In observing the ABs blooming this year, I've been wishing for a loose
classification for the different types of forms they take. In the two aril
groups, generally the rounded form and tucked falls falls indicate the onco
background. The regelias seem to have a bit more variation. There's the
rocket shaped blooms of korokowii, the ribbon-like falls of stolonifera and
the more linear look of hoogiana. When the TB or other bearded genes are
tossed into the mix, there is more variation and crosses seem to pick up on
patterns. This is the same bloom taken from two sides. Obviously the other
bearded genes have contributed the wavy edges seen on the standards and
falls and, to some extent, the way those lay in the overall look. It
undoubtedly looks like an AB, not the species types but at the same time
doesn't match the other bearded types that constitute its background. There
is more variation among the bloom forms in the ABs than in the species, but
it does seem most fall into some general categories. In making notes of
seedlings it'd sort of be nice to tag them in a category snce my photo
taking doesn't always allow for it.

Donald Eaves
donald@eastland.net
Texas Zone 7b, USA