cm natural spread x 12.4 "long" -whatever Orchidwiz means by that !.
This is a remake from the original parents, which usually flowers at this time of the year, hence the clonal name I have given it - a couple of others out of the same flask flower a couple of months later. Dimensions this year 12.1 cm natural spread by about 10 cm high, so a few millimetres smaller than when its sisters were awarded.

BTW I had a messy background, which I only realised after taking the plant back to the greenhouse, and it seemed easier to cut that out rather than make a trip in the dark ( and pouring rain) to fetch it back for a re-take.

[mauraec]

Really nice shape, and the lip and synsepal complement one another so beautifully. What I like best, however, is the name you've given it! It reminds me of the Christmas I spent with my family - almost 3 decades ago now - in Cirencester - the first time I'd seen 'Christmas Crackers'.

[ischel1]

Oh lovely, wish I could grow paphs, but alas I have a black thumb when it comes to them.

[Dorsetman]

I looked this up on the Hermans Register - which gives details of all the orchids awarded by the RHS up to about 2003.
The 1972 AM is quoted as "dimensions 27 x19" which I found incomprehensible. No units were mentioned - like cm, inches or whatever. I e-mailed the Registrar, lacking Johanne Hermans address, and had the reply that he supposed those to be the dimensions of the card on which the official paining is recorded ( very useful, I thought !).

Julian ( Registrar) did add, rather amusingly, that if my flower came up to that dimension he would personally deliver the FCC to me ...

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I looked this up on the Hermans Register.....Julian ( Registrar) did add, rather amusingly, that if my flower came up to that dimension he would personally deliver the FCC to me ...

I'll bet! Nice slipper orchid regardless of the size.

cheers,
BD

[Jef09071984]

I like the color Geoff, wish i have one of that hehehe