Re: Amorpho titanum crosses!!!

Ron,

I am sure the Sri Lankan greengrocers in Tooting must think I obtain some 
strange illicit drugs from the amorph tubers, or that I eat vast quantities 
of the curries in which they put them! They have probably sold more in the 
last month or two than the previous year (two other growers have now asked me 
to get them some too...).

I agree with most of the comments on hybrids given here, the majority do not 
improve on nature, although I suspect most of us are only too happy to grow 
various hybrid garden plants without giving it a second thought. It is a 
fairly natural thing for man to pick the biggest, the darkest, the largest, 
the best scented flowers etc etc and its only a short step from there to 
selectively crossing. I think the orchid people have it right, at least they 
register everything and one can look up parentage very easily. All these 
cultivar names which mean nothing (what IS Anthurium Jungle King?!, or 
Spathiphyllum Sensation?!) because they wont tell you or dont know the 
parentage are not helping anyone. Yes, we absolutely must conserve and 
disseminate species as much as possible to ensure their survival in 
collections (is it too pessimistic to feel that their habitats just will not 
survive?) and for future generations to admire their stunning beauty. I am 
not against hybrids per se as long as the species are cared for, and the 
hybrids well documented. A giant konjac-titanum in the backyard may be 
unlikely but it would certainly get noticed.....

Just wait till they use gene surgery to join a Spathiphyllum with 
Amorphophallus, Spathiphyllum "Dracula's Delight" anyone...?

Geoffrey Kibby
London
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