early narcissus

[Gerry Webster]

I repeat my earlier 'operational' definition of a clone which I would put money on. "A clone (in the plant world) is conventionally regarded as a group of individuals derived from a single individual by vegetative propagation". Given that propagation is vegetative, it is assumed  that, for the most part, these individuals will be genetically identical. While this assumption is reasonable, in practical terms  genetic identity is not  part of the concept. Can anyone cite an example of a putative clone being confirmed as such by genetic analysis? A further ground for assuming genetic identity is that, given the same conditions of cultivation, all these  individuals tend to look alike and to be like the original individual. In cases where this is not the case, it is assumed that there has been somatic mutation.

[Jim McKenney]

Jim, see the links on my posting above re Joy Bishop, including input from the lady herself.

Thanks, Anne.

Ah, now I realize what happened. I clicked on the first link, read all the posts there, and saw nothing helpful about 'Joy Bishop'. But did not see the second link.

Too occupied with something else; what might that be....

[Maggi Young]

Jim, see the links on my posting above re Joy Bishop, including input from the lady herself.

Thanks, Anne.

Ah, now I realize what happened. I clicked on the first link, read all the posts there, and saw nothing helpful about 'Joy Bishop'. But did not see the second link.

Too occupied with something else; what might that be....

Icing your Christmas cake? 

[Maggi Young]

I wrote this before, I will write it again:
Folks, the RHS accepted terminology for "clone" etc  has been set out here, well enough for most of us gardeners to follow..... let's not go down the road of further discussion on the usage of the words.... this is a plant thread.

Anyone wishing to contribute their thoughts to a specific thread about the implications of our use of words such as clone/cultivar etc, may open such a thread for that purpose.

[Michael J Campbell]

I agree 100% Maggi.