hybridizing compatibility among Amarylllidaceae

Dennis Szeszko dszeszko@gmail.com
Mon, 14 Nov 2005 09:22:10 PST
During my travels in Mexico I have encountered natural hybrids of Sprekelia
with Zephyranthes. Sprekelia formosissima and various Zephyranthes species
bloom at the exact same time with the first rains of the rainy season in
May. Thus, there is no temporal impediment that would prevent them from
crossing...and we all know how promiscuous Apis and Bombus species can be!

The hybrid flowers resemble Zephyranthes more than Sprekelia, however some
genetic influence from Sprekelia is apparent in the wider flower segments
and bilateral symmetry. The flowers are not radially symmetric like all
other Zephyranthes species. The color is pink and not the bright red that
would be expected from Sprekelia.

The hybrid plants resemble Zephyranthes on steroids. The leaves are much
bigger and wider, and the flower scape is longer than usual and also much
thicker.

Unfortunately, I don't have a picture. I will try to take one this spring
when the plants bloom again and upload it to the wiki.


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