Patent Publication Number: US-PP32205-P2

Title: Phalaenopsis orchid plant named ‘PHALGTAWI’

Description:
Genus and species:  Phalaenopsis  hybrid. 
     Variety denomination: ‘PHALGTAWI’. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT 
     The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of  Phalaenopsis  plant, botanically known as  Phalaenopsis  hybrid of the Orchidaceae family, commonly referred to as moth orchid, and hereinafter referred to by the variety name ‘PHALGTAWI’. 
     The new  Phalaenopsis  plant is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the inventor in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands. The objective of this breeding program was to create a new  Phalaenopsis  plant with numerous attractive reddish-purple striped flowers with extra-large reddish-purple lips, suitable for potted plant production. 
     The new  Phalaenopsis  plant ‘PHALGTAWI’ is a result of cross-pollination made by the inventor in April 2010 in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands, of the proprietary female, or seed parent,  Phalaenopsis  hybrid ‘13836-03’ (unpatented) with the proprietary male, or pollen parent,  Phalaenopsis  hybrid ‘01-3402’ (unpatented). 
     The new  Phalaenopsis  was selected by the inventor as a single plant within the progeny of the stated cross-pollination in a controlled greenhouse in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands, in February 2013. Asexual reproduction of the new  Phalaenopsis  plant by meristem tissue culture since 2015 in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands, has demonstrated that the new variety reproduces true to type with all of the characteristics, as herein described, firmly fixed and retained through successive generations. 
     Community Plant Variety Rights for this variety have been applied for in the European Union on Apr. 26, 2018, by Applicant who obtained the subject matter disclosed directly from the inventor. ‘PHALGTAWI’ has not been made publicly available or sold anywhere in the world prior to the effective filing date of this application with the exception of sales or disclosures made one year or less before the effective filing date of this claimed invention by Applicant who obtained ‘PHALGTAWI’ directly from the inventor. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The following are the most outstanding and distinguishing characteristics of this new cultivar when grown under normal horticultural practices in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands, and can be used to distinguish ‘PHALGTAWI’ as a new and distinct variety of  Phalaenopsis  plant:
         1) Reddish-purple striped flowers;   2) Extra-large reddish-purple lips; and   3) Overlapping petals.       

    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS 
       This new  Phalaenopsis  plant is illustrated by the accompanying photographs which show the overall plant habit including blooms and foliage of the plant; the colors shown are as true as can be reasonably obtained by conventional photographic procedures. The photographs were taken in a greenhouse in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands, from 50-week-old plants in October 2019. Colors in the photographs may differ from the color values cited in the detailed botanical description, which accurately describe the actual colors of the new variety. 
         FIG. 1  shows the overall plant habit, including blooms and foliage of ‘PHALGTAWI’. 
         FIG. 2  shows a close-up of a flower of ‘PHALGTAWI’. 
         FIG. 3  shows an overhead view of the leaves of ‘PHALGTAWI’. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY 
     The following detailed description sets forth the distinctive characteristics of ‘PHALGTAWI’. Plants of the new  Phalaenopsis  have not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in environment such as temperature, light intensity and day length, without, however, any variance in genotype. The chart used in the identification of colors described herein is The R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society, London, England, 2015 edition, except where general color terms of ordinary significance are used. The color values were determined under 4000-6000 lux natural light in a greenhouse in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands. Observations and measurements were made in October 2019 on flowering plants which were planted in 12-centimeter (diameter) pots. After in-vitro propagation, the plants were grown in nursery trays for 20-24 weeks, followed by transplantation to 12-centimeter pots and grown in a greenhouse between 27° C. to 29° C. for 30 weeks, continued by a cooling period of 8 weeks between 18° C. to 20° C. and 12 weeks in a greenhouse of 21° C. Flowering occurs after 50 weeks in 12-centimeter pots. 
     DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION 
     
         
         Classification:
             Family .—Orchidaceae.     Botanical.—Phalaenopsis  hybrid.     Common name .—Moth orchid.     Variety name .—‘PHALGTAWI’.       
     
         Parentage:
             Female parent.—Phalaenopsis  cultivar ‘13836-03’ (unpatented).     Male parent.—Phalaenopsis  cultivar ‘01-3402’ (unpatented).       
     
         Propagation:
             Type .—Meristem tissue culture.       
     
         Roots:
             Root description .—Greyed-green (between RHS 190B and 190C) colored roots with branching lateral roots having dark red (RHS 187B) and yellowish-green (RHS N144A) colored root tips.       
     
         Plant:
             Commercial crop time to flowering .—Following asexual propagation (in-vitro), the rooted cuttings grow for 20-24 weeks. After transplantation into 12-cm pots, the plants are finished after 48 to 50 weeks.     Growth habit of the peduncle .—Upright to slightly pendant with raceme inflorescence.     Height  ( from soil level to top of inflorescence ).—Approximately 47.0 cm to 52.0 cm.     Width  ( measured from leaf tips ).—About 37.0 cm to 39.0 cm.     Vigor .—Strong.       
     
         Leaves:
             Mature leaves .—Quantity per plant: 6 to 8 leaves are produced before flowering. Length (fully expanded): 19.0 cm to 22.0 cm. Width: 7.5 cm to 8.5 cm. Position of the broadest part of the leaf: In the middle. Shape: Oblong. Base shape: Moderately elongated. Apex: Obtuse unequal. Leaf blade angle with the petiole (measured from the horizontal position): Between 20 degrees and 40 degrees. Leaf margin: Entire. Color: Upper surface: RHS 147A. Lower surface: RHS 146B with dark red edge (RHS 187A). Texture: Upper surface: Slightly rough. Lower surface: Smooth. Thickness: 2.8 mm to 3.3 mm. Variegation: Absent. Venation: Pattern: Parallel. Color of the midvein: Upper surface: RHS 147A. Lower surface: RHS 187A.       
     
         Peduncle:
             Quantity per plant.— 1 to 2.     Number of flowers per peduncle.— 8 to 10.     Length.— 47.0 cm to 52.0 cm.     Diameter.— 6.5 mm to 6.8 mm.     Strength .—Strong.     Aspect .—Upright to slightly peridant.     Texture .—Smooth.     Color .—Mix of brown (RHS 200B) and yellow-green (RHS 146C).     Internode length.— 3.0 cm to 4.0 cm.       
     
         Inflorescence description:
             Appearance .—Upright to slightly pendant, raceme inflorescence with bilaterally symmetrical flowers that open in succession beginning with the lowermost flower.     Number of inflorescences.— 1 to 2.     Inflorescence size .—Height (from base to tip): 190.0 mm to 220.0 mm.     Flowering time .—First flowers can be expected 10 to 11 months after planting in a 12-cm pot.     Flower .—Height: 76.0 mm to 81.0 mm. Diameter: 97.0 mm to 102.0 mm. Depth of lip: About 2.0 mm.     Flower longevity .—On the plant: 16 to 18 weeks.     Flower shape .—Convex.     Fragrance .—Absent.     Flower bud .—Average size: Large. Length: 26.0 mm to 28.0 mm. Width: 20.0 mm to 22.0 mm. Shape: Egg shaped. Color: Dark purple-red (between RHS 187C and 187D).     Petals .—Arrangement: Overlapping. Shape: Semi-circular. Apex: Emarginated asymmetric. Margin: Entire. Length (from base to tip): 44.0 mm to 46.0 mm. Width: 62.0 mm to 64.0 mm. Position of the broadest part of the petal: Toward the base. Color (when fully opened): Upper surface: Basic color: Reddish-purple (RHS N78B). Over color: Light purple (RHS 76A) at the base and small white margin (RHS NN155C). Lower surface: Basic color: Very light purple (RHS 76B). Over color: Purplish-pink (RHS N78C) toward apex; reddish-purple stripes (RHS N78B) and white margin (RHS NN155C). Number of spots and stripes on the petals: Many. Color of spots and stripes on the petals (upper surface): RHS N78A. Density of netting of the petals (upper surface): None. Color of the netting (upper surface): None.     Dorsal sepal .—Shape: Elliptic. Apex: Obtuse to rounded symmetric. Margin: Entire. Length (from base to tip): 49.0 mm to 51.0 mm. Width: 35.0 mm to 37.0 mm. Position of the broadest part of the dorsal sepals: In the middle. Color (when fully opened): Upper surface: Basic color: Purplish-pink (RHS N78C). Over color: Very light purple (RHS 76B). Lower surface: Basic color: Very light purple (RHS 76B). Over color: Purplish-pink (RHS N78C) netted edge. Number of spots and stripes on the dorsal sepals (upper surface): Medium. Color of spots and stripes on the dorsal sepals (upper surface): RHS N78A. Density of netting of the dorsal sepals (upper surface): Low. Color of the netting (upper surface): RHS N78A.     Lateral sepals .—Shape: Ovate. Apex: Obtuse symmetric. Margin: Entire. Length (from base to tip): 46.0 mm to 48.0 mm. Width: 29.0 mm to 31.0 mm. Position of the broadest part of the lateral sepals: At the base. Color (when fully opened): Upper surface: Basic color: Purplish-pink (RHS N78C). Over color: Light yellow-green (RHS 145C) at the base. Lower surface: Basic color: Light purple (between RHS 76A and 76B). Over color: Slightly light yellow-green base (RHS 145C) and netted edge (RHS N78C). Number of spots and stripes on the lateral sepals (upper surface): Medium. Color of spots and stripes on the lateral sepals (upper surface): Stripes (RHS N78B) and dots (RHS 183B). Density of netting of the lateral sepals (upper surface): Medium. Color of the netting (upper surface): RHS N78B.     Labellum  ( lip ).—Whiskers: Present. Length of whiskers: 8.0 mm to 10.0 mm. Color of whiskers: Reddish-purple (RHS N78B) with very light purple margin (RHS 76C). Pubescence on the lip: Absent.     Lateral lobe .—Shape: Type V (as described in the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) Test Guidelines for  Phalaenopsis ); spatulate. Margin: Entire. Length: 27.0 mm to 29.0 mm. Width: 24.0 mm to 26.0 mm. Color: Upper surface: Slightly very light purple (RHS 76C) on one side and reddish-purple (between RHS N78B and NN78B) toward the other side. Lower surface: Light purple (RHS 76A) at the base; very light purple (RHS 76B) toward one side and reddish-purple (RHS N78B) toward the other side. Number of spots and stripes on the lateral lobe: Few. Color of spots and stripes on the lateral lobe: Stripes (RHS N78A) and dots (RHS 185B). Density of netting of the lateral lobe: None. Color of the netting: None.     Apical lobe .—Shape: Trapezoid. Margin: Entire. Length: 18.0 mm to 20.0 mm. Width: 30.0 mm to 32.0 mm. Color: Upper surface: Reddish-purple (between RHS N78A and NN78A). Lower surface: Very light purple (RHS 76C) in the middle and reddish-purple (RHS N78B) toward margins. Number of spots and stripes on the apical lobe: Few stripes. Color of spots and stripes on the apical lobe: RHS N79C. Density of netting of the apical lobe: None. Color of the netting: None.     Callus .—Average size: Small to medium. Height: 5.0 mm to 6.0 mm. Length: 6.0 mm to 7.0 mm. Width: 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm. Color: Reddish-purple (RHS N78B and N78D) on the front side and light purple (RHS 76A) on other sides; purplish-red stripes (RHS 184C).       
     
         Reproductive organs:
             Column .—Length: 8.0 mm to 10.0 mm. Diameter: 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm. Color: Light reddish-purple (RHS N78D) at the base with reddish-purple region (RHS N78B) toward the tip.     Pollinia .—Quantity: 2. Diameter: 1.0 mm to 1.2 mm. Color: Orange (RHS 24A).     Ovary .—Length: 12.0 mm to 14.0 mm. Diameter: 2.4 mm to 2.7 mm.     Pedicel .—Length: 35.0 mm to 37.0 mm. Diameter: 2.7 mm to 3.0 mm. Texture: Smooth. Color: Reddish-brown (RHS 200B) at the base and yellow-green (RHS 146C) and very light purple (RHS 75A) toward the flower.       
     
         Disease, pest, and stress resistance: No specific resistance or susceptibility observed to pathogens and pests common to  Phalaenopsis  to date. 
         Fruit and seeds: Fruit and seed development has not been observed on plants of the new  Phalaenopsis  to date. 
       
    
     COMPARISON WITH PARENTAL LINES AND MOST SIMILAR VARIETIES 
     ‘PHALGTAWI’ differs from female parent plant ‘13836-03’ (unpatented) in that ‘PHALGTAWI’ has extra-large sized lips, overlapping petals, and calluses with a main color of reddish-purple, whereas ‘13836-03’ has normal sized lips, open/free petals, and calluses with a main color of yellow. 
     ‘PHALGTAWI’ differs from male parent plant ‘01-3402’ (unpatented) in that ‘PHALGTAWI’ has overlapping petals, calluses with a main color of reddish-purple, and flowers with a main color of reddish-purple, whereas ‘01-3402’ has open/free petals, calluses with a main color of white, and flowers with a main color of white: 
     ‘PHALGTAWI’ is most similar to the commercial  Phalaenopsis  plants named ‘PHALDESBIM’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 27,671) and ‘PHALOFMO’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 28,736). ‘PHALGTAWI’ differs from the commercial variety ‘PHALDESBIM’ in that ‘PHALGTAWI’ has extra-large sized lips, whereas ‘PHALDESBIM’ has normal sized lips. Additionally, ‘PHALGTAWI’ has larger flowers and shorter whiskers than ‘PHALDESBIM’. 
     ‘PHALGTAWI’ differs from the commercial variety ‘PHALOFMO’ in that ‘PHALGTAWI’ has extra-large sized lips, whereas ‘PHALOFMO’ has normal sized lips. Additionally, ‘PHALGTAWI’ has shorter whiskers than ‘PHALOFMO’.