Gethyllis--TOW
Robert Hamilton (Thu, 15 Jul 2004 19:39:47 PDT)

Hi Mary Sue and others,

I too am fascinated by this Genus and although my experience is
limited to a few seedlings for a short time I want to share
this experience. When referring to months please remember I am a
southern hemisphere grower.

I obtained seeds of three species from Silverhillseeds in June
2002 - they were Gethyllis sp Namaqualand, verticillata (?) and
villosa and all germinated within a month or so and grew on
until late spring.

The Namaqualand species and villosa returned in June 2003 . They
continued to grow through summer where I was growing them under
cover after reading Gordon Summerfield's advise. My dry area is
covered with shaded Laserlight and much to my surprise these
seedlings stayed green through summer and autumn until May 2004
when they withered as new 3rd season leaves appeared. The 3rd
leaves have started to take on some mature characteristics with
sp Namaqualand forming a spiral and villosa covering iutself with
fine hairs although not yet twisting as I have seen in some
images. I watered them from below about once monthly during this
time.

The Gethyllis verticillata (?) reappeared in early winter 2004
after a rest of 18 months which was a really pleasant surprise.
So far just 2 seedlings with straight bright green leaves.

I now grow my Gethyllis under permanent cover watering from
below.

Cheers,

Rob

Dr R F Hamilton
7 Beach Road
Snug 7054
Tasmania
Australia
Temperate Marine Climate
USDA Zone 9 equivalent