These are some of the rarest plants on earth, for you will never find these at nurseries, or in bulb catalogs, in fact, just about the only way you can can obtain one of these rarities is though a membership in a bulb society where members exchange seed and bulbs, or from a handful of mail-order sources from specialist growers. What is it about us plant collectors? It seems that the rarer it is, the more we want it ( as long as the plants are responsibly propagated, not collected in the wild).
I like to think of it in a different way – the idea of ‘rare’ in todays mass-market world, instantly raises the desire level on anything, for with mass production and mega brands, there is little left beyond nature, where you can find ‘rare’. And it is there, in nature, where they obtain such rarities often gets even the most decent plant hunter in trouble, since like many collectors, the hunt can push one to extremes, even as far as using unsavory methods in order to obtain an illegal plant.
Thankfully, government rules are changing, and it seems that finally some sensible and informed agents are being hired to review import laws for seed, plants and other plant material. Some of you may call it bif government, but this is essential if we are ever going to control illegal plant collecting, and to promote legal collections of endangered species.
On todays post I am going to share with you some of the bulbs that are on my wish list, but ones that I am not growing yet. There are many reasons: they may be too expensive, or they might be to difficult to find, or, the most common excuse – they are sold out.
The first bulb is Petronymphe decora. You may notice that many of these bulbs do not have common names, (except in their native countries, where the common name may be a tribal name, or in Afrikans, etc.). Petronymphe is unique in the plant world, it is one of those rare genus where there is only one species know ( remember botanical Latin 101 = The first name is the Genus, and the second name is the species). Petronymphe ( genus) decora ( species) is the only known species within the genus Petronymphe ( there’s one for the office tomorrow).
This rare Mexican native dark stems that can reach 20 inch tall, topped off with these amazing loose dangling green and yellow flowers which are produced in umbels ( think umbrellas). Yes, you can have one of these, just order them from Telos Rare Bulbs, my go-to source for Southern Hemisphere tender bulbs. Grow it in a deep container, preferably in the protection of a cold greenhouse that is frost free. Available from Telos Rare Bulbs for $25.00 ea. while supplies last. Hey, they are not easy, nor for the beginner, nor hardy in the north, so truly, know what you are getting into first, very little cultural advice is available, which only makes them more desirable.
We plant collectors are familiar with the red form of Bessera, (Hell, sometimes you can find them in the spring at Home Depot!) but this purple form makes all the difference. It is much more beautiful. It also is available from Telos Rare Bulbs (sorry – it’s sold out for now!). It also comes from Mexico.
New to me, and on my wish list, this Peruvian rare bulb is rarely seen in cultivation, with green tubular flowers produced in late winter with short, elliptical leaves. Another one of those rare bulb plants that demands fast drainage, and a dry dormancy. Telos Rare Bulbs, arround $20.00. Sold out, but they do have R. staminosa, which is similar. But don’t order one until I do!
Also available from Telos is this fine specimen, Phaedranassa glaciflora, a South African native from Ecuador – (thanks MIke Huben for the correction!) – rarely seen in cultivation. I have yet to try this genus, but it too is on my ever growing wish list.
Two minor glitches: Mexico is in the northern hemisphere, so it is strange to cite a specialist for their southern hemisphere worthiness.
"South African native from Ecuador"