Linnaea borealis

[Gabriela]

I remember seeing a thread showing wonderful images of Linnaea but I don't know where it is and maybe this is a good place to discuss the seeds aspect.
I wonder how many are aware of its self-incompatibility problem and as a result the low seed setting? I just patiently sorted out about 400 fruits - resulting in +/- 75 seeds 


I think many people are sowing the dry fruits as 'seeds' and hence report very low germination rates. In Canada and US it is not of conservation concern but the low seed rate and loss of habitat may well in the future change the situation.
Here's a link of interest (from many others): http://www.kew.org/press/wp_twinflower.html

[Maggi Young]

Good point there, Gabriela.

Here is the main thread about Linnaea  http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=12672.0

(I've copied Gabriela's post there)

[ian mcdonald]

I think two different plants are needed for fertilization of Linnaea.

[Gabriela]

I think two different plants are needed for fertilization of Linnaea.

I mentioned it is self-incompatible, which also means that requires cross-pollination to produce viable seeds. To be correct, the 'two different plants' need to be of a different genotype. Two different plants from the same clonal patch are still incompatible.

[Gabriela]

Good point there, Gabriela.

Here is the main thread about Linnaea  http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=12672.0

(I've copied Gabriela's post there)

Thanks Maggi! It didn't cross my mind to look in the Alpines section.

[ian mcdonald]

Thanks gabriela, that is what I meant. Your plant may be ssp. americana.

[Gabriela]

Thanks gabriela, that is what I meant. Your plant may be ssp. americana.

Sorry I didn't see this in time. 'My' Linnaea is for sure ssp. borealis. Seeds were coll. in Karelian Isthums region (St. Petersburg, Russia) from a population with particular large individuals. I miss to collect seeds here, the closest place they grow is about 5 hours drive....