7.1 Quality

The purpose of judging quality is to recognize superiority and improvement in extraordinary orchid flowers rather than recognizing commonplace characteristics. In scoring for quality awards (i.e., for HCC, AM and FCC), judges should consider and apply equally the following three principles:

1. the hypothetical standard of perfection, at the time.

2. the qualities and merits of previously awarded or known plants of comparable type, breeding or characteristics; and

3. the extent to which any quality or characteristic of the plant represents an advance over what has been witnessed heretofore and thereby establishes a new standard for the future. In this connection, new lines of breeding, including new shapes, colors, or growth habit, should be considered but should not be awarded unless the new line has superior characteristics and quality. Awards appropriate for new lines of breeding or species, are the JC, AD, CHM and CBR.

7.1.1 General

The General Point Scale may be used for any genus of orchids, especially those that do not have a specifically designated scale. Should the specific criteria, outlined in the point scales that follow, not match the flower being judged, then the general scale should be used. Where doubt exists, use the general scale.

7.1.2 Cattleya and Allied Genera

The general form of the flower is toward fullness and roundness. A circle, drawn with the base of the column as the center, should touch the tips of the petals and sepals and the margin of the lip, while the flower should fill the greater proportion of the area of the circle. Sepals should be broad and fill in the gap between the petals and the lip. Petals should be erect to slightly arched, broad, and rounded, frilled, or undulated at the margins according to the variety. The lip should be proportionate to the petals with a rounded, flattened, symmetrical, and crisped or frilled trumpet or isthmus in accordance with its background; it should be closed toward the base and more or less rolled around the column. Hybrids containing Rhyncholaelia generally have lips larger than the petals. Most cattleyas have lips slightly larger to slightly smaller than the petals, depending on the ancestral species used. The entire flower should be nearly flat when viewed from the side, the lip curving down and not jutting out at right angles to the plane of the petals and sepals.

The color of the flower should be clear, bright, and strong, evenly dispersed throughout the petals and sepals without "washing out" at the mid-veins. The hue should be consistent with the parentage or an unusual shade, without spotting, breaking, or splashing, except where a balanced and harmonious pattern exists. The lip should be more prominently and richly colored, blending or pleasingly contrasting with the rest of the flower. Additional markings, if present, should form a symmetrical pattern.

The size of the flower should be equal to or greater than the geometric mean of the size of the parents. The potential of the species in size may already have been established by fine forms discovered in their natural habitats. In bifoliate crosses, the size of the flowers and the width of the petals will be less than in pure Cattleya labiata crosses because of the differences in the species involved. Substance of a high degree is now standard through polyploid forms. Texture should be sparkling, crystalline, velvety, or waxy.

Floriferousness is closely related to parental background and size of flowers. While cattleyas with one exceptional flower may be judged, labiata-type cattleyas should have two or more flowers to be considered. In crosses involving bifoliate cattleyas, several flowers would have to be produced to warrant consideration, depending on the ancestry involved. The stem should be strong and upright to display the flowers to their best advantage, so that one flower does not crowd and distort another.

The inflorescence should be mature enough to show the full potential of the flower or flowers. Use the General scale when judging non-labiate species and their hybrids.

7.1.3 Cymbidium

The general form of the flower is toward roundness and fullness, as in Cattleya but not to the same degree. Some fine cultivars have a more open, star-like appearance, and other good forms are somewhat cupped. Excessive cupping, however, is a fault. The lip usually does not extend to the line of a circle; neither does the dorsal sepal, due to its being curved forward or hooded. The sepals should fill the gaps between the petals and lip. The petals usually make an inverted, broadly based isosceles triangle with the lip; they should be broad, slightly arched with a minimum of narrowing toward the tips. The lip should be proportionately sized, the side lobes being more or less erect, and the front lobe curved gracefully but not strongly turned under, narrowed, or pinched.

The color of the flower should be definite and clear. Suffusion of one color over another should be regular and harmonious, not mottled, or muddy. Venation with color, if present, should be definite and distinctive, or in regular lines and patterns. The lip should be as distinctively colored as the sepals and petals, with markings in definite and distinctive patterns. The throat and crests should be clear white or brightly colored.

The size of the flower should be equal to or greater than the geometric mean of the size of the parents. Substance should be equal to or greater than the average of the parents. The inflorescence should be erect or gracefully arching according to the ancestral species, with the flowers well-spaced and well-displayed. The number of flowers will vary according to the variety and breeding. The inflorescence should be mature enough to show the full potential of the flower or flowers. Non- standard cymbidiums should be judged using the General Scale.

7.1.4 Dendrobium

The genus Dendrobium is extremely large and diverse so that general criteria for all species and hybrids cannot be stated. The flowers presented for judging generally fall into one of three categories. In judging species and hybrids of the form typified by Dendrobium nobile, the criteria used in judging Cattleya flowers would apply. In judging species and hybrids of the form typified by Dendrobium phalaenopsis and Dendrobium bigibbum, the criteria used in judging flowers of the genus Phalaenopsis would apply. In judging those Dendrobiums that have petals and sepals more or less equal to each other, the chief criterion is improvement over the ancestral species using the Dendrobium point scale in paragraph 7.2.4. The inflorescence should be mature enough to show the full potential of the flower or flowers.

7.1.5 Miltonia (Miltoniopsis)

The general form of the flower is toward fullness, roundness, and flatness. The sepals and petals should be equal to each other and may be slightly reflexed. The lip should be predominantly large, symmetrical, and not too deeply notched. Color should be definite, clear, and unblemished. The mask,

if present, should be symmetrical and well-defined. The inflorescence should be gracefully arching, with the flowers well-spaced and well displayed. The point scale for Miltonia is designed for use in scoring Miltonia, Oncidium, Odontoglossum and similar genera whose flowers have lips which are the dominant feature. For other types of miltonias, etc., flowers of which have lips that are proportionate to the petals and sepals, the Odontoglossum point scale should be used. The inflorescence should be mature enough to show the full potential of the flower or flowers.

7.1.6 Odontoglossum

The general form of the flower is toward roundness, fullness, and flatness, tending to fit within a circle as in Cattleya. The color of the flower must be definite and clear, in well-defined patterns. Size of flower should be equal to or greater than the geometric mean of the size of the parents. Substance should be equal to or greater than the average of the parents. The habit of the inflorescence may be simple or branching with flowers well-spaced and well displayed. Floriferousness is closely related to parental background. The inflorescence should be mature enough to show the full potential of the flower or flowers.

The Odontoglossum point scale is designed primarily for the crispum-type odontoglossums, odontiodas, vuylstekearas, oncidiums, miltonias, and similar orchid flowers that have lips approximately equal in size to the petals and sepals. For large-lipped forms, score by the Miltonia point scale.

7.1.7 Paphiopedilum

The great variety of paphiopedilums currently grown, from species to primary hybrids to the modern complex hybrids, makes uniformly applicable criteria impossible to define.

The majority of judged paphiopedilums are those having a single flower on an upright stem; these are scored using the Paphiopedilum point scale in paragraph 7.2.7. Those having several flowers on an upright or arching inflorescence are commonly termed multifloral paphiopedilums and should be scored according to the General Point Scale in paragraph 7.2.1, as their floriferousness and arrangement of inflorescence are of substantial importance. In the judging of species and those hybrids with parentage near to the species, the general criterion is improvement over the ancestral type(s). The natural spread of flowers with long pendulous petals depends on the angle at which the petals are held, and the horizontal and vertical dimensions should be recorded.

The appearance of complex hybrids is the result of many generations of selective breeding that have obscured the contributions of the many species in their ancestry. The desired form of complex hybrid flowers is round, or broadly oval, with particular emphasis upon fullness, balance, and proportion. The dorsal sepal should be large, rounded, slightly concave and not reflexed. The petals should be broad, and their length should be in proportion to the rest of the flower. The pouch should be full, in proportion and not protrude excessively forward. The synsepal should afford a harmonious background for the pouch; a split synsepal is not in itself a defect if its effect on the overall appearance of the flower is pleasing. The stem should be proportionately tall and strong, holding the flower well above the foliage. The color of the flower should be clear and definite in well-defined areas and patterns, or harmoniously suffused, according to breeding.

Due to polyploidy, substance in complex paphiopedilums is generally heavy, and is now expected as a necessary feature. Texture should be waxy or varnished. Size is based on the overall spread of the flower, with emphasis on the width of the dorsal sepal. The inflorescence should be mature enough to show the full potential of the flower or flowers.

7.1.8 Phalaenopsis

The general form of the flower is toward roundness, fullness, and flatness. The dorsal sepal should tend to be somewhat larger and broader than the lateral sepals. The petals should be broad and flat, filling in the gap between the sepals. The lip will vary according to variety and breeding. The color should be definite and clear. Markings, when present, should be pleasing. The lip should be distinctively marked or colored. Substance should be equal to or greater than the average of the parents.

The size of the flower should be equal to or greater than the geometric mean of the size of the parents. The inflorescence should be gracefully arching with the flowers well-spaced and well displayed according to breeding. The number of flowers will vary according to the species, or breeding. The inflorescence should be mature enough to show the full potential of the flower or flowers.

The General Scale should be used where the flower under consideration does not meet the above criteria.

7.1.9 Pleurothallid

The Pleurothallidinae are extremely diverse, so general criteria for all species and hybrids cannot be given. Some plants, especially members of the section Coccineae of the genus Masdevallia, have flowers of striking colors and relatively flat form. Often the sepals are relatively broad in this group, and the desired form is toward fullness and, in some taxa, roundness. In other pleurothallids, the sepals may be very narrow, twisted or otherwise unusual. In addition, the form may be cup-shaped, bowl-shaped, or even tubular. Ideally, the edges of the sepals should not reflex nor should the sepals be asymmetrically twisted, particularly in hybrids. Caudae may be short or elongated, depending on type, and may extend outward or be crossed. What is important is the overall aesthetic appearance of the caudae to the general form of the flower. Caudae and sepals may reflex; however, the generally desired trait is for no (or minimal) reflexing. The prominent parts of the flower are generally the sepals and the sepaline tube. Petals and labella are usually quite insignificant.

Colors are as varied as form in pleurothallids. Some species have brilliant colors while others are quite drab. The color of the flower should be clear. Suffusion of one color over another should be regular and harmonious, not muddy, or blotched. Stripes, spots, or blotches, if present, should be distinct.

These should never detract from the overall attractiveness of the flower. Hairs, if present, should enhance the overall appearance of the flower.

The size of the flower in hybrids should be equal to or greater than the geometric mean of the size of the parents. It is critical that vertical, as well as horizontal, spread be recorded, as vertical dimensions are critical in judging size in many species and hybrids. For tubular flowers, floral depth (and/or sepaline tube length) can be useful information. In hybrids, the inflorescence may be erect or not, depending on the ancestral species; although, at all times the scape should be long enough and strong enough to display the flowers well.

Normally, pleurothallids are floriferous, and this should be considered when determining the floriferousness of any plant. Texture of the flowers varies considerably, from glossy to matte, depending on ancestral species. The inflorescence should be mature enough to show the full potential of the flower or flowers.

Pleurothallidinae without caudae and other flowers not matching the above criteria should be judged using the General Scale.

7.1.10 Vanda

The general form of the flower is toward roundness, fullness, and flatness. The dorsal sepal should be as nearly equal to the lateral sepals as possible. The petals should be broad and rounded, as nearly equal to the dorsal sepal as possible, and should fill the gap between the sepals. The lip should be harmonious with the rest of the flower in size and shape, in accordance with the ancestral species.

The spur or nectary, if present, should be harmonious and compatible with the ancestral species. The color of the flower should be definite and clear; suffusion of one color over another should be regular and harmonious, not mottled, or muddy. Colored venation if present, should be definite and distinctive, or in regular lines and patterns. The lip should be distinctively colored. The size of the flower should be equal to or greater than the geometric mean of the size of the parents. Substance should be equal to or greater than the average of the parents.

The inflorescence should be erect or gracefully arched according to parental background, with the flowers well-spaced and well displayed. The number of flowers will vary according to the species or the breeding. The inflorescence should be mature enough to show the full potential of the flower or flowers. Non-Euanthe type hybrids and species should be judged using the General Scale.

7.2 Point Scales for AOS Awards - Flower Quality

The appropriate point scale is used to record the judges' evaluation of various qualities being judged. (Editorial: Click on https://www.aos.org/AOS/media/forms-for-judging/Score-Sheet-Fillable-11- 2022.pdf.)

7.3 Point Scale for AOS Awards - Other

The following point scales are used for evaluating factors other than flower quality:

7.3.1 Cultural Merit or Excellence

7.3.2 Horticultural Merit

7.3.3 Groups of Plants or Cut Flowers Arranged for Effect

This point scale is used for judging exhibits for the AOS Show Trophy and Show Trophy Certificate (paragraphs 6.3.2 and 6.3.3) and for the Gold and Silver Certificates for Groups, Collections or Cut Flower Exhibits (paragraph 6.3.1). For additional information, see paragraph 7.4 Principles of Design.

Evaluation should be based on the following:

1. General arrangement (design) of an exhibit should be evaluated using the criteria in paragraph 7.4 Principles of Design.

2. Quality of flowers displayed should be scored using the criteria found in paragraph 7.1 Quality and 7. 1.1 through 7.1.10.

3. Variety should reflect the intent of the exhibit. If it is a specialized exhibition of a single genus or alliance, then color variation, variety of the species or related hybrids, variety in form, or other factors including, possibly, high degrees of uniformity, should be considered. If it is of a general nature, containing many genera, then the numbers and/or types of genera should be considered, or the rarity of species and lesser-known genera balanced against well-known genera, species, and hybrids. The judges should evaluate variety in similar terms as in the principles of design, using balance between the varieties, contrast of types and dominance of any one variety of orchid as guidance. The use of foliage is encouraged and an occasional non-orchid flower(s) that is not a focal point should not disqualify the display.

4. Labeling shall be evaluated on completeness, correctness of names, neatness, and legibility to the viewing public. The labels should also be unobtrusive and not detract from the orchid exhibit.

7.3.4 Educational Exhibit

7.3.4.1 For Use with Conservation Displays Educational value

7.3.5 Orchid Arrangements

This point scale is designed to recognize aesthetic skill in the use of orchids rather than horticultural achievement. For additional information, see paragraph 7.4 Principles of Design.

7.4 Principles of Design

Design principles are basic art standards based on natural laws. They apply to all forms of art including flower arranging and exhibiting and are the same for all design. These principles are balance, contrast, dominance, proportion, rhythm, and scale.

1. Balance is visual stability. It is the result of placing equal weight on opposite sides of an imaginary central axis. The axis is always vertical because balance is related to the force of gravity. Balance should be evident when viewed from all sides. Symmetrical balance is repetition of all elements, including space, in opposite directions from the real or imaginary axis. It is attained by having the two sides as nearly alike as possible. Asymmetrical balance is equal visual weight composed of different elements, and in varying directions, about the axis. Visual weight may differ from actual weight. Asymmetrical balance has greater appeal aesthetically than symmetrical balance. There is no rule of achieving this balance. The following appear heavier: dense and bolder forms, larger sizes, darker colors, and coarser textures. Their opposites appear lighter in weight. Forms have more visual weight than closed spaces, closed spaces more than open spaces. Elements higher up in the design and farther away from the axis appear heavier than those nearer the center.

2. Contrast is difference. Contrast is achieved by placing opposites of unlike elements together in such a way as to emphasize difference. Contrast exists only between elements that are related in some manner. Examples: long and short both relate to dimension; light and dark to color; hot and cold to temperature. Contrast whether of size, form, or color, affects design in many ways. It stimulates interest; color contrast helps to distinguish both form and space; on the other hand, contrast of equals divides attention; too much contrast of too many elements results in confusion.

3. Dominance is the greater force of one kind of element such as more curved lines, more round forms, or more of one hue. This may also be achieved using larger forms or stronger colors. However, the largest amount does not always have the greatest effect or furnish the most interest. For something to be more effective, something else must be less effective. Thus, dominance implies subordination. Subordinate interest can be provided by similar but weaker material or by contrasting material.

4. Proportion is the relationship of areas and amounts to each other and to the whole. In regard to line, it is relative length; in regard to form or space, it is relative area or volume; in regard to color, it is relative magnitude: the combined effect of hue, value, intensity, and texture. Nothing is too big, too much, or too little. Things are only too big, too much, or too little in relation to something else. Not all proportion is good. Good proportion is the pleasing variation of one form, part, or color to another or to the whole. The golden mean, i.e., the ratio of 1 to 1.6, is pleasing to most people and serves as a good guide for the beginner; however, much greater ratios are often more interesting and distinctive.

5. Rhythm is a dominant visual path through the design. Rhythm suggests motion. It may be achieved using repetition or gradation in a linear direction. Repetition is achieved by repeating a shape, hue, value, direction, etc. Exact repetition is monotonous, so it should be modified, such as the use of pink for a repetition of red, or a grouping of small round forms for a repetition of a large round form, etc. Gradation is the sequence in which the adjoining parts are similar or harmonious. It implies gradual change: in size, from large to small; in weight, from heavy to light; in texture, from coarse to fine; in color, from dark to light, dull to bright, hue to hue and value to value. Successful design moves by gradation from solidity to thinness or delicacy at the extremities. Rhythm makes a design appear to be alive, rather than at rest.

6. Scale is the size relationship. It is closely related to proportion. It is a minor principle, because it applies only to one element, the element of size. Repetition and variation of size are always in good scale. Contrast of size may also be in good scale. It is only when contrast of size is too great that components are out of scale.

7.5 Measurement and Description

A uniform standard for measuring and describing awarded plants and flowers is essential in providing useful records with which to compare subsequent cultivars of the same species or breeding. To that end, the following principles must be kept in mind:

1. The purpose of measuring and describing flowers is to provide reference data for judges who are confronted with similar cultivars but who have not seen previously awarded flowers.

2. All measurements should be made without physical damage to the flowers and must be expressed in centimeters (e.g., 0.6 cm, 5.4 cm, 16.0 cm).

3. Photographs and slides provide information to judges and other persons who have occasion to view them in OrchidPro or in programs developed for use by affiliated societies, but photographs by themselves do not provide adequate information.

4. The description should be accurate, detailing what features, good and bad, influenced the judges in reaching their decisions and, if applicable, explaining clearly how this cultivar varies from previously awarded cultivars of the species or grex.

5. The description should be sufficiently detailed to be both complete and informative.

6. The description should not repeat information which is included in the measurements or implied by the nature of the award. Terms such as 'larger than average' and 'a large well-grown plant' are redundant when measurements are also given, or the award is a Certificate of Cultural Excellence or Certificate of Cultural Merit.

7. Standard terminology as defined in Chapter VIII should be used.

8. Since there is no standard terminology for colors, particular attention should be paid to describing colors in precise terms which will be understandable to others.

9. The point scale should be reviewed to make sure that all significant characteristics have been included in the description.

10. Special attention must be given to the descriptions and measurements of orchid species which, by their nature, are small and difficult to describe clearly. This is particularly true where no previous record of the species exists in AOS records since the award will serve as a benchmark for future awards.

11. The responsibility for complete, accurate, and properly written descriptions and measurements rests with the judging team captain.

12. Once the award is entered into the JC program, the recorded measurements and description should be reviewed by the chair of judging or their designate prior to marking the award data as complete.to ensure that the information is complete and informative prior to submission.

(Editorial: Click on https://www.aos.org/AOS/media/forms-for-judging/Judging_Entry_Form-2Up.pdf for "Judging Entry Form")

7.5.1 Overall Measurement

Both the horizontal and the vertical dimensions of a flower are recorded. The overall measurement of a flower, referred to as, the natural spread, is that measurement of the natural carriage of the flower in its maximum dimension without flattening or grooming in the horizontal plane. This measurement may be from the tips of the petals, lateral sepals or caudae, whichever is greater.

The vertical measurement is likewise taken without flattening or grooming and at its maximum dimension but in the vertical plane. Often this will be from the tip of the dorsal to an imaginary line drawn across the tips of the lateral sepals or caudae.

7.5.2 Actual Measurements

1. Dorsal sepal width: The dimension when the sepal is flattened into a plane.

2. Dorsal sepal length: The dimension from the point of attachment to the tip along the central vein.

3. Petal width and length: Same as for dorsal sepal.

4. Lateral Sepal width and length: Same as for dorsal sepal. The synsepal is used for paphiopedilums.

5. Lip width: The natural dimension at its widest point.

6. Lip length: The dimension from the point of its attachment to the base of the column or column foot to the tip (or to a line representing the outermost margin of the lip). Spur length is measured from its attachment to the labellum to the tip.

7. Inflorescence (peduncle and rachis) length:

   • All inflorescences are measured from the point of emergence from the growth to the end of the terminal flower or bud borne on that inflorescence. Separate measurements can be given for the peduncle (section of the inflorescence beginning at the point of emergence from the growth and ending at the point of attachment of the lowermost flower) and the rachis (section of the inflorescence on which the flowers are borne; beginning at the point of attachment of the lower most flower and ending at the base of the petiole of the terminal flower or bud) if that is deemed an important feature.
   • Measurement of a branched inflorescence is based on the peduncle and the primary rachis and is measured from the inflorescence’s point of emergence from the growth to the end of the terminal flower or bud borne on the primary rachis. Separate measurements can be given for the branch lengths if that is deemed an important feature.

8. Additional measurements may be necessary for species identification if the flower is submitted to the SITF. These should be recorded on the SITF information form.

9. If a majority of the judging team desires, minute flower segments under 0.2 cm may be measured as hundredths of a centimeter (2 decimal points). Other components of such descriptions should be comparably accurate.

7.5.3 Description

An award description is made up of various parts, or sections, which together constitute the description. The different sections are separated by semicolons and the description ends with a period. Descriptions may be separated into three sections: 1) description of the vegetative portions of the plant, including cultural condition); 2) description of the inflorescences and flowers; and 3) comments. Not every description includes all three sections. A section may be emphasized, de- emphasized, and/or left out altogether by judges as deemed appropriate.

Ambiguity is a common occurrence in award descriptions. In editing descriptions for publication, it is important to note instances of ambiguity and to eliminate them whenever possible. Sometimes a telephone call to the exhibitor or to a member of the judging team will clear up the problem. If available, reference to the award slide is also helpful in resolving ambiguous descriptions.

Unfortunately, it is sometimes necessary to refer a description back to the Judging Center for clarification. This is a time-consuming process, which can result in significant delays in the processing of an award.

7.5.3.1 Sequence

1. The three principal sections are separated by semicolons and are listed in the following sequence:

   • Vegetative parts and culture
   • Inflorescence(s) and flower(s)
   • Comments The sequence as listed above is essentially a summary of the sequence used in botanical descriptions and should be adhered to as closely as possible. Since AOS awards descriptions always begin with an enumeration of the number of flowers, buds and inflorescences, there is a long-standing and persistent tendency to describe the flowers before describing vegetative parts and culture. Description of the vegetative parts and culture is most frequently mentioned when describing cultural awards.

2. The portion of a description which concerns itself with the inflorescences and flowers is itself broken down into subsections. These subsections are also separated by semicolons and follow a strict sequence in OrchidPro. In describing the inflorescences and flowers, the sequence proceeds from the general to the specific and from the outer parts of a flower to the inner parts.

3. Sequence of Floral Parts This is a list showing the sequence in which the various parts of the description of the inflorescences and flowers are listed in OrchidPro. All GENERA Number of Flowers Number of Buds Number of Inflorescences Form-Arrangement-Presentation General Flower Color Dorsal Sepal Lateral Sepals or Synsepal Petals Lip/Pouch (Includes callus, disk, midlobe, side lobes, and throat where applicable) Spur (if applicable, belongs with the flower part to which it is attached) Column/Staminode (Includes anther cap) Ovary Substance Texture

4. Because orchid flowers are complex both in their morphology and color patterns, sometimes it is not possible to adhere to the above sequence. When two or more floral parts are being described together, they are placed in sequence within that subsection according to the sequence shown above in (3). Each section or subsection of an award description usually begins with the name of the part being described.

7.5.3.2 Spelling and Preferred Usage

1. Common spelling errors

2. Preferred Spelling

3. Preferred Usage

4. Words describing color patterns ending in "ing"

7.5.3.3 Colors

1. Terms describing colors should be carefully chosen to avoid confusion or ambiguity. Amaranth and raspberry are frequent sources of ambiguity. Amaranth is a wine purple, but sometimes is confused for a yellow-green because the common roadside weed of the genus Amaranth has a peculiar yellow-green color. Also, amaranth is being developed as a minor grain crop which has green to bright yellow seed heads. There are black, red, pink, and yellow raspberries, depending on the geographic region. Therefore, the use of the word raspberry standing alone should be avoided, raspberry, followed by the color form, is acceptable. Certain color terms such as bois de rose, celadon green, cochineal red, garnet lake, madder red, and perilla purple are unfamiliar to most AOS members and should be avoided. Overly specific color terms should also be avoided. For example, apple green suffices for Granny Smith apple green or Pippin apple green. The suffix 'ish' is colloquial and should not be used. Use green or red rather than greenish or reddish.

2. Compound color terms are hyphenated according to the following rules.

   • A hyphen is used when a color is modified by another color, for example yellow-green, purple-blue, brown-red and rose-red.
   • No hyphen is used when a color is modified by a noun, for example grass green, sky blue and brick red.

7.5.3.4 Punctuation and Numbers

1. Periods A period marks the end of a description. Therefore, no periods should be used within the body of a description. The various parts of a description should be separated by semicolons. If it is necessary to subdivide within a section or subsection, as with the various parts of the lip, commas should be used.

2. Hyphens Hyphens should follow common usage as indicated in a dictionary. Compound words beginning with well (such as well-held or well-presented) are always hyphenated. Compound words formed by combining a color with a color pattern should also be hyphenated, as in red-blotched, pink-spotted, purple-dotted, yellow-picoted, and violet-splashed. Fractions are also hyphenated, as in one-half, two- thirds and three-fifths.

3. Numbers Numbers from one through ten are always spelled out in the body of the description. Any number, no matter how large, is always spelled out if it begins a sentence. Numbers larger than ten are written as numbers. Numbers between 21 and 99 are hyphenated when spelled out. Large numbers are not hyphenated when spelled out; however, if a large number contains within it a number between 21 and 99, that part of the number is hyphenated. The word 'and' is not used when writing large numbers.

7.5.3.5 Taxonomic Verification and Descriptions

Any notes provided in the taxonomic verification of an award are to be included in the edited description. Because of the way in which provisional awards are processed, the judging team which writes the description rarely sees the taxonomic verification, which may not be obtained until many months after the award is granted. Such notes are considered part of the description because of their educational value. These should be regarded as comments and placed at the end of the description. The source of the taxonomic notes should be clearly stated along with the name of the taxonomic authority making the identification.