× Laeliocattleya
× Laeliocattleya
× Laeliocattleya is an intergeneric orchid hybrid descended from the genera Laelia and Cattleya, abbreviated as Lc. in horticulture. Recent taxonomic changes have led to many formerly classified × Laeliocattleya hybrids now being recognized as Cattleya hybrids. The nothogenus name × Sophrolaelia is now considered a synonym of × Laeliocattleya.
Key Facts
- ›Intergeneric orchid hybrid originating from Laelia and Cattleya parentage.
- ›Abbreviated as LC. in the horticultural trade.
- ›Some formerly classified × Laeliocattleya are now considered Cattleya hybrids.
- ›The nothogenus × Sophrolaelia is now a synonym for × Laeliocattleya.
- ›Specific grexes include 'Anna Ingham', 'Derna', 'Dorset Gold', and 'Puppy Love'.
About × Laeliocattleya
What is × Laeliocattleya?
× Laeliocattleya is a nothogenus of orchid hybrids, signifying a group of orchids created by crossing plants from two different genera. Specifically, × Laeliocattleya orchids are the result of intergeneric crosses between orchids belonging to the genera Laelia and Cattleya. In the horticultural trade, these hybrids are commonly abbreviated as Lc.
Taxonomic Reclassifications
A significant development in the classification of orchids has impacted the designation of × Laeliocattleya. The Royal Horticultural Society, which serves as the international orchid registration authority, has enacted recent decisions that recognize the reduction of several Brazilian Laelia species and the entire genus Sophronitis to synonymy under the genus Cattleya. Consequently, many orchid hybrids that were previously described and recognized as × Laeliocattleya hybrids are now officially classified as Cattleya hybrids.
Furthermore, the nothogenus name × Sophrolaelia, which was used for hybrids originating from crosses between Sophronitis and Laelia, is now considered a synonym of × Laeliocattleya. This reflects the ongoing refinement of orchid taxonomy and the consolidation of related genera.
Notable Grexes
Several specific grexes (cultivar groups) within the × Laeliocattleya lineage are recognized for their distinctive floral characteristics. For instance, the grex × Laeliocattleya Anna Ingham is known for flowers that display a range of colors from dark reddish-purple to deep mauve, featuring a darker lip veined with gold. These blooms can be borne in clusters of up to five, with individual flowers measuring between 6 to 7 inches in width.
Another notable grex is × Laeliocattleya Derna, which produces yellow flowers with a purple lip streaked with gold. This grex can carry up to six flowers, each approximately 5 inches wide. × Laeliocattleya Dorset Gold is characterized by its yellow petals edged with crimson, and a ruffled red-purple lip that has gold streaks along the throat. In contrast, × Laeliocattleya Puppy Love is distinguished by its soft shell pink flowers and is identified as a true × Laeliocattleya hybrid, unlike some others that have undergone reclassification.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are × Laeliocattleya orchids?
× Laeliocattleya orchids are nothogeners, meaning they are intergeneric hybrids. They are derived from crosses between orchids belonging to the genera Laelia and Cattleya. They are commonly abbreviated as Lc. in the orchid trade.
Why are some × Laeliocattleya now classified as Cattleya?
Recent decisions by the Royal Horticultural Society, the international orchid registration authority, have led to taxonomic changes. Several Brazilian Laelia species and the entire Sophronitis genus have been reduced to synonymy under Cattleya. Consequently, many hybrids previously known as × Laeliocattleya are now classified as Cattleya hybrids.
What is the relationship between × Laeliocattleya and × Sophrolaelia?
The nothogenus name × Sophrolaelia, which was used for hybrids between Sophronitis and Laelia, is now considered a synonym of × Laeliocattleya. This reflects the reclassification of Sophronitis under the Cattleya genus.
Can you describe some specific × Laeliocattleya grexes?
The grex 'Anna Ingham' features flowers ranging from dark reddish purple to deep mauve with a gold-veined lip, and can bear up to five flowers up to 7 inches wide. 'Derna' has yellow flowers with a purple lip streaked with gold, bearing up to six flowers each 5 inches wide. 'Dorset Gold' displays yellow petals edged with crimson and a ruffled red-purple lip with gold streaks. 'Puppy Love' is noted for its soft shell pink flowers and is considered a true × Laeliocattleya.
Related Orchid species
Aerides
Aerides, commonly known as cat's-tail orchids and fox brush orchids, is a genus of tropical epiphytic orchids native to Asia. These orchids are highly valued in horticulture for their showy, fragrant, and long-lasting flowers, which typically appear in racemes and are often white with colorful edges.
Dendrobium
Dendrobium is a vast genus of orchids, predominantly epiphytic or lithophytic, found across Asia and the Pacific. These orchids are characterized by their creeping roots and unique flower arrangements, often featuring contrasting labellums and a central callus. Many species are cultivated for their horticultural value and some are recognized for their air-purifying qualities and medicinal properties.
Dipodium
Dipodium, commonly known as hyacinth orchids, is a genus of approximately forty orchid species native to tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions across Southeast Asia, New Guinea, the Pacific Islands, and Australia. This genus is distinguished by its large, often colorful flowers borne on tall stems, and includes species that are either terrestrial or climbing, some with leaves and some leafless.