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51st state
08-04-2008, 01:59 PM
need a bit of help here.

I have all the Sikkimensis types, but have one naner I can't figure. It's supposed to be Chini Champa X Sikkimensis which would make it a Helen's Hybrid right? Although Helens is Sikkimensis X Chini Champa, does it make a difference?

It doesn't look like my other Helen's which look much more Sikki like.

Upright habit and much lighter underleaf colour than Helens, is it possible to cross the other way? Any thoughts anyone?

Gabe15
08-04-2008, 03:24 PM
In hybrid names, the female is always written first, but this can easily get mixed up in the trade. Hybrids will come out very different depending on which one was the mother/father. But even within a single cross, each seedling may come out very different as well, it all depends on so many factors though. I'm not sure exactly how 'Helen's Hybrid' works or which way it was really crossed, it seems to me that it must at least be a self fertile hybrid though because if the cross were to be redone every time they needed to produce more seeds, then there would be no consistency in the seedlings. 'Chini Champa' is a diploid (AB), my notes on 'Safet Velchi' (of which 'Chini Champa' is a form or synonym) indicate it is not a good seed setter, but may be a good pollen donor. Where did you acquire this plant from with the info that it is a 'Chini Champa' x sikkimensis?

51st state
08-10-2008, 04:34 PM
Hi Gabe
how's it going?
I bought it from a UK e bay seller who grew a number of species but it was way back so I can't find him to ask.

i put some photos on, take a look in my photos