A fuzzy Calceolaria darwinii !

[Gene Mirro]

Out of several dozen seedlings, I have two with fuzzy leaves.  The photo shows a "normal" and a fuzzy one.  Can anyone tell me what this is all about?

[Lesley Cox]

It looks very nice Gene and is almost certainly a hybrid with another species. BUT..... are you absolutely sure the other is C. darwinii (syn uniflora)? I ask because it looks rather like what I have received several times including last year, from both SRGC and AGS as darwinii but which turned out to be either falklandica or possibly biflora. Both nice plants but not of the quality of darwinii.

[henkw]

I think your right Lesley it almost certain a hybrid or a another specie, maybe C.tenella.
Be patient and cross your finger perhaps you are lucky and keep the aphids away

Henk Westerhof

[Lesley Cox]

Not tenella, as that is very tiny and creeping, mat/forming. The individual leaves are about 5mm across or even less. I got tenella too last year as the same species as what the darwinii was. Very frustrating.

[Gene Mirro]

I know they are C. darwini, because I collected the seed from my own plants in the mid-eighties, and had the seed in cold storage until last fall.   It sounds like you guys are having a tough time getting seed that is true to name.  If I can keep them going, I'll collect lots of seed, and make it available.   

[Lesley Cox]

You mean these are seedlings NOW from seed collected in the mid 80s? Like 20 years ago? Wow. If you're sure about them being darwinii, then I'd still say the fuzzy one is a hybrid. but I guess you'll know for sure when they flower. Maybe there is some genetic ability to produce hairs. I know several men who would like to have the same gene, Gene.

And yes, it's really difficult to source the genuine thing through the seedlists. I wish you the best of luck with seed collection.

[Gene Mirro]

Dry seed stored at 0F will remain viable indefinitely.  Even incredibly tiny seeds like Ramonda are good after 15 years.  It's amazing. 

[henkw]

Just a picture of Calceolaria that was flowering today


Henk Westerhof

[Gene Mirro]

Here is a non-fuzzy one in bloom.  It looks like darwini/uniflora to me.  What do you think?

The plant is from seed sown on 10/23/06.  No dormant period was required for bloom; they grew right through the winter in the cool greenhouse.

[Gene Mirro]

Here is a closeup of the flower.

[Maggi Young]

Fine healthy babies you have there, Gene!

[Lesley Cox]

The pictured plant looks to me like what I grew as darwinii but in the event, turned out to be a darwinii/fothergillii cross which is `Walter Shrimpton' of course, but shouldn't be called that if they were seedlings FROM 'Walter Shrimpton.' I know darwinii (uniflora) varies, but to this extent? Whatever, it's very nice. Gene are those tiny white flecks the shed skins of aphis? If so, do give it a squirt with an insecticide or it'll be gone before you notice.

I always think it's significant that the USA regulatory body which apparently governs the importation of seed, is called APHIS.

[Maggi Young]

I have received this images from Rudi Weiss, who is as sure as he can be that this represents a pure Calceolaria darwinii. Rudi tells me "Calceolarias are one of my favourite plants and so I think, that Gene 's plant is some hybrid. Our good nurseryman Gerd Stopp collected seeds in Argentinia and distributed these wonderful plants, which I photogaphed last year.
In comparison with many publications I think this is the true species. "
The first two pix will expand to view at a reasonable size,





This is the full-size pic, should you wish to save it to examine more closely:

[Gene Mirro]

I have decided to name my plants the Pretender series.  If anyone wants seed, let me know.  If anyone can spare some seed of true C. darwinii, I will grow them and distribute the seed next Spring.

[Lesley Cox]

Oh yes, that's it all right. Isn't is utterly scrumptious!