Adromischus Hybrids

Page 3 of 55

ADROMISCHUS HYBRIDS

Artificial Hybrids: This genus has much potential for artificial hybridisation, but little has been achieved so far. Few people grow these plants from seed - we all seem to rely on leaf propagation. Steven Hammer has shown what can be achieved in this photo of A. marianiae “herrei” hybrids under development for extra roughness. Could someone develop a very hairy leafed Adromischus?

Natural Hybrids: No inter-generic hybrid involving Adromischus has ever been reported. However, occasional natural hybrids between sections can be found, but these are very rare, i.e. less than one hybrid seen per hundred populations viewed. Such hybrids are usually distinct and directly intermediate between nearby parents. They are probably first generation F₁ hybrids. In cultivation, they are vigorous and usually desirable!

Tölken (1985) reports two section 1 x 4 hybrids:

1 x 4 A. filicaulis var. marlothii x A. maculatus
1 x 4 A. filicaulis var. marlothii x A. triflorus.

Adromischus leucophyllus X filicaulis ssp. marlothii

A. leucophyllus X filicaulis subsp. marlothii grown in
a hanging basket and photographed by Bryan Makin.
Another of the same cross is also illustrated below.

Examples from the veld: (three illustrated below)
1 x 5 1 x 5 4 x 5 4 x 5 1 x 4 1 x 5	A. hemisphaericus x A. marianiae A. filicaulis x A. marianiae A. triflorus x A. marianiae A. sphenophyllus x A. cristatus A. filicaulis var. marlothii x A. maculatus A. filicaulis var. marlothii x A. leucophyllus	S. Nieuwoudtville N. Khamieskroon Swartruggens Graaff Reinet Bonnievale N. Montagu	(bottom right ) (bottom left) (top right)

Adromischus natural hybrids
Natural hybrids with good summer colouring. (Top left: Section 1 x 4)

Last Updated: Jan 2008