Finding
The main points in considering the differences between Brassavola cucullata and Brassavola appendiculata are that B. appendiculata is only found in Central America from Mexico to Nicaragua and not in the Caribbean. B. cucullata is found in South America from Colombia to Venezuela and in the Caribbean. Brassavola cucullata has eight pollinia and B. appendiculata has twelve pollinia. This plant was collected in the Caribbean (Trinidad) and has eight pollinia. It is a good example of a true B. cucullata.
Inflorescence Overall Length: 3.5
Flower Natural Spread Length: 11.0
Flower Natural Spread Width: 9.0
Dorsal Sepal Length: .7
Dorsal Sepal Width: 9.0
Lateral Sepals Length: .8
Lateral Sepals Width: 8.5
Petals Length: .6
Petals Width: 7.5
Judging Center: Hawaii-Hilo
Award Number: 20223860
Award Date: December 10, 2022
Awarded As: Brassavola cucullatta
Description is as follows:
"Three ribbony flowers and five buds on four up to 3.5-cm inflorescences; sepals and petals long, ribbon-like, sharply acuminate, ivory, midrib very pale olive-green, faint sunset-orange abaxially, darker distally and margins; lip conical basally, enveloping column, sidelobes broadly flaring and deeply fringed, long acuminate, recurved central lobe, ivory, very pale olive-green venation, very pale dreamsicle-orange distally; column ivory, incredibly pale dreamsicle-orange suffusion superior; anther cap ivory, very pale olive-green suffusion throughout; substance firm; texture silken; we recognize this as a the true Brassavola cucullata, rather than the ubiquitous B. appendiculata due to several criteria deliniated on the SITF form, but especially its provenance originating in Trinidad."
Exhibitor previously entered same plant and received CHM; 20223708. Plant was sent to SITF where taskforce determined exhibit was B.appendiculata; not cucullatta. Link here:
https://www.aos.org/sitf-blog/brassavola-cucullata-2022-08-28.aspx
Tom Mirenda (one of the authors of article cited in prev. SITF determination) was present at both judgings and verified identity as cucullatta. Exhibitor has resubmitted plant for judging in hopes of having entry re-examined. Additional photographs were taken to aid in this effort.
