Lachenalia & Other Questions

Dell Sherk ds429@comcast.net
Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:57:11 PDT
Pam,

For lachenalias the best reference I have is "The Lachenalia Handbook" by
Graham D. Duncan published by Kirstenbosch;  isbn 0620119535. Don't know
nuthin' 'bout birthin' ornithogalums.

Dell

-----Original Message-----
From: pbs-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:pbs-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org]
On Behalf Of Pamela Slate
Sent: Thursday, June 10, 2010 2:19 PM
To: Pacific Bulb Society
Subject: [pbs] Lachenalia & Other Questions

Dear PBS,
I've been unpotting Lachenalias and have a couple questions I'm sure some of
you experts can quickly answer:
1.  I have two forms of L. rubida and their bulbs differ slightly.  One is
more ovoid than the other (except for flat portions of new bulbils) and when
unpotted has a purplish cast around the growing tip.  The other is rounder
and has no color cast whatsoever.  (Both, by the way, have multiplied pretty
much in quantities equal to one another.)  Can anyone tell me if you've
observed these differences in your collections and what, if any, meaning is
attached to them?  

2.  In an unmarked pot, I have two flattish bulbs I believe could be
either L. pallida or L. orthopetala.  They are just under 4 cm in diameter
and 1.5 cm tall with undulating edges and a color that I'd describe
as opaque-white (reminding me of Albuca juncifolia which I know they are
not).  The flower stalks as well as the roots have persisted longer than any
other Lachenalia growing here in pots.  Perhaps they are something else
altogether.  Sorry I can't post a photo but could send one privately.

3.  I have an unidentified Ornithogalum that has grassy spiraling leaves and
yellow, fragrant (a bit like 7-Up) flowers.  The bulbs are proportionately
large compared to the delicate leaves and flowers.  I'd be happy to send a
bulb photo if someone could help with ID but I unfortunately have no flower
photos.

Do any of you know of a reference that has descriptions with drawings and/or
photos of bulbs?  All I've seen are photos on the wiki (and these are very
interesting and helpful) and a few botanical drawings in various books but
nothing in a compendium. 

Appreciate the help!

Pam
 Pamela Slate
P.O. Box 5316
Carefree AZ 85377 


      



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