Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Plant Identification => Plant Identification Questions and Answers => Topic started by: Lori S. on August 28, 2015, 05:29:38 PM

Title: Help with Delphinium ID please
Post by: Lori S. on August 28, 2015, 05:29:38 PM

Hi,
I bought this delphinium years ago as Delphinium vestitum, however I'm not sure if it fits the descriptions of that species, and I wonder if anyone recognizes it?
The basal and stem leaves are kidney-shaped, up to 8cm by 5cm, and the lowermost ones are on long petioles up to about 15cm, becoming sessile upwards.  Only the smallest leaves within the upper inflorescence are divided (into one small oblanceolate leaf flanked on either side by a smaller lobe).  Leaves and stems are all covered densely with firm, stiff hairs; on the stem, these are directed downward.  The plant overall is about 40cm, and so far, has produced one or two upright blooming stalks. 

I think it may sort of fit this description from Flora of China:
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200007974 (http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200007974)

However, this description from Flora of Pakistan talks about "5-7 -lobed, deeply incised dentate leaves":
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=5&taxon_id=200007974 (http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=5&taxon_id=200007974)

[attachimg=1] [attachimg=2] [attachimg=3] [attachimg=4] [attachimg=5]

Title: Re: Help with Delphinium ID please
Post by: TheOnionMan on August 28, 2015, 05:42:00 PM

unusual looking leaves, pretty plant, found the following photo links:
http://www.asianflora.com/Ranunculaceae/Delphinium-vestitum.htm (http://www.asianflora.com/Ranunculaceae/Delphinium-vestitum.htm)

http://www.pavelkaalpines.cz/Photos/Nepal2012/delphiniumvestitumlangtanghimalnepal.html (http://www.pavelkaalpines.cz/Photos/Nepal2012/delphiniumvestitumlangtanghimalnepal.html)

herbarium specimen showing leaves:
https://science.mnhn.fr/institution/mnhn/collection/p/item/p00201222 (https://science.mnhn.fr/institution/mnhn/collection/p/item/p00201222)

Very good link, page on Chris Chadwell's Himalayan travels, several species, scroll down for vestitum.
http://www.chadwellseeds.co.uk/delphinium-1 (http://www.chadwellseeds.co.uk/delphinium-1)

Title: Re: Help with Delphinium ID please
Post by: Lori S. on August 28, 2015, 06:10:38 PM

Thanks for the research, Mark.  Hmmm, maybe it is right then?  The spurs look different on the cultivated plant in the Chadwell post (and are not very visible on the wild plants) but... ?

Title: Re: Help with Delphinium ID please
Post by: Giles on August 28, 2015, 08:15:54 PM

This might help..
http://www.david.bassett.care4free.net/topics4/vestitum.htm (http://www.david.bassett.care4free.net/topics4/vestitum.htm)

Title: Re: Help with Delphinium ID please
Post by: Lori S. on August 28, 2015, 10:13:26 PM

Thanks, Giles.  Other than the huge leaves (30cm) described in that link, the photos do resemble my plant. 
I guess I will conclude that it is properly named, after all.  The Flora of Pakistan info remains very puzzling though.

Thank you both very much!