Re: Alocasias

     I don't think A. wentii proper is in cultivation at all. It certainly 
     bears no resemblance to plants in cultivation known as A. wentii.
     
     The thing figured in Burnett's account of Alocasia (Aroideana 7: 
     fig.60) as A. wentii is evidently a hybrid with A. cuprea and 
     something else unknown to me.
     
     Alocasias certainly hybridise freely in cultivation (and occasionally 
     in the wild) - even between quite distantly related species. Some 
     hybrids are themselves fertile.
     
     Hilo Beauty does not look like an Alocasia to me: more likely a 
     Caladium/Xanthosoma.
     
     Alistair Hay
     
     
     
     
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Alocasias 
Author:  <aroid-l@mobot.org> at mailgate 
Date:    31/3/99 8:47
     
     
Dear All,
3 questions:
1) I have just obtained a magnificent plant of A.wentii (very large, 4 feet 
plus high and with beautiful purple reverse to the leaves). I understand that 
this plant may actually be a hybrid and that the real wentii is not in general 
cultivation. If that is the case can anyone tell me the parentage of the 
hybrid?
     
2) Do Alocasias hybridize easily? The A. wentii is coming in to flower and I 
thought I would try to cross it with another species if I can find one in 
flower.
     
3) Lastly does anyone have seeds/tubers of A. Hilo Beauty? (if it sets seeds 
at all!). This is impossible to obtain in Britain and it is SO beautiful.....
     
Many thanks,
Geoffrey Kibby
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