A valuable hybrid awarded by the American Orchid Society, with confusing parent genus affiliation, which initially led to its inclusion in the nothogenus Brassolaeliocattleya, until later corrected by placing it in Rhyncholaeliocattleya.
Before 2009, many intergeneric hybrids were included in genera such as Brassocattleya, Brassolaelia, Lowara, Rhynchosophrocattleya, and Potinara, but these intergeneric systematic issues were later clarified as follows: all species descending from the classic genera Rhyncholaelia Schltr. and Cattleya Lindl., excluding categorically any other genera, will belong to the nothogenus Rhyncholaeliocattleya. This means that the correct and currently taxonomically valid name is RLC. King of Taiwan, a hybrid that includes many popular mericlones among collectors, several of which have been awarded by various professional associations such as the AOS (American Orchid Society).
King of Taiwan stands out for its impressively large flowers and a particularly strong fragrance, as well as its abundant flowering, being recognized as a hybrid that will produce flower spikes on every new growth.
The primary taxa used by Taiwanese breeder Chaung-Tien Chiou, who registered this grex in 1989, were RLC. Bryce Canyon and RLC Purple Ruby, but the complete parental scheme shows a highly diverse specific descent, with 12 parental species: Cattleya dowiana (30.23%), C. labiata (14.43%), C. percivaliana (9.38%), C. mossiae (7.22%), C. warscewiczii (7.02%), C. warneri (5.46%), C. trianae (5.07%), C. lueddemanniana (4.68%), C. purpurata (3.51%), C. mendelii (3.12%), C. gaskelliana (1.56%), C. loddigesii (1.17%).
A large-sized taxon, with flower diameters of 17 – 22 cm, violet – lilac to ruby in color, featuring the interior of the labellum colored in intense yellow and red, with prominent veining, King of Taiwan will bloom abundantly from spring to autumn, with 2-5 flowers present on each new growth if cultivated in brightly lit areas with light radiation values above 20,000 lux, at medium to high temperatures. The recommended growing medium consists of large-grain mixtures of pine bark, amended with pumice and expanded clay balls, possibly mixed with coarsely cut coconut fiber.
The most well-known and awarded cultivars and mericlones of this taxon are Rlc. King of Taiwan 'Wilson's Choice' (2 awards in 2012), Blc. King Of Taiwan 'Orchis' (2 awards between 2002 and 2003), Rlc. King of Taiwan 'Ta Shin#1' (2012), Rlc. King of Taiwan 'Dasing' (2010), Rlc. King of Taiwan 'Ta Shin' (2009), Rlc. King of Taiwan 'Da Shin' (2009), Blc. King of Taiwan 'Daxin #1' (2006), Blc. King of Taiwan 'Da shine' (2005).
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