Mystery self-sower

[johnw]

These have been self-sowing in our pots.   I have narrowed it down to 2 possible culprits but would like to hear what others thinks. They are not being tossed!

johnw   - +16c, overcast and on the way.

[Growild]

Ranzania japonica?

[Maggi Young]

I' m with Lisa on this one - some people just have a better class of weed!

[johnw]

Well that was my thought too Ranzania but there was a Jeffersonia dubia growing nearby hence the doubt.  I feel like we won the lotto.  Now if we could just sprout the seed we collect!  Also can't sprout Enkianthus but it comes up in nearby pots as well.

johnw

[fleurbleue]

What a lucky man ! I have never had success with Ranziana seeds... 

[Lesley Cox]

The answer then, is obviously to let it self sow. I have a single seedling germinated some months ago but died down now. Hoping the coming (when?) spring may show a few more. -12C this morning after -11 yesterday. We just don't get these kinds of temps so looks like this winter is one of the tough  ones. Generally I feel hard-done-by when we dip to -5. It's that currently in my bedroom now, where I'm typing this post!

[gote]

It looks more like Jeffersonia (also called Pl*****a  ) Ranzania usually has smoother edges to the leaf. Ranzania leaves are divided more or less like an Aquilegia whereas Jeffersonia has single leaves on a stalk. I hope I am right. It is too hot today for me to go out and have a look.
Göte
PS
Ranzania seeds should be sown immediately from the berry. They should be kept outside all the winter. They will then germinate in the spring. Seed exchange procedure usually kills the seed efficiently.

[Lori S.]

I don't think they are Jeffersonia, not Jeffersonia dubia at least, of which I have lots of seedlings (and I doubt J. diphylla also).  The J. dubia seedling leaves are almost round, very regular around the edges (not rippled as shown), and not prominently veined (as shown).
Here's a photo of young seedlings (one has been nibbled by something) - can get a photo of older ones if it would help.

[johnw]

Thanks Lori. Thinking back it can only be Ranzania given where the nurse pot was situated.  We suspected that but still can't belive it!

john