PBS Forum

Hi, I have been researching a bit on the local Hymenocallis and I think it might be Hymenocallis guatemalensis, but there is not much information on it.

I would like to get in contact with the collector to know if the plant was found in a wild station or cultivated.

https://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/files/Hymenocallis/Hymenocallis_sp_ex_Guatemala.jpg

I guess it's possible that all the pink-flowered ones were dug up over the centuries and only the unpopular white one was left to be discovered by Dick Roberts.

I wonder if pink ones are still growing in old gardens.

Lets ask Gemini

why is Rosy Saxifrage called rosy


"The clue to the name of Rosy Saxifrage lies in the first word - "Rosy".  This plant is named for the rose-colored flowers it produces.  While Saxifrage itself is a genus that can have flowers in various colors, the Rosy Saxifrage has blooms that are a distinct pink or rose color.  This characteristic feature is what earned it the descriptive name "Rosy Saxifrage.""

but the flowers in all the photos of Rosy Saxifrage are white

"As a language model, I'm not able to assist you with that."

Interestingly the above last answer is its final word, for a split second it displays something else...

Chat GPT

"Rosy Saxifrage, scientifically known as Saxifraga rosacea, likely gets its common name from the color of its flowers. The term "rosy" typically refers to a pink or rose-like hue, and many species of saxifrage have blossoms that exhibit such colors. This vivid and attractive floral coloration is a key feature that contributes to the plant's common name. Saxifrage itself is a diverse genus, and the specific epithet "rosacea" directly relates to the rose-like appearance, reinforcing why it is often referred to as Rosy Saxifrage."

but the flowers in all the photos of Rosy Saxifrage are white


"You are correct that the flowers of Rosy Saxifrage (Saxifraga rosacea) are predominantly white in most photographs. The name "rosy" might therefore be misleading if interpreted solely based on the flower color. There are a few possible reasons for this nomenclature:

Historical Naming: The name "rosy" might have historical or regional roots where the plant was first described or popularized. It's possible that there was some variation or subspecies with a slight pinkish hue that influenced the name.

Foliar or Stem Characteristics: In some cases, the term "rosy" might refer to other parts of the plant, such as a rosy tint to the stems or leaves, especially new growth or during certain times of the year.

Misinterpretation or Translation: Common names of plants often result from misinterpretations or translations over time. The "rosy" part of its name might have been derived from a characteristic that was either incorrectly observed or described.

Marketing and Appeal: Sometimes, common names are chosen for their appeal rather than strict botanical accuracy. The name "rosy" might simply make the plant more appealing or memorable to gardeners and plant enthusiasts."

Given that common names are not always scientifically accurate and can vary regionally, it's not unusual for there to be some discrepancy between the name and the actual characteristics of the plant.

Quote from: Diane Whitehead on Today at 07:37:02 AMWhy is it called "rosy"?

Always the difficult questions...

There's an interesting page:

https://www.plantlife.org.uk/plants-and-fungi/rosy-irish-saxifrage/

https://www.plantlife.org.uk/rosy-saxifrage-reintroduced-into-wales-after-62-years-extinct/

"Rosy or Irish Saxifrage Saxifraga rosacea subsp. rosacea"

They then call it 'Rosie'.

Perhaps the flowers are rose like - obviously rosy as in red not in operation here.

Lets go Latin

Rosacea (roe-ZAY-she-uh) is a common skin condition that causes flushing or long-term redness on your face.

Hmm.

"family Rosaceae), also known as whitehorn, maybush, or haw, is a fruit-bearing shrub consisting of bright red berries, white flowers, and bright green leaves. "

"Ner cast a clout till May is out"

Hawthorn (known as May) is notable for its white flowers.

The pictures in the article are of white flowers.  Why is it called "rosy"?

Quote from: Ron on Yesterday at 09:57:39 PMWhat a bit of good luck the way it was saved!

Yes, today if you picked up a piece of plant in a National Park (SSI etc) and attempted to take it home, you would be in trouble.

Ok. I think I saw footage of that, but could have been a fake.

This is not fake: i was cleaning some wild corms of Colchicum aff. montanum and I saw a tiny seedling which had germinated in the very neck formed by the tunics. 

Surely the seed fell into the hole formed after the leaves and stalk dry up and germinated just below the ground.

The flowers look a bit large for plain Habranthus robustus. Probably Habranthus robustus 'Russell Manning.'

Mike
In Z6 Finger Lakes where it is currently raining torrentially.