Re: [aroid-l] Pycnospatha arietina

From: "Julius Boos" ju-bo at msn.com> on 2003.07.06 at 16:15:23(10377) Hi Julius<< Hello Pete, Yes, I felt certain that P. palmata was a 'good' species, the two populations of P. arietina that differ one from the other for a moment had me a little confused!. Many years ago Josef sent me a copy of his 1973 paper reviewing this genus, and from this paper I obtained the collection data on P. palmata. I gave this information to friends who were traveling and collecting in those areas, and lo and behold they managed to collect substantial quantities of this rare species! I believe that most if not all the plants now in cultivation in the U.S.A. are from that one collection. This genus seems very prone to nematode damage, so all of you out there growing it take care! It is indeed a shame that Josef is not 'on' e-mail, he is a wealth of invaluable information. Thanks again, The Best, Julius +More Pycnospatha palmata is still a good species, and most distinct from P. arietina. For a long time after it's discovery in Lao PDR in the 19th Century P. palmata was known only from the original herbarium specimens in Paris. However, it was rediscovered in Thailand in the 1990s. It is a much smaller plant with leaves not unlike Tacca palmata and a cute inflorescence a fraction the size of that of P. arietina. It is also easy growing although plants at Kew seemed to do best given a reasonably 'hard' rest; not surprising, I guess, given their monsoonal provenance. It's a great pity that Josef eschews email and isn't a member of aroid-l since he could give some great insights into Pycnospatha. As ever Pete

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