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Platycerium
Photo Siamexotic.com |
 P.
silver Velvet is a new hybrid that is a cross between P.
elephantotis and P. willinckii. It is suspected Siam
Exotica in Thailand produced this hybrid. The shield fronds are
tall and narrow like a P. elephantotis. The fertile
fronds are wide with forked fingers.
Not much is written on the P silver velvet, but I assume there are spore patches on the bottom of the fingers. |
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| The reader must realize that many hybrids are a result of accidental mixing of spore when similar plants are grown in close proximity. Even when spore from two species are intentionally crossed, it is always possible for a spore from an unintended species to contaminate the intended cross. After repeated attempts and proof that their progeny have the same traits, then we can agree as to the parentage and define it as a new hybrid and not just a sport or cultivar of a species. This can take a long time with slow growing platyceriums and experienced growers are hesitant to jump the gun and name a hybrid. So when we discuss hybrids, we need to consider all the variables. Soon we will have more definite DNA studies. Until DNA testing is more readily available, and established parent base lines defined, we must look at and compare traits from other species and deduct a logical inference to the actual parentage and these are considered individual plants and not necessarily a hybrid. | |
