× Miltonidium
× Miltonidium
× Miltonidium is a nothogenus, or hybrid genus, created for hybrids between the orchid genera Miltonia and Oncidium. First published in 1936, its classification has evolved with taxonomic changes in its parent genera, particularly Oncidium, leading to some previously registered hybrids now being classified under different names. This genus encompasses a variety of intergeneric crosses within the broader orchid family.
Key Facts
- ›× Miltonidium is a hybrid genus resulting from crosses between Miltonia and Oncidium orchids.
- ›The nothogenus was first formally established in 1936.
- ›Horticultural trade abbreviation for × Miltonidium is Mtdm.
- ›Taxonomic reclassifications, especially within the Oncidium genus, have impacted the nomenclature of × Miltonidium hybrids.
- ›Some hybrids formerly placed in related nothogenera like × Burrageara, × Colmanara, and × Odontonia are now considered synonyms or fall under × Miltonidium.
About × Miltonidium
× Miltonidium is a nothogenus, a designation for hybrid genera, specifically created for orchid crosses between the genera Miltonia and Oncidium. This classification is primarily used in horticulture and reflects the intergeneric breeding of these popular orchid groups. The abbreviation for × Miltonidium in the horticultural trade is Mtdm.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
The nothogenus × Miltonidium was first formally published in 1936. The initial registered hybrid within this nothogenus was × Miltonidium Aristocrat in 1940. However, orchid taxonomy is dynamic, and classifications of parent genera, particularly Oncidium, have undergone significant revisions. As of December 2023, taxonomic treatments have led to its parent genera being placed within Oncidium, meaning the correct name for grexes previously designated as × Miltonidium might now be under Oncidium.
Furthermore, changes such as the splitting off of the genus Gomesa from Oncidium have also impacted × Miltonidium. Some grexes that were once considered Miltonia × Oncidium and thus placed in × Miltonidium have now become Gomesa × Miltonia, resulting in the nothogenus × Gomonia. For example, a hybrid generated from Miltonia regnellii × Gomesa imperatoris-maximiliani was previously placed in × Miltonidium when Gomesa imperatoris-maximiliani was known by its synonym Oncidium imperatoris-maximiliani.
Related Nothogenera
Recent taxonomic alignments, where genera like Cochlioda and Odontoglossum are sunk into Oncidium, have led to other nothogenera becoming synonyms of × Miltonidium. This includes:
- × Burrageara: Originally for hybrids of Cochlioda, Miltonia, Odontoglossum, and Oncidium. When Cochlioda and Odontoglossum are synonymized with Oncidium, the parents effectively become Miltonia and Oncidium, aligning it with × Miltonidium. For instance, × Burrageara Helen Kelley is now considered a synonym of × Miltonidium Helen Kelley.
- × Colmanara: This nothogenus was for hybrids between Miltonia, Odontoglossum, and Oncidium. With Odontoglossum treated as a synonym of Oncidium, plants formerly classified as × Colmanara now fall within × Miltonidium.
- × Odontonia: This was the nothogenus for hybrids between Miltonia and Odontoglossum. As Odontoglossum is now synonymized with Oncidium, such hybrids are also correctly treated within × Miltonidium. It is noted that many hybrids placed in × Odontonia were actually made with Miltoniopsis.
This ongoing evolution in orchid classification highlights the complex history of hybrid registration and nomenclature, ensuring that × Miltonidium remains a significant designation for a specific lineage of intergeneric orchid hybrids.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is × Miltonidium?
× Miltonidium is a hybrid genus in horticulture that represents crosses between orchids from the genera Miltonia and Oncidium. It is abbreviated as Mtdm. in the horticultural trade.
When was × Miltonidium first published?
The nothogenus name × Miltonidium was first published in 1936. The earliest registered hybrid in this genus was × Miltonidium Aristocrat in 1940.
How have taxonomic changes affected × Miltonidium?
Changes in the classification of parent genera, particularly Oncidium, have led to reclassifications. For instance, if both parent genera are placed within Oncidium, the hybrid's grex name may change accordingly. Some formerly distinct hybrid genera are now considered synonyms of × Miltonidium.
What is the horticultural trade abbreviation for × Miltonidium?
The horticultural trade abbreviation for × Miltonidium is Mtdm.
Are there other hybrid genera related to × Miltonidium?
Yes, related hybrid genera that have become synonyms or are now classified under × Miltonidium due to taxonomic shifts include × Burrageara, × Colmanara, and × Odontonia. These were also intergeneric crosses involving Miltonia and/or related genera with Oncidium.