A most interesting “lumping” of these now separate species.
I’ve raised nice populations of both N. fernandesii and N. henriquesii. One of the factors that seemed to me (in my admittedly naive, not very scientific, clearly non-taxonomic brain) to be a key difference is/was the bloom timing. Here, N. henriquesii is very early; usually blooming at mid-season 2. In fact, I would have said it is the earliest to bloom in its Section. N. fernandesii blooms here at mid-season 3 to 4. If pressed, I would have also said that N. fernandesii is smaller, in general more petite in all parts than N. henriquesii. I was amazed to see that the form of flowers in wild populations varies WIDELY. I guess it makes some sense that the bloom timing in a swarm might vary as well.
In trying to wrap my mind around the potential change, in terms of the overall relationship to Section Jonquilla, an anomaly does appear to crop up. It seems to me as though (what would have been considered the primary hybrid between the above two species) the progeny from this cross clearly demonstrates hybrid vigor notable in many primary hybrids. Much more vigorous and robust a grower than either parent. In this aspect it grows similar in health and vigor to other inter-sectional, primary hybrids such as ‘Baby Moon’, ‘Chit Chat’, ‘Fenben’ etc. etc., which are much stronger growers than either of their respective species parents. If the former N. fernandesii/N. henriquesii are indeed forma selections (supposed on my part) within the continuum of the range of expression now contained in N. flavus, why the hybrid like vigor in their progeny??? Any thoughts on why this would be so if they are truly the same species?
The more I think I know, the less I’m 100% certain about……….
Steve