Anthurium Black Velvet Thai is an old and increasingly significant breeding line that circulated in Thailand long before Black Velvet Eastern Panama—now formally known as Anthurium antolakii —was introduced into the Thai market. Its exact breeder and original parentage were never formally documented, adding an element of mystery to its history. Anthurium researcher Jay Vannini has traced the earliest cultivated black-velvet hybrids to breeding involving Anthurium papillilaminum and Anthurium dressleri . These early dark-leaved hybrids were associated with work at the University of Hawaii and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens beginning in the 1970s. He considers papillilaminum and dressleri to be the principal foundation species behind black-velvet hybrids that existed before 2019. Although this does not establish the precise pedigree of the Thai Black Velvet, its appearance and long cultivation history suggest that it may descend from this older family of dark velvet Anthurium genetics. Recognized for its deep, velvety foliage and proven value as a breeding parent, Black Velvet Thai represents a distinct piece of Anthurium cultivation history. It should not be confused with BVEP. This is an established Thai-trade Black Velvet line with its own identity, heritage and breeding potential—a compelling choice for collectors and breeders who appreciate important legacy genetics as much as beautiful foliage. Source [1] Jay Vannini, “Black Velvet Anthuriums After the Flood,” Exotica Esoterica . https://www.exoticaesoterica.com/magazine/that-old-black-magic Information note: The history and possible ancestry presented above are based largely on limited publicly available information, historical accounts and informed interpretation. The exact breeder, original cross and documented pedigree of Black Velvet Thai remain unconfirmed. Image taken: 01 SEP 26