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Originally Posted by green thumbs  So is it safe to call it Epidendrum ibaguense? and consider it case closed? |
It is definitely not safe to call it Epi ibaguense and call it case closed. The positive identification of orchid species (unless it is a very distinctive species) at the very least requires one to record detailed measurements and other info of the plant and all of its structures and compare it to the botanical descriptions of the species published by orchid taxonomists. This is most reliably done by an orchid taxonomist. Identification by a picture, even one of similar colour and form, is not at all reliable.
There's no harm in simply calling it by its generic name, Epidendrum. Not being able to ID it specifically does not detract from its beauty or the enjoyment you get out of finding or photographing it. And not knowing specifically what it is is far less of a problem than it would be to tag an incorrect name on it only to have someone breed with it or try to show it.