26/07/2026
These are some examples of species look-alike hybrids: Vanda coelestis and its 75% genetic background hybrid, V. Five Friendships Pretty, and V. merrilli and its 75% genetic background hybrid, V. Naina. Please note that the flowers shown were specifically selected for their closest visual resemblance to the respective species.
These hybrids may cause confusion for CITES management authorities if specimens are accompanied by incorrect species identification.
To clarify further regarding the genetic background percentages shown on Orchidwiz and Orchidroots: these figures represent the average percentage for the entire cross, not the exact percentage for each individual seedling, which can vary.
For example, consider Vanda Naina:
Given that Vanda insignis has the genotype AABBCCDD and Vanda merrillii has the genotype aabbccdd.
The F1 hybrid between these two species—Vanda Lai Ming and Wai Chung Ng—will all have the genotype AaBbCcDd, meaning they are all exactly 50% V. insignis and 50% V. merrillii.
Now, if Vanda Lai Ming and Wai Chung Ng is crossed back to V. merrillii, the resulting progeny (Vanda Naina) can have one of two possible genotypes:
AaBbCcDd → which is 50% V. merrillii
aabbccdd → which is 100% V. merrillii
Taken together, the average genetic contribution from V. merrillii across all seedlings from this cross would be 75%, even though no single seedling actually has that exact percentage.
Please keep in mind that this example is a simplified model. The real genotypes are much more complex involving a lot more genes.
Furthermore, if the parent plants are polyploidy, the genetic composition becomes even more complex. In addition, if the parents are interspecific hybrids that have been selected to resemble one of their parent species, the actual genetic background of the offspring may deviate even further from the average percentage shown on websites such as OrchidWiz and OrchidRoots.
Photo Cr.: Orchidroots.com
