These cymbidiums are not hybrids. They are stock from an original collection my mother had when she was quite young. The flowers are smaller than those of the hybrid and more delicate. Natural, if you like.
I think, in some cases, a lot of the natural beauty of plants has been lost due to hybridisation, let alone taste, if I extend my argument to cover vegetables, as another example.
(Click to enlarge)
Cymbidiums are tough. Mine have put up with little or no water during the hotter months for many years. These orchids love to be cramped in their pot and crammed close together. They prefer an easterly - n/e aspect and tolerate frost. These are growing off the ground (important) on sleepers under a Blackwood and Olive tree.
4 comments:
Very nice! ...and a family heirloom too.
Thanks Mosura. Yep, the heirloom factor is important. My mother would have committed murder to save her orchids! :-)
Interesting Cymbidium. It is good for me to compare my tiny wild Orchids with your larger flowers, and yet see obvious similarities, such as the structure at the top of the column, where the pollinia are hidden away.
Also, the labellum is quite hairy, almost spikey looking.
Cheers
Denis
Thanks Denis, there are similarities between most orchids, I think.
I love the natives too, but haven't had a chance to go stalking yet! :-)
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