ABSTRACT:

With the increasing diversity of Anthurium species now being found in collections, it is not surprising that hybrid plants are appearing more frequently than in the past. Aside from the taxonomic problems these hybrids may pose, or answer, they do provide growers with challenging opportunities. Can you imagine a bird's nest type Anthurium with leaf veins like those of Anthurium crystallinum? How would you like an Anthurium hybrid with leaves shaped like those of Anthurium pedatum but with the coloring of Anthurium clarinervum? Plant breeding must be a special province of optimism. I would like to introduce you to a couple of optimistic growers.