Re: [aroid-l] Pycnospatha arietina

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Peter C Boyce 
  To: aroid-l@lists.ncsu.edu 
  Sent: Saturday, July 05, 2003 2:30 AM
  Subject: Re: [aroid-l] Pycnospatha arietina


  Hi Julius<<

  Hello Pete,

  Yes, I felt certain that P. palmata was a 'good' species, the two populations of P. arietina that differ one from the other for a moment had me a little confused!.
     Many years ago Josef sent me a copy of his 1973 paper reviewing this genus, and from this paper I obtained the collection data on P. palmata.   I gave this information to friends who were traveling and collecting in those areas, and lo and behold they managed to collect substantial quantities of this rare species!   I believe that most if not all the plants now in cultivation in the U.S.A. are from that one collection.
  This genus seems very prone to nematode damage, so all of you out there growing it take care!
  It is indeed a shame that Josef is not 'on' e-mail, he is a wealth of invaluable information.

  Thanks again,

  The Best,

  Julius

  Pycnospatha palmata is still a good species, and most distinct from P.
  arietina. For a long time after it's discovery in Lao PDR in the 19th
  Century P. palmata was known only from the original herbarium specimens in
  Paris. However, it was rediscovered in Thailand in the 1990s. It is a much
  smaller plant with leaves not unlike Tacca palmata and a cute inflorescence
  a fraction the size of that of P. arietina. It is also easy growing although
  plants at Kew seemed to do best given a reasonably 'hard' rest; not
  surprising, I guess, given their monsoonal provenance.

  It's a great pity that Josef eschews email and isn't a member of aroid-l
  since he could give some great insights into Pycnospatha.

  As ever

  Pete
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