This is a very special pairing, as the Catasetum held the capsule in this hybrid, an unusual occurrence in Fredclarkeara breeding.  John C. Burchett (Ctsm. João Stivalli x Ctsm. Susan Fuchs) is among the most impressive of the modern pileatum-based Catasetum hybrids, with unusually rich burgundy color and huge, flat, nearly-black lips. The breeding of Dark There After is (Fdk. After Dark x Ctsm. Donna Wise), and the cross was quite successful, with 7 AOS awards.  The large, full-shaped flowers are a rich deep burgundy color. I have not yet seen a Fdk. cross bloom with a Catasetum as the capsule parent, and I must confess that I 'm really looking forward to seeing these. ( - Fred Clarke, Sunset Valley Orchids )

Left Photo: Catasetum. John C. Burchett 'Ursa Major' FCC/AOS

Right Photo: Fdk. Dark There After 'SVO Winters Night' FCC/AOS

Description and photos courtesy of Fred Clarke, Sunset Valley Orchids