Expert: Wayne King - 10/6/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, are you able to identify an orchid if I send you a pic?

ANSWER: Adrian, Let's give it a go. I can usually identify the general type (eg dendrobium, phalaenopsis, etc).  When it comes to a species-- that is more difficult.  Hybrids are next to impossible because there are so many that look alike.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much Wayne, here is the attachment!  I believe it's a Miss Joaquim, Vanda Holcoglossom.  I have looked at every available cross on the internet of this famous Singapore National flower, but there is nothing quiet like this.

Answer
Adrian, Holcoglossum identifies one of four general groups of vanda species.  This group is terete and includes the species hookeriana and teres.  When these two species are crossed they produce the hybrid Miss Joaquim which was first hybridized by Agnes Joaquim after whom it is named. It is pictured in the book "ORCHIDS" by Peter McKenzie Black published by the Hamlyn Publishing Group. Also, the American Orchid Society awarded a clone of this plant 'Douglas' at a Lousiana show in 1982.  While no slide exists, the description reads as follows" sepals and petals bright rosy lavender, lip velvety dark purple with darker spots and lateral sepls with some spotting as in the lip."  It appears tha the hybrid is quite variable in color. We can not rule out Vanda Miss Joaquim as the proper name for your plant.  Your plant is terete leaved-- so the vegetative habit appears identical to the book photo. The form of the lip is very similar to the book photo.  The only difference between your photo and the one in the book is a color reversal.  In your photo, the lip is largely white with pink sepals and petals while the book picture has the lip pink and the petals and sepals are a light pink to white.  Based upon the evidence I have, I believe you are right in believing that this is Miss Joaquim.   Thanks for the picture.