Some years ago in northern Spain near Lac Belsue we found a population of N. assoanus. While some were in flower others had seed pods that were nearly ripe. They had 1 to 3 flowers on the stem. I collected several pods from plants that only bore a single floret per stem, wanting to use them for miniature breeding. This is the first year for flowers and some bear only one flower to the stem but about half of them carry two. This flower measures only 22 mm across and I will use it for breeding.
N. assoanus
Here is the earliest of the miniature split corona flowers to bloom. Parentage is the brilliant ‘Spanish Fiesta’ by a very small form of N. dubius. The first flowers start in late January, way too early for shows but it is a trim and distinctive flower and starting to show some offsets. If it continues to behave it is marked for registration and introduction in a couple of years. Normally only makes one flower to the stem but occasionally two. The picture below is of two single bloom stems. The larger flower (above) in the picture below measures only 40 mm across.
2008-023-1
‘Spanish Fiesta’ x N. dubius ‘Teeny’
Also opening today but still having to expand is a cross of ‘Glowing Red’ a 4W-R by N. dubius. So far I see no red but it is very double and will be a miniature carrying 3 flowers to the stem.
Harold
Very nice little flowers you’re posting, Harold! The range of divisions and color coming into miniatures is very exciting thanks to you and others’ dedication and hard work!
Harold,
Your well formed ‘Spanish Fiesta x N. dubius seedling’ looks as if it could have some fertile pollen.
Theo
I have not looked for pollen.