Re: Alvim Seidel Philodendron seeds - questions

From: Eduardo Gomes Goncalves <eggon at guarany.cpd.unb.br> on 1997.03.15 at 02:07:03(501) Dear Todd, We have an interest subject to discuss here... Let me introduce the problem: The Taxonomical point of view can be quite different from the horticultural point of view. In fact, very different things can be joined under a same botanical name. Such synonimization (undulatum=eichlerii, bipinnatifidum=selloum=lundii=melo-barretoanum) has been recently proposed by Simon Mayo (Kew Bull. 46(4):601-681. 1991), but the changes still hasn't reached the horticultural business. Besides, the morphological difference between a typical P. bipinnatifidum and a typical P. selloum is somewhat impressive. Although, we can find lots of intermediary forms in the wild so we can't even outline an acceptable diagnosis to distinguish them as taxonomical units. That doesn't mean that the forms are morphologicaly equal, but such variability allows that the two extreme forms, if taken without the intermediaries, can be assumed as different species (as has already happened in the past). I presume that Alvim Seidel isn't a taxonomist so he isnt up-to-dated. If my mind isn't confused, the so-called Amorphophallus 'black-stem' is an unusual form of the old A. konjac. This is a good example of how two different things to the horticulturist can be the same thing to someone like Wilbert (or any other taxonomist)! There is one more thing. If there is an unusual form of a given species that is rarer than the other(s), in my opinion, is fair to charge a little more for it, even when they have the same botanical name. Sincerely, Eduardo.

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