Some bulb enthusiasts extend their interest to tuberous members of the Berberidaceae, most commonly Gymnospermium, two species of which are in flower today in my bulb house. Another genus in that family that has always intrigued me is Leontice, found in western and central Asia in dry, rocky places. For perhaps 20 years I ordered seed whenever I saw it on a list, without a hint of germination. Last fall, however, I bought seed of two species (or subspecies; the one called L. ewersmannii is usually regarded as L. leontopetalum subsp. ewersmannii) from the list of Kurt Vickery. Both have now germinated. Ewersmannii had one seedling showing before our recent severe freeze, when its pot may have frozen despite provision of heat in the shed. This morning, however, it appears that every seed has suddenly issued cotyledons. I wonder if the cold snap triggered this, perhaps by breaking the coats on the large seeds? In any case, I hope these plants are as easily raised as Gymnospermium. I'll leave them alone until they go dormant, then pot the tubers up individually. Would anyone who has experience cultivating Leontice please tell us something about how you have done it? Jane McGary Portland, Oregon, USA