Re: Alocasias

From: alistair_hay at rbgsyd.gov.au on 1999.04.01 at 14:39:16(3215) I don't think A. wentii proper is in cultivation at all. It certainly bears no resemblance to plants in cultivation known as A. wentii. The thing figured in Burnett's account of Alocasia (Aroideana 7: fig.60) as A. wentii is evidently a hybrid with A. cuprea and something else unknown to me. Alocasias certainly hybridise freely in cultivation (and occasionally in the wild) - even between quite distantly related species. Some hybrids are themselves fertile. Hilo Beauty does not look like an Alocasia to me: more likely a Caladium/Xanthosoma. Alistair Hay +More ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: Alocasias Author: at mailgate Date: 31/3/99 8:47 Dear All, 3 questions: 1) I have just obtained a magnificent plant of A.wentii (very large, 4 feet plus high and with beautiful purple reverse to the leaves). I understand that this plant may actually be a hybrid and that the real wentii is not in general cultivation. If that is the case can anyone tell me the parentage of the hybrid? 2) Do Alocasias hybridize easily? The A. wentii is coming in to flower and I thought I would try to cross it with another species if I can find one in flower. 3) Lastly does anyone have seeds/tubers of A. Hilo Beauty? (if it sets seeds at all!). This is impossible to obtain in Britain and it is SO beautiful..... Many thanks, Geoffrey Kibby

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