<<a clear set of measurements to distinguish the normal form from the giant Amami Island form >> There are several varieties of Neofinetia falcata from Amami Island. The largest, what we call "Jumbo" has a leaf span of 10 to 12 inches per growth on a mature plant. The flowers are 1 to 2 inches not including the nectary spur, which can be 3 to 4 inches long. Flower count is usually 7 or 8 per inflorescence. Another type we imported last year is Amami Hiroba. Leaf span is about 6 to 8 inches, and the leaves were thick. Flower size and count was similar to the above plants. We also had a few Amami "Pink" - not much color compared to the pink/red varieties, but you could see some coloration in the peduncle and nectary spur. I do not know if any have been tested for polyploidy. <<bigger compared to "what" ? I have "normal" forms >> The common "wild" form of Neofinetia falcata varies, and not all are white. Plants can have a mature leaf span of 3 inches to 8 inches across. Flowers are usually 0.5 to 1.5 inches, with a 2 to 3" nectary spur. Pink, yellow & green forms have been found in the wild. As for cultivated forms, there are well over 2000 named types of Neos in Japan. They range in size from 1/2 inch to 10 inches, flower count from one to ten, various colors and leaf variegations. Alex Challis Dr. Glenn Lehr New World Orchids www.newworldorchids.com
************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
