| Tess, You're correct that the term "spike" is a misnomer. the term "spike" actually does refer to a particulartype of inflorescence which, if I understand correctly, few if any orchids actually poses. It's been a while since I learned all my technical names for plant and flower parts and habits so I do not remember which type our orchids poses. At any rate, the term "inflorescence" is technically more correct.
-K
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