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| Encliandras
originate
from Central America, where they are found high in the tropical rain
forest, some 10,000 feet or more. The name is Greek and it means "enclosed male", because only four stamens protrude beyond the rim of the tube, instead of the usual eight The other four are found within the tube itself. Encliandra was first described as a genus by Zuccarini, in 1837. There are six species |
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| with 5 sub species. (ssp microphylla, hidalgensis, quercetotum, aprica, hemsleyana ) | |||
| with 2 sub species. (thymifolia, minimiflora ) | |||
| with 2 sub species (encliandra, tetradactyla ) | |||
| previously parviflora | |||
| The
hybrid Fuchsia microphylla x thymiflora is called Fuchsia x bacillaris
and was much more attractive than the original species. A number of crossings have been made between Encliandras aand Paniculated flowered Fuchsias, but these have mostly paniculate type flowers, i.e. more than four stamens showing above the rim, e.g. Edith Hall. |
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| Cultivation of
Encliandras present little difficulty but they do like a soil based
compost. They are ideally suited for small pot culture and bonsai, some
will make medium sized structures, i.e. pillars. I have grown them as
pillars and the growth can be as much as 5 inch a week. Berries should
be left on the plants which are an added attraction. The pale colours
are best grown in semi shade but the reds will take full sun. All of them dislike high temperatures. Encliandras will flower all year round, so you should never be without Fuchsias in flower, in the greenhouse. |
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F.thymifolia
( ssp minimifolia F.thymifolia ( ssp thymifolia ) Little Catbells James Travis Neopolitan Jimmy Cricket |
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| Hopefully
more scented ones will be released, over the coming years. Why not grow some. You will not be disappointed. Apart from the scented ones mentioned, I recommend any of the following :- |
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Encliandra images reproduced from Wagtail Fuchsia
Books |
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| Sept 1998 | |||