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variety is sometimes considered as an individual species ; however , its strong proximity with the highly variable P . cornu-cervi lets me think that the varietal status is the most convenient . For similar reasons , I follow Christenson concerning P . lamelligera ( Fig . 4 ), reducing it to P . cornu-cervi synonymy . Phalaenopsis bornëensis Garay is endemic to Borneo and has been described recently ( Fig . 6 ). Plants are very close to P . cornu-cervi and it is not easy to distinguish between the two species . Phalaenopsis bornëensis should be compared to a ‘ super ’ P . cornu-cervi , with larger , robust and more colorful flowers . Taxonomists , Phalaenopsis specialists and orchid breeders frequently discuss the specific status of this taxon . As material and field studies are lacking , readers might choose between both solutions .
Phalaenopsis mannii Rchb . f . ( syn . P . boxalii Rchb . f ., P . mannii var . maculata Trudel ) is epiphytic and originates from north India , Nepal , China and Vietnam . It can form clumps from stem basal branches . Leaves are oblong to elliptic , pale to silver green , with basal brown spotting . Arching inflorescences are many flowered , bearing shiny and waxy flowers . Petals and sepals are yellow with many brown markings . The central lobe of the lip is white contrasting with the yellow column ( Fig . 7 ). This species has been widely represented in collections for years , but has become less present , being replaced by its varieties or horticultural selections . Phalaenopsis mannii f . flava
Christenson lacks anthocyanin pigments . Other exceptional clones , such as ‘ Mahogany ’ or ‘ Black ’, exhibit very heavy and dark spotting . Phalaenopsis pantherina Rchb . f . ( syn . Polychilos pantherina ( Rchb . f .)
Shim ), endemic to Borneo , is an epiphyte with very thick , white roots . Oblong leaves are born on a stem up to 15 cm long . Raceme or panicule forming inflorescences are terete and can reach up to 20 cm long . Flowers are born sequentially over long periods and are close to those of P . cornu-cervi , with flatter floral segments ( Fig . 8 ). This species has been rare in collections for many years , but is now more widely distributed .
Section Fuscatæ
This very compact four species group , very compact , is characterized by its concave lip and its creamy yellow flowers , more or less heavily marked with brown bars , except P . cochlearis , whose petals and sepals margins are strongly revolute ( like “ soda straws ”). This characteristic dominates progeny and makes these species poorly desirable for breeders . Precise information on natural habitat is lacking and would be useful to resolve cultivation difficulties to keep plants over time . Phalaenopsis cochlearis Holtt . ( syn . Polychilos cochlearis ( Holtt .) Shim ) is a lithophyte or epiphyte originating from Malaysia and Indonesia . Inflorescences can reach up to 50 cm long and produce many pale yellow , lightly brown marked flowers characteristic for this section . Flower segments are flat , lacking the revolute margins typical for the section ( Fig . 9 ). This species is easily identified and looks like no other Phalaenopsis species .
Phalaenopsis fuscata Rchb . f . ( syn . Polychilos fuscata ( Rchb . f .) Shim , Phalaenopsis denisiana Cogn .) is highly representative for this section
Fourth Quarter , Vol . 22 ( 3 & 4 ) 2012 - Phalaenopsis