I know what a meristem is and what cloning is. I just did not know that growers actually patented their plants. I guess it is the same as copywriting music, script, and pictures.
I don't guess I will ever know the "true" history of the orchid. Fred might have accurate records, but since it has now been forty years, the likelihood of digging up something concrete is probably remote. But, it is not a big deal. The flowers are supposed to be beautiful, huge, and fragrant and the plants vigorous growers (though they get quite large apparently). I will now have three "old-timey" plants, all divisions of plants purchased from Stewart in the 70's. No one else may think so, but I think that's kind of neat. An old guy with old plants.
I again apologize for the picture confusion. I just liked it.
