Variation in the species #2
Dec 17th, 2009 by Duncan
Sometimes variation simply takes the form of a superior specimen, just the thing that horticulturalists are always on the lookout for. Back in the years when we used to roam the coastal heaths in the Marlo area we found a plant of the Common Heath, Epacris impressa that was outstanding. Often the flowers of this species spring from just part of the stem, but in this one they were packed around the stem covering the full 360 degrees, quite spectacular.
Also from the Marlo heathland, this Correa reflexa with very fat flowers and foliage that was red. I was told that this was a form of variegation, caused by a virus, and of course plants with variegated foliage are also keenly sought for propagation as garden subjects.
Flowers as well as foliage can be variegated too, and when we were in the west some years ago we found a stunning plant of Leschenaultia formosa with variegated flowers. It was near Esperance, growing in the gravel beside the road which didn’t bode well for its long term survival.
Finally, I’ll finish this topic with a photo of a Tall Leek Orchid, Prasophyllum elatum. This orchid has two recognised colour forms, the commonly encountered one which is predominately green and white, and also a black form, pictured here, just another angle on variation in the species.
Click all pictures to enlarge.