This variation of the hybrid, Coelogyne Unchained Melody, has been given the status of a separate page because, in Australia and elsewhere, its naming has been very controversial and totally confused with Coelogyne mossiae. Many, many plants have been sold as Coelogyne mossiae and yet the very rare Coel mossiae is not available in Australia or many places in the world. I understand that there may be a few cultivated plants in India.

I have given the variety 'tag' of 'Mossiae' to this hybrid to clarify this situation by acknowledging that it is different from the normal Coelogyne Unchained Melody but keeping a label which is easily recognisable and maintains the plant's history of mistaken identity with the real Coel mossiae.

This orchid is also marketed in Australia as Coelogyne Unchained Melody 'Alba'. Obviously, the yellow markings dictate that the tag 'Alba', meaning 'white', is inappropriate and incorrect. I have heard other rumours that one of its parents is Coelogyne cristata 'Lemoniana'. This rumour is probably based on the pale yellow lip of this one rather than the rich orange of the 'normal' Coel cristata parent. However, no one has come up with any evidence !

Further, the name confusion may have caused a problem with the registration of Coelogyne Noel Wilson. This hybrid lists Coelogyne mossiae as a parent but in fact it could be the above mislabeled orchid.

Negatives:  Although this orchid is meant to be a variety of Coelogyne Unchained Melody, it lacks a tiny bit of the vigour, the number of flowers are slightly reduced, and flower duration is less than the normal Coelogyne Unchained Melody.

Rating: ♦♦♦♦ This is a very attractive and desirable orchid despite any confusion about its label. It is very worth adding to any collection.

Varieties: It is sometimes sold as Coelogyne Unchained Melody 'Alba' - another attempt to distinguish it from the original. (Refer to note above).

Registered: None at this stage

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