Hepatica

[annew]

I took this self sown hepatica out of my plunge today, and noticed these root nodules. I've seen similar ones on the odd cyclamen. Anybody know what they are?

[Maggi Young]

Anne, I have seen these little root nodules on some plants. Were they on a legume, I would say they were nitrogen nodules, where the plant is fixing extra nitrogen in these nodules. But I'm not sure which other plants might do this too. I would be inclined to think nitrogen nodules, though.

There, that should bring a scientist out of the shrubbery to tell us more!

I have found this reference to a scientific paper from 1967 :The Role of Dryas Drummondii in Vegetation Development Following Ice Recession at Glacier Bay, Alaska, with Special Reference to Its Nitrogen Fixation by Root Nodules
D. B. Lawrence, R. E. Schoenike, A. Quispel, G. Bond
The Journal of Ecology, Vol. 55, No. 3 (Nov., 1967), pp. 793-813  doi:10.2307/2258426

So if it occurs in Dryas drummondii then hepaticas and cyclamen are surely a possibility? !!

[annew]

I did wonder about nitrogen fixing nodules, but haven't heard of any members of the Ranunculaceae or Primulaceae having them.

[johngennard]

Anne,I have not experienced these nodules myself but there is an excellent article in the Alpine Gardener volume 73 Sept.2005 which is required reading for any hepatica enthusiast.In it the writer under the heading of PESTS refers to (root knot nematodes(eelworms).He states that hepaticas are particularly prone to them and that the root knots shoud be plucked off when dividing or re-potting.Perhaps that could explain the condition of your roots ?

[annew]

Hmm, maybe it's better if I just throw it out to be on the safe side. I have to say though that the plant was doing very well on it!

[Maggi Young]

Yikes, John, thanks for this, guess what we're all off to find and read? 

[Joakim B]

Thanks for that information Michael
If I find a shaded place here in portugal that fits the needs for hepaticas I might try it.
Makes me less homesick. 

[chris]

here the next two in flower,H.'Tinkinsyo' is a little bit different than last year

[johngennard]

It was -6c here last night but a lovely sunny day brought the hepaticas out

    Hanaguruma.jpg
    Hanaguruma close-up.jpg
    Hiryou.jpg
    jap.seedling.jpg
    jap.seedling close-up.jpg
    Maiougi seedling.jpg

[johngennard]

We had -6c last night but a lovely sunny day brought the hepaticas forward

     japonica seedling.jpg
    Maiougi seedling.jpg
    Oriheme.jpg
    own seed.jpg
    Own seedling.jpg
    pyrenaica.jpg

[Joakim B]

It is such a treat to see these lovely pictures of wonderfull hepaticas
Thank You.
Kind regards
Joakim

[johngennard]

Glad you liked them Joakim here are a few more

    Hanaguruma.jpg
    Hanaguruma close-up.jpg
    Hiryou.jpg
    jap.seedling.jpg
    jap.seedling close-up.jpg

[johngennard]

and finally

     Sango-kaku.jpg
    Seedling from Maiougi.jpg
    Tamamadori.jpg

[Joakim B]

John are You able to grow pyreneica outdoors?
I had the feeling it was grown indoors.
It really is great to look at them.
It make me want to go out in the hill sides of my parents summer house and look at the hepatica nobilis that are there.
Are You growing any of the hardy ones outside? Sorry if I have asked before but my memory is not the best.
Thanks for the treat
Joakim

[Luc Gilgemyn]

Great pictures John and Chris, what a wealth of stunning plants !
You got me hooked.