Speaking of uncertainties and bones of contention with regard to species names and synonyms, I was scanning through Dirk's latest list of bulb offerings and happened upon this: "Ipheion pelegrinans (syn. Tristagma pelegrinans) Known as I. 'Rolf Fiedler' in the trade before it's true identity was established. Beautiful starry cobalt blue flowers in Winter to Spring. Increases by stolons." This is news to me. Since in my northern hemisphere garden, my pots of Ipheion 'Rolf Fiedler' are all coming out of dormancy now, this caught my attention. One pot has a new label where I left room after "Ipheion" for a species name in case that ever got settled. My question is: When did it get settled? And when and who established its true identity? Not having any Tristagma, nor ever having seen a live plant, I didn't realize that they were similar enough to Ipheions that there would be a synonymous name for it. Finally, does this mean that it is merely a true species and therefore we no longer need to nor should refer to it as 'Rolf Fiedler' as Dirk now does in his catalog? -- --Lee Poulsen Pasadena area, California, USDA Zone 9-10