I can't help but think that DNA testing as a tool of taxonomy has led to some conclusions that are premature. I don't question the validity of the data so far collected, but I'm not convinced that it is being correctly interpreted. If the DNA data seems to conflict with observable characteristics it seems prudent to re-evaluate the data in light of this apparent discrepancy. Even if the Brazilian Laelias are determined to be closely related to Sophronitis genetically, many decades of observation and cultivation suggest that they merit inclusion in a separate genus, perhaps even more than one. At the horticultural level combining the two seems counter-intuitive. I'm not re-writing my labels just yet!
I can't say offhand how Sophronitis cernua is pollinated in the wild, but I can testify that here in San Jose, California hummingbirds do indeed pollinate the flowers. I have often observed this activity at closehand, and the resulting seedpods testify to the success of the practice. Regards, Rick Barry _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
