From: "Peter Boyce" <P.Boyce at lion.rbgkew.org.uk> on 1997.10.06 at 16:14:02(1396)
Dear John
I have just spent a couple of weeks inthe US and had a chance to see
a number of these glorious Alocasia species that are being grown at
present. Most of these are related to A. melo, A. scabriuscula and
A. guttata, among others.
All these species are characterised by the spathes generally
ivory-white throughout (including the lower spathe which is more
generally green), variously dotted, streaked, edged or suffused with
purple. The spathe limb typically becomes very fully reflexed at the
point of constriction towards the end of female anthesis. The
spadices are also generally ivory throughout, with little if any
development of chlorophyll in the ovary at the flowering stage. The
leaves are distinctly leathery in texture, with the petiole often
scabrid.
Alocasia 'Black Velvet' and 'Blackie' are, I think, the same and
represent an undescribed species related to, but distinct from, A,
melo.
Alocasia 'Elaine', A. guttatus (an as yet unpublished name) and A.
'Green Shield' are all yet to be scientifically described and all
represent new species.
Pete
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