Phalaenopsis Journal Fourth Quarter 2013 | Page 14

Phalaenopsis regnieriana Rchb. f. [= Doritis regnieriana (Rchb. f.) Holttum; = Phalaenopsis esmeralda f. regnieriana J.J. Sm.] (Figure 6) is a sister species and is not
frequently seen in cultivation. It was previously known by the type collections, but
had rarely been observed or living material illustrated. I had the opportunity to
observe living specimens at Alfa Orchidées (Leucate, France) in 2011 and to describe
a remarkable variant, Phal. regnieriana f. aurea Biais, Falcinelli & Lafarge. The original discussion and description of this variant, as well as taxonomic consideration
about the specific status of this taxon are developed in the original paper published
in the French Orchid Society bulletin (L’Orchidophile).
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Section Stauroglottis (Schauer) Bentham

Type species: Phal. equestris. The three species of this section are close to section Phalaenopsis but flowers are smaller, and petals and sepals are similar. This
proximity between the two sections is illustrated by the stabilization of the natural
hybrid between Phal. aphrodite (sect. Phalaenopsis) and Phal. equestris (sect. Stauroglottis), usually placed in section Phalaenopsis: Phal. x intermedia Lindl.
Phalaenopsis celebensis Sweet (Fig. 7) is a small epiphyte from Sulawesi for which
natural conditions or precise distributions are poorly documented. Leaves (17 x
6 cm) are dark green, marked with silvery white. Inflorescences can reach up to
40 cm and are densely flowered with white to yellow flowers, with brown blotches
on the petals center. The lip is decorated with yellow and brown, and the lower
face of the column is pink. These flowers are readily identified by the spectacular
shape of their petals, strongly incurved before the flower plan and their revolute
margins. Progeny of the species inherits this character, which can give poor shape
when crossed with large flowered species, but Phal. celebensis enhances floribundity when crossed with other small flowered species, giving very interesting primary hybrids.
Phalaenopsis equestris (Schauer) Rchb.f. (= Stauroglottis equestris Schauer; = Phal. rosea Lindl.; Phal. stauroglottis Hort. ex Rollinson; = Phal. riteiwanensis Masmune) (Figures
8-11) is a variable epiphyte. Inflorescences are forming dense racemes, first erect
but soon arching with elongation. These inflorescences are many-flowered and
produce flowers during long periods, either by branching or by elongation. Young
plants can flower after as soon as 18 months in cultivation. Keikis often appear on
the rachis after flowering. Many variants exist, but the typical coloration consists
of white to pinkish petals and sepals, darker pink near the center, with magenta or
red lip and a yellow callus spotted with brown. The remarkable variants are listed
below:
Phal. equestris var. rosea Valmayor & Tyu is uniformly pink;
Phal. equestris f. alba (Hort.) Christenson is the pure white form, with no trace of
anthocyanins nor carotenoids (Fig. 10);
Phal. equestris f. aurea (Hort.) Christenson is one of the most beautiful forms, with
pure white flowers and a contrasting solid, vibrant yellow lip (Fig. 11); the plant
sometimes labeled var. leucaspis Rchb.f., has a white (instead of yellow) spotted callus; the albescens form is close to the white form, but the lip is gently tinted with
lavender or pink, this form has not been formally described. This highly variable
species would deserve detailed study in order to identify variants and to decide
which status they should be accorded. Alain Brochart has posted many illustrations
of this highly valuable species and its variants on his website (http://www.phals.net).
Phalaenopsis lindenii Loher (Fig. 12) is a miniature species from the Philippines
and has remarkably decorated foliage, dark green marbled with silvery grey. Inflorescences, sometimes branching, are multi-flowered, flowers opening simulPhalaenopsis | Fourth Quarter | Volume 23 | 2013