I have a Calanthe cardioglossa in spike right now and wish to use it to make a hybrid with Phaius tuberculosus as first choice, or pulcher, humblotii , or limited other square-lipped Madagascarene Phaius (Gastorchis). A pollen exchange would be beneficial, as the generous donor could then make the reverse cross. I am not interested in Phaius tankervilliae, or any of the other tubular-lipped Phaius, nor any Calanthes.
Perhaps Phaius Bebe Chien (pulcher x tankervilliae) would be usable, I have a plant of that but it is not anywhere near putting up blooms yet. However, from what I've seen of Phaius Bebe Chien flowers, and P. Dan Rosenberg (tuberculosus x tankervilliae), the tankervilliae influence nearly destroys the beautiful shape and flaring of the Gastorchis parent lip. To this form I would like to breed in the tiny, but absolutely jewel-like flowers of Calanthe cardioglossa with their relatively huge lip, along with its small plant size and manageable growth habit. (I've had to give away my Phaius tankervilliae and now Bebe Chien threatens to take over a full quarter of my indoor growing setup under lights). The compact Calanthe cardioglossa obligously does not start new growth until spring, when it can be put outdoors here in central New Jersey, USA, in a shallow saucer of dilute fertilizer. The growths mature before first frost and then the plant can be put indoors into the relative confines of a small windowsill as it dries and sheds its leaves and simoultaneously sends up its bloom spike. Afterwards it can be shoved into a corner until spring.
So please, if anyone can reply in the ensuing month or two, I think that this is the opportunity for a great hybrid and would be willing to share the seeds and seedlings when flasked. Remember that when sending pollen always place in a small crush-proof capsule or box, as the steel rollers of the postal service mechanical envelope sorting system will make a mash out of them.
Thank you,
Bonaventure Magrys
Cliffwood Beach, NJ
USA zone 7
_______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
