While most everyone agrees that our hybrid plants aren't all Epiphyllum hybrids, the real discussion today is "What is the most accurate word to call our plants?"
There are many suggestions: epiphyllum (with a lower case "e"), epicactus, phyllocactus, epi, or Epiphyllum Hort. (or even Epiphyllum Hort. non Haworth).
Those who prefer epiphyllum feel that a lower case "e" and not italicized or underlined is acceptable. Since "epi" means "upon" and "phyllum" means "leaf", it makes sense to call these "man-arranged hybrids" epiphyllums because they produce flowers on leaf-like stems.
Others feel that epicactus is best; however, some feel that this would not be completely accurate because epicactus also includes other epiphytic cacti including Schlumbergera and Rhipsalidopsis hybrids.
Epi is what most members call the plants; rarely do you hear society members using the complete "epiphyllum" in conversation. This may be too casual for some.
Epiphyllum Hort. means "Epiphyllum as used by hobbyists" or in other words, hybrids. This is probably the most accurate of all the choices; however, it's a bit awkward for conversation and casual writing.
The term "orchid cactus" is almost completely dismissed as the plants are not related to orchids in any way.
Until there is a consensus among the experts, SDES has elected to continue as it has been. In our publications we will use epiphyllum (lower case "e", no italics) and epi. Although there has been talk among other epi societies about changing their names, at this time SDES will remain the San Diego Epiphyllum Society, Inc.
There are many suggestions: epiphyllum (with a lower case "e"), epicactus, phyllocactus, epi, or Epiphyllum Hort. (or even Epiphyllum Hort. non Haworth).
Those who prefer epiphyllum feel that a lower case "e" and not italicized or underlined is acceptable. Since "epi" means "upon" and "phyllum" means "leaf", it makes sense to call these "man-arranged hybrids" epiphyllums because they produce flowers on leaf-like stems.
Others feel that epicactus is best; however, some feel that this would not be completely accurate because epicactus also includes other epiphytic cacti including Schlumbergera and Rhipsalidopsis hybrids.
Epi is what most members call the plants; rarely do you hear society members using the complete "epiphyllum" in conversation. This may be too casual for some.
Epiphyllum Hort. means "Epiphyllum as used by hobbyists" or in other words, hybrids. This is probably the most accurate of all the choices; however, it's a bit awkward for conversation and casual writing.
The term "orchid cactus" is almost completely dismissed as the plants are not related to orchids in any way.
Until there is a consensus among the experts, SDES has elected to continue as it has been. In our publications we will use epiphyllum (lower case "e", no italics) and epi. Although there has been talk among other epi societies about changing their names, at this time SDES will remain the San Diego Epiphyllum Society, Inc.
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