Tropaeolum notes
Jane McGary (Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:56:42 PST)

Some time back forum member Bill Dijk wrote an interesting note about the
cultivation of small tuberous Tropaeolum species. I saved his contribution
and would like to ask him if we can use a version of it in the Rock Garden
Quarterly, but unfortunately his address didn't get saved with the text.
Would Bill please write to me directly about this?

Incidentally, Tropaeolum tricolor in my bulb frame has worked its way out
of the covering lights and has extended its stem onto the superstructure of
the frame, despite occasional frost and far too much rain. So far the
exposed part shows no damage.

I wonder if anyone has successfully propagated these plants by cutting the
tuber (which looks like a little potato). I've just been growing them from
seed, which they set in small quantities. The seeds have elaiosomes (fleshy
bits on the tip) that apparently attract ants, because volunteer seedlings
appear some distance from the parent plants in the frames. The tubers must
have contractile roots when in growth, because they can be found at
considerable depth. I like them very much, despite their propensity to try
to strangle any other plant within reach. The best defense is to give them
a support when planting the dormant tubers and make sure they stay on it.

Jane McGary
Northwestern Oregon, USA