All seems to be quiet on Daffnet so back to dessication….
Having shown ripning seed pods this is the next stae – having harvested the seeds from the pods. Some species seem to self-shed all the seeds, some others have to be encouraged by pressing and tapping – or even tearing apart as in the case of the lower pic in the last row – N. pseudonarcissus where only shattered pieces are left.
Some of the shed pods are most attractively bell shaped, notably N. triandrus subsp. triandrus, N. rupicola has a very typical and different shape wnen opening to shed seeds, and the bulbocodiums are always vertical to the stem (I should have shown this in the picture) and are very narrow, almost cylindrical). These differences are potential species identification characteristics that may not always be taken into consideration. likewise seeds are so very different – in shape, texture and colour and form of stropiole. I may get time to photograph some of the most striking differences as shelling progresses – but digging of miniature seedlings has also commenced and may take precedence. If it rains I shell seeds – if it is sunny I dig bulbs! I hope the sun shines.
The Arum is an attractive diversion – I could get hooked on these too!
Brian
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