Primula-x-polyantha_8

Description:

Primula x polyantha = Primula veris x Primula vulgaris Miller, syn.: Primula x variabilis GoupilFalse OxlipSlo.: krianec med trobentico in pomladanskim jegliem Dat.: April 16. 2014Lat.: 45.63297 Long.: 14.22877Code: Bot_791/2014_DSC0412 Habitat: light wood and among bushes, modestly east inclined hill slope, calcareous ground, dry place, mostly in shade (when tree foliage present), partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies, average precipitations 1.800 - 2.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 580 m (1.900 feet), Dinaric phytogeographical region. Substratum: soil.Place: Near village Zagorje, west of the road Pivka - Kneak, Notranjska, Slovenia EC Comment: Species of genus Primula frequently form hybrids and extensive observations on hybridization in the wild have been carried out. Where four or five different species grow in the same region tens of differently looking hybrids can occur. Distinguishing between them with certainty requires a detailed knowledge of individual traits of all possibly involved species and hence usually overburdens amateurs' knowledge. Where only two Primula species grow in the same region the determination is much easier, since only one hybrid is possible, although it may still look quite differently depending on the characteristics taken from each of both parents. Fortunately, this was the case where I photographed pictures shown. Primula x polyantha is a natural hybrid between Primula vulgaris (Primrose) and Primula veris ssp. veris (Cowslip). Along with Primula elatior (Oxlip) they are probably the most common, popular and very well known wild primulas. In the region of town Pivka, where the pictures have been taken, both are known (and only these two!). Hybrid is fertile and an important starting point for further artificial hybridization for horticultural purposes. Ref.:(1) Personal communication with Mr. Branko Dolinar (www.orhideje.si/) and Mr. Sidney J. Clarke, FRPS, Scotland. (2) G.F. Smith, B. Burrow and D.B. Lowe, Primulas of Europe and America, Alpine Garden Society (1987), p 243.(3) J. Richards, Primula, B.T. Batsfors Ltd, London (1993), p 102 and 104.(4) M.A. Fischer, W. Adler, K. Oswald, Exkursionsflora sterreich Liechtenstein, Sdtirol, LO Landesmuseen, Linz, Austria (2005), p 674.