Color Forms and Varieties of Blooming Sanggumay Orchid

Sanggumay season once again and as the dry season starts in almost all the western part of the country .

This is an annual event that every orchid hobbyists, backyard growers and naturalist would anticipate . Normally, it is observed that there is plenty of blooms ( long dry season ) fewer bloom ( short dry season) .

Sanggumay is an orchid species which is very popular and is grown in wide range of climatic types across the country. The northern types bloom usually earlier compared to the ones that is found in Southern Luzon , Bicol region and Visayas region.

Dendrobium anosmum variety dearei / alba 

Sanggumay is the usual local name of Dendrobium anosmum and its relatives , although there could be as much as a dozen known local names for this orchid.

“ Sangumay ” , meaning ” Nakaka-gugumay ” ( Dendrobium anosmum ) very strong odor , smell from a distance . In English offensive odor – page 44 ,Quisumbing’s Philippine Orchids , Volume 1 ( Eugenio Lopez Foundation ) 1981 .

personal photo from the author

There was an orchid stall selling some Dendrobium anosmum variety  huttonii . which caused some elation among orchid growers and enthusiasts . This type of orchid variety is quite rare in cultivation . The price of this orchid variety raised some eyebrows among seasoned orchid growers and even horticulturists.  The orchid  being sold is at Php 3,000 per cane or approximately $ 60.00 with some pale pink looking flowers!

jemf photography

I saw my photographer /FB friend Mr. Jonel Cresfo last March 5 sunday while at the orchid show attending a flower arrangement demonstration and we decided to explore the possibility of taking some clear shots of the so-called  variety ” huttonii ” and tried some expert eyes and comparing notes from other seasoned orchid growers , orchid books, etc. Books that were published showing the correct description of the varieties and to some extend showing photos to some of our foreign counterparts.

close-up view of the flowers ( photo courtesy:  Mr. Jonel Cresfo) 

We decided to explore the possibilities of some collaboration  and tie-up for taking some photos.

personal photo of the author

Here is the technical description on a book that was published in 1981 which the author was able to buy at least a decade ago when the Lopez Museum held their clearance sale . Aside from the reference , the author also consulted Dendrobium anosmum expert from all over the world.

Page 322 and 323 of Quisumbing’s Philippine Orchids volume 1 states:

Perigonio candido , labelli disco ac ungue purpureis.

A very striking novelty . The flowers are clear white . The disc of the lip bear two beautiful purplish blotches , and its base is of the same color . For this beautiful thing we have to thank Messrs. Veitch , who obtained it through their late excellent collector , Mr. Hutton , from Malayan Archipelago.

In habit and general features similar to the species . The stems are comparatively shorter and more slender . The flowers are beautiful ,showy slightly fragrant , and about 8.5 cm across . They resemble those of the former variety in being pure white throughout but have the throat of the labellum dark purple .

Luzon , Manila , Mrs. Remedios C. Gonzales’s gardens , Phil. Nat. Herb. 103 Quisumbing , March 10, 1934. The plant was originally collected by orchid peddlers among the typical plants of Densrobium anosmum , from the mountains of Rizal Province, Luzon .

This , like the former variety , is very rare and beautiful , having been seen by the author in Manila gardens but once during his many years of study of orchids . It is characterized by having white flowers with the throat of the labellum dark purple. This particular variety has also been reported from the Malay Archipelago.

Online Article References:

Kew Garden : 57076http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-57076

Orchid Talk Forum : https://www.orchidsforum.com/threads/dendrobium-anosmum-var-huttonii.10190/

https://www.orchidsforum.com/threads/dendrobium-anosmum-var-huttonii.17980/

Orchid Species : http://www.orchidspecies.com/denanosmum.htm

Global Biodiversity Information Facility : http://www.gbif.org/species/5316957

Photos are taken by the author and Mr. Jonel Cresfo

Note : Since this was spotted at the last orchid show , It is up to the viewers of this site to comment if they feel that this is the TRUE type of Dendrobium anosmum variety ” huttonii” or just purely a sales gimmick to captivate one’s imagination and lust for profit !