Paph philippinense with split sepal

[gego]

Second bloom and still splits.

 

[Guldal]

It seems to have reverted to an archaic phylogenetic form... before the synsepalum became exactly that!
I kind of like it - it's like a philipi clad in a tailcoat...although it probably won't be awarded for wearing that outfit!

Kind regards, Jens

 

[Ozpaph]

If it does it again - toss it.
Not an uncommon 'genetic' error in philies.

 

[gego]

If it is common, how can we say its an error?

 

[Guldal]

If it is common, how can we say its an error?

And why toss it, if you like it? For some, this unconventional genetic variation might be an added bonus, and they might revel in the tailcoat-look....others would of course, and equally understandable, react like Oz, and want a through and through phili!

 

[mrhappyrotter]

Anecdotally, the impression I get is that this happens from time to time in many Paphs, but it seems that it happens more frequently with various clones of P. philippinense and its hybrids. There are some clones where this is apparently a stable trait, so every flower does this every time the plant blooms, but usually it's a bit more ephemeral.

In slipper orchids, the two lower / lateral sepals (which are the petals that form the outer part of the bud) are fused into one synsepal. In most other orchids, there are 3 distinct sepals. For whatever reason, whether it's genetic or environmental (or a little of both) in cause, a developmental issue happens that causes the slipper's sepals to revert back to being split like this.

I think it looks neat. But I suppose it's down to personal preference with these sorts of cosmetic anomalies.

 

[SouthPark]

That splitting feature offers some variety, which is nice.

 

[BrucherT]

Second bloom and still splits.View attachment 15970


View attachment 15971 View attachment 15972

I think it’s cool as hell.

 

[NYEric]

Nice Disas!

 

[gego]

Nice Disas!

Good one