× Cattlianthe
× Cattlianthe
× Cattlianthe is a nothogenus of orchids created by intergeneric hybridization between species from the Cattleya and Guarianthe genera. These hybrids are commonly known in the horticultural trade by the abbreviation Ctt. Many plants now classified under × Cattlianthe were previously categorized within the Cattleya genus before 2003, when species from Guarianthe were moved.
Key Facts
- ›× Cattlianthe represents hybrids between Cattleya and Guarianthe genera.
- ›The abbreviation Ctt. is used for these hybrids in horticulture.
- ›Many × Cattlianthe hybrids were formerly classified under the Cattleya genus.
- ›Hybrids contain at least one ancestor species from both Cattleya and Guarianthe.
- ›The specific hybrid greges are often given unique names, such as Ctt. Jewel Box.
Magenta, Deep Red
About × Cattlianthe
What is × Cattlianthe?
× Cattlianthe is a nothogenus in the orchid family, Orchidaceae, representing a specific group of intergeneric hybrid orchids. These hybrids are defined by their ancestry, requiring at least one parent species from the Cattleya genus and one from the Guarianthe genus, with no other genera involved in their lineage. In the horticultural trade, orchids belonging to this nothogenus are commonly abbreviated as Ctt.
Classification History
It is important to note that the classification of orchids can evolve. Before the year 2003, many orchids that are now placed within the × Cattlianthe nothogenus were previously classified directly under the Cattleya genus. This taxonomic shift occurred as a result of updated scientific understanding and classification of the Guarianthe genus.
Notable Hybrids
The × Cattlianthe nothogenus includes various notable hybrid greges (groups of identical hybrids). A well-documented example is Ctt. Jewel Box (formerly known as Slc. Jewel Box). This hybrid is a cross between Guarianthe aurantiaca and Cattleya Anzac. Plants of Ctt. Jewel Box typically exhibit bifoliate pseudobulbs that grow to approximately 4 inches in height along a horizontal rhizome. A terminal inflorescence, emerging from a sheath at the tip of newly matured pseudobulbs, produces an average of 4.8 flowers per stalk. The flowers of Ctt. Jewel Box have a natural spread of about 9.2 cm (3.6 inches) and are characterized by a slightly cupped shape. Their color can vary from magenta to deep red, with the final hue often depending on the specific growth conditions, such as light and temperature, experienced during the bud development stage.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is × Cattlianthe?
× Cattlianthe is an orchid nothogenus that encompasses intergeneric hybrids. These hybrids must contain ancestor species from both the Cattleya and Guarianthe genera, and no other genera.
What does the abbreviation Ctt. mean for orchids?
Ctt. is the abbreviation used in the horticultural trade for orchids belonging to the nothogenus × Cattlianthe. It signifies a hybrid derived from Cattleya and Guarianthe ancestors.
Were these orchids always classified as × Cattlianthe?
No, many orchids now recognized within × Cattlianthe were previously classified directly under the Cattleya genus. This change occurred after 2003, when orchids from the Guarianthe genus were incorporated into Cattleya.
What are some notable hybrids within × Cattlianthe?
One notable hybrid grex is Ctt. Jewel Box, which is a cross between Guarianthe aurantiaca and Cattleya Anzac. This hybrid is known for its bifoliate pseudobulbs and its flowers, which can range from magenta to deep red.
Related Orchid species
Isabelia
Isabelia is a genus of orchids comprising three species and one natural hybrid, found from northeastern Brazil to Argentina. These tiny orchids are closely related to the genus Constantia and are distinguished by their unifoliated pseudobulbs, linear or acicular leaves, and erect inflorescences bearing one to a few flowers. Their flowers feature petals, sepals, and labellum of the same color, ranging from white to pale pink or magenta, and they bloom from early autumn to early winter.
Koellensteinia
Koellensteinia is a genus of approximately 19 orchid species native to South America, Belize, Trinidad, and Puerto Rico. These plants are characterized by their short, leafy stems, often forming pseudobulbs, and produce small to medium-sized, fragrant flowers that are typically yellow or white, often with magenta or violet barring. They are found in low to mid-elevation forests and are cultivated under intermediate conditions with moderate shade and high humidity.
Ancistrochilus
Ancistrochilus is a small genus of orchids, recognized for its large, fragrant flowers with striking rose-pink petals and sepals and magenta lips. These sympodial epiphytic plants are native to tropical West Africa, extending to Tanzania and Uganda, where they grow on tree trunks and branches at moderate elevations.