Finding

SITF cannot make a determination on this Challenge. SITF can only act on a Challenge that determines whether or not a plant is correctly identified, not whether an award is appropriate or not. Although SITF agrees that this plant probably does not meet the criteria for a Cultural Award, since there are no flowers open, it should probably go to the JC Judging Policy Task Force to deal with cultural awards to Jewel orchids.

Judging Center: Mid-America Judging Center

Award Number: 20232859

Award Date: January 13, 2023

Awarded As: CCE

The Mid-America Judging Center would like to challenge this award based on the fact that the plant was not in bloom at the time it was awarded a cultural award. The Handbook states that "The entry must be of robust health and appearance with an unusually large number of flowers." This award does not follow the Handbook. The fact that it had no discernible buds or flowers means that it could not be fairly and accurately evaluated under floriferousness and condition of bloom on the cultural scorecard. We felt the award was handed out prematurely.

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