About Uli's Pancratium canariense seed

Dell Sherk dells@voicenet.com
Mon, 13 Mar 2006 13:24:52 PST
Pancratium canariense is an endemic of the (endemic-rich) flora of the
Canary Islands, off the north western coast of Africa. The climate is a
mediterranean type climate but much influenced by altitude and wind factor.
Pancratium canariense grows on north facing slopes in good light but not
exposed to hot burning sun neither experiencing baking drought. It likes to
grow in fertile soil between rocks and shrubs, the Canaries are of volcanic
origin. It forms quite large bulbs (12-15cm diameter) with a short neck and
has glaucous leaves and looks like a Hippeastrum. The inflorescence is a
multiflowered umbel of fairly large white scented flowers. The plant is
winter growing and summer dormant (northern hemisphere) and does not
tolerate frost. It should be very good for coastal Californian gardens in
the fog belt.

The seed is fresh and should be sown immediately, due to the postage is is
perhaps a good idea to soak it in water for 24 hours before sowing. My own
seed has given an almost 100% germination rate sown straight from the pod.
Uli

 


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