Before we review the anatomical anomaly in fuller detail, it should be known that Dendrobium flowers typically have 2 petals, 3 sepals and 1 lip (actually a modified petal). Anatomically speaking, a flower is enclosed by 3 sepals (within a flower bud); and through the process of blooming, the inner surface of the Sepal is showcased, together with the enclosed petals and lip.

Found amongst a patch of Dendrobium Red Bulls, we came across a peculiar  “rose”. We have observed the fusion of at least 3 sets of flowers, into one single “rose-like” entity.

The above anomaly, technically termed as “fasciation”, occurs whereby several sets of petals/sepals are fused together into one flower. Fasciation could be attributed to many possible factors like pathological infections; introduction of chemicals/ hormones; physical injury to growing tip of bud; amongst others. Certain sources of research also highlights that conducive conditions for rapid growth is a necessity for such a phenomenon to occur. In this anomaly, we can observe that a certain degree of anatomical integrity being maintained, whereby the flower bud still involves the enclosure of floral parts within 3 Sepals. It is only upon blooming, then fasciation can be observed. It was most fortunate that such a rare sight has been captured on camera, as it is believed that such anomaly occurs highly randomly, and that chances for a second sighting would be extremely hard to come by.

Splash mutations are well sought after by many collectors and hobbyist as they occur very rarely, maybe one plant in a thousand of non-mutants. Splash mutations are mostly unstable mutation and can only be propagated vegetatively to reproduce more of them. Thus, their rare occurence and difficulty to reproduce augmented their value as collectibles.

If you were to tissue culture one of these mutation, its very likely (based on our experiences) that the non-mutant form will be reproduced. Although for some, there’s a chance of obtaining a very small percentage of the tissue cultured crops with splash mutations.

Here at TG, we’ve been trying to stablise the splash mutation by hybridizing splash with splash for a few years. Theoretically, we believe that if the resultant seedpod produces splash progenies, the chance of the progenies being capable of being tissue culture with retained splash characteristics will be much higher. However the chances of producing such a crossing would probably be extremely slim.

This hybrid is a rare mutation of the Dendrobium Lucian Pink hybrid.

This hybrid was registered by S.Janchidfar on the 5th June, 2002. There are a few variation of this mutation’s green stripes and also known to be called as the ‘Lollipop’ orchid.  This variety is more sought by hobbist and for its cut flowers than the plant as it tends to be easily diseased by tobacco mosaic virus resulting in black spotted leaves.