The recent question about Phrags and Cyps has raised another curiosity. Since both Phrags and Selenipediums grow in south America, can they be hybridized or has that already been done or do they hybridize naturally in the jungles? If this has already been discussed before I apologize and point me to the right direction. :)

Ooh good question!

Another interesting question but this too probably has to do with evolution. I don't think they can even be cross bred.

As far as I know they have not been successfully inter bred. Good question!

Again evolution comes into play and don't forget there are the Mexipediums that also grow very close to where Phrags and Selenipediums grow. They cannot be bred just as Cyps and Paphs and there are some that grow very close to the same regions as in Asia.

Interesting! Never have I ever heard of a Selenipedium up until now.

Again evolution comes into play and don't forget there are the Mexipediums that also grow very close to where Phrags and Selenipediums grow. They cannot be bred just as Cyps and Paphs and there are some that grow very close to the same regions as in Asia.

Thanks Casey! I had forgotten about the Mexipedium. I thought they could be hybridized since they all grow so close in distances.

yeah its all about evolution.

Thanks Casey! I had forgotten about the Mexipedium. I thought they could be hybridized since they all grow so close in distances.

Same reason why other orchids species/genera cannot hybridize even at close proximities.

Interesting topic!

I believe that there is too large of a chromosomal difference between any of the slipper orchid genera which doesn't let us have any crosses between genuses. Two different genuses of plant may live together, but they might not be compatible in order to reproduce.

There hasn't been much, or any, such hybridization if it is possible. One big hurdle is simply that outside of their ecosystems Selenipedium is too big to grow in a greenhouse (up to 15 ft tall) These things have smallish flowers on very tall growths and experience is that they have been difficult to grow in cultivation.

There hasn't been much, or any, such hybridization if it is possible. One big hurdle is simply that outside of their ecosystems Selenipedium is too big to grow in a greenhouse (up to 15 ft tall) These things have smallish flowers on very tall growths and experience is that they have been difficult to grow in cultivation.

Yes I agree!

Considering what else can be done (Cymbidium x Grammatophyllum, and Phaius x Cymbidium), as well as almost any combination within the Vandaceous group, it is not out of the question that Selenipedium might hybridize with Phragmipedium (though incompatible chromosome counts might come into play).

From a commercial perspective, any experimental breeding should have a purpose (size, color, repeat blooming, early blooming time from flask, ease of growing, etc.). It is difficult to see what Selenipedium might add to the existing offering in the slipper group.

So, as mentioned by Zimmerman, not only is Selenipedium rarely grown, but there should be a reason to try such a cross. Even if we could increase the flower size, when the flowers are 10-15 feet up, there is not much of a point.

Kim

I have to agree you here with last few posters that the cross between a Phrag and a Selenipedium would result in not so great looking crosses if they were able to be hybridized.

I have to agree you here with last few posters that the cross between a Phrag and a Selenipedium would result in not so great looking crosses if they were able to be hybridized.

I agree with this theory so to speak. Why create ugly mutts.