A CHILEAN BULB ON BOOKS / CHILEAN SEEDS - NOT ONLY available from PACIFIC BX and a Chilen Bulbs Book

Osmani Baullosa osmani_baullosa@yahoo.com
Wed, 04 Jan 2006 12:50:02 PST

... If in these moist parts of the world 

we are experiencing such 

drastic changes I have been wondering how things 

fare in Chile, that has 

seasonal rains and dry conditions over most of 

the country. Can you tell us 

what you have found this season in the wild while 

collecting seed for your 

catalogue?

 

Thanks in advance

Alberto

 


Dear Alberto and all:

Perhaps the next Book about Chilean Bulbs that you read, it could
be the one I’m preparing some years ago (Title suggestions are 
welcome). “Oh yes, I’m a great pretender…”


You say well, Alberto. This has been a very dry year in Chile as
well. Fortunately, I have collected seeds during the previous years, 
in order to grow the plants at home; and, at home, most of these
species become reliable bloomers and seeders. And surprisingly
for me, urban insects pollinate them well. 

So, the seeds, including those I have donated to Pacific BX, 
are the freshest you can find, well, if… you find them from any
other source in this planet. Unfortunately they are just a few 
seeds.  

Since I need funds to grow the plants (more than 50 Chilean native
species), every season I sell some seeds. Also, I gradually get rid 
of other plants in my garden, because my natives are really 
running out of space. 

It’s a contradictory feeling. I would prefer to sow -or 
exchanging-, instead of selling them. 

Every year I try to travel to the natural habitats (sometimes more
than 1.000 km. away from where I live) of those plants I have still 
not photographed, so the pictures can look “natural". 

As I don't previosly know the exact spots where they grow, I lose
time and money. The first years I had to make at least two trips,
one to take the pictures and the other to take some seeds with me.

Several times it happened that when I returned for seeds, found a 
new highway, or a condo, or a vineyard that had been widened or 
raised. Or some cattle dung as the only remaining thing. All of you
surely know what I'm talking about.

I would not publish a book with pictures that also show pots, 
either agapanthus and crocosmias growing around the pots. 
That's OK fot the pictures that you have been enjoying in my 
Internet site (http://botanicalgems.blogspot.com/), but not for a 
book.

In general, I would say that the plants most affected by the 
drought this year were the Northernmost Alstroemerias, several 
Placea species, and some Leucocoryne species… 
As you know, approx. one third of this country is a desert 
(that profusely blooms each 5-7 years), another third has a 
Mediterranean climate and the other third is colder and more 
humid. 

In the extreme southern part, you find Antarctica. 

Regards to all,

Osmani 


 

			
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