Sarracenia 'Imhotep'

Submitted October 22, 1999

Davis is in the central valley of California, and experiences long, hot, dry, summers. Each year in October, the Botanical Conservatory at the University of California in Davis (UCD) participates in an enormous plant sale. On the day of the annual sale, the Sarracenia are always a little toasted-shoppers eschew grand S. flava specimens, just because the pitcher tops are burnt and brown. However, one hybrid plant still looks fresh even this late in the season. We call it Sarracenia 'Imhotep'. Of uncertain ancestry, Sarracenia 'Imhotep' has clear influences from S. minor (i.e. a bulging but cylindrical pitcher, a round lid, and fenestrations on the back of the upper third of the pitcher tube). An overall coppery colour, manifested late in the season, is probably also due to S. minor ancestry (Figure 1). The other parent is uncertain, but may be either S. alata or S. rubra. I suspect it is probably S. alata - the large size, enhanced vertical pitcher veining, and pale greenish petals are all consistent with this. This plant must be propagated vegetatively to maintain this complex mix of attributes. It is probable that this plant arrived at UCD via trades with California State University at Fullerton. I will be the first to admit that more attractive Sarracenia hybrids have been developed, yet this plant has excellent features. Its ability to persist well into a hot, and summer is noteworthy. It is a marvelous plant for casual growers who wish to have perhaps just one pitcher plant in their garden, and would like it to look good all season long.

The name 'Imhotep' commemorates the fictional character of the same name played by Boris Karloff in the classic horror film, The Mummy. Despite having to weather thousands of years of and and hot climate, this ancient Egyptian priest was still handsome and tanned, albeit a bit veiny.

BARRY RICE

Dionaea 'Dentate Traps'

Submitted October 20, 1999

A wild collected Dionaea muscipula plant was selected because its marginal spines were noticeably mutated. Instead of being long and filiform (as is usual), the spines of Dionaea 'Dentate Traps' are short and triangular. This feature is not always apparent on small traps, or those produced early in the season, but the traps on mature plants in full growth are unmistakably dentate.
This plant has been widely distributed in the past under the name "dentata." This name is invalid according to ICNCP rules (Art, 17.9.). Ron Determan (Atlanta Botanical Gardens) has informed me that the plant often distributed under the name "dente" is the same as the "dentata" plant, so the correct name Dionaea 'Dentate Traps' must be used for that plant as well. The cultivar name refers to the form of the marginal spines on the traps; I have both nominated and submitted this name for registration on 20 October 1999. The originator of the plant is probably Leo Song, Jr., who started growing the plant prior to 1990. The preferred method of propagating it is by vegetative means, so the character of the teeth is best maintained.

BARRY RICE

Dionaea 'Sawtooth'

Submitted October 20, 1999

This Dionaea muscipula is of uncertain origin, but has been distributed without an established name. As such, the commonly used name Dionaea 'Sawtooth' is being registered. Dionaea 'Sawtooth' is a remarkable plant in the Dionaea Dentate Traps Group (described above). Its marginal trap spines are reduced to small triangular teeth, as in Dionaea 'Dentate Traps'. Unlike that latter cultivar, however, the teeth of Dionaea 'Sawtooth' are frequently minutely divided into two or more tiny teethlets, so the trap has an almost fringed appearance. Late in the season, the interior of the traps may be deeply red, although this is not visible in young traps (cf. The Savage Garden, Peter D'Amato, 1998, 1st Edition, p67.). The cultivar name refers to the form of the marginal spines on the traps.

The preferred method of propagating this plant is by vegetative means, so the character of the teeth is best maintained.

BARRY RICE

Pinguicula 'Pirouette'

Submitted October 20, 1999

This Pinguicula agnata x (moranensis x ehlersiae) hybrid is another product of Leo Song's active hybridization program at California State University at Fullerton. Resulting from a cross made 14 October 1986, this plant has proven itself to be forgiving of cultivation errors and resilient to adverse growing conditions. Its flowers are attractive and clear pink, similar in general plan to P. moranensis but with more rounded petals, akin to those of P. agnata. Mature plants are about 7 cm. in diameter and may produce a few blooms each year. It is the leaves that are the most striking feature of this plant - it has inherited the opalescent pinky-white foliage of P. ehlersiae. In some growing conditions Pinguicula 'Pirouette' becomes so suffused with rich-pink or even red it looks remarkably like a chlorophyll-free saprophyte one might encounter deep in pine woods! Under moderate light, the leaves are very pale pink with a touch of light green. The leaves this plant produces during the dormant season are smaller and more succulent. Leaf cuttings are best taken with these leaves just before or as the summer leaves begin to emerge. The leaf cuttings root easily. This plant should not be propagated by seed if you wish to maintain the cultivar name attached to it.

Its good looks and easy cultivation make Pinguicula 'Pirouette' an excellent beginner's plant. If you want to try a carnivore on your windowsill, this might be the one to start with! Plants are distributed each year at the UCD Botanical Conservatory plant sale, and are also available at California Carnivores.

The name Pinguicula 'Pirouette' was coined because the neatly overlapping, layered leaves give the impression of a swirling pleated skirt. The intense pink color adds to the skirt impression; the emerging leaves add arms to suggest a ballerina doing a fast turn.

JOHN BRITTNACHER, BARRY RICE, LEO SONG

Utricularia calycifida 'Yog-Sothoth'

Submitted October 22, 1999

In order to be appreciated, many Utricularia species must be observed on a near-scale. The flowers are often small, and the leaves are usually tiny. Utricularia calycifida is different. Not only are its flowers moderately large, but compared to most species in cultivation its leaves are gigantic (forgive me for using such a dramatic term for leaves but 5 cm or so long). The leaves of some U calycifida clones are actually showy! Utricularia calycifida has many clones in cultivation with a diversity of flower and leaf forms, so there is great potential for intraspecific hybridization.

I have discussed U. calycifida before, in pages 9-13 of the 21:1-2 issue of Carnivorous Plant Newsletter (1992). In that article I used the tentative, descriptive phrase "purple veins" to describe one commonly cultivated form. This form has petiolate leaves with a oval lamina that are veined throughout with deep purple pigmentation (see Carniv. Pl. Newslett. 21:1-2, p. 10, Figure 1:1). The flowers are large, and the apron-like lower corolla lobe hangs down and nearly completely hides the spur. The corolla is pink, but with a yellow patch (edged in white) on the proximal palate bulge (see Carniv. Pl. Newslett. 21:1-2, p. 12, Figure 3). This plant is being established as the cultivar Utricularia calycifida 'Yog-Sothoth'.

While Utricularia 'Yog-Sothoth' can produce self-fertilized viable seed, to preserve the cultivar name care must be taken to ensure the progeny meet the floral and leaf characteristics described in this article. As such, I recommend vegetative propagation which, like in so many Utricularia, is trivially simple.

The cultivar epithet notes the potent and enigmatic entity mentioned in various stories by the 1930s author H.P. Lovecraft. The original Yog-Sothoth and the cultivar share features such as peculiar venation, countless sucking mouths, and an insatiable appetite.

BARRY RICE

Utricularia calycifida 'Mrs. Marsh'

Submitted October 22, 1999.

In an article on Utricularia calycifida (Carniv. Pl. Newslett. 21:1-2, p9-13, 1992) I discussed a clone that I referred to as "spotted flower." This unestablished epithet is being abandoned, and the cultivar name Utricularia calycifida 'Mrs. Marsh is being established in its place.

I described the flower of Utricularia 'Mrs. Marsh' in detail in that article, and for convenience I am using the "Figure 2" that appeared on page 12 as a photographic standard. In summary, Utricularia 'Mrs. Marsh' can be recognized by its small white to pale-lilac flower. The corolla lips are decorated with small purplishbrown spots which are sometimes stretched into streaks. The orange-yellow palate splotch is edged in brown. The overall effect is remarkably similar to the patterning on some frogs or tiger cowrie sea shells (Cypraea tigris). The leaves are strap shaped, and are purplish only when growing rapidly.

This plant self fertilizes readily and produces seed which breed true. Some seedlings are vigorous than others, so this plant is best reproduced vegetatively.

Utricularia calycifida 'Mrs. Marsh' was first given to me (without a cultivar name) by the noted Arizonan carnivorous plant grower, Paul McMillan. The name commemorates the second wife of Captain Obed Marsh, from H.P, Lovecraft's tale, The Shadow Over Innsmouth. This mysterious figure was known for her froglike appearance and strange affinity to water.

BARRY RICE

Utricularia calycifida 'Lavinia Whateley'

Submitted October 22, 1999

As I mentioned in a previous note (Carniv. Pl. Newslett. 22:3, p.56, 1993), a white-variant of Utricularia calycifida exists and has been grown with the name Utricularia calycifida "White Flower". This epithet has not been registered, and since it is overly ambiguous, I propose instead the name Utricularia calycifida 'Lavinia Whateley'. This cultivar's flower is similar in form to that of Utricularia calycifida 'Yog-Sothoth', except instead of predominantly pink, the flower is white. The yellow palate splotch is present. The leaf veins are not heavily tinted purple. I recommend vegetative propagation which is easy with this plant, and will ensure vigorous progeny with no loss of cultivar characteristics.

The cultivar epithet honors the peculiarly pale, white-haired woman who appeared in H.P. Lovecraft's short novel, The Dunwich Horror.

BARRY RICE

Utricularia calycifida 'Cthulhu'

Submitted October 22, 1999

As I mentioned in a previous note (Carniv. Pl. Newslett. 22:3, p.56, 1993), an interesting, mauve colored form of U. calycifida is particularly noteworthy. This plant bears rounded, purple- leaves as does Utricularia calycifida 'yog Sothoth'. The flowers are also large as in that cultivar, but differ in the details. First, the palate bulge is more rounded, pronounced and distinct from the rest of the lower corolla lip. Second-and most obviously-the yellow palate splotch is larger and surrounded by numerous anastomosing pale veins. The mauve-pink that contrasts with the pale veins is more saturated than the pink that colors the rest of the flower. This plant should be propagated by vegetative means in order to maintain its delightful characters faithfully.

The epithet 'Mauve Flower' had not been established, so I proposed instead the name Utricularia calycifida 'Cthulhu'. The cultivar epithet is chosen in commemoration of the fictional creature described by H.P. Lovecraft. Like its namesake cultivar, Cthulhu (pronounced "k- was a denizen of a semi-aquatic land, and was endowed with countless stolon-like tentacles.

BARRY RICE

Pinguicula 'Hanka'

Submitted November 25, 1999

The novelty is a hybrid selected from offspring made by the author in 1990 by crossing Pinguicula zecheri Speta & Fuchs (female plant) and P. rotundiflora Studn. (male plant). The selected cultivated variety, nominated by the author in 1992, forms a winter succulent rosette and a summer carnivorous one, both relatively small and rather brown-coloured when grown in sunny sites. The winter rosette, consisting of about 50 drop-shaped leaves, measures about 27 mm across. The summer rosette, consisting of 10 to 18 leaves, measures about 45 mm across. Its leaves are spathulate, membranous, turned upwards in the margins.

Flowers are produced at any time, by both the winter and the summer rosettes, but most frequently in November. Flower stalks are about 55 mm high. The corolla is subisolobous, is oval in outline when viewed from the front, and measures up to 30 by 27 mm. The wide corolla lobes touch or cover each other in the margins. They are corrugated and slightly emarginate. The corolla is lilac, darker reticulated, with a yellowish stripe in the middle lobe of the lower lip. The corolla tube is 4 mm long. The bluntly pointed spur is 8 mm long, bent towards the lower lip. The calyx consists of narrow, about 2.5 mm long lobes, rounded at the tip. The calyx, the corolla tube, the spur and the flower stalk are endowed with glandular hairs.

The stigma is purple, corrugated, with long hairs in the reverse side. The plant is sterile. Its minor capsule measures 1 mm, and it is spherical, dark green, with sessile glands on the surface. Pinguicula 'Hanka' may be propagated easily by means of leaf cuttings made from the numerous winter leaves. It is cultivated in the Botanical Garden Liberec (see please the address below) at the present time. It has been sent also to Japan.

The described cultivated variety is dedicated to my daughter Hana P. ("Hanka" in a familiar name form), as nice as the described flowers and to my pleasure also clever in botany.

MILOSLAV STUDNICKA

Sarracenia 'Abandoned Hope'

Submitted January 15, 2000

I created this Sarracenia x catesbaei in 1989 by crossing S. purpurea subsp. venosa var. burkei with S. flava var. flava. This notable cultivar was distinguished from its siblings by having enormous early season pitchers, particularly when its flowers are removed at an early stage. While similar to other S. x catesbaei crosses using similar varieties of the two parent species, this individual stood out by attaining pitcher heights as great as 80 cm (30 inches). Only one or two spring and early summer pitchers of this enormous size are produced, and the pitchers that follow later in the season are only about half this size. Also notable is the oversized, wavy and undulating lid that can effectively reduce collected rainfall and thus lessen the toppling nature that plagues Sarracenia x catesbaei. The pitcher body is olive-green with red longitudinal veins both straight and jagged, plus lesser horizontal veins joining those that run lengthwise along the pitcher. The ala is pronounced along the lower half of the pitcher and edged in red. The red lip of the mouth is held horizontally. A prominent red splotch at the throat radiates red veins throughout the yellow- lid. The flowers are large-petaled and peach-pink on the exterior surface, beige on the inner surface.

I coined the name in 1994. The name is taken from the sign at the entrance to Hell in Dante's Inferno: "Abandon All Hope, Ye Who Enter Here." This cultivar should only be reproduced by vegetative means.

PETER D'AMATO

Sarracenia 'Lamentations'

Submitted January 15, 2000

This plant has narrow, upright trumpets 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) tall and no more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) wide at the mouth. The olive-green pitchers are heavily veined with dark red nerves; when grown in full sun, the upper two-thirds of each pitcher, including the lid, turn entirely reddish-maroon with especially dark veins (unlike the individual in the photograph). The back of the pitcher throat, and underside of the lid, can turn dark purple-burgundy. This cultivar is especially notable for the upper inclination of the lid, which is wider and longer than the mouth opening. The lid has slightly wavy margins and fine bristles on the underside. The pitchers are notable for lasting well into the winter dormant season in good condition. The flowers are small, with dark red 2.5-3.5 cm (1-1.5 inch) petals, similar to Sarracenia rubra, and are borne on stems as long as the pitchers. The flowers are slightly fragrant, similar to cherry flavored drinks or roses.

The origins of this plant are something of a mystery. It is possible it originated from California State University at Fullerton in the 1980s. In any event, I coined the cultivar name in 1995. The name notes how the clusters of pitchers, with their upturned lids, can metaphorically appear to be crying towards heaven. This cultivar should only be reproduced by vegetative means.

PETER D'AMATO

Sarracenia 'Spatter Pattern'

Submitted January 15, 2000

This plant has an unknown parentage, but it probably includes S. leucophylla and S. rubra. Its very narrow, upright trumpets average 38 cm (15 inches) tall and less than 2.5 cm (1 inch) at the mouth. The trumpets have a very slight bulge centered 5 cm (2 inches) below the mouth lip (at least on full-sized pitchers). The ala is largest on the lower half of the pitcher, and is less than 1 cm (.5 inch) wide. The lid (finely hairy underneath) is inclined upwards, and flares to slightly wider than the width of the mouth. Its margins are undulate. The upper parts of the pitcher, including the lid, have a white background that is heavily veined red and laced with red-orange. Travelling down the pitcher tube, the red venation becomes even stronger and the dominant color. Below that, the lower half of each pitcher tube is dominated by green. The flowers are medium-sized with red petals up to 5 cm (2 inches) long. The scapes are up to 50 cm (20 inches) long.

I nominated the name in 1999. The name originates from a term used in criminal forensics, indicating a spray of blood used as evidence in a violent crime. This cultivar should only be reproduced by vegetative means.

PETER D'AMATO

Nepenthes 'Bruce Bednar'

Submitted January 10, 2000

I developed this new hybrid in February 1994. The seed parent was N. kampotiana x maxima, the pollen parent was N. x deslogesii. As such, the complete parentage of this complex cross is N. (kampotiana x maxima) x ((maxima x veitchii) x (northiana x maxima)).

The leaves are petiolate, and are approximately 20 cm long and 6 cm wide. The leaf tendrils are roughly one-half to two-thirds the length of the leaves.

The lower pitchers of Nepenthes 'Bruce Bednar' are urceolate (or slightly elongated), approximately 10 cm long, and bear fimbriate wings 5-10 tall. The mouth is 1 cm wide and 2.4 cm tall. The peristome is moderately wide, red, and undulate on the outer margins. The lid is ovate (1.8 cm wide, 3.3 cm long) with an obtuse apex. Numerous glands are present on the underside of the lid. The apical spur is 2-5 mm. long. The entire outer surface of the pitcher is green and mottled with elongated red spots. These spots are more common on the upper half of the pitchers. A bright red stripe runs along the back of the pitcher from near the base all the way up to the base of the lid.

The plant is covered with short, fine brown hairs. These are sparse or absent on the pitcher, although they are found on the lid.

This plant name was named on 5 December 1995, but only now is being established. It is named for Bruce Bednar of Lee's Botanical Gardens, in Florida USA (with Bruce's permission!). In order to maintain this complex hybrid's features, it must be propagated vegetatively only. I am propagating this for wide availability.

ANDREW MARSHALL

Nepenthes 'Frau Anna Babl'

Submitted January 31, 2000

Nepenthes 'Frau Anna Babl' is distinguished by its large lower pitchers which measure 20 cm (8 inches) in length and its teardrop-shaped, bright scarlet peristome which is about 1.2 cm (0.5 inch) wide. The interior of the pitcher is creamy yellow-white. The exterior of the pitcher is flushed with red in the upper part, and has prominent fringed wings. The oval lid is slightly domed with a strong keel.

Marie Baumgartl developed this plant in the early 1990s. It is a cross of Nepenthes alata x truncata with a plant of unknown parentage found at the botanical garden at Sens, France, by Marcel LeCoufle. Marie Baumgartl coined the cultivar name some time in 1995. The name honors Marie Baumgartl's mother. This cultivar should only be reproduced by vegetative means.

PETER D'AMATO

Nepenthes 'Marie'

Submitted February 2, 2000

The most striking characteristics of the cultivar Nepenthes 'Marie' include a broad, slightly fluted peristome which is up to 1.2 cm (0.5 inch) wide and which is at first striped but then becomes fully rust-red with age; a creamy interior pitcher surface which is sparsely flecked with red; and a large, domed, oval-shaped lid with a strong keel and brightly crimson undersurface. The wings are reduced, and the flask-shaped pitcher body is lemon-green, lightly flecked with red on its upper part. The pitcher is more blushed in high light levels. Pitchers can be up to 23 cm (9 inches) in length. The form of upper pitchers is unknown.

Marie Baumgartl developed this plant in the early 1990s. It is a cross of Nepenthes alata x truncata with a plant of unknown parentage found at the botanical garden at Sens, France, by Marcel LeCoufle. I coined the cultivar name some time in 1995. The name honors Marie Baumgartl. This cultivar should only be reproduced by vegetative means.

PETER D'AMATO

Nepenthes 'Nora'

Submitted February 4, 2000

Nepenthes 'Nora' has streamlined lower pitchers which measure up to 18 cm (7 inches) in length. Its teardrop shaped peristome is deep red, very slightly fluted, and barely 0.6 cm (1/4 inch) wide. The interior of the pitcher is cream-colored. The heart-shaped lid is coarsely and irregularly shaped in outline, inflexed, and heavily streaked and spotted red. It becomes dark red where it meets the peristome. The wings are prominent and finely fringed. The pitcher body's exterior is a pale lime-yellow, flecked with dark red streaks, and suffused in lighter red along the upper part. The upper pitchers are unknown.

Marie Baumgartl developed this plant in the early 1990s. It is a cross of Nepenthes alata x truncata with a plant of unknown parentage found at the botanical garden at Sens, France, by Marcel LeCoufle. I coined the cultivar name in 1995. The name honors Eleonore D'Amato. This cultivar should only be reproduced by vegetative means.

PETER D'AMATO

Sarracenia 'Adrian Slack'

Submitted May 10, 2000

When the idea for an issue of Carnivorous Plant Newsletter commemorating Adrian Slack was developed, it was obvious that it would be an ideal time to christen a cultivar Sarracenia 'Adrian Slack'. To live up to its namesake this cultivar would have to be something special, so I (Barry Rice) looked for candidates. During my search, I contacted Peter D'Amato (California Carnivores). Peter said that while he had some lovely plants worth cultivar status (see Sarracenia Vintage Slack', below), he had another idea. Long ago, Peter had visited Bob Hanrahan's property in Alabama and saw a hybrid so beautiful that it brought him to his knees in rapture. This sounded good! I called Bob, and even though Bob has grown a vast number of Sarracenia over the years on his property and in his greenhouses, he knew exactly which clone I was inquiring about. He said that the plant was still alive, and that he would send a photograph.

I have seen many Sarracenia plants, but when the photo from Bob arrived, my jaw dropped. Clearly, this extraordinarily colorful and well-shaped clone was the long sought candidate for Sarracenia 'Adrian Slack . We nominated and submitted this cultivar name for registration on 28 March 2000.

While the exact parentage of Sarracenia 'Adrian Slack is unknown, it is almost certainly a mix of S. flava and S. leucophylla. It is unclear if back-crossing is involved. In general form, the plant produces large pitchers much like those of S. flava. The influence of S. leucophylla is expressed, at most, as a slight undulation in the pitcher lid. While S. flava controls the pitcher form, S. leucophylla influences much of the pitcher coloration. The pitcher lid is arrestingly white, shot through with deep red veins (from S. flava). The upper pitcher tube is also heavily veined and lightly fenestrated. These pitcher characters define this exquisite cultivar. The flowers are not as spectacular as the pitchers, but are still intriguing. The petals are light pink, almost white, but may show occasional yellow highlights.

Bob found this plant in the 1980s, growing in the Milton area of western Florida. It has grown well since then, and when left undisturbed produces the astonishing coloration documented in the photograph. This is a superior plant, and honors a superior man.

Sarracenia 'Adrian Slack' is very rare in cultivation, but is being propagated underguard for future distribution. Specimens are not yet available, but news on how to obtain it will be made public when the plants are ready.

BOB HANRAHAN, BARRY RICE

Sarracenia 'Vintage Slack'

Submitted May 10, 2000

This plant is a S. x mitchelliana cross. This cultivar is similar to typical S. x mitchelliana crosses, but has a particularly noteworthy feature: the collar and lid has a distinguishing white- rarely seen in similar hybrids. The pitcher tube is primarily green with whitish-pink fenestrations in the front upper part. The reduced ala is edged in red. The collar and lid are held upright, extremely frilly and bear abundant bristly hairs on the lower inner surface. The collar's yellow-green background is overwhelmed by burgundy veins and carmine-pink blotches that extend to the upper back of the pitcher tube. The pitchers are never more than 30 cm (12 inches) tall. The flower petals are red.

This plant was sent to me long ago from Bob Hanrahan. I recognized the quality of the plant shortly after it reached maturity I coined the name 'Vintage Slack' on 31 January 2000, and submitted it for registration on the same day. The name, of course, honors Adrian Slack, who among other things is a noted wine-enthusiast. It is appropriate that this multicolored plant, which appears stained by many different wines, was selected for cultivar status on our property, as we are located at a winery. This cultivar should only be reproduced by vegetative means.

PETER D'AMATO

Pinguicula 'Aphrodite'

Submitted February 23, 2000

In July 1998 Mr. Jan Flisek made a bilateral cross-pollination of the Mexican plants Pinguicula agnata and P. moctezumae. Four weeks later, ripe seeds were harvested from P. agnata, whereas the pollinated P. moctezumae did not produce seed. Mr. Kamil Pasek sowed most of the seeds (from two developed capsules) under sterile conditions in vitro at the end of August 1998. The rest of the seed was sown conventionally. Germination of the seeds was in both cases almost 100% within 3-4 weeks.

Owing to rapid in vitro growth over a period of 18 months, we were able to observe the nature of a large number of individual plants. We did not find any significant variability among the individual germinated plants; hence we regard all the individuals resulting from this crossbreeding as identical. The plants are iminently interesting, unique and deserve a special epithet. We have sufficient information to describe the new cultivar we name Pinguicula 'Aphrodite'.

The cultivar Pinguicula 'Aphrodite' is characterized by its very long, narrow leaves with rounded tips which terminate in a point. The summer rosette consists of up to 15 leaves which are up to 12 cm long and 2 cm wide; the leaf-edges roll downwards. The erect leaves display a characteristic, descending-arch along their lengths. Under intense summer sunlight, the leaf-edges of leaves can be reddish, whereas the leaf midribs remain green along their entire length. During the winter, the rosette size decreases, whilst the number of leaves increases to as many as 25. The leaves of the winter rosette are up to 5-6 cm long and 1.3 cm broad; mostly they are flat and light green.
The plants bloom all year round, indeed during winter the plants can have the most flowers open at the same time. The color and size of the flowers changes as the flowers age. Freshly open flowers are relatively small and are generally dark-violet. As the flowers age they enlarge and fade to pink- When viewed from the proper angle the petals reflect light to give a shiny appearance. The posterior side of the flower is significantly lighter in color. Gentle, faint veining is apparent over the entire surface of the five (very exceptionally six) petals; this venation is more distinct towards the flower center. The entrance to the corolla tube and the tube itself is bright yellow, and minutely hairy. Mature flowers can reach 4 cm in a diameter and this fact ranks them among the true giants of the Pinguicula! The spur of the flower is narrow, slightly bowed and may be up to 1.5 cm long. Flowering time is about four weeks depending on the growing condition. Flower stalks can reach 15 cm in length (exceptionally 22 cm), the upper part of the stalk (about 1-2 cm) can be brownish-red, and the lower part is green and covered with tentacles. The sepals are a rich green color. We have tried to crossbreed different individuals of Pinguicula 'Aphrodite, or Pinguicula 'Aphrodite? plants using other species and hybrids as pollen donors (namely, P. agnata, P. emarginata, P. esseriana, P. 'Gina', P. gracilis, P. 'Sethos', P. moctezurnae, P. rotundiflora, or P. sharpii). However the plants have never produced any seeds so it seems Pinguicula 'Aphrodite' is sterile. We have used Pinguicula 'Aphrodite' as a pollen donor in hybrid crosses, and have produced seed several times.

At present we are unsure about the quality of these seeds. This cultivar is very vigorous and easy to grow using the standard methods for cultivating Mexican Pinguicula. Moist planting medium (but not waterlogged), even during the winter season, leads to better growth of the plant. We can recommend only one successful method to propagate this cultivar without any problems--using leaf cuttings.

This cultivar is named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. Beautiful Aphrodite was much in demand and liked by many of the gods. We hope that Pinguicula 'Aphrodite' will find a place in many collections of carnivorous plants as an adornment at least, just as Aphrodite was the gem of the Greek goddesses on Mount Olympus.

In addition to the above data we include a short description of the parental plants used in making Pinguicula 'Aphrodite'. P agnata (section Agnata; maternal plant): the diameter of the rosette is 25 cm, leaf 45 cm wide, the edge of the leaf is reddish in summer. The flower is white, 2.5 cm in diameter, with blue edges and a minute yellow central spot, fragrant. Origin unknown (plant was obtained at the floristic exposition, 1990).

P. moctezumae (section Orcheosanthus, paternal plant), the diameter of the rosette 20 cm, leaves green and narrow (7 mm). The flower is pink, 3 cm in diameter, with a wellmarked white central spot. Origin Oliver Gluch, Germany (1998).

We wish to extend great thanks, especially to Mr. Loyd Wix-England (loyd.wix@talk2l.com), Oliver Gluch--Germany (oliver.gluch&-online.de), Barry Rice (barry@carnivorousplants.org), Jan Schlauer-Germany and Michiaki Mabucbi--Japan (mabuchi@vbl.kyoto-u.acjp) for their critical comments, and also we thank Mr. Marek Svitek for his help in making the English translation of this text. The plants Pinguicula 'Aphrodite' have been sent as a present to the above-mentioned friends and other ones some time ago. The plants can be obtained also from the addresses of both authors without any problems.

JAN FLISEK

Cephalotus 'Hummer's Giant'

Submitted May 10, 2000

In September of 1986 I received from Steve Beckwith (a pen pal in Adelaide Australia) about half a dozen good-sized plants of Cephalotus follicularis. All had deep maroon colored pitchers at least 5 cm (2 inches) in length that had over-wintered from the previous year's growing season. It was obvious that the plants had been dormant for some months and were just beginning to start their growing cycle again, It was the first evidence I had that the plants were perennials that required a dormant cycle.

I distributed a number of the plants to close associates and started growing the rest inside a terrarium where I have maintained them ever since. This was the beginning of what was to be a very successful venture into growing a particularly large and vigorous form of Cephalotus. Vegetatively propagated stock of it has thrived and multiplied through the years so much that I have been able to establish this particular clone into many private and commercial collections around the globe!

This particular clone produces pitcher leaves up to 6 cm (2.5 inches) in length and about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in width. It usually takes about three years for plantlets grown from leaf cuttings to reach maturity and full size. To my knowledge, only one other person growing this clone has obtained pitcher leaves larger than mine- Bill Mclaughlin of the US Botanical Gardens grew them to about 8 cm (3 inches) in length. (I never actually measured the pitcher leaves, but knew they were larger than mine.) His plant was grown under controlled conditions in a large conservatory, and may represent the maximum pitcher leaf size attainable with this clone. Since at maturity this clone reaches much larger sizes than normal Cephalotus plants in cultivation, I am establishing it as a cultivar, and am naming it Cephalotus 'Hummer's Giant'. I coined this name April 3, 2000, although this cultivar name has been commonly used for the plant for years before that.

My growing experience has been with indoor terrarium type set-ups using a mixture of peat and white sand. Sphagnum on the surface is not recommended since it can often outgrow the plants and can require removal. The substrate should always be damp to the touch but well drained. This is very important. Rainwater is best, but distilled water is fine too. If the plants are to be grown using indoor terraria, the best lit location is in a large south-facing window (north-facing, for growers in the southern hemisphere) where the sun's rays will be the most prevalent. Your tank will get sufficient lighting from the sun without artificial lighting! The plants will receive optimal amounts (4-6 hours) of sunlight each day from late August to late March and early April. During the summer, when the path of the sun in the sky is very high, direct sunlight will not be able to enter the window and illuminate the terrarium. As such, direct light will cease from April until late August, but the plants will continue to receive high levels of indirect light. It is during this period of lower light that the plants produce their noncarnivorous leaves. If little or no sunlight is available fluorescent lights can be used. Place them no further than 15 cm (6 inches) above the plants, 14-16 hours a day.
Propagation can be done using almost any part of the plant, including the roots, but I use the noncarnivorous, flat leaves. It is easy and efficient. For a propagation chamber I use plastic tubs with scalable clear plastic lids, such as those available at salad bars. I fill the bottom half with live green Sphagnum (damp, not wet). After carefully pulling each leaf away from the parent plant so as to get the entire leaf stem, I slide the lower end at a 45' angle into the moss, laying the flat leaf blade on the surface. The container is then closed and put in high indirect (not direct!) sunlight, with temperatures at about 16-27C (60-80'F). After about a month or so the bottom end of the leaf stem will root, callous, or both. Soon after, one to several growth shoot will develop. Carefully separate the moss from around the leaf and pull up the leaf with the shoots and roots. This can be transferred into a permanent substrate. If further propagation is desired, use a small knife or pair of tweezers to carefully separate the shoot and root from the base of the leaf stem. The shoot can be planted, and the leaf can be reinserted back into the moss! I have used some leaves three times using this method, although usually after two times the leaf yellows and dies.

Root-rot is perhaps the biggest problem with Cephalotus, especially when a plant is moved or a tank is set up for the first time. Using a fungicide is of little help. Why it happens is probably a combination of factors which may include poor health and the presence of fungi and bacteria. Once a tank has a good number of established plants, additional plants seem to take well to their new environment. When setting up a tank with fresh peat and sand, it can take a while before it becomes "friendly" to newly plants, but once it does a stable micro-ecosystem is created.

It is important to remember that once Cephalotus plants are established, undisturbed for a long time, and have grown to a large size, they do not like being uprooted and disturbed! If you ever decide to move a large plant, take a good measure of the soil surrounding the plant too. This way you will not disturb the rhizome and root system too much. Use a knife! If you do not move your plants carefully like this, they will probably die. Young or small plants separated from larger ones usually do not seem to have this sensitivity to being moved. Usually supplying Cephalotus with a dormant period is something I have never attempted to do, since I have always grown the plants indoors. Ignoring the issue of dormancy has always caused me some concern. However, despite nearly fifteen years of experience with specimens of Cephalotus 'Hummer's Giant', I have yet to observe any problem that seems to be associated with the lack of giving them a cool dormancy period. During the spring and summer seasons, growth slows or may even stop. While I consider this a resting period, I certainly cannot classify it a true dormancy. Even so, it may give the plants enough of a rest to carry on their growing cycle. Clearly, the plants have continued to flourish and multiply for years. This is a surprising adaptation for a seasonal plant.

Editor's note: As John mentioned in his article, he has been distributing this cultivar for many years. Growers with gigantic Cephalotus specimens can be quite confident it is the same clone that John described in his article. John is busy with his fieldwork and collection, so is unable to send people specimens of this cultivar, but if you want it-look around. It is increasingly common in collections

JOHN HUMMER