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Paph.
Oklahoma is a exciting new primary hybrid between the species concolor and glanduliferum
var. wilhelminae, that illustrates the potential of hybridizing to produce new and
interesting variations on a theme. In this case, we have a mini-multifloral (bifloral?) on a compact plant about 30 cms. across. Though the flowers open relatively flat (as shown to the lower left), the petals soon twist attractively, no doubt the influence of the wilhelminae parent, as can be seen to the left. Concolor has lightened the usually dark-coloured wilhelminae and considerably widened the segments. The dorsals have a creamy undertone, with a network of suffused mahogany-red veins, while the petals are a deeper dark red. The pouch is lighter in colour. The synsepals are ivory and distinctly striped in red. The large staminode overlaid with red hairs also adds visual interest. Though the stem is modest in length it is proportionate to the size of the plant. The blooms appear to be long-lasting-the plant shown has bloomed for more than two months, holding both blooms open for an extended period! It'll be interesting to see whether Oklahoma is fertile as it could be useful in breeding mini-multiflorals.
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