OHRAGNews Newsletter of the Orchid Hybrid Registration Advisory Group Issue 5 – autumn 2014 photos

Obituary: Peter Hunt . the

(1936–2013) orchid

review It was with sadness that we learned of (

the death of the former Orchid Registrar, peter

Peter F. Hunt, on 31 December 2013. hunt ); Together with his wife Doreen he was involved janet

in operating the Register of orchid hybrids from cubey 1990 until his retirement in February 2001. ( Originally working as an orchid botanist in the julian

herbarium at Kew from 1959 to 1971, Peter shaw

was a member of the RHS Orchid Committee ). Welcome to the from 1960 to 1982, and of RHS ORAC (now annual newsletter the Orchid Hybrid Registration Advisory Group) from OHRAG. The from 1992 to 2012, acting as Secretary of that and adaptations, wrote 19 scientific papers Committee from 1997 to 2000. and numerous book reviews. He was also a group is primarily past Secretary to the International Orchid concerned with He and his wife Doreen were largely Commission, to the British Orchid Council, and matters that affect the responsible for the production of three Programme Secretary and Newsletter Editor of registration of orchid Addenda to Sander’s List of Orchid Hybrids the Wiltshire Orchid Society. hybrids, particularly from 1986–90 to 1996–98. With the late Jack Greatwood and Phillip Cribb, he helped The 107th volume of The Orchid Review was nomenclature and to revise the Society’s Handbook on Orchid dedicated to him “in recognition of this huge procedures. This Nomenclature and Registration for its second, commitment to orchids, so painstakingly newsletter presents third and fourth undertaken.” information drawn from editions (right). items that have arisen He was also the He was a generous, kindly and helpful man author of five who was ever ready to share his wide expertise, during the last year. books including or to entertain with anecdotes from his full life. Julian Shaw Discovering Botany An obituary appeared in The Orchid Review

A text-only version of this (1979), Orchidaceae 122 (1305): 12 (March 2014). newsletter was distributed with (1973), The Country The Orchid Review, volume Life Book of Orchids x Peterhuntara, a hybrid genus for the 122, Number 1307 (September (1978), and The combination Papilionanthe x Phalaenopsis x 2014). Any citation should International Rhynchostylis x Vanda, was recently named in make reference to the latter. Book of Orchids his honour. n (1979), and The Orchid (1987) with photography by Takashi [email protected] i Kijima, edited a further five translations

Published 2014 by OHRAG & RHS Science | RHS Garden Wisley | Woking | Surrey GU23 6QB | Registered charity no: 222879 / SC038262

All text & images © RHS 2014 except where otherwise stated OHRAGNEWS

Genera Orchidacearum photos . volume 6 – further dalton

changes to genera holland

baptista Since the publication in February 2014 of Genera Orchidacearum volume 6, the final volume of ( the series, the following additional changes orchid

have come to light, which have all been ); orchideengarten enacted in the Register.

• Psychopsiella has been reinstated as distinct

from Psychopsis. . Changes • Arachnis breviscapa has been transferred in OHRAG to Dimorphorchis. This is the first time that Dimorphorchis has appeared in the Register membership and several new hybrid genera were required to accommodate the hybrids. For details see Psychopsiella limminghei During the past year, Phytotaxa 161 (1): 61–85 (20 Feb 2014). n Peter Furniss (USA) and Frank Röllke (Germany) The use of numerals and alphanumeric codes have both left OHRAG; we would like to thank as grex epithets

them for their valuable Occasionally, numerals have been accepted in for registered grex epithets. Breeders are input and observations, registered grex epithets as part of a name, advised that there is a place on the application such as Phalaenopsis Nankung’s 4.55 PM, form in the top left-hand corner to record and wish them well for apparently based on the title of a popular the alphanumerical cross code, and that this the future. So far there song. More recently, several breeders in Taiwan code is recorded in the registration database. is one new member, have begun using alphanumeric codes as grex However, it would be appreciated if real Marei Karge-Liphard of names, such as Phalaenopsis Ben Yu JM 167, or names, rather than codes, could be proposed Orchideengarten Nursery, Phalaenopsis Fuller’s 3476. These designations as grex epithets in future applications. may already usefully exist in the nursery as Germany (above), who we cross or seedling numbers, or even as cultivar Numerals will continue to be used in the are pleased to welcome. epithets for statutory plant protection, register when they are part of a longer name, hence their use is understandable. However, or as a year of publication or registration to OHRAG takes the view that they are codes distinguish between homonyms (identical rather than names, and as they may differ names), and in situations where unregistered by only one digit from another designating and unnamed historical hybrids are entered a very different hybrid, it is felt that the use in the register as in the case of Phalaenopsis of these as grex epithets could easily lead to Guillaumin unnamed 4 (Phal. mannii x Phal. confusion, particularly on handwritten labels. Wiganiae) as found in Guillaumin, A. (1930) Hence, OHRAG has recommended that such Arch. Mus. Nat. Hist. Natur. 6 (6): 75–79. n alphanumerical codes no longer be accepted

2 issue 5 . sandall

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photo OHRAGNEWS

Registration by type the details in an email following the order in which information appears on the email application form. The main requirement An increasing number of applications is that the resulting application request are now dealt with entirely by email. If your software does not allow you should be clear and legible to the RHS While a web page that provides an to write on the form, there are several orchid registration team. electronic service for applications is still options. Some print out the application some way off, the registration team is form, fill it out and then scan the page We try to operate a paperless system happy to accept applications by email. and send that as an attachment. Others for electronic applications, so please try A downloadable application form in pdf produce their own template, closely to avoid applications that are presented format is available at: www.rhs.org.uk/ following the layout and wording of the upside-down, or very dark and difficult to plants/pdfs/plant-registration-forms/ original application form, using a word read. Even if you apply by post, including orchid-hybrid-registration processing program. They are then able an email address helps to speed up a to fill out this template and, after saving response. n This may be filled out electronically a copy, attach it to an email. Still others and sent as an email attachment to prefer to use a spreadsheet such as Excel Above. Recent hybrid Paphiopedilum [email protected] to email applications, and a few simply Emstor, registered in 2013.

his is a question frequently asked To provide answers to these sorts of queries of the registrar. Popular wisdom more is needed than just a list of accepted The usefulness of synonyms Tsuggests that because there is only names; one must include as many names The same hybrid cross may have been one correct name for each plant, the known to be in use as possible and provide made under several different names, especially where parent species or Register should list only one name for enough information about them to genera have been synonymised as each hybrid. Perhaps because the grex satisfy enquirers. The RHS Horticultural classifications change. For example, is parentage-defined and consequently Taxonomy unit operates registers for Phragmipedium Lemoinierianum (Calurum × Sedenii, registered by the Register can be used to trace a plant’s several other plant groups in addition to Lemoinier in 1888) has 3 synonyms: pedigree, some draw a parallel with orchids, including Clematis, conifers, Dahlia, • Calurum Rougieri (Chauvière, 1892) • Compactum (Ingram, 1893) Why are there sometimes several names for the • Lemoinieri (Lemoinier again, also 1888) same hybrid in the Register? Information about the plant may appear in old publications under any pedigree registers for animals, and in Delphinium, Dianthus, Lilium, Narcissus, and of these names. consequence anticipate only one entry for Rhododendron, and these are now styled each hybrid. However, to answer this query as “Register and Checklist of…” to reflect provide details on the original place of ‘‘let us consider what the purpose of the this nomenclatorial function. You may have publication for a name, its synonyms, and Register is. The function of a plant register is noticed this subtle change in the title of the often a description or parentage details. primarily to act as a nomenclatural tool, or Orchid Register supplements issued with They also indicate if the name in question nomenclator, as they are sometimes called. The Orchid Review. should be used or if it is a synonym of That is, an annotated checklist from which another name. In short, a register aims one can obtain information about a name, If one comes across an unfamiliar plant to provide a universal index to all names enabling one to answer such queries as, is perhaps in a nursery catalogue, or even within its particular remit. Therefore, its this name valid? How does it apply? Is this in an old journal, how is one going to use and function extends far beyond the correct name for a plant? And, is this discover further information? This is where use in judging for awards or seeking plant or hybrid known under other names? the registers come in. These registers parentage in breeding programs. n

autumn 2014 3 OHRAGNEWS

ack in 1988, while a university student currently available online through the World in Belgium, Rafaël Govaerts became Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP). increasingly concerned about These data in turn provide the basis for The Bthe threat of extinction facing so Plant List, Wikispecies and the e-Monocots many plant species and the need for urgent initiative. conservation measures. It occurred to him that the first step in identifying which species The basic data was drawn from Index were most at risk was to obtain a list of all Kewensis, a Victorian project at Kew to known plants and mark it up. So off he set for catalogue all published seed plant names the library of the botanic garden in Maise and that started with a bequest from Charles govaerts asked to consult a global list of plants. To his Darwin, and, from 1999, its online version the rafaël

. disappointment he found that no such list was International Plant Names Index (IPNI). The available. Not one to be easily discouraged entries were standardised bibliographically and photo he decided to prepare such a list himself. And entered in the WCSP at their appropriate status so he began, while still a university student, and rank, along with data on geographical Off he set for to start work on his global checklist of plants. distribution. In other words Rafaël, along with the library of It so happened that the first entry in his advice from other specialists in particular plant the botanic alphabetical list was an orchid, the genus Aa. families, has tried valiantly to work out which garden in Maise and asked to Rafaël Govaerts consult a and the World Checklist global list of at Kew “plants. To his disappointment The first volume appeared in print as Govaerts, names are synonyms and list them as such. It he found that R. (1995) World Checklist of Seed Plants 1 (1, is this consultative approach that marks the 2): 1–483, 1–529. MIM, Deurne. WCSP as different, authoritative and much no such list was more useful than just a list of all published available. Now, some 26 years later, Rafaël is employed names which inevitably includes many by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to work on a duplicated entries such as synonyms. global checklist, which is still growing. The first family to be made available The WCSP is updated daily. This is on the basis online was Fagaceae in 1996. With of small details resulting from feedback from the resources at Kew, the number of users who spot errors (very few, considering the families was expanded. From 2001, size of the data set), information from other efforts focused on the Monocotyledons data users such as The Plant List, taxonomists which were first published online in who notice things in the course of their work, 2003 as part of the World Checklist of and from newly published literature that Monocotyledons (Monocot Checklist). arrives in the Kew library each week. These After completing the monocots, other families updates may range from small notes have gradually been completed and are on additional geographical records to »

4 issue 5 OHRAGNEWS

» major taxonomic revisions. Then, once do not occur in the wild are therefore by a year, there is a major import of all the definition “unplaced”, unless they are cultigens new annual entries from IPNI. This explains of existing species in which case they are why newly described species usually do not synonymised under them. “Unplaced” is a make an immediate debut in the WCSP. category indicating that a name cannot be assigned a place within the context of the When using the WCSP it is important to WCSP. Other reasons for viewing a name as remember that it is species-based with a unplaced include: non-compliance with the global perspective. Hence most infraspecific code of nomenclature; the genus in which names (subspecies, varieties and forms) are it is published is not accepted by the WCSP listed as synonyms, even though they might (hence a new combination is required for it to be valid concepts, particularly in ecology or be placed); or no type specimen is known or horticulture. For orchids, the WCSP follows the type is too poor to be identified. Currently, In Orchidaceae, the WCSP the generic limits proposed in Genera Rafaël is considering introducing a new follows the generic limits Orchidacearum, and it comes as no surprise category of “Horticultural name” to avoid the proposed in the Genera therefore that most instances of disputes with paradox of having to class valid cultivated Orchidacearum series, the WCSP concern the generic delimitations plant names, such as nothogenera, Latin the final volume of which in orchids. Whether you like the classification grex epithets, and artificial hybrids with valid (above; Dendrobieae and proposed in Genera Orchidacearum or hate binomials, as “Unplaced”. Vandeae) was published it, it is useful to have an accessible, consistent, in February 2014. The international standard when preparing a In recent years there has been a proliferation Orchid Hybrid Register also checklist, particularly when dealing with such of online plant-name lists. While there are follows GO, which can have a diverse and difficult family as Orchidaceae. many plant data providers online, none reach large consequences; thus In general, taxonomic disputes at species level the standard and utility of the WCSP for the decision to sink Doritis, are few. For example, there have been disputes several reasons: following volume 6, meant on only four of the 17,077 names in Myrtaceae the loss of 47 hybrid genera, – clearly, this gifted compiler is not the sort to • The data are peer reviewed before being the most significant of get stuck up a gum tree! released online. which was the transfer of • Global geographical distribution is given for names formerly ascribed As a general rule, the most recent published all taxa – aiming to be comprehensive but to × Doritaenopsis, such as taxonomic opinion is followed at specific level accurate. Yu Pin Natsume (below), unless it is clear from the bibliography • The data are live so any changes made are to Phalaenopsis. that the authors are not aware of visible immediately. recent changes. Experts are consulted • Many other online data providers use the for critical taxa and their opinion WCSP data as a backbone. takes precedence. One • The report builder lets you make lists of challenging area has taxonomic groups or geographical areas as been dealing with well as count species numbers. cultivated plants in the WCSP. Since its genesis Meanwhile Rafaël is still working away behind as a conservation tool the scenes at Kew to enlarge and refine the the WCSP has only data in the WCSP. Could this be the greatest

included wild plants. student project ever? n

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including which name takes precedence, and how is this error in the register to be corrected?

In this case the earliest registered name takes precedence, since the mistake in parentage is a correctable error, which does not affect the establishment of the name. That means the basic name for this grex is Cattleya Penny Kuroda. But how should this be corrected in the register? If all the resulting hybrids derived from plants with the four available names are treated as having a single parent, many names will become synonyms. Moreover, the different parental hybrids within Penny Kuroda grex Photos. AOS Archives. In the April 2014 issue of Orchids (the American have given rise to distinctive breeding lines Orchid Society’s journal), Laura Newton with peloric or non-peloric flowers, and the discusses the results of her investigation into lineages would be obscured or easily confused Splash-petal Cattleya hybrids. She concluded if many of the parents were synonymised. quite convincingly that Cattleya Penny Kuroda Consequently, the following scheme has been grex was originally registered with the wrong devised in the register. Cattleya Penny Kuroda parentage, Cattleya Summer Snow as pod grex is viewed as consisting of four Groups: parent instead of C. Summer Stars. The result • Penny Kuroda Group (peloric); • Sophia Martin Group (non-peloric); cattleya • Caudebec Group (Penny Kuroda × Sophia Penny Martin); • Francisco Sueiro Group (Sophia Martin × Caudebec).

Kuroda Each of these Groups is permitted to retain its lineages within the register, and these are is that there are evidently four different indicated by including the Group name in registered names for the same grex, three of brackets after the grex epithet: Penny Kuroda which are responsible for distinctive breeding (Penny Kuroda Group), Penny Kuroda (Sophia lines. Laura raises interesting questions, Martin Group) and so on. n

Above. Cattleya Penny Kuroda ‘Spots’. Right. C. Sophia Martin ‘Spots’. The former will from now on be known as C. Penny Kuroda (Penny Kuroda Group) ‘Spots’, and the latter as C. Penny Kuroda (Sophia Martin Group) ‘Spots’.

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