Unless it's a species (and even then), the answer is no. Many of the
plants I own have 8+ generations of hybridization in their lineage, i.e.
the genetic makeup is from 2^8=256 different plants. Even with genetic
analysis, you will not be able to tell what's what. Furthermore
(AxB)x(CxD) is genetically equivalent to (AxC)x(BxD) in terms to gene
pool, and yet they will have different names....so even if you could ID
all the species used to make a hybrid, it's useless without knowing the
order of hybridization.

Just hope.

Cheers,
Xi

Susan Erickson wrote:
On Sat, 04 Dec 2004 18:47:00 GMT, Christopher J Barown
wrote:


Is there any official way to document plant lineage?
What I mean to ask is, is there any way to prove that
a plant that someone sells to me is what they say it
is? Or are you required to take the word of the seller?

Obviously some sellers are reputable enough, so you
don't have to question their plants. But in the case
of an orchid/garden show (or on-line sites and auctions
for that metter), where young plants are being sold,
how can you be sure you are getting what you pay for?

Thanks,
Chris


Know the seller and/or the plant. Pray.
SuE
http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/albums.php