RARE Cosmos seeds needing responsible homes

[annew]

Alberto, all the seeds I sent out were harvested from the commercial clone, pollinated with the NZ one. I only got 2 seeds from the reverse cross, mostly, I think, because the commercial clone does not seem to produce much pollen.

[Lesley Cox]

I don't have a commercial plant, only the ones grown from my (and Joan's) seed, which we've had for maybe 15 years or so. It's a long time since it appeared in any of the local garden centres. I'll keep a look out for it though and even ask one of the staff who are usually unable to help much with anything involving a species name.

[Ezeiza]

Most interesting, Anne and Lesley.

I wonder if there is any NZ nursery offering Cosmos atrosanguineus

[Lesley Cox]

Nothing I'm aware of at present. Alberto, but I'll keep an eye out and buy one if I see it.

[arillady]

I have just come across this thread.
Lesley if you get seed this year I would love to try it.
Pat

[Otto Fauser]

Pat , Cosmos atrosanguineus plants are sometimes available from some nurseries here in Victoria .

[Ezeiza]

Otto and Pat, a few commercial plants pollinated by Anne and Lesley's plants pollen would be a good start to eventually produce another viable captive population.

[Lesley Cox]

We're doing our best Alberto. When I had my previous nursery (before we moved 14 years ago), I used to sell about 50 plants each year, all seedlings from my own. I haven't been selling recently. If Anne and I get more seed, we'd probably be wise to give them to commercial firms wherever, who would work on producing a fertile strain, rather than just to people who may want a plant or two but aren't concerned with producing more seed. MAybe we should send the seed to gardens in South America, especially Mexico?

[Ezeiza]

Dear Lesley:

                 Mexico is not in South America! So far, there is no serious program involving the conservation of this species. Moreover, it will not be the first time one such program tha begins with trumpets blast is discontinued. The specialized care plant growers can routinely provide is not so common.

                  Even a few plants in responsible homes are safer than many in a commercial firm that will not keep them forever provided sales sink.

                  I am certain you are doing a super job in keeping these plants alive.

[Lesley Cox]

Sorry about my faux pas re Mexico. From a distance, they're pretty much the same thing, but OK, my geography is much at fault. However, the Cosmos is native to Mexico is it not?

[Brian Ellis]

Sorry about my faux pas re Mexico. From a distance, they're pretty much the same thing, but OK, my geography is much at fault. However, the Cosmos is native to Mexico is it not?

Indeed it is Lesley, unfortunately now extinct in the wild.  The NCCPG (now Plant Heritage) had it on their pink list and were hoping to re-introduce it.  I think I am right in saying that it is being/has been re-introduced and taken off the pink list.

[Lesley Cox]

If it's being re-introduced Brian, are these non-fertile, micropropagated plants or is there another seed source somewhere.

I'm looking for seed on mine now but it has been such a miserable summer.....

[Ezeiza]

Brian, if a plant that is extinct in the wild (only surviving in cultivation) is in the pink (?) List, what does it take to include it in the Red one?

[Lesley Cox]

Membership of the Communist party?

Absolutely no seed on mine this year and two haven't even flowered. My friend whose plants also seed, also has no seed this year but she is asking her daughter who lives further north and may have some.

[annew]

I did try to contact a couple of commercial seed companies, but they weren't interested. They also make a lot of money selling young plants of the commercial clone every year..