[Aroid-l] Re: New Dark Alocasia

**L* G* <A*@worldnet.att.net>**

Alistair,

I have the plant right next to a robust specimen of A. alba and the

morphological differences are quite clear once you see them next to each

other. There are similarities, however, as there are between A. alba

and A. sarawakensis. For me, the tell-tale sign will be the morphology

of the inflorescences when they finally appear. The A. alba actually

has much more prominent venation on both the abaxial and adaxial

surfaces and a heavier substance overall to the leaf than has this plant

or A. sarawakensis.

In some respects, one could say that this plant appears somewhat

intermediate between A. alba and A. sarawakensis, as A. sarawakensis

petioles have a rough, almost peach-fuzz texture and both this plant and

A. alba petioles are smooth to the touch. But then there is the color,

which is characteristic of neither of the two species in question!

I would argue against this plant being a hybrid, as one of the most

likely parents, A. plumbea Nigra, has never produced pollen in my

experience, implying to me that it may be a sterile hybrid itself, or a

sterile sport.

An intriguing enigma, for sure!

LariAnn
Aroidia Research

Alistair wrote:

What a wonderful-looking plant! If its not a hybrid it certainly looks

like alba or sarawakensis. I was interested to see you say it was not

alba: not disagreeing with you, but why not?

Alistair

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