This week’s Orchid of the Week is… Cym. Kimberley Valley
Parentage: This is a cross between Cym. Valley Zenith × Cym. Allumination
Registered: 2001
The reason why it’s our Orchid of the Week:
I’m sticking with the green theme again this week with another lovely cym that is still being used in breeding today. Green is still a very popular choice for the backyard collector. A good one looks wonderful, and provides something different, and a contrast to the wites and pinks usually seen.
The above photo has been taken from the Bryants Orchids Facebook page. Bryants have been breeding with Kimberley Valley for some time, and have produced great progeny, some of which is on display on their page.
Interesting lip markings set off the wonderful shade of green here, and it’s no wonder it has been popular over the years. It does well on the show bench too winning the Cymbidium Hybrid Orchid of the Year in Victoria in 2021. Other Cym. Kimberley Valley cultivars have also won a Highly Commended Certificate and an Award of Merit from the Australian Orchid Council.
The image on the right is courtesy of Orchid Roots, and was taken by David Wain from Wains Orchids. David is a wonderful grower and an article on Wains Orchids can be found here. David probably still has some Cym. Kimberley Valley ‘Green Sensation’ if you are looking to purchase one!
Looking back at the original species ancestors of this plant, using Orchid Roots, Cym. insigne, and Cym. lowianum are the major contributors present in the distant background with Cym. hookerianum being the next largest contributors.