Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum
Seedy Subjects! => Seed Exchange => Topic started by: alan jones on May 01, 2012, 11:59:02 AM
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I obtained a small amount of seed of Primula sikuensis from SRGC’s 64th distribution, after reading a note of P35 of the seed list. The author described it as a ‘small and most worthy gem, a cousin of the strapping P.polyneura’, and appealed for it to be kept going before its genes became contaminated. I would like to say what a good natured plant it is, problem free and a pleasure to grow. My seed was sown on Jan 1/11, and eight seedlings were pricked out on June 6/11. Five have been raised in the alpine house and three outside. The alpine house plants are in flower, with the exception of one that is just breaking its dormancy [!]. The flower stems range from ten and a half inches to one foot. The ones outside are getting ready to flower but the stems are at least half the size, four and a half inches, more in character, I imagine, in contrast to the ones in the a/h that have been grown in humus rich compost in ideal conditions. The flowers are an enchanting blue, and intoxicatingly scented. I have had my pollinating brush out, so I’m hoping for some seed to send back to the exchange.
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Halda and John Richards (First Edition) both say P sikuensis is a synonym for P polyneura , as does The Plant list(whether as a species or a ssp of polyneura)
http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl/record/tro-26401212 (http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl/record/tro-26401212)
The SRGC seedlist refers to "Richard’s statement of provenance for the species" so I assume this is in the Second edition of his Primula book. I haven't got the second edition, although, co-incidentally I've just ordered it. Does anyone have it to see what he says? I'd also be interested to know the provenance of this seed donation - does anyone know??
A picture would be nice, Alan.
Primula polyneura is actually one of those bugbear species of seedlists, as it turns up with all sorts of different nametags ::)
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Yes, Diane, a picture would be nice. To my shame, although I have received generous pointers from you and Maggi Young, I have not mastered the art of filing one. There are extenuating circumstances, but I will not plead them as a defence. I am prepared to suffer the wrath of you both...as it will be well-deserved. Inspired by Ian Young, I have a new camera and have been keeping a record of many of my plants, so all I can do is fall on the mercy of you both and promise to mend my ways.
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P.sikuensis seems to be quite dainty.