Question
Phal Speciosa
Hi Wayne King,
I saw some orchids which flowers are having exact flower color & spot. Each flower carries different color in different places. I've attached the photo of Phal Speciosa which has variation of color in each flower on the same spike.
Why is there variation?
Any terms given to such kind of orchid?
Thanks,
Nwe Lay
AnswerAs usual, thanks for your interesting questions. I believe the term "sport" could be applied to these color variations in the same plant, or even the same color. The color variations are found mostly in phalaenopsis although flowers on some Cattleyas are also known to have varying numbers of flower parts on the same flower spike.
In the case of uneven distribution of flower color in a flower or group of flowers, it is necessary to understand the whole flower development process which is very complicated and not fully understood. In the flowers in question, it must be understood that pigments are water soluble. This means that any variations in veins carrying the pigment, such as a blockage, can influence the deposition of the pigment. The huge amount of hybridization, especially in phalaenopsis, is likely to result in many abnormalities which affect the uneven distribution of pigment. The fact that such sports have become quite popular means that many growers are selectively breeding for factors that promote uneven deposition of pigments in a flower.
