Genus Abbreviations
Orchid name tags often use standard genus abbreviations. The genus name is the first word of a plant’s name, such as “Vanda” in the name Vanda coerulea, or “Phalaenopsis” in the name Phalaenopsis New Stripes. Here’s a list of abbreviations for some of the most common orchid varieties:
- C. or Catt. = Cattleya
- Cym. = Cymbidium
- D. or Den. = Dendrobium
- Epi. = Epidendrum
- L. = Laelia
- Lds. = Ludisia
- Masd. = Masdevallia
- Milt. = Miltonia
- Mltnps. = Miltoniopsis
- Neof. = Neofinetia
- Odm. = Odontoglossum
- Onc. = Oncidium
- Paph. = Paphiopedilum
- Phal. = Phalaenopsis
- V. = Vanda
- Vl. = Vanilla
- Z. or Zygo. = Zygopetalum
Unlike species, hybrid, and cultivar names, which follow formal rules, these abbreviations are informal. Most orchid experts agree on a standard set, but differences abound. You can find another short abbreviation list here. For a much more comprehensive list of abbreviations, OrchidTalk Forum has an alphabetical index.
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October 26th, 2011 at 11:55 am
These lists of abbreviations will prove to be very helpful to your visitors and you did a very good job in compiling it.
But it could get somewhat confusing in light of the fact that this has never been standardized but I wonder why?
October 26th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
The topic is pretty complicated for a beginner!…
October 30th, 2011 at 10:39 am
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November 16th, 2011 at 8:46 pm
very helpful…
November 26th, 2011 at 8:19 pm
I learn more knowledge and facts here.
Thanks!
Very helpful.