Not TOW - Gymnospermium
James Waddick (Wed, 19 Feb 2003 06:44:44 PST)

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 +