Re: corydalis
- To: perennials@mallorn.com
- Subject: Re: corydalis
- From: D* S*
- Date: Sun, 30 Jul 2000 09:35:15 -0400
On Sat, 29 Jul 2000 19:11:25 -0600 Don Martinson <llmen@execpc.com>
writes:
> Does anyone know if corydalis can be hybridized? Now that would be
> a
> challenge to the plant breeders. I'm sure the molecular biologists
> will do this someday with some species of plant as techniques become
> cheaper, more refined, and cost effective.
>
One would think that any species within the same genus should be able to
hybridize, whether on their own or by human hand. If they don't then
this would give a clue that the genus should be studied and at least
divided into sub-groups, possibly even split into separate genera
altogether. That "by human hand" thing is the clincher. Look at all the
inter-generic, even inter-family, orchid hybrids. Each orchid species is
so pollinator specific that few of these hybrids would have occurred
naturally.
Most likely the goal of a "weedy" -- or, at least, hardy -- blue-flowered
corydalis is not going to be achieved in our garden beds. Best bet would
be to find one of the people doing genetic and tissue culture work with
hostas, African violets, etc. and get the person(s) to fall in love with
blue-flowered corydalis. ;-)
Dean Sliger
Warren, Michigan, USA
Zone 6B
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