Also be warned:
For ANY species or ANY natural hybrid under consideration for ANY award (not limited to CHM, CBM), ANY judge on the judging floor that day (NOT limited to those on the team) can demand a formal identification. This could cost the exhibitor additional change for sending pickled flowers and/or leaves to a registered taxonomist OR they might be asked to take an extensive array of photographs AND measurements (tons of fun for tiny things!) to be sent to the AOS species ID task force. Some centers have their photographers do the dirty work. In Chicago, our photographer will do the pix IF and ONLY if time allows (we reserve the right to decline images in addition to what the actual award requires). Seems cruel, BUT you gotta keep in mind that judges and photographers are volunteers and real people with real families, real jobs, etc. Up until now, the ID responsibility was in the hands of the exhibitor. Seems very fair to keep it that way, but if the photographer can, he'll help out.
For ALL CHMs and CBMs, an identification is mandatory. The exhibitor WILL need to have the plant ID'ed with one of the above channels.
We have a lot of species growers in our region (excellent ones at that!). And they probably all have judging and ID horro stories on wierd little things.
Entering your plant under someone else's name sorta defeats the purpose of bragging rights for obtaining an award, especially for flower quality and more so for cultural awards IMO.
BOTTOM LINE: If you don't want the additional responsibility, write on the show registration tag 'Not for AOS". If someone else takes your plants for the group display and they don't make note, make them pay for the award.
-Ernie
