As a result of the current GW Orchid Forum thread "Older phaius tankerville bulbs rotting - help", I decided to check the info on the Phaius species that we were discussing. To my amazement, I learned that OrchidWiz recognizes Phaius wallichii as the correct name for the species commonly known as Phaius tankervilliae!

Years ago, wallichii was downgraded; it was no longer a separate species. It became known only as Phaius tankervilliae. The Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia (Jay Pfahl) continues the same. FWIW, years ago, tankervilliae was also known as Phaius grandifolius.

After some reflection, I decided to pose a question to a different forum group. The question, "Phaius--what is the accepted name today, tankervilliae? wallichii?"

A reader quickly sent an article published in 2004 in the Kew Bulletin by Cribb, Sun and Barretto--"Phaius tankervilleae and P wallichi (Orchidaceae), a pair of confused species". Note the changed spelling-- tankervilleae.

The current thinking is that these are separate, distinct species, Phaius tankervilleae and Phaius wallichii. Fortunately, I own both species! I will merely correct the one's spelling.

I am content that throughout the years, I was correct in keeping all labels intact! For the future, I may choose to purchase the old hybrid of these two species Phaius Gravesiae 'Titan' AM/AOS! It's truly beautiful, it's a monster and it's memorable!

The Kew article is available for anyone wishing to DL a PDF Adobe Reader attachment. Email any requests offline, please.

_-Stitz--