Dear all; Perhaps spring really IS coming. The first deep red curved stems of Gymnospermium albertii are showing as they lift their heads out of the gravel. No sign of foliage yet, but this should appear shortly. This is an odd tuberous and herbaceous member of the family Berberbidaceae mostly known for woody shrubs. This seems to be the most common species in cultivation, yet I can't really say much about it. There's another half dozen species, but only 1 or 2 are rarely ever available and usually too pricey for me. Does anyone else grow these and have good luck? My single bulb has slowly enlarged as seen by the four shoots coming up now. It never reaches the 10 inch height I've seen in the literature, but maybe 1/2 of that. The small yellow flowers are more curious than beautiful. Anyone even know a good source for tubers or seed. Its next 'closest' relative Bongardia has eluded me too. Info? Thanks Jim W. -- Dr. James W. Waddick 8871 NW Brostrom Rd. Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711 USA Ph. 816-746-1949 E-fax 419-781-8594 Zone 5 Record low -23F Summer 100F +