I am not a taxonomist, but I can confirm it. Further, I wouldn't suggest asking a taxonomist as the opinions will be inconsistent.
For reference, you can check out my color pigments page at: http://www.nascentorchids.com/color_pigments.html also check out this: http://www.nascentorchids.com/color_designations.html This will generally outline what you are looking for. But keep in mind, it is entirely possible to have a plant with normal coloration but without anthocyanins because there are also carotenoids which have colors typically associated with flavonoids. Steve Topletz Nascent Orchids Brian> Icones, Brian> I'm a hobbyist orchid grower, not a botanist, but based upon a talk one Brian> well-respected speaker gave to our orchid society several years ago, my Brian> understanding is that some 'alba' orchids with suppressed anthocyanin Brian> (red or purple) and flavonoid (yellow) pigmentation can still appear Brian> greenish due to the inheritance and distribution of chlorophyll within Brian> the plant, including the flowers. Can any of our resident taxonomists Brian> and botanists confirm or deny this understanding? >> >> Marc, >> >> After I got off the computer I went and looked at my set of the Japan >> Orchid >> Growers Association's Register of Awards. Admittedly my set is >> incomplete >> (missing 7 issues) but I was able to locate one Laelia (Sophronitis or >> Hadrolaelia if you prefer) tenebrosa alba listed. However in looking >> at the >> photograph it just shows an aurea form. There are two types of aurea >> forms, >> one with the color of the lip the same as in the type, and then ones >> with >> pure white lips. There are clones that are green instead of yellow, >> but I >> would never call any of these alba. >> >> icones Brian> _______________________________________________ Brian> the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) Brian> orchids@orchidguide.com Brian> http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com