Wow, thanks Robert for the explainations...now I've got more questions for you!
I'm not clear yet on the 'alata' significance; does the 'alata' name therefore imply that it has this 'winged' tendril or is it just some alatas that have this form?
I'm really surprised that there have not been a whole range of unique hybrids made with these. Perhaps it doesn't cross over that well (recessive gene?). I'd love to see a 'tri-color' hookeriana with that trait or even some of the bright red amps crossed with this, but I don't seem to recall
ever seeing one. Someone will no doubt post a picture of one here soon! (How's that for a challenge?)
~Shawn