Mary Sue asked, How difficult is it [Merendera] to grow from seed? I >understand Colchicum can be a bit of a challenge to germinate without fresh >seed. Is this true of Merendera too? Any tips for any of us who might see >some in a seed exchange and decide to try? Yes, it is true of both Colchicum and (if the two are still to be separated taxonomically) Merendera. Stored seed germinates poorly and may take one or two years. However, once in a while a batch of seed germinates quite well. My only tip is "Plant it and wait." I have, however, grown quite a number of species from seed, some of which have flowered by now. Note that Colchicum seed is said to be one of the most toxic parts of the plant, but I would not worry about handling it. I just repotted a lot of Colchicum corms, however, and I always wear latex gloves while handling these in quantity. I don't know if the toxin can affect one through the skin, but better to be on the safe side. (The disposable gloves are also useful if you grow a lot of hellebores and collect the seed, which can cause a painful rash. And I carry a pair in my pack in case I need to collect some nasty kind of seed in the wild. Perhaps I will be able to use them on Cajophora coronata, which John Watson calls "the legendary stinging lampshade!") As for climatic adaptability, there are some pretty tender colchicums that might perform better in mild climates. Jane McGary NW Oregon