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From bobrien@gac.edu Tue Aug 15 09:06:56 1995
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To: ahicks@prism.nmt.edu
Cc: bobrien@gac.edu
Subject: Re: Welwitschia
On Mon, 14 Aug 1995 13:37:09 -0700,
Aaron Hicks <ahicks@prism.nmt.edu> wrote:
>
>
> Well, I have become thoroughly entranced by this genus, and one
>question leaps to mind.
> Hortus 3 claims one species in the genus (W. mirabilis), while
>Encyclopaedia Brittanica (bastion of knowledge that it is, I would
>hesitate to call it a tome of taxonomical wisdom) lists two- mirabilis
>and W. bainesii. Any comment on this from the group?
> I'd wager it's a matter of opinion as to where one species stops
>and the other begins, but if there has been some major work on this that
>I am unaware of, I would certainly like to hear about it!
> Thanks in advance.
>
> -AJHicks
> NMTech (95F and sun-ny! in Socorro, NM)
> Dept. of Geochemistry
>
>
Aaron,
Below are some earlier posts (ca. late 1994/early 1995) on Welwitschia.
It's one of my favorite plants, period; also easy to grow, if you don't let
it get bone dry (very important). There's only one species - bainesii and
mirabilis are synonyms.
The Bornmann book to which I refer is a real treasure if you can find
one. I wish that some enterprising person would reprint it - I could use a
couple of copies as gifts for a couple of other Welwitschiophiles.
I really do have to visit the grave of Welwitsch some day (see below).
Brian
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
From: Clarke Brunt <CLARKE@lsl.co.uk>
To: Multiple recipients of list <cacti_etc@opus.hpl.hp.com>
Subject: Welwitschia
I'm surprised that we have already had several messages about growing
Welwitschia mirabilis. I had come to believe from what I had read
that the plant was virtually ungrowable, and that it was to be treated
with great awe and wonder whenever mentioned. It it now being found
that maybe it is not so difficult after all? I'd certainly like to
have a go if I was offered any seed.
Quite a few myths about 'ungrowable' plants are being dispelled. It's
a bit like Ariocarpus. The treatment used to be no water, or at most
1 drop or so per year, and the plants responded by looking as animated
as rocks. Then someone found that if you water them like any other
cactus, they grow, and look green, and flower.
So the moral is - don't always believe what you read. A number of
Cactus books are no more than an assemblage of other people's
writing, perhaps with a few coloured pictures added. Some things
common in books - 'Cacti like a bit of old (alkaline) brick mortar in
the soil' (Rubbish) - 'Obregonia denegrii cannot be grafted' (Funny,
I grafted mine OK).
My favourite 'Succulent' book? - Gordon Rowley's 'Caudiciform and Pachycaul
Plants' - sorry, the title may not be exactly right. It's not a
cultivation handbook, but a survey of the world's 'globs' and 'lumps',
and so obviously written be someone who knows what he is talking
about.
Clarke Brunt
From: Koning@ecsuc.ctstateu.edu (Ross Koning)
To: Multiple recipients of list <cacti_etc@opus.hpl.hp.com>
Subject: Re: Info Quest from the North
Greg-
The largest collection I have seen is in the Berlin Botanical Gardens.
They had both sexes present in the collection and appeared to be
keeping track of genotypes. Unfortunately the person responsible
for the collection was not available when I was there in 1987.
Welwitschia is a gymnosperm with certain traits shared with the
angiosperms. I am looking for seeds too, so if you find anything
I would sure like to know!
ross koning
biology department
eastern ct state university
willimantic, ct 06226
>Hello Everyone,
>
>I am a researcher in the Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin,
>Madison. I have been growing and enjoying a wide variety of cacti and
>succulents since my high school days. I currently have a small but diverse
>group of plants.
>
>I have two quick questions:
>
>1. Does anyone know what are the cultural requirements to get Hoodia
>currori to bloom? I have had it several years and the vegetative growth is
>healthy and strong but no flowers.
>
>2. Does anyone know where to get viable seeds of Welwitschia mirabilis?
>My source of seed in Namibia is out of stock. I admit this is not a cactus
>or succulent or even a conventional seed plant. But in my opinion is
>probably one of the most fascinating desert plants around ( a relique from
>the days when gymnosperms were experimenting on their way to becoming the
>flowering plants). I currently have 3 plants one of which is 10 years old
>and has recently borne cones for the first time.
>
>Any Info would be appreciated,
>Greg Heck
Ross Koning Internet: Koning@ecsuc.ctstateu.edu
Biology Department Phone: (203)-465-5327
Eastern CT State University Fax: (203)-465-5213
Willimantic, CT 06226
From: "Brian O'Brien" <bobrien@hermes.gac.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list <cacti_etc@opus.hpl.hp.com>
Subject: Welwitschia
For all the Welwitschia fans out there (I've been one since probably early
adolescence or whenever I first read about the plant), here are some
references, etc.
Two splendid references, both by Chris H. Bornman, Prof. of Botany at the
U. of Pretoria:
_Endeavour_ vol. 113, pp.95-99 (1972): "Welwitschia mirabilis: Paradox of
the Namib Desert"
_Welwitschia_, C. Struik Publishers, Cape Town & Johannesburg, 1978
Yes, an entire book on Welwitschia, with awesome photos (e.g. Welwitschia
Flats, where what appear to be hundreds of plants crouch, stretching out to
the horizon). Subtitle is _Paradox of a Parched Paradise_.
Another:
_Succulent Flora of Southern Africa_, by Doreen Court, A. A. Balkema, Cape
Town, 1981. Has an excellent two-page chapter on Welwitschia, and
excellent photos (it's an excellent book overall, both photos and text).
There's also an old CSSA article on cultivation; I don't have the reference
at the moment, but will post it later.
Some quotes and facts from the references:
known to Bushmen as N'tumbo (stump)
Afrikaans: tweeblaarkamiedood (two-leaves-cannot-die)
"I am convinced that what I have seen is the most beautiful and majestic
that tropical South Africa can offer." F. M. J. Welwitsch, Septemeber 3,
1859 (day of his first sighting of the plant)
Bornman: "...he wrote that he was so astonished that he knelt on the hot
sand and stared at the plant in bewilderment, thinking that his fantasies
has taken flight...."
Court: "...Welwitsch...not the first to do so [find Welwitschia, but
did contact Kew, etc.]...it is the Austrian naturalist-explorer who is
immortalised by this remarkable plant, not only by its name, but by its
image which is carved on his tombstone in Kensal Green in London."
Court: "Most surprising is the fact that while many xerophytes reduce leaf
surface in order to limit water loss through their stomata...this strange
plant has truly tremendous leaf surface; one plant is recorded as having a
leaf surface area of 55 square meters! Herein lies the clue to the patient
survival of Welwitschia. Millions of stomata (pores) amounting to 22,200/
sq. cm are distributed on both upper and lower leaf surfaces, and these
_absorb_ water from the morning fog which rolls in from the cold Atlantic.
It is this daily `freshening up' process that enables Welwitschia to
survive in areas where other vegetation is either scanty or completely
absent. In a dry year when the fog is reduced, the leaves start dying and
plants are lost."
I'll post more on this later.
bobrien@hermes.gac.edu
Brian O'Brien
Department of Chemistry
Gustavus Adolphus College
Saint Peter, Minnesota 56082
U.S.A.
--
bobrien@gac.edu
Brian A. O'Brien, Department of Chemistry, Gustavus Adolphus College
Saint Peter, Minnesota 56082 U.S.A. tel. (507)933-7310 fax (507)933-7041
From bobrien@gac.edu Wed Aug 16 09:22:09 1995
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To: ahicks@prism.nmt.edu
Subject: Welwitschia 3
Date: Wed, 12 Apr 1995 17:21:33 -0700
From: "Sean O'Hara" <SAOUC@UCCMVSA.UCOP.EDU>
Subject: Welwitschia mirabilis seed
>Date: Wed, 12 Apr 1995 12:37:56 -0700
>From: Jan Vandorpe & Carole Ampe <Carole.Ampe@rug.ac.be>
>Subject: Re: Welwitschia mirabilis seed
>
>Dears,
>
>I also obtained Welwitschia seed from Silverhill Seeds and they germinate
>readily given warmth and moisture. The only problem is the root: the plant
>grows a long thin
>root of about 10 cm within the first days, so you should provide a large
>tall container. A height of 20 cm will do.
>The one thing you shouldn't do is transplant it within the first year. DO
>NOT TOUCH the root at all or it will die.
>You should also water it continuasly since it is not a succulent.
>I kept mine in full sun from the first month.
Here at the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, and I believe also at the
UC Davis greenhouses, I've seen nice specimens of these grown in
ceramic pipes (6-8in in diameter and 18-24in long)!
H O R T U L U S A P T U S ('gardens', 'suited to their purpose')
Sean A. O'Hara
710 Jean Street, Oakland, CA 94610-1459 sean.ohara@ucop.edu
(510) 987-0577
###
Date: Tue, 11 Apr 95 17:55:39 CST
From: "Brian Obrien" <bobrien@gac.edu>
Subject: Welwitschia references
Paul,
There was a detailed thread on Welwitschia last year, sometime in the
late winter or early spring. I'd recommend getting the list archives for
that period - there were several references posted from various pepole
(including me, via the same ISI seeds) who grow Welwitschia.
Brian
--
bobrien@gac.edu
Brian A. O'Brien, Department of Chemistry, Gustavus Adolphus College
Saint Peter, Minnesota 56082 U.S.A. tel. (507)933-7310 fax (507)933-7041
###
Date: Wed, 12 Apr 1995 05:44:10 -0700
From: "David A. Schaeffer" <scha5074@kutztown.edu>
Subject: Welwitschia, aloe mites, and my "BIO"
Well, it's good to finally be on the list. My name is Dave Schaeffer and
I'm...I'm...a succulentophile("hi, Dave"). I got my start about seven
years ago with a Haworthia retusa fa. geraldii, and like that first
member of my collection. my interest has continued to grow. I'm
attending Kutztown University, so I have access to the greenhouse(at
least till the end of next semester), but my real "babies" are in my room
under a homemade light-shelf. Which brings up my first question:
Anybody out there ever try germinating Welwitschia under fluorescent
lights? I'm going to attempt it, so any input would be useful. Also, I
see many of you out there are concerned about aloe mites: tried predatory
mites on them? Predatory mites could be the reason one of you said that
taking an aloe into a greenhouse got rid of the problem. I have more to
say, but I'll save it for later. In closing, good growing to you all,
and it's good to be online w'y'all!
Sincerely,
David Schaeffer
scha5074@kutztown.edu
###
Date: Fri, 14 Apr 1995 16:41:08 -0700
From: is11mal@zeus.syscon.com
Subject: Welwitschia pot
I do use PVC pipe as part of my pots for Welwitschia. I take 4 inch diameter
PVC pipe and cut it into 12 inch lengths. To provide a bottom for each of
my "pots" I take a 2 liter plastic code bottle and cut off the top and drill
holes in the bottom for drainage. I then slip the PVC pipe into coke bottle.
The 4 inch diameter PVC fits very snuggly into the coke bottle bottom. To
ensure the stability of the "pot", I then set it into a coke bottle carrying
case.
Mark Lysne
mlysne@logicon.com
###
Date: Tue, 11 Apr 1995 23:38:49 -0700
From: WHAY60A@prodigy.com (MR CHUCK HANSON)
Subject: Welwitschia
-- [ From: Chuck Hanson * EMC.Ver #2.10P ] --
We have grown quite a few Welwitschia seedling here with varying
success. If the seed is from cultivated plants , the germination is
usually 100%. Field collected seed varies from 50% to 0. No matter
where the seed originated, it should be treated with a fungicide, such
as Thiram, before sowing. The seed should be sown in a deep pot to
prevent any more disturbance to the tap root than is necessary. The
tap root is touchy, but repotting can be successfully accomplished with
care. If the seed is not fat, it is no good. Good seed will be ovoid
in cross-section. In my experience, most field collected seed is no
good (no endosperm). Good seed is apparently only rarely produced in
habitat. Recruitment years are very far apart for populations of this
species.
Chuck Hanson Arid Lands Greenhouses
whay60a@prodigy.com
###
Date: Wed, 12 Apr 1995 19:07:32 -0700
From: CAdastra@aol.com
Subject: Re: Welwitschia
A very knowledgeable friend of mine, an excellent grower of many genera
in addition to succulents, potted his Welwitschia in a drainage pipe that was
in turn potted in a clay pot - a makeshift *very* deep pot. His young plant
appeared to be doing fine - as fine as Welwitschias can do.
--Carol Ann
###
Date: Thu, 13 Apr 1995 14:32:38 -0700
From: "Brian Obrien" <bobrien@gac.edu>
Subject: Welwitschia pot?
Here's an item which I extracted from the carnivorous plant list,
specifically as an idea for a potential Welwitschia pot - a long length of
PVC pipe, with perhaps a flange and screen at one end. Has anyone tried
this with Welwitschia?
I've repotted Welwitschia seedlings successfully, noting no unusual
sensitivity. I was more careful than usual, though - I tried not to break
any of the fine roots, and immediately covered the roots with damp mix
when the plants were out of the original pots, while setting up the new
pots.
One of my plants is doing well in a ca. 8 inch deep polyethylene bottle
with the top cut off. The clear or translucent plastic gives one a method
for monitoring the moisture of the mix visually (the weight being a
complementary method. I know from unfortunate direct experience
(inadequately informed plant sitter, which was my fault) that watering of
these plants is important - the earlier statements to the effect that they
do not behave like succulents is entirely true. Dryness = death. My
surviving plants are the ones which were planted in deep pots.
While this thread is going, those who are interested might want to check
the archives from spring 1994 - there was another Welwitschia thread then.
Brian
bobrien@gac.edu
Brian A. O'Brien, Department of Chemistry, Gustavus Adolphus College
Saint Peter, Minnesota 56082 U.S.A. tel. (507)933-7310 fax (507)933-7041
###
Date: Thu, 13 Apr 1995 08:48:29 -0700
From: jhoop@sgi84.wwb.noaa.gov (Jon Hoopingarner)
Subject: The use of peat-pots with Welwitschias
I've been lurking and following this discussion and these plants sound
fascinating and look double-plus weird in the picture book I've got, so they
are doubly fit for my tastes.
I've read many messages which mentioned the need to protect the tap root when
one does transfer the seedling to bigger pots. Has anyone used these peat-pots
with welwitschia seedlings or is there a specific reason not to? Please
forgive my naivate (sp?) but I've always bought my plants already well
established and will be starting from seed for the first time.
______________________________________________________________________
Jon Hoopingarner E-mail: jhoop@sgi84.wwb.noaa.gov
Also e-mail at : Jon_Hoopingarner_at_w-nmc@smtpgate.ssmc.noaa.gov
Climate Analysis Center PHONE: (301) 763-8155
W/NMC 51 WWB rm 604 FAX: (301) 763-8395
Washington DC 20233
______________________________________________________________________
###
Date: Wed, 12 Apr 1995 23:47:58 -0700
From: SSTS62A@prodigy.com (MRS LOWILLA J WILSON)
Subject: Welwitschia
-- [ From: LoWilla Wilson * EMC.Ver #2.10P ] --
Lynn got his seed from the Huntington. He says freshest does matter.
He has very good germination and we always have seedlings. He told me
he really needs to draw pictures to describe what to do but I'm not
good at pictures so I'll try words but if they don't make sense Lynn
will send a diagram by snail mail (on request).
Make a depression in your soil mix and place the big end of the seed in
the depression, flat side toward the soil and at a slant. After the
leave come out VERY carefully place a piece of plastic underneath the
seed case. You must do this very gently or you'll cut the root. This
cuts down the chance of rotting. Sam Williams taught him how to do
this and gave him his first seed. It worked and he's been growing with
success ever since.
LoWilla
###
Date: Thu, 13 Apr 1995 08:20:08 -0700
From: Myron Kimnach <74633.2127@compuserve.com>
Subject: Welwitschia
After reading all the comments about welwitschias I feel the urge to
input.
Wild welwitschia seed comes with a built-in destructive factor -- a
fungus that kills many seedlings within a week or two of germination (I'm not
sure if the black smut-fungus I've seen on the winged seeds in Namibia is the
same fungus that kills the seedlings). It's best to treat the seeds with a
fungicide before planting. The seed is apparently long-lived; Sam Williams
actually keeps them in his freezer for years.
In the early days of cultivating this species it was the custom to plant
one seed in a long drainage pipe stood on end. This was because of the supposed
long tap-root. According to Bornman's book on Welwitschia, the tap root on
mature plants may be 6 to 9 feet deep. However, a main source of water are fogs
and there are also many lateral roots near the surface to absorb it.
The main advantage to growing the plant in a pipe is that the long leaves
can hang freely; I have never found any other reason to do so. I plant a single
seed in each three-inch pot so that if fungus attacks it will not spread to
adjoining plants. The seed is lightly covered with sand only. Give plenty of
water and never let the seedlings dry out. Leave the plants in these small pots
for about a year; then tranfer to a larger pot, taking care not to disturb the
fine, delicate roots.
Older welwitschias love water -- the main danger is letting them dry out,
as then the leaves turn a ghastly grey; usually they revive after a thorough
soaking. The plants should also be fertilized periodically.
The first plants to produce cones were at the botanical gardens at
Stellenbosch, S. Africa, and Montreal, and it took about 25 years for them to
appear. In the 1960's Leo Song at UCLA produced cones in 6 years by subjecting
the plants to extreme light, heat and fertilizer. If grown well most plants
should produce cones after ten years or so. Growth is incredibly rapid if you
plant the plants in a bed inside a greenhouse, as in the Conservatory in the
Huntington Desert Garden, where seed is now regularly produced on both bedded
and potted plants. Male and female cones appear on separate plants and are
easily cross-pollinated.
Welwitschias are not really succulents but are well-worth growing because
of their bizarre appearance and unique position in the plant kingdom; they are
gymnosperms, distantly related to conifers and cycads, producing cones rather
than flowers. The "trunk" never bacomes more than a foot or two tall and it has
the same two leaves over its lifespan of a thousand years or so. I like to call
it the Plant from Mars because, if plants grew on Mars, I imagine they would
look like Welwitschia.
Myron Kimnach
74633.2127@compuserve.com
###
Date: Tue, 11 Apr 1995 10:31:57 -0700
From: phoxey@armltd.co.uk (Paul Hoxey)
Subject: Re: Welwitschia mirabilis seed
> From listserv@jr.hpl.hp.com Tue Apr 11 15:07:29 1995
> Date: Tue, 11 Apr 1995 06:55:32 -0700
> Reply-To: cacti_etc@opus.hpl.hp.com
> Originator: cacti_etc@opus.hpl.hp.com
> Allen Stile asked for a source for seed of Welwitschia. I have received and
> germinated seed of Welwitschia mirabilis from the following source:
>
> Silverhill Seeds P.O. Box 53101
> Kenilworth 7745
> RSA (Republic of South Africa)
>
> The cost was $2.00 (US) per packet of 6-7 seeds. I found that about one-third
> of the seeds germinated and survived infancy (the first year) as many of
> the seeds are infected with a fungus (this is a problem with most Welwitschia
> seeds) that kills the young seedlings. I now have several nice plants 1-2
> years old with the largest plant having leaves about 12" long.
>
> Mark Lysne
> mlysne@logicon.com
>
It is exciting to hear from someone growing Welwitschia successfully.
I obtained some seed from ISI a couple of years ago and am planning to
plant them soon. I have been looking in the literature for information on
growing this plant and only today I obtained some back issues of the
CSSA journal Vol 52 No 1 & 2 which have a very interesting 2 part acticle on
these plants.
I have always looked upon Welwitschia with great interest and had
thought it very difficult to cultivate. I have renewed hope after
hearing you have some growing and to quote from the previously
mentioned acticle :
"In summary, these plants do not seem to difficult to grow if certain
basic conditions are given - that is, abundant full sunlight and heat,
protection from prolonged low temperatures, a fast draining medium,
regular watering and fertilizing, preferably under a program of
continuous feeding, and ample room for the root system."
Not having any previous experience of growing Welwitschia, it would be
a great help if you could explain your seed raising and cultivation
techniques.
Cheers
Paul
phoxey@armltd.co.uk
###
Date: Tue, 11 Apr 1995 06:55:45 -0700
From: is11mal@zeus.syscon.com
Subject: Welwitschia mirabilis seed
Allen Stile asked for a source for seed of Welwitschia. I have received and
germinated seed of Welwitschia mirabilis from the following source:
Silverhill Seeds P.O. Box 53101
Kenilworth 7745
RSA (Republic of South Africa)
The cost was $2.00 (US) per packet of 6-7 seeds. I found that about one-third
of the seeds germinated and survived infancy (the first year) as many of
the seeds are infected with a fungus (this is a problem with most Welwitschia
seeds) that kills the young seedlings. I now have several nice plants 1-2
years old with the largest plant having leaves about 12" long.
Mark Lysne
mlysne@logicon.com
###
Date: Wed, 12 Apr 1995 12:37:53 -0700
From: Jan Vandorpe & Carole Ampe <Carole.Ampe@rug.ac.be>
Subject: Re: Welwitschia mirabilis seed
Dears,
I also obtained Welwitschia seed from Silverhill Seeds and they germinate
readily given warmth and moisture. The only problem is the root: the plant
grows a long thin
root of about 10 cm within the first days, so you should provide a large
tall container. A height of 20 cm will do.
The one thing you shouldn't do is transplant it within the first year. DO
NOT TOUCH the root at all or it will die.
You should also water it continuasly since it is not a succulent.
I kept mine in full sun from the first month.
Try your luck!
Jan Vandorpe
###
--
bobrien@gac.edu
Brian A. O'Brien, Department of Chemistry, Gustavus Adolphus College
Saint Peter, Minnesota 56082 U.S.A. tel. (507)933-7310 fax (507)933-7041
From bobrien@gac.edu Wed Aug 16 09:22:10 1995
X-Minuet-Version: Minuet1.0_Beta_17A
Reply-To: <bobrien@gac.edu>
X-POPMail-Charset: English
To: ahicks@prism.nmt.edu
Subject: Welwitschia 2
From: grheck@macc.wisc.edu T
To: Multiple recipients of list <cacti_etc@opus.hpl.hp.com S
Subject: Info Quest from the North
Hello Everyone, I am a researcher in the Department of Botany,
University of Wisconsin, Madison. I have been growing and
enjoying a wide variety of cacti and succulents since my high
school days. I currently have a small but diverse group of
plants. I have two quick questions: 1. Does anyone know what
are the cultural requirements to get Hoodia currori to bloom? I
have had it several years and the vegetative growth is healthy and
strong but no flowers. 2. Does anyone know where to get viable
seeds of Welwitschia mirabilis? My source of seed in Namibia is
out of stock. I admit this is not a cactus or succulent or even
a conventional seed plant. But in my opinion is probably one of
the most fascinating desert plants around ( a relique from the
days when gymnosperms were experimenting on their way to becoming
the flowering plants). I currently have 3 plants one of which is
10 years old and has recently borne cones for the first time.
Any Info would be appreciated, Greg Heck
From: Koning@ecsuc.ctstateu.edu (Ross Koning) T
To: Multiple recipients of list <cacti_etc@opus.hpl.hp.com S
Subject: Re: Info Quest from the North
Greg- The largest collection I have seen is in the Berlin
Botanical Gardens. They had both sexes present in the collection
and appeared to be keeping track of genotypes. Unfortunately the
person responsible for the collection was not available when I was
there in 1987. Welwitschia is a gymnosperm with certain traits
shared with the angiosperms. I am looking for seeds too, so if
you find anything I would sure like to know! ross koning
biology department eastern ct state university willimantic, ct
06226
Ross Koning Internet: Koning@ecsuc.ctstateu.edu
Biology Department Phone: (203)-465-5327
Eastern CT State University Fax: (203)-465-5213
Willimantic, CT 06226
From: Clarke Brunt <CLARKE@lsl.co.uk T
To: Multiple recipients of list <cacti_etc@opus.hpl.hp.com S
Subject: Welwitschia
I'm surprised that we have already had several messages about
growing Welwitschia mirabilis. I had come to believe from what I
had read that the plant was virtually ungrowable, and that it was
to be treated with great awe and wonder whenever mentioned. It it
now being found that maybe it is not so difficult after all? I'd
certainly like to have a go if I was offered any seed. Quite a
few myths about 'ungrowable' plants are being dispelled. It's a
bit like Ariocarpus. The treatment used to be no water, or at most
1 drop or so per year, and the plants responded by looking as
animated as rocks. Then someone found that if you water them like
any other cactus, they grow, and look green, and flower. So the
moral is - don't always believe what you read. A number of Cactus
books are no more than an assemblage of other people's writing,
perhaps with a few coloured pictures added. Some things common in
books - 'Cacti like a bit of old (alkaline) brick mortar in the
soil' (Rubbish) - 'Obregonia denegrii cannot be grafted' (Funny,
I grafted mine OK). My favourite 'Succulent' book? - Gordon
Rowley's 'Caudiciform and Pachycaul Plants' - sorry, the title may
not be exactly right. It's not a cultivation handbook, but a
survey of the world's 'globs' and 'lumps', and so obviously
written be someone who knows what he is talking about. Clarke
Brunt
From: "Brian O'Brien" <bobrien@hermes.gac.edu T
To: Multiple recipients of list <cacti_etc@opus.hpl.hp.com S
Subject: Welwitschia
For all the Welwitschia fans out there (I've been one since
probably early adolescence or whenever I first read about the
plant), here are some references, etc. Two splendid
references, both by Chris H. Bornman, Prof. of Botany at the U.
of Pretoria: _Endeavour_ vol. 113, pp.95-99 (1972):
"Welwitschia mirabilis: Paradox of the Namib Desert"
_Welwitschia_, C. Struik Publishers, Cape Town & Johannesburg, 1978
Yes, an entire book on Welwitschia, with awesome photos (e.g.
Welwitschia Flats, where what appear to be hundreds of plants
crouch, stretching out to the horizon). Subtitle is _Paradox of
a Parched Paradise_. Another: _Succulent Flora of Southern
Africa_, by Doreen Court, A. A. Balkema, Cape Town, 1981. Has an
excellent two-page chapter on Welwitschia, and excellent photos
(it's an excellent book overall, both photos and text). There's
also an old CSSA article on cultivation; I don't have the reference
at the moment, but will post it later. Some quotes and facts
from the references: known to Bushmen as N'tumbo (stump)
Afrikaans: tweeblaarkamiedood (two-leaves-cannot-die) "I am
convinced that what I have seen is the most beautiful and majestic
that tropical South Africa can offer." F. M. J. Welwitsch,
Septemeber 3, 1859 (day of his first sighting of the plant)
Bornman: "...he wrote that he was so astonished that he knelt on
the hot sand and stared at the plant in bewilderment, thinking
that his fantasies has taken flight...." Court:
"...Welwitsch...not the first to do so [find Welwitschia, but did
contact Kew, etc.]...it is the Austrian naturalist-explorer who is
immortalised by this remarkable plant, not only by its name, but
by its image which is carved on his tombstone in Kensal Green in
London." Court: "Most surprising is the fact that while many
xerophytes reduce leaf surface in order to limit water loss
through their stomata...this strange plant has truly tremendous
leaf surface; one plant is recorded as having a leaf surface area
of 55 square meters! Herein lies the clue to the patient
survival of Welwitschia. Millions of stomata (pores) amounting to
22,200/ sq. cm are distributed on both upper and lower leaf
surfaces, and these _absorb_ water from the morning fog which
rolls in from the cold Atlantic. It is this daily `freshening
up' process that enables Welwitschia to survive in areas where
other vegetation is either scanty or completely absent. In a dry
year when the fog is reduced, the leaves start dying and plants
are lost." I'll post more on this later.
bobrien@hermes.gac.edu Brian O'Brien Department of Chemistry
Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota 56082 U.S.A.
From: "Brian O'Brien" <bobrien@hermes.gac.edu T
To: Multiple recipients of list <cacti_etc@opus.hpl.hp.com S
Subject: Welwitschia
In hope of re-starting for a short time the flurry of
Welwitschia items from a week or so ago, I am providing some
observations which I have made so far in this endeavor. I would
very much like to hear about cultivation methods, etc. from
others who are growing this plant. A pollen exchange would
eventually be good to carry out also (though I don't anticipate
being able to participate for another 5-10 years). I bought a
3-year-old Welwitschia seedling from Rare Plant Research about
two years ago. It came in a 3" X 3" X 5 " deep pot with screen in
the bottom. I just repotted it today - the mix which it was in
had a lot of perlite in it, but seemed pretty standard. The
proprieter of RPR told me in response to an inquiry that
Welwitschia seems to prefer to be treated as a mesophyte rather
than a xerophyte, thus watered a bit more than one might expect.
This seems to be borne out by the root system, which had developed
extensively bottom half of the pot. He also mentioned a dormant
period; mine don't seem to go entirely dormant,but do seem to
slow down during the winter. Each leaf on this plant is at
present about 6" long, and they're probably about three times the
size they were two years ago. About " of growth has occurred
during roughly the past two months - I can tell due to the
movement of scars left after a skirmish with mealybugs at about
that time. The leaves are internally very tough, but the
surfaces are delicate. Mealybugs are the only pests which I've
seen so far. They even attack the fissures in the trunk. I
found no mealybugs on the roots, however. Does anyone know of an
insecticide which is safe for Welwitschia? So far I've been
extremely reluctant to experiment, so I kill the mealybugs
manually, which never gets them all. I know that the occasional
odd species is sensitive to Cygon, and, given the nature of the
leaves, soaps or emulsifiable oil products don't seem like a good
idea either. In recognition of the fog-gathering function of
the leaves, this past fall I decided to put the Welwitschia into
a case that I maintain mainly for the more moisture-loving types
of orchids - it's about 1 'high X 2'deep X 4'wide, and has two
humidifiers which run for about 30 minutes four times per day.
The case also has a very gentle stream of forced pre-humidified
air running through it. The air flow is cut off by a relay when
the humidifiers are running, so as to allow the fog to wet all of
the leaf & root surfaces. The Welwitschia seems to thrive in
this environment. I don't water it as often as the orchids
(perhaps once per two weeks - I should have kept records, I
suppose). I also moved three seedlings into the case; one was in
bad shape before this, and still doesn't seem to be recovering,
but the others are doing well. The Welwitschias are kept about
4" from a bank of fluorescent F40 Gro Lights, which are above a
sheet of window glass. With regard to seed germination, I had
10 seeds from Huntington last year. Five were planted first, in
sterile perlite with some vermiculite and fine gravel mixed in,
in individual ventilated & very well-drained transparent plastic
cups, about half-filled with coarse sterilized granite chunks. I
covered these with squares of transparent glass - but this was not
the correct thing to do, as it caused three seeds to rot; two
germinated. The next batch of five was more successful, the
difference being that the glass sheet was left off of the top,
with careful attention to keeping the medium moist. All five
seeds germinated. The seedlings grew roots down into the bottoms
of the cups (once again probably seeking moisture). Occasional
light fertilizer was given. Hesitation about watering and
transplanting lost three seedlings. With hindsight, it looks
like a somewhat heavier medium might have been advantageous. In
addition, I have since read (I don't remember where at the
moment) that the wings on each seed serve to draw water to the
seed; I took the wings off, but perhaps shouldn't have. Does
anyone else have experience with this point?
bobrien@hermes.gac.edu Brian O'Brien Department of Chemistry
Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota 56082 U.S.A.
From: Bob Jewett <jewett@bill.hpl.hp.com T
To: Multiple recipients of list <cacti_etc@opus.hpl.hp.com S
Subject: Re: Welwitschia
I would very much like to hear about cultivation methods, etc.
from others who are growing [Welwitschia]. No direct
experience, but I was talking to the proprietor of The Great
Petaluma Desert about Welwitschia. He has five seedlings growing.
One source of seeds was charging $5 for three seeds! He was
told that the roots were extremely delicate, and that they must
not be disturbed at all in repotting. That seems to be a myth,
judging from Brian's experience. Bob Jewett
From: "Brian O'Brien" <bobrien@hermes.gac.edu T
To: Multiple recipients of list <cacti_etc@opus.hpl.hp.com S
Subject: Namib article
Here's a very good article on the natural history of the Namib
Desert: "Fog, Wind and Heat: Life in the Namib Desert", by Sue
Armstrong, _New Scientist_, July 14, 1990, vol. 127, #1725, p. 46
(5 pp.) It includes some intersting observations on xerophytic
plants, including Welwitschia.
--
bobrien@gac.edu
Brian A. O'Brien, Department of Chemistry, Gustavus Adolphus College
Saint Peter, Minnesota 56082 U.S.A. tel. (507)933-7310 fax (507)933-7041
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
ate: Sat, 14 Sep 1996 15:19:15 -0400
From: MKimnach@aol.com
To: cacti_etc@opus.hpl.hp.com
Subject: Re: Welwitschia outdoors?
Message-ID: <960914151914_308383790@emout19.mail.aol.com>
Concerning the welwitschia thread, the only place I know of that tried
growing them outdoors in the ground was at the Botanical Garden of the
University of California, Los Angeles, back in the 1970's. Dave Verity on the
staff there grew several nice specimens in the ground for, I believe, several
years, the leaf-spread reaching about two feet. I doubt that the temperatures
fell below 30 degrees F. so close to the ocean. Unfortunately, the experiment
abruptly ceased when someone dug up and stole the plants! They had been
planted outside the garden fence, above a retaining wall along the public
sidewalk, so it was rather easy for the public to get at them. Even sadder,
the plants probably did not survive transplanting, not liking to be
disturbed.
If you have a glasshouse in an area where the ground beneath the house
does not freeze, try planting welwitchias in a bed at ground-level so their
roots can spread. Growth is just amazing under these conditions, seedlings
producing cones in about 5-7 years!
Myron Kimnach.
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Topic No. 13
Date: Tue, 24 Sep 1996 12:47:04 -0700
From: PWIJERAT@raychem.com
To: cacti_etc@opus.hpl.hp.com
Subject: Re: Welwitschia roots
Message-ID: <248394F0.1246@raychem.com>
I have several 2 to 3-inch seedlings of Welwitschia grown from
Silverhill Seeds, South Africa. They're in tall decapitated PET
plastic soda bottles under fluorescent lights. The soil is a 1:1 mix
of coarse sand and commercial potting soil. I water them nearly twice
a week, else the leaf ends die back.
The tap roots of the seedlings were at least 9 inches long before the
seedlings were 1 inch high.
I tried repotting a few at the 1-inch stage, to thin out the
seedlings, but lost about 50%, probably because the tap roots were
damaged during the repotting.
I've also tried separating a pair of plants with 1-foot leaves in the
same pot. The mass of fibrous roots were tough to separate, and all
leaves died back to the stem. However, both plants recovered, and
green leaves are growing back out from the stem.
Peter Wijeratne
pwijerat@raychem.com
/* Personal communication */
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Date: Sat, 14 Sep 1996 11:53:21 -0400
From: RarePlantR@aol.com
To: cacti_etc@opus.hpl.hp.com
Subject: Re: Welwitschia outdoors?
Message-ID: <960914115320_101812344@emout08.mail.aol.com>
Karl wrote about growing Welwitschia mirabilis out doors. Tim Metcalf at
University of California, Davis mentioned that in the southern portion of the
range of Welwitschia that the plants can receive some frost. He (as of about
a year ago) was going to try some outside in Davis where the temberature can
reach the low 20'sF. They could probably use some protection if temperatures
were to drop much below freezing. At Rare Plant Research we only grown them
in the greenhouse as our temperatures can go to the low teens and we have
very wet winters.
Burl Mostul, Rare Plant Research
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From dewing@u.washington.edu Fri Sep 1 19:26:53 1995
X-Sender: dewing@homer26.u.washington.edu
To: Robert Beer <bbeer@u.washington.edu>
Cc: Aaron Hicks <ahicks@prism.nmt.edu>
Subject: Re: Plants! (fwd)
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Bob and Aaron, Yes I do grow Welwitschia from seed in the greenhouse. I
have had no trouble getting germ. I put mine in small pots of general
greenhouse potting soil ( 66%peat 33%pumice) and put them in a warm
spot. I keep them moist until they are up and then never let them dry
out. I grow them like my average greenhouse plant, when they are starting
to dry a bit on the top of the pot, I soak them til the water comes out
the drain holes. I don't pot them in drain tile or worry about whether
they have a tap root or not ( the literature seems full of these
warnings, however). TThey are frequently fed with the same fertilizer as
the rest of the greenhouse plants get. I do supplement the light on them
by placing them 3 to 6 ft. away from 1000W HPS or MH lights on long
photoperiod (16 hrs). Using this method , I have gotten strobilation at
3.25 years from seed. Biggest problem for me is mealybug, which like to
hide under the leaves close to the meristem and feed. Light
supplimentation might not be necessary in New Mexico. Good Luck. Doug
Ewing, Botany GReenhouse, uw, seattle,
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From RGorelic@nmsu.edu Fri Sep 13 17:55:15 1996
X-Mailer: Mozilla 2.02 (Win16; I)
MIME-Version: 1.0
To: ahicks@nmt.edu
Subject: Welwitschia seedling web page
X-URL: http://www.nmt.edu/~ahicks/
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
I don't remember whether I sent you my experience with Welwitschia
mirabilis seed growing. If I have, pardon me. I just read your web
page, so thought I might let you know.
I ordered from SilverHill at about the same time you did and planted the
seeds in late April of this year. I only got 4 to germinate. I paid no
attention to the orientation of the seeds. I planted them in regular
potting soil in peat pots - so that I could later place them in PVC pipe
without disturbing the roots. All 4 grew their second set of leaves in
about six weeks. All 4 have survived and continue to grow slowly. I
should note that I am not yet growing them in full sun. So far they have
been about 25 cm from 2 cool-white and 2 warm-white flourescent tubes
that are on 24 hours a day. The peat pots are in a plastic rubber maid
container, and I water by pouring a few inches of water in the plastic
outer container twice a week.
Incidentally, the Gnetales are certainly related to the
angiosperms. I would place both groups in the Anthophyta. I've got
plenty (too many) references if you're interested.
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Addenda to the info sheets...
About that weather they've been having...
*SNIP!*
I don't have the exact figures to hand, but I think that the
temperature in the Namib (certainly along the coast where W occurs)
seldom gets to freezing. The mean annual minimum for the Namib is
about 10 degrees C.
> Also, I know W. is listed on the CITES list, but there does not
> appear to be any imminent threat to it or its environ; any comment
> on this?
You are quite correct, there is no imminent threat to Welwitschia in
the wild. I have been involved in compiling the new Red Data
List for southern Africa and we decided not to list it as threatened.
Its inclusion on CITES is therefore also debateable. The Namibian
conservation authorities are scared that if it were delisted this may
result in increased wild collecting of plants. Seeds of Welwitschia,
as you probably know, are exempt from CITES regulations, hence they
are only subject to the conservation laws of the countries concerned.
It is a protected species in Namibia, but seed may be collected under
permit. In Angola it is protected by the presence of thousands of
landmines!!!
*SNIP!*
According to Encyclopaedia Brittanica (no, I really _don't_ get all
my knowledge from it, but it works for me), most of the Namib desert doesn't
freeze. Parts of the innermost desert freeze, but it seems unlikely that
these are often, or are very hard frosts.
-AJHicks
Date: Mon, 03 Feb 97 12:12:19 PST
From: "Duke Benadom" <duke_benadom@pcnet.Pacesetter.COM>
To: cacti_etc@opus.hpl.hp.com
Subject: Re[2]: Welwitschia seed sowing
Message-ID: <9701038550.AA855000615@pcnet.pacesetter.com>
Mark E. Palandri and Clarke Brunt have both added information to this forum on
their experiences with Welwitschia seed growing. In habitat, these seeds have
very little chance of germinating. If the conditions are not great, they won't
grow. Having visited the Welwitschia plain last October, I only observed one
living seedling. The colorful little beetles that are ubiquitous among the
spans of welwitschias in Namibia, seem to destroy the vast majority of seed,
while the remaining viable seed needs ample moisture and shelter to begin its
life in an unbelievably harsh environment.
Sam Williams from Charmichael, California, has offered some sound advice on
germinating this seed. Sam recommends that the seed be stored in a freezer if
being kept for more than a single season. Each seed should be placed on a
mounded portion of soil, then kept moist and covered with plastic (or glass)
until germination occurs. During the cotyledon stage, care must be taken to
keep the seed propped up above the moist soil; otherwise the seed will quite
often rot. Sam uses two toothpicks; one on each side of the seed, with just a
little of the mounded soil scraped away to allow room for the toothpicks. Using
this method, I now have a few plants with leaves at least a half meter long.
Transplanting the seedlings at a juvenile stage has proven to be fatal;
however, once the plants are well established, they are easily transplanted.
During the Northridge earthquake in January of 1994 all of my welwitchias were
violently separated from their pots and from their soil. All were repotted
within a couple of days, and all survived. One of the plants had one of its
leaves severed at the body. The leaf has now regrown to about 40 cm in length.
Hopefully this information will have some use to those growing this fascinating
taxon.
Duke
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