preglacial relict : Streptopus amplexifolius

[Hans J]

Hans, I saw Streptopus amplexifolius often in het southeastern Poland mountains. It is not rare. I collected a plant in the Babi Gora region and is is very easy to grow in pots. Every year I get many seeds from the berries, and was succesful in getting new plants. Last year's sowing didn't succeed, surprisingly, but I hope they will germinate next spring..

In full leaf they are stunning plants growing up to almost a meter high

If someone is interested in seeds, please let me know in autumn. I'll have plenty

Hi Hans ,

many thanks that is interesting .
Maybe it is in Poland more common because there is a other climate ( we are here in a very warm area in South west germany ...the plants grows only in very cool mountain areas here .

How you grow your plant in winter ? in a greenhouse ? or in the garden ?

Thank you for your nice offer with seeds - I will contact you maybe later

Regards
Hans

[JPB]

Hans, I've not yet tried it in the garden but I'guess it will not be a problem. I keep the pots sheltered from rain and excessive frost, but this is not necessary as the plant is very frost-resistant..

Cheers, Hans

[Hans J]

I suppose also the cold would be not a problem - in the area where I have found the plants is it really cold ( there is a average temparature from 5° C ) ...but in winter is a lot of snow
In last winter I have lost a lot of plants ...the main reason was that we had no snow ( and unusual warm temparatures in December and January )
In my garden grows well ( without any protection ) Polygonatum verticillata - this plant grows alsoin the area where the Streptopus grow ( on more drier places )

Hans

[Maren]

Hans, I'd like to try the seed, please, if you have any left. What pH do the plants require and what soil types?

[JPB]

Maren, I will collect fresh seeds of this year's berries and I'll send some to you. (August/September, I made a note). I grew them in Rhodo-soil and while the larger plants seemed to like it as well as neutral soil, the younger ones are better off in neutral soil. They do not seem te be very picky about soil, as long it is free-draining and humus rich.

Hans

[Maren]

Thank you Hans,
I look forward to them.

[Afloden]

Hans, superb! I did not know it grew in Europe as well. I've seen it in Washington and Montana and the pink species (lanceolatus) here in TN at 2000m. I also saw a species in Vietnam at 3000m. Would be interesting to see genetic work on these. I believe they are closely related to Prosartes which is common in my area, both maculatus and lanuginosum (formerly Disporum of NA).

 

[Hans J]

Thank you Aaron ,

yes they grows in Europe ( in few places ) and in Asia too
A question : it is difficould for me which species grows in USA ( Canada ) ....
Are they really distinct from S.amplexifolius ?
When I look in Kew informations so they make many synonyms ....
Could you please explain a bit ?

Thank you
Hans

[Afloden]

Amplexifolius is the most common species found in the mountains of the west, upper midwest, northeast, and in the southern Appalachians at high elevations. Some of these were considered species at one point or varieties. Then there is lanceolatus (roseus) which is fairly rare, and its hybrid with amplexifolius, S. x oreopolus. Last, there is streptopoides which, I think, is a small little plant in a few places out west. Here in the east both are rare and only in Abies and Picea forests at high elevations. I've seen each only once. Out in Montana I see amplexifolius frequently.

[Hans J]

Many thanks Aaron !

Please take pics !

Hans

[Paul T]

Hans,

Just caught up with this topic.  Another plant I'd never heard of before.  Thanks so much for showing us.  It certainly does look like a Polygonatum at first glance.  Fascinating differences though.

Thanks again.

[Hans J]

Hi Paul ,

I'm glad that you are back !
....now you will have a lot of work ....

Best wishes
Hans

[Hans J]

Hi all ,

yesterday we decide to visit again the habitat of the Streptopus to see now the plants with fruits ....

Here some pics :

[Hans J]

some more plants :

[Hans J]

some other plants near the way :