This week’s Orchid of the Week is… Cym. Barrita Aphrodite ‘Sarah’
Parentage: This week’s Orchid of the Week is a cross between Cym. Kulnura Venus x Cym. Kulnura Alchemy
Registered: 2019
The reason why it’s our Orchid of the Week:
Clean, crisp, pristine whites are always a winner! The florists love them as cut flowers and all hobbyists love a white in their collection. Whites always receive a good reception on the show bench too. And Cym. Barrita Aphrodite ‘Sarah’ is about as pristine a white as you will get I reckon.
Bred by Scott Barrie at Baritta Orchids in New South Wales, this striking white variety is a standout. It features a large, well-formed flower that remains visually balanced. This is in part to a labellum that complements the bloom, without overpowering it. Additionally, the soft yellow calli contribute to a more gentle and warm appearance. An effect that wouldn’t be nearly as appealing if the flower were entirely white. That would look too cold I think.
Importantly, this plant boasts a strong lineage, with two highly successful grandparents in the mix. Cym. Joan’s Charisma and Cym. Kulnura Snow. Both have become commonplace in hobbyist collections everywhere. Cym. Barrita Aphrodite ‘Sarah’ would be a good addition to any collection, so contact Scott if you would like to obtain one.
Cym. Barrita Aphrodite ‘Sarah’ is already proving its value as a parent, having been used in six new crosses to date. All of these are currently available through the Baritta Orchids website, and we look forward to seeing what comes next! No doubt it has also been used by other hobbyists as a parent too!
Taking a further look into its ancestry via Orchid Roots, the primary species contributors to this plant include Cym. insigne, Cym. lowianum, and Cym. eburneum.
Image credits go to the Gawler Districts Orchid Club and Scott Barrie for the beautiful image provided.