Paph. sugiyamanum

[Tobi]

Have the opportunity to buy a relatively newly discovered Paph. in 2001
Species name is sugiyamanum. The vendor is selling it at a discount price
of $95.00 down from $125.00. Anyone (Kevin your the Paph expert) know
anything about this one. I guess it just became available recently in the USA
and is difficult to find one for sale.

[kmarch]

Well Tobi, you've picked an interesting Paph to consider buying. It was discovered in 2000; the description was published the next year in 2001. The history of its description, while recent, is full of differing opinions but to summarize, there are essentially 3 positions: 1) it is a newly discovered species; 2) it is a variety of Paph hennisianum or; 3) it is a natural hybrid, possibly between P dayanum and P hennisianum. Sufice it to say taxonomists do not currently agree on its status. It is not currently recognized as a species by the RHS for the purposes of registering hybrids (and rightly so, given the confusion over its status).

I am a reality show and DIY show junkie. I love the shows about collecting and collectables (Bargain Hunt, Antiques Roadshow, etc., etc.). One thing they say repeatedly on those shows is you should collect things you love and are interested in. You should not collect something because you think it will be worth something.

I think this is an excellent approach to orchid collecting. If you buy the plant, buy it because you have seen the flowers and mottled leaves and are very attracted to it. Buy it because you've researched its culture (I've read that it requires higher humidity than most Paphs) and you are reasonably sure that you can grow it well and enjoy doing so. Don't buy it because it might be a new species or because it might be worth a lot of money (neither of these are certain).

I do have one little red flag going off in my brain regarding this plant. If it was discovered in 2000 and let's say for argument's sake, it was immediately pollinated and flasked and in a year or 2 the flasks imported into the US where the seedlings were de-flasked, then these seedlings would probably just now be reaching blooming size, or perhaps they've bloomed last year for the first time. Therefore, if the plants being sold are bigger plants, maybe multiple growths, maybe divisions, maybe a specimen plant, it is possible the original plant was collected and imported and not propigated in culture. My current understanding of CITES regulations is that it is not legal to import collected Paphs. Please note: I am not pointing any fingers at anyone or making any accusations. I do not have all of the information necessary to make such a claim and I am probably being overly cautious as the vast majority of orchid nuseries are in complete compliance. I am only saying this because this is someting I, personally, would look into before buying the plant. You can investigate this tactfully by asking questions like, "How big are the plants for sale?", "How fast do they grow?", "Did you raise them from seedlings?", "How long do they take to get from seedling to blooming size?" I think you get the idea.

Let me know what you choose! Do you grow many Paphs?

Happy growing.

[prisana]

Tobi,
I checked out the picture of the plant I think I know where you are getting it from , they're the only one offering a sale of $95, from $125 ( way out of my range ) I don't know how big this plant gets , but they said 8"+ leave span on this particular one you're getting. I love the leaves ,beautiful whitish mottled leaves. I don't know anything about paphs, though, but I'm excited for you and hope the deal is legit so you can enjoy it at home. I'm still WAITING for my paphs I ordered from a different site , I hope it gets here soon. Good luck.

[Tobi]

Kevin - Thanks again for your knowledge and advice regarding this issue.
I for one don't just buy an orchid for it's possible monetary value in the
future. I like the flower and mottled leafs and it's always nice to have
something that alot of other people don't own. I consider it a challenge
to see if I can get it to grow, flower and prosper in my environment. I
only currently have 3 Paphs in my collection. 1 delanatii and 2 mottled
leaf hybrids. All are doing fairly well. I have had some problem with the
hybrids and crown rot, but they have recovered. What you said about
the humidity has me concerned. I have all my orchids in a 4 season sun
room currently. The humidity has been around 50-65% But no higher.
(I have to share the room with my wife and orchids and she can't tolerate
the humidity much above that, darn). Also this is the message displayed
from the vendor that has it for sale:

This may be the first time the species has been legally imported into the USA in any significant number. Some multi-growth plants available, contact me for details.
Legally obtained!

If these are mature plants, then I have my suspicions!! I also don't agree
with illegal importation and would not deal with anyone who does.
Once again thank you for the help and I will keep you in touch if I decide
to make the purchase.

Prisana - good luck with your Paph order. Let me know when you get them
and tell us and post pics if you can.

[Lucifer]

Under CITES, division is a form of artificial propagation.

L

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by Lucifer

Under CITES, division is a form of artificial propagation.

Interesting. I hadn't heard that before, I'll have to check it out.