Fruit and Bulbs (was(no subject))

Eugene Zielinski eez55@earthlink.net
Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:08:38 PDT
Somewhat tangential to this is a piece of information I recently found:
"Storing dormant tubers with a ripe banana promotes flowering."  This comes
from a guide to Australian native orchids by David L. Jones, and refers to
Leptoceras menziesii (the Rabbit Orchid, which incidentally is nicely
pictured in our wiki).  It appears to be a new twist on an old practice.  I
remember being advised (many years ago) to enclose a ripe apple with the
plant I grew from a pineapple top; apparently the ethylene from the apple
will induce the pineapple to fruit.  I never did try this, so I don't know
if it works.
In case you're wondering, the title of the book is A Complete Guide to the
Native Orchids of Australia Including the Island Territories (New Holland
Publishers, 2006).

Gene
Eugene Zielinski
Augusta, GA


> [Original Message]
> From: Hannon <othonna@gmail.com>
> To: Pacific Bulb Society <pbs>
> Date: 9/17/2008 11:48:58 AM
> Subject: Re: [pbs] (no subject)
>
> Jonathan,
> I can only say I have had a similar experience with this species, from the
> same source. I don't get the idea that it is a fire-follower in situ. Mine
> are outdoors all winter in part sun in a very sandy mix in 5" pots. Some
> grew well last year but no flowers. Since they are outdoors and subject to
> the full effect of our winter rains (Los Angeles average about 17"/year)
> they are not the victims of any capricious watering regime yet they will
sit
> there and refuse to budge in spite of this natural drenching. Some
> eriospermums and albucas are like this also and it is difficult to say if
> they "alternante" years or just what is going on.
>
> Dylan
>
> On Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 2:32 AM, <jonathanhutchinson> wrote:
>
> > I wondered if anybody had experiences with Walleria gracilis?
> > I purchased this species as seed a few years ago as seed from
Silverhills
> > Seeds. Some germinated and grew well for the first few years and I have
now
> > some good tubers which are about 1.5- 2cm across.
> > The problem is I get no growth, they sit there perfectly happy in a
> > hibernated state and I cannot seem to shift them into any movement.
> > I have tried the smoke treatment and awit to see any movement, other
than
> > that does any body have any suggestions
> > This is a lovely little plant and well worth growing .... I just wish it
> > would !
> >
> > Jonathan
> >



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