It's All in the Family

Previously we learned about scientific or Latin names of plants.

Let's take it up a level and talk about Families. Throughout the plant (and animal) kingdom every species belongs to a family. Families are a larger grouping of similar genera. The family Orchidacea (Orchids) is made up of more than 700 genera (it is a VERY prolific family). Why should you care? By knowing a plant's family you can often begin to understand a little about the plant itself. The family Liliacea (Lily) is another fairly large family. Its members include Amaryllis, Tulipa and Scilla. So if I told you that I was going to give you a Zephyranthes you might guess that it is a plant with long thin leaves and a bloom spike that rises above the leaves. Botanists are continually arguing over families and genera so sometimes things change. Psst, I think they just like to keep us on our toes.

Okay, now let's talk about the X factor. Sometimes you will see a plant name like x Doritaenopsis "Queen Beer" or Phalaenopsis veitchiana.

Remember the formula Genus species "Cultivar" which translates to Phalaenopsis equestris "Zuma Beach".

x Genus = a hybrid between two different genera (intergeneric hybrid). This new genus name is usually represented as a concatenation of the two names. Many genera will not cross breed. Roses x snapdragons, nope. Crossing family lines usually results in sterile seeds. So in the orchid family, one that is VERY easy to breed between genera, Doritis x Phalaenopsis = x Doritaenopsis

x species = a hybrid between two different species within a genus (interspecific hybrid). This is like crossing a mountain lion with a leopard. They are both cats in the genus Felix. Thus a species cross becomes P. equestris x P. schilleriana = Phalaenopsis x veitchiana. Sometimes that x will go missing in the plant labeling at the nursery though.

Oh yeah, if everyone is clear about the family in question, the genus is often abreviated with an inital or group of initials. If everyone knows you are talking about orchids it is quicker and saves ink to say P. equestris instead of Phalaenopsis equestris. By the way, P. equestris is one of my favorite orchids - a tiny little thing that just blooms and blooms.

Most important, enjoy learning about your plants. Whether it is learning about their care, their seasons, their beauty or their names, have fun!