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This plant was introduced from Taiwan by Bleddyn and Sue Wynn-Jones. It is much larger growing than typical
Rohdea japonica, but appreciates the same growing conditions. Collected originally under the name Rohdea watanabei, was originally re-identified as
Rohdea chinensis var. chinensis and given the clonal name 'Taiwan' by Plant Delights Nursery. Writing for the Juniper Level Botanic Garden about a new Rohdea hybrid, Tony Avent says: "One of the most interesting discoveries over the last few years, is the realization that our rohdeas are mating with other rohdea species in the garden. Below is our first documented hybrid between the commonly grown Rohdea japonica and the little-known Taiwan native, Rohdea chinensis var. watanabei. We use the name Rohdea x japensis for this group of hybrids. In this case, the seed came from a plant of Rohdea chinensis var. watanabei below. The Taiwanese endemic Rohdea chinensis var. watanabei is taxonomically subsumed by most authorities into the larger Rohdea chinensis, despite it being quite different from true Rohdea chinensis var. chinensis. We think it is deserving of species status, and are confident this will be restored one day. The rohdea problem is no different than mainland China trying to subsume Taiwan, when the two behave quite differently. The hybrids show a range of intermediate leaf shapes and forms." The Crug Farm Catalogue says: "One of our new introductions from the forests of northern Taiwan A tuberous rooted perennial, growing into a sizeable tufted clump, of long strap-shaped rich dark glossy-green leaves, bearing a long spike of grey-green intriguingly scented flowers in spring, followed by elliptic red berries. Well drained shade with adequate moisture when growing." The Plant Delights Nursery catalogue says: "(syn: Rohdea watanabei, Tupistra watanabei) Our plants of Rohdea chinensis var. chinensis are from the original collection by Bleddyn and Sue Wynn-Jones of Wales from the Wuling Farm region of Taiwan. Discovered growing on steep, damp, forested cliffs at 6,000' elevation, this represents the Taiwan form of the wide-ranging but virtually uncultivated Chinese Rohdea chinensis var. chinensis. The leathery evergreen leaves can reach up to 3' long x 3" wide. Each 3' wide clump is adorned with 2' tall scapes of green flowers that age to orange with a unique "clinical" scent (according to Bleddyn), that is strongest in late afternoon. The faded flowers subsequently mature into short stalks of bright red fruit in fall. This is a must for serious plant collectors! |
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| 7th May 2005 | ||
