What does tetraploid mean? What is the tetraploid variety of Achimenes
Chromosomes are carriers of genes that contain hereditary information. Mature germ cells (sperm and eggs) contain a single or so-called haploid set of chromosomes. It constitutes half of the double (diploid) set characteristic of the chromosomes of all other (somatic) cells of the body. In a diploid set, each chromosome is represented by a pair, one of which is maternal and the other is paternal. I think that everyone remembers from school that the normal human chromosome set consists of one pair of sex chromosomes and 22 pairs of autosomes, i.e. 46 chromosomes. However, sometimes violations occur. This is called polyploidy, i.e. an increase in the number of chromosome sets in one cell (derived from the Greek words polyploos - multiple and eidos - species). When human cells have 69 chromosomes, it is called triploidy(23 chromosomes * 3), and if 92, then tetraploidy(23 chromosomes *4).
Triploidy is one of the most common spontaneous chromosomal anomalies during human embryogenesis. In humans, the vast majority of triploid embryos die at the beginning of the second month of intrauterine development (before the 8th week of pregnancy). Approximately 22.6% of all spontaneous miscarriages are due to polyploidy. Only about 1% of fetuses develop before the sixth to seventh month of development. And an extremely rare case is the birth of a living child with triploidy. However, just a few hours after birth, such children die.
Why does the anomaly appear?
Only two ways can lead to the appearance of triploidy:
- During fertilization, not one sperm penetrates into the egg, as it should be, but two. Each sperm carries a single set of chromosomes (23 chromosomes) and the egg also has 23 chromosomes. As a result, there will be 69 chromosomes in the cell nucleus
- The sperm penetrates the egg, which itself has 46 chromosomes - a diploid set. Again this results in 69 chromosomes
A triploid set of chromosomes leads to numerous developmental defects:
- fusion of fingers and toes
- cleft palate
- developmental disorders of the nervous, genitourinary systems, etc.
However, it is known that even significant developmental anomalies of a different nature do not always lead to death; in some cases, children live for weeks, months and even years. Triploidy is completely incompatible with the life of a child. Why? Scientists have yet to answer this question.
I would like to note that there is no predisposition to this anomaly in humans. Currently, not a single case of re-appearance of a child with this pathology in the same family has been described in the literature. Based on this, we can conclude that the risk of recurrence of triploidy in a family is virtually zero.
Tetraploidy, that is, two diploid (92 chromosomes) sets of chromosomes are extremely rare in cells - three times less common compared to triploidy. Of all embryos with existing chromosomal abnormalities, tetraploidy is diagnosed in no more than 5-6%.
This chromosomal abnormality can also occur in various ways:
- during fertilization of a diploid (46) egg by a diploid (46) sperm
- when a haploid (23) egg is fertilized by three haploid sperm
- A tetraploid (92) embryo will arise if a normal zygote (the cell resulting from the fusion) divides into two normal cells (46), but then these cells merge again into one
The development of tetraploids in humans, as well as triploids, is accompanied by malformations of many organs. Very rarely such embryos survive to the fertile period. Most often, death occurs during the first two months of embryogenesis. Currently, only five cases of live births of children with tetraploidy are described in the literature. All children had a wide variety of malformations of the body, their life span did not exceed several months.
Triploidy is currently screened for prenatally. You can read more about prenatal screening .
Achimenes is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Gesneriaceae family, which includes its beautifully flowering relatives popular among gardeners (Usambara violet or Saintpaulia, gloxinia, smithiantha, streptocarpus, columnea, aeschynanthus, etc.).
I have been studying Achimenes for three years. In my collection there are both hanging and bush varieties - each of them is good in its own way. Their lovely flowers leave no one indifferent, because a lot of buds are formed on the plants at the same time. And the long-term flowering of Achimenes colors the house with bright colors for a long time, bringing a lot of joy!
Erect or ampelous shoots of Achimenes are simple or branched, usually pubescent. The opposite shiny leaves are jagged, of different sizes and colors (dark green, beet purple), covered with short, stiff hairs.
The flowers of different species of Achimenes have different sizes. They appear along the entire length of the stem in the axils of the leaves, solitary or collected in bunches of several pieces. The corolla of the flower is tubular-bell-shaped, simple with a 5-6-lobed limb or terry.
— Achimenes Ehrenberg(Achimenes ehrenbergii) - up to 45 cm high, shoots and leaves are densely pubescent; blooms in summer and autumn, large flowers up to 2.5 cm in diameter, lilac-pink outside and purple inside with a yellow throat, with orange spots.
— Achimenes varifolia(Achimenes heterophylla) – up to 30 cm tall, with purple stems; blooms profusely in summer and autumn, the flowers are large (5 cm), the corolla tube is fiery red 3 cm, with an expanded yellow throat, spotted.
— A Jimenez Mexican(Achimenes mexicana) – has weakly branching shoots 35-50 cm high; It blooms in summer and autumn, large flowers are lilac with a white throat, as well as white, pink, and purple. This species and its forms with showy flowers are most often found in the collections of gardeners.
Different species of Achimenes have different flower colors. Based on natural plants, breeders have developed numerous hybrids and varieties with a richer range of flower colors.
In the collections of flower growers, there are achimenes with white, yellow, blue, blue, lilac, pink, red, lilac, violet, as well as bicolor and multicolor corollas.
During the period of growth and flowering of Achimenes, moderate soil moisture is constantly maintained; it should not be allowed to dry out.
In autumn, after flowering ends, the leaves and stems of Achimenes begin to die. At this time, you need to gradually reduce watering to prepare the plant for the dormant period.
It is important to know that Achimenes are afraid of even slight coolness. Therefore, already at a temperature of +15 degrees, these plants stop development and begin to prepare for winter. And at a temperature of +10 degrees, Achimenes go into hibernation.
Every month I check the pots with dormant achimenes and lightly moisten the soil: I lightly spray it along the edge of the pot, because I am afraid of drying out the rhizomes.
Achimenes usually wakes up in late February or early March and produces sprouts that need light.
To grow achimenes, it is recommended to use a mixture of leaf soil, humus and sand. It is useful to add vermicompost to the substrate. perlite, vermiculite. chopped sphagnum moss. as well as hydrogel. Achimenes responds very well when adding a small amount of ground dry mullein (0.5 tsp) and 5 g of horn shavings per 1 kg of substrate.
Due to the shallow root system, it is better to plant Achimenes rhizomes in shallow pots, always with drainage holes. I place a layer of drainage at the bottom of the pot.
I place rhizomes horizontally on the surface of the leveled substrate.
Depending on its diameter, I plant from 3 to 10 nodules in one pot. I sprinkle the planted rhizomes on top with a small layer of substrate (2 cm or a little more).
All that remains is to water the Achimenes plantings with warm water, build a mini-greenhouse and place the pot in a warm and very bright place.
During the period of growth and flowering, Achimenes are regularly fed with complex mineral fertilizer with microelements. Microelements not only contribute to the active development of strong shoots, but also improve plant resistance to disease, favor the formation of many buds and enhance the color intensity of flowers.
The growing stems of Achimenes are fixed on supports to maintain a vertical position. Without support, the thin long shoots of the bush will lean down and hang over the edge of the pot.
Achimenes successfully reproduces vegetatively (dividing rhizomes, cuttings) and seeds. During seed propagation, the varietal characteristics of the parent plants are not transmitted.
The rhizomes of Achimenes are similar in appearance to a mulberry fruit or a miniature pine cone. Large rhizomes can be divided into several parts when planting. But they should not be too small, so that the young plants are strong and bloom well.
Achimenes can also be propagated by cuttings rooted from early to mid-summer in water, in moist coarse sand or light substrate. But in this case, young weak plants cannot be sent for wintering, because they do not yet have rhizomes or they are still very small (they may dry out during storage). That's why I don't like this breeding method.
By artificially pollinating flowering achimenes, you can get seeds. They ripen approximately 2.5 months after the flower withers. Small seeds are extracted from the fruits that have become soft.
The bowl with the sown seeds is covered with glass or cellophane and placed in a warm place. The substrate is moistened from the tray.
Achimenes shoots appear in two to three weeks. Grown seedlings dive into pots. In the second year of life, young plants already bloom well.
Photos of popular varieties of Achimenes bred by Serge Saliba
From crossing the Achimenes varieties Orange and Yellow Queen in 2007, Serge Saliba obtained another spectacular plant, which received the name of the author. Achimenes Serge Saliba forms compact bushes with erect shoots and medium-sized double flowers of complex colors. If the throat is yellow, then orange-pink or salmon tones predominate towards the edges of the petals. A brown speck is visible in the center of the corolla. Achimenes flowers can change shades depending on growing conditions, lighting and room temperature.
Achimenes Serge's Revelation
Achimenes Blue Swan was registered by S.Saliba in 2013 and refers to varieties of Achimenes with unchanged flower color, no matter what conditions the plant is in. Large, up to six centimeters in diameter, Achimenes flowers have a delicate blue color, which changes to a light yellow or creamy tone towards the center of the corolla. The blue flowers of Achimenes, in the photo, look spectacular against the background of dark foliage, forming beautiful cascades.
Achimenes Blue Twice
Achimenes Blue Twice, designed by the famous S.Saliba, appeared much later, only in 2011, but has already become a decoration for many homes. Semi-double or double, not very large flowers of this plant are light blue with a lilac tint. A pattern of veins is visible on the rounded curved petals. There is a picture coating in the center of the rim. The Achimenes bush, as in the photo, is formed from erect shoots with green jagged foliage.
Achimenes Peach Cascade
Large flowers of Achimenes Peach Cascade are a gift for those who love bright colors. An ampelous plant, obtained in 2009 thanks to the breeding work of S.Saliba, generously presents the owner with eye-catching flowers of peach or pink-orange hue. This variety of Achimenes responds well to growing outdoors, but the color of the corollas may vary depending on the conditions created for the plant.
Achimenes Peach Cascade Improved
A variety with large, pure pink flowers, Pink Glory, is Achimenes bred by Serge Salib, bred by the master in 2009. The edges of the petals of this variety are corrugated, and in the center of the corolla there is a yellow spot, strewn with purple or deep pink specks and streaks. The bush, according to the description of Achimenes, consists of erect stems covered with dark green leaves with a burgundy back side. The plant is compact and unpretentious, blooms beautifully in the fresh air, in partial shade, and in the sun.
The brightly flowering hybrid Aurora Charm is Serge Saliba's Achimenes, presented by the author in 2009. The plant is distinguished by abundant flowering, and not only the general impression of the bright compact bush is interesting, but also of each corolla on it. The flowers are large, bright pink in color with the color towards the throat becoming first lilac and then yellow. The entrance to the pharynx is strewn with purple and purple-brown dots and streaks.
The flowers of this variety of Achimenes cannot be called large, but their color is quite remarkable. Achimenes Sauline, bred by Serge Salib in 2008, has a light yellow corolla, while the serrated petals along the edges are colored in bright pink-lilac tones. Individual dark pink specks can be seen throughout the flower. The plant is erect with serrated leaves of medium green color.
Achimenes Blueberry Lemon
The flowers of Achimenes Lavender Fizz are hard to miss. The variety, bred by Serge Saliba in 2012, will decorate any collection. Compact, upright plants are densely covered with jagged leaves and large double flowers of a surprisingly bluish-lavender hue. The peculiarity of this popular variety of Achimenes is the light color of the back side of the petals.
Achimenes Lavender Flame
In 2012, Achimenes lovers received many spectacular plants from Serge Salib. The Achimenes variety Lavender Flame is one such wonderful gift with light lavender flowers of quite large size. The throat of the Achimenes flower is marked by a noticeable yellow spot and burgundy-brown specks, which, turning purple, also covers the wavy petals. An erect bush with shoots covered with light green foliage.
Achimenes Nightfall from S.Saliba cannot compare with the previous plant in terms of flower size. But the variety introduced in 2011 is no less interesting and loved by flower growers.
Achimenes Petite Fadette
Achimenes Petite Fadette, introduced in 2007 by Serge Saliba, has small, semi-double or double flowers of a beautiful red hue. The color becomes more intense and thicker towards the entrance to the pharynx. The back side of the corolla is lighter. The leaves are also small and quite dark. Achimenes variety that can be considered miniature in all respects.
Achimenes Peach Glow
Medium-sized with drooping shoots, Achimenes Peach Glow from R.Brumpton blooms very readily and abundantly. Achimenes flowers are not very large, but are attractive with the delicate pink color of the petals and the yellow center and throat of the corolla.
Achimenez Dale Martens
Achimenes Serge’s Fantasy
Achimenes Serge’s Fantasy appeared thanks to the crossing of such well-known and beloved varieties of Achimenes as Elegance and Rainbow Warrior. Double, rose-like crimson flowers with a yellow center and a scattering of carmine spots on the corolla made the new variety of Achimenes, as in the photo, one of the most desirable.
Achimenes Last Dawn
The Achimenes variety Last Dawn from Serge Salib, released in 2011, has much in common with the previous plant. But this is only at first glance! Medium-sized double flowers of Achimenes combine the most unexpected shades of red and crimson, which gives the bloom a truly unique look. Upright bushes are compact and have a good tendency to branch.
Achimenes Golden Lady
The same parental couple that gave gardeners the “Serge Saliba” variety became the “culprit” behind the birth of a new master variety, Achimenes Golden Lady, in 2007. Delicate yellow or creamy flowers of Achimenes are medium in size, have an elegant semi-double corolla and are sometimes decorated with small lilac strokes. The plant is erect and green.
Achimenes Made In Heaven
photo
title, description
The flowers are unusually large for double varieties, yellow with lavender shades. Abundant flowering, resistant to direct sunlight. Ampelous shoots with green leaves are perfect for hanging flowerpots. A minimum of two pinchings is recommended.
Medium size flowers. The corolla is terry, dark blue-violet in color, the underside of the petals is light. The throat has a yellow spot with thick brown speckling. The leaves are green, the shoots are erect. Rhizomes are oblong, white with a burgundy tint. Compact and self-branching variety.
The flowers are large. The corolla is terry, pure white (in cool weather it can acquire a lavender-violet hue), and is shaped like a gardenia flower. The leaves are green, the shoots are erect. Rhizomes are ovoid, white. The variety is generous in flowering - it develops well in any conditions, but if it is grown in a well-lit place, you will get a white ball of many flowers. Resistant to heat and direct sunlight, therefore suitable for outdoor use.
Achimenes ‘Alter Ego’ (S.Saliba, 2012)
Very large double flowers, depending on growing conditions, the color varies from light blue to blue-violet. Lodging burgundy shoots with green leaves. Rhizomes are cone-shaped, white with a pink tint. A double version of the ‘India’ variety with larger flowers, the same leaves, habit and flowering characteristics. It is recommended to pinch at least twice, and support is also required to avoid the shoots from lodging under the weight of numerous flowers.
The flowers are large. The corolla is white, with a network of purple veins and dots around the center. There is a yellow spot at the entrance to the pharynx. The leaves are green. Stems with a brown tint, shoots erect, drooping with age. Rhizomes are oblong, burgundy. Victorian variety, named after the outstanding Belgian gardener and author of a number of works on floriculture Ambroise Verschaffelt (1825–1886).
Large simple yellow flowers with deep orange petal edges. Light green leaves. Quite a compact variety.
Achimenes is also perfect for decorating a balcony in the warm season. In summer, this plant can be taken out in a pot into the garden or planted in open ground.
Achimenes in nature and at home
Achimenes(Achimenes) is a large genus that includes about 50 species. These beautifully flowering plants are distributed in nature from Northern Mexico to Brazil, on the island of Jamaica.
In winter, Achimenes has a short period of rest. At this time, the above-ground part of the plant dries out, and elongated scaly rhizome nodules (rhisomes) containing a supply of nutrients remain in the ground.
Many types of Achimenes are common in floriculture, including:
— Achimenes white(Achimenes candida) – 20-45 cm high, green or red shoots; blooms in summer, flowers 1-1.5 cm in diameter, creamy white, reddish on the outside, yellowish at the throat, with red stripes.
— Achimenes erecta(Achimenes erecta) - 25-45 cm high, reddish shoots; blooms in summer, flowers up to 1 cm in diameter, scarlet-red.
— Achimenes longiflora(Achimenes longiflora) – 10-30 cm high, green or red stems; blooms in summer, the flowers are large (5.5-6.5 cm) blue or bluish-purple, sometimes pink and less often white, the throat is yellow.
— Achimenes prostrate(Achimenes patens) - about 30 cm high, has green or brown stems; blooms in summer, single lilac flowers 1.5-2 cm, corolla tube widened upward, with a spur at the base.
— A Jimenez fringed(Achimenes fimbriata) – up to 30 cm high with erect drooping stems; white flowers with fringed corolla edges.
The life of each Achimenes flower is short. However, during the period of its growth, more and more new buds are constantly formed on the plant, so in summer and autumn the bushes of Achimenes are completely covered with flowers.
Caring for Achimenes
Achimenes prefers an abundance of diffused light, with shading from direct sunlight.
Achimenes is moisture-loving; Irrigation water should be at room temperature or slightly warmer. But at the same time, an adult plant does not like to have its leaves sprayed or wet (otherwise spots will appear on them). You can periodically spray the air near the shoots of Achimenes, which promotes their better development and stimulates flowering.
During growth, Achimenes like to be kept in moderate heat (in summer about +23..25 degrees, up to +30). These plants easily tolerate warm drafts, which is important when they are on the balcony or on the windowsill near an open window.
I don’t cut off the shoots of a plant that is preparing to go dormant—I wait until they are completely dry. Then I remove the dry stems at the soil level and place the pots with the underground parts of the achimenes in a dry, dark, cool place. I store them in the common corridor of our apartment, where in winter the temperature is about +15 degrees or slightly higher.
I transplant the rhizomes that have awakened after wintering into a new fresh substrate - I prepare light and nutritious soil myself.
When the Achimenes sprouts begin to actively develop, the greenhouse is removed and watering is increased. Plants usually bloom 3-4 months after planting rhizomes.
Many Achimenes themselves branch well. To make non-branching plants bushy, I pinch the tops of young shoots.
Also, to prolong flowering, you need to pinch the tops of faded stems to form side shoots with buds.
Reproduction of Achimenes
During the growth process, Achimenes grow daughter rhizomes. Usually, the more cultivated the plant, the smaller its rhizomes, and the less “offspring” it produces.
To increase the number of shoots, rhizomes of valuable and rare varieties of Achimenes are germinated, sprinkled with a thin layer of substrate (0.6 cm).
Achimenes seeds are sown in February or early March on the surface of a light substrate or in damp coarse sand, without sprinkling them on top.
Insect pests may appear on Achimenes bushes (most often aphids or mites), so the plants should be inspected regularly, especially on hot days of summer and autumn.
The characteristics of Achimenes - long, abundant and bright flowering during the growth period, as well as the convenience of seasonal cultivation due to its dormant state in winter - make this plant very desirable for gardeners. Anyone who has purchased at least one variety of Achimenes strives to create a collection of these magnificent plants.
Lyudmila Filipova
All about bulbous plants on the website Gardenia.ru
For a beginning gardener who is only interested in plants from the Gesneriev family, getting to know Achimenes brings a lot of positive emotions and impressions. Not only can the flowers of this culture be simple and double, the bushes upright and ampelous, the hybrids and varieties of Achimenes offered today are very unpretentious and in return for simple care they willingly reward the owner with bright flowers.
Thanks to these qualities, flower growers have a lot of varieties of Achimenes, which are especially loved. These are both time-tested plants and new specimens recently obtained by breeders.
Descriptions and photos of varieties popular with experienced gardeners and beginners deserve attention and will help you find new plants to decorate your home.
Achimenes Serge Saliba
Achimenes Yellow English Rose
The famous breeder Serge Saliba also contributed to the creation of Achimenes varieties reminiscent of rose blooms. His Yellow English Rose - Achimenes, presented to lovers of indoor plants in 2012, became one of the author’s brightest achievements. Large double flowers of a beautiful yellow color stand out not only for their size and purity of shade, but also for the wavy, fringed edge of the petals. To maintain color, according to the description of Achimenes, it is better to keep the variety in diffused light.
Serge Saliba's Achimenes are well known and loved by flower growers in many countries. One of the most famous varieties of the plant is Serge’s Revelation, bred in 2013. The plant is distinguished by the fact that it forms extremely large achimenes flowers, up to seven centimeters in diameter, with blue-violet petals and a speckled corolla center.
Achimenes Blue Temptation
Achimenes flowers are blue or pale lilac in color and are always pure and delicate. Achimenez Blue Temptation, created by S.Saliba in 2012, is no exception. The terry corollas that open on plants have an interesting shape, pure color and tolerate summer heat well. According to the description, Achimenes of this variety is very unpretentious and pleases with lush, long flowering.
Achimenes Blue Swan
In 2012, Serge Saliba introduced the Achimenes variety Peach Cascade Improved with semi-double flowers, larger than the first version. The center of the corolla is decorated with additional petals and a rich yellow spot. The plant forms erect shoots covered with green foliage and blooms profusely and for a long time.
Achimenes Pink Glory
Achimenes Aurora Charm
Achimenes Sauline
In 2009, Serge Saliba obtained an amazing Achimenes Blueberry Lemon with semi-double or double flowers. The center of the corolla is colored yellow, becoming thicker and warmer towards the entrance to the pharynx. The petals of the Achimenes flower have spectacular purple, like watercolor stains and spots. The leaves are light, the shoots become drooping as they grow.
Achimenes Lavender Fizz
Achimenes Tropical Dusk
Achimenes varieties by Serge Saliba are the favorites of domestic flower growers. These include Achimenes Tropical Dusk, obtained in 2011, with medium-sized double pink-violet flowers and green erect shoots. The peculiarity of the plant is the combination of purple and pink-orange shades on the petals, creating a glowing effect and giving a special charm to Achimenes flowers.
Achimenes Nightfall
The double corollas of Achimenes flowers are distinguished by their thick cherry color, which becomes as rich and juicy as possible towards the center. Today, this variety of Achimenes can be called the darkest of the existing ones. The bush is small and compact. The leaves are dark with a purple hue on the veins and back.
Achimenes Lemon Orchard
Having created the ampelous variety of Achimenes Lemon Orchard in 2010, Serge Saliba invited flower growers to admire combinations of lemon yellow and pink shades. The medium-sized terry corollas are surprisingly colored along the edges of the petals in raspberry-pink tones, and bright carmine strokes sometimes appear on the petals. The greenery on the cascading shoots of this variety, according to the description of Achimenes, is distinguished by a silvery tint.
Achimenes Sun Wind
In 2010, Serge Saliba presented a beautiful ampelous plant with pale pink flowers, decorated with a bright fringed border and a yellow spot in the center of the corolla. Brown and orange spots are scattered from the center to the edges of the Achimenes petals, as in the photo. This is how the author of the variety represents the solar wind, because this is the name given to Achimenes Sun Wind, which enjoys great love among flower growers.
As a result of crossing the Elegance and Yellow Queen varieties in 2007, Serge Saliba managed to obtain a new semi-ampelous Achimenes Dale Martens. Plants with raspberry-pink simple flowers, the yellow center of which is decorated with a scattering of purple or crimson splashes, have become popular with a significant number of Achimenes adherents.
Achimenez Dale Martens Improved
In 2012, the breeder built on his success and introduced the Achimenes Dale Martens Improved with large semi-double or double fringed corollas to the flower growing community. The plants are erect and tall, so pinching the shoots is recommended for the Achimenes variety.
Achimenes Alter Ego
In 2012, breeder S. Saliba introduced the blue-violet Achimenes variety Alter Ego, which stands out among many others for its large double flowers. The color of the corollas may vary depending on the conditions created for the plant. The bush is large and requires pinching and support.
Achimenes ‘Abendrot’ (S.Saliba, 2012)
The flowers are large. The corolla is pale blue, with a lavender-violet tint. The throat has distinct purple and yellow spots. This differs from the similar variety ‘Cattleya’. In addition, the flowers are larger and bloom more profusely. The leaves are green, light pink underneath. The shoots are ampelous, the stems are burgundy. The rhizomes are ovoid, white or yellowish.
Spectacular double pink-peach flowers with orange shadows in the center, larger than average size, light green foliage, erect shoots. Rhizomes are oblong and white. The improved version differs from its predecessor in its compactness, doubleness and color stability. Pinching is recommended for shaping.
Varieties and varieties of Achimenes
The unique Achimenes flower, its varieties and types can be listed for a long time, but in addition to how to purchase a flower, you need to know how to care for them. There are many varieties of Achimenes, which served as the main material for breeding other interesting plant varieties. Thanks to the variety of Achimenes, flower growers can choose a more suitable option for growing, both outdoors and in apartment conditions.
Brief description of the plant
Achimenes blooms profusely for a long time. That's why flower growers love to plant it. Breeders have bred more than 50 species of plants.
Low-growing perennials have bushes with dark green, pubescent foliage. Its structure is thin, glossy and solid. Each leaf resembles nettle in appearance, as it has a jagged shape.
Achimenes has a straight, branched stem that begins to droop as it grows. Some varieties come with creeping shoots. The roots are covered with scales and are located on the surface. The plant blooms with elongated large bells of different shades. There are also varieties with other flower shapes.
Distinctive features of Achimenes
Achimenes come in different varieties, taking into account the following characteristics:
- According to the type of stems, plants are erect and ampelous. Upright varieties have strong stems and grow upward. They are grown on the windowsill. Ampelous varieties have thin and quite flexible (going down) shoots. They are grown in the form of hanging flowerpots.
- According to the size of the flowers, Achimenes can have small, medium and large flowers. The flowers of small varieties reach a diameter of only 3 centimeters, while those of large-flowered varieties reach more than 5 centimeters.
- According to the type of flower, simple and double plants are distinguished. Double varieties sometimes bloom with simple, non-double flowers, but too abundantly;
- According to the color scheme, Achimenes bloom in blue and bright red shades. There are flowers of purple, white, yellow. The very first variety, on the basis of which other types of Achimenes were bred, was a flower with purple flowers.
There are also achimenes (varieties) with round and long flowers, as well as bell-shaped flowers.
First known varieties
To develop new varieties of Achimenes, the following plant species were used:
- Achimenes lion's throat has an erect stem with medium-sized flowers. Flowers with a yellow corolla and red veins. The foliage is light green with white fibers;
- The hanging plant of the Chetto variety has small flowers of a blue or purple hue, the foliage is small and green. The bushes grow compactly, so they are grown at home;
- The ampelous sweet achimenes has medium-sized flowers and a delicate aroma. The plant blooms with white bells, the petals of which are slightly bent back. In the throat of each flower there are yellowish spots with brown dots. The foliage of the bush is green with silvery fibers;
- erect achimenes has numerous flowers of a bright, rich, reddish hue and dark, green, small leaves with a red tint;
- The yellow ampelous achimenes has curly shoots, small flowers of bright yellow or orange color with dark reddish dots. The foliage is large, light green, located on burgundy-colored stems;
- Bushes of the White Glory variety are medium in size and formed from erect shoots. They bloom with large, white flowers, the middle of which is painted in a bright yellow hue. As the air temperature in the room decreases, the flower petals become covered with a lilac border. The foliage of a plant of this variety is bright green, diamond-shaped, and small in size.
Based on the listed varieties, breeders have developed other varieties of Achimenes, which allow flower lovers to choose a more suitable option for home cultivation.
Other varieties
In addition to the varieties described above, the following plant varieties are distinguished among Achimenes:
In addition to the varieties described above, there are other varieties of Achimenes. Thanks to this diversity, flower growers choose a more suitable plant for cultivation at home or in the garden, plant it and properly care for it.
Features of caring for varieties of Achimenes
In order for Achimenes of any variety or type to bloom profusely and for a long time, it is important to provide it with proper care. The plant also needs to be able to replant and feed correctly.
Lighting and growing temperature
The young plant can be grown on southern windowsills. You just need to cover it with a curtain from direct sunlight. When the plant begins to bloom, it is recommended to remove it from bright light.
It must be remembered that varieties with dark foliage prefer bright light more than varieties with variegated or light green coloring.
From spring to autumn, the plant needs to provide an air temperature of 22-24 degrees Celsius. In winter it should rest at a temperature of 15-18 degrees. It is recommended to lower the temperature gradually so that the roots are prepared for winter.
Selection of soil and features of its fertilization
It is recommended to plant any type of achimenes in nutritious soil with humus. For example, humus is mixed with turf soil, construction sand, and hydrogel, which allows moisture to better penetrate the rhizomes. Sometimes vermiculite, dry mullein or other useful substances are added to the soil.
Achimenes must be planted in a wide and not deep pot. The bottom of the container is lined with a drainage layer, for example, expanded clay. After placing the plant in a pot, it is important to cover it with a four-centimeter layer of soil.
The plant should be watered every day so that the soil does not dry out. Fertilizing should be applied to the soil once every 10 days during the period of plant growth and flowering. Achimenes is fertilized with a special complex fertilizer for indoor flowering flowerpots.
Features of transplantation
Achimenes are replanted annually in the spring, after wintering. After the end of the dormant period, you need to carefully remove the rhizomes from the pot, remove excess soil with your hands, leaving bare scaly tubers. Inspect the rhizomes carefully. Throw away the old ones and plant healthy nodules in prepared pots. If the plant's roots are dark brown, it means they will never recover.
If mold is found on the roots, it should be removed with a special fungicide. If the mold has penetrated deep into the plant, it is better to throw it away.
When replanting, it is important to remember that different varieties of Achimenes cannot be grown in the same pot. Since they may have different growth rates. Plants that are too fast may simply cause less active shoots to die.
When purchasing a flowering achimenes, replanting it is prohibited. When purchasing new shoots that have not yet been replanted after wintering, they can be replanted in fresh soil.
Features of watering and humidity
During the period of growth and flowering, Achimenes needs regular and abundant watering. It is recommended to water with soft and warm water. During the dormant period, the plant is not watered.
When watering, it is important to ensure that water does not get on the foliage and flowers. Therefore, it is applied strictly at the root.
It is important to create 60 percent humidity in the room. It is prohibited to spray the flower. If the air is too dry, the pot with the plant should be placed in a saucer with pebbles, which must be constantly moistened.
Carrying out pruning
In order for the bush to produce many shoots, they should be pinched when there are three leaves. After flowering, faded buds must be removed so that new ones can appear in their place.
Protection from diseases and pests
To prevent Achimenes from suffering from attacks by insects and other pests, it is recommended to regularly inspect it and, if necessary, provide timely assistance.
Any plant variety is susceptible to attack by aphids or mealybugs. To get rid of pests, it is recommended to treat Achimenes with Fitoverm or Aktara.
Winter care
After flowering ends, usually in winter, Achimenes enters a dormant period. In October you need to reduce watering. The plant will gradually prepare for winter. When it dries, its roots will take away all the juices. The ground dried part of the achimenes must be cut off. Place the pot with the root in a cool room with an air temperature of 18 degrees Celsius.
There is no need to water the root in winter. If the plant is very sorry, careful watering of the soil is allowed once every 30 days. It is important not to awaken the flower ahead of time by watering. If it so happens that Achimenes comes out of the dormant period earlier than the time allotted to it, place the pot in the light and increase the duration of daylight hours with special devices. Such actions will help the flowerpot develop normally even before the onset of spring. In the spring, replant into fresh soil and resume proper care.
Actions for abundant flowering
If the goal is to obtain abundantly flowering achimenes of any variety, it is recommended:
When choosing daylilies for a collection and when studying the descriptions of varieties, attention is always drawn to whether the variety is a diploid or a tetraploid.
Diploids carriers 22 chromosomes,tetraploids same 44 !
Initially, all daylilies were diploid, but in the middle of the 20th century a way was found to translate diploids V tetraploids. Parts of the daylily were treated with colchicine (an extract of the sap of the autumn colchicum), resulting in daylilies with 44 chromosomes!
Thus the first tetraploid varieties were obtained in the early fifties of the 20th century.
It was a breakthrough at the time tetraploids became incredibly in demand and surpassed diploid varieties!
Firstly - tetraploids have excellent growth and disease resistance.
Secondly, the size of the flower tetraploids more, the colors of the flowers are more intense and varied! Peduncles are more powerful and durable. Flower petals are also denser and waxy.
However, most terry varieties, as well as spiders, still remain diploid!
But such a strong difference was clearly expressed when comparing tetraploids with old varieties diploids!
Modern diploid varieties are not inferior tetraploids neither in the quality of the flower, the variety of colors, nor in the speed of growth, but in the size of the flowers they often even surpass tetraploids!
Additional benefits diploids this is a good opening of flowers in the early morning even after a cold night, and also in diploids there is no such drawback as fragility of peduncles, which some people suffer from tetraploids!
To summarize, we can say that modern varieties of diploids are in no way inferior to modern tetraploids, and in some characteristics even surpass them!
I love and happily purchase varieties from these two groups without giving preference to varieties based on ploidy characteristics!
But I use them in different ways in the garden landscape!
Diploids They look more elegant and airy! Peduncles (especially tall ones) with openwork branching bend slightly, creating the effect of spontaneous natural freedom and picturesqueness :-) Varieties with a height of 1.2 - 1.5 m look very organic against the background of low shrubs, in combination with cereals (especially molinia). Varieties within 1 m in height perfectly decorate the foreground of flower arrangements and beautifully frame the lawn!
Tetraploids Thanks to powerful, vertical peduncles, heavier flowers (the petals are very dense, waxy, in some varieties they seem simply porcelain) look more monumental and majestic! Such varieties are organic in regular, ceremonial compositions, against the background of conifers with a pyramidal or rounded crown, in borders, for framing garden paths.
Thanks to their pronounced differences, the varieties of these two groups allow us to play with them in an interesting and creative way in garden design!
Some examples of diploids and tetraploids
Diploids
According to the duration of the growing season they are divided into deciduous, or sleeping, semi-evergreen And evergreen. These differences are not directly related to the frost resistance of daylilies. For evergreen and semi-evergreen daylilies, it is not so much frost that is dangerous as strong, prolonged thaws. However, some of them can only winter in warm climates. Even if such varieties do not die in mild winters, they often grow poorly and practically do not bloom (" Panache", "Arabian Magic", "Black Ambrosia", "Court Magicien", "Purple Storm", "Born To Run", "Navajo Princess"). If you still decide to buy evergreen daylilies, choose varieties of early or early-mid flowering ( "Daring Dilemma", "Ed Brown", "Elizabeth Salter", "Sabine Baur", "Awash with Color", "Scarlet Orbit").
Duration of flowering of an individual flower
Based on the duration of flowering of an individual flower, daylilies are distinguished into daily (diurnal), nocturnal And extended flowering types. Daylilies bloom in the morning or at the beginning of the day and last until the evening - these are the majority. Nocturnal ones open in the evening and fade the next day in the afternoon, many of them. Long-blooming (a single flower lasts at least 16 hours) can bloom in the evening (" Apache Uprising", "Blue Happiness", "Clairvoyant Lady") or in the morning (" Always Afternoon") for almost a day. Night-blooming and long-flowering varieties are chosen by those who, after work, do not have time to admire the daytime ones. They can be planted near a terrace or pond with evening illumination.
Duration of flowering of the entire bush
The duration of flowering of the entire daylily bush is one of the most important characteristics of the variety. Among modern tetraploid varieties of daylilies, repeat flowering ones predominate: some time after the first wave of flowering, new flower stalks appear. This is only possible if there is a long warm summer; in central Russia in September there is already little light and heat. But there are also varieties where new flower stalks appear evenly after the start of flowering, sometimes up to three pieces grow from one fan of leaves. Among the most common varieties of daylilies are " Stella D'Oro", "Whooperee", "Happy Returns", "Cranberry Baby", "Little Christine".
Branching of peduncles in daylilies
The branching of daylily flower stalks can be three or even four times. For temperate climates, varieties with a high degree of branching (" Adamas", "Big Eyed Butterfly", "Complementary Colors", "Edged In Pink"). On each branch, one or two flowers bloom at the same time, and then the rest of the buds. In such daylilies, the total number of buds on one peduncle reaches 30-40, so the flowering is very long.
The coloring of daylily flowers
Purple, raspberry, cherry, brown and black varieties are best planted in a place protected from the heat of the day, as they absorb heat more than light ones. In bright sunshine, dark flowers can fade and acquire a uniform grayish color (" Diamant Noir", "Killer"). Some pink, raspberry, red and lilac varieties are covered with discolored spots. This is explained by the fact that the pigments that give pink, lilac, lavender and purple colors are most often located closer to the surface of the petals. Therefore, flowers are easily damaged in the sun, in strong rain or improper watering. Lemon, golden yellow and orange varieties are not afraid of sun and rain: yellow pigments are contained deeper in the tissues of the petals. If the daylily becomes covered with discolored spots in the sun or after rain, this is definitely a drawback of this variety, and nothing can be done about it ( " Blue Nile", "Forsyth Aristocrat"). It is better to purchase a resistant variety with a similar color (" Big Blue", "Rose Vision", "Ebony Velvet").
Flower opening in daylilies
Some daylilies will wilt prematurely in the sun on hot days, but if protected from the midday rays, they will bloom until late in the evening. And in other corrugated varieties, the flower cannot fully open due to lack of heat and light in our climate zone (" Dance Ballerina Dance"). It is especially disappointing when an expensive new item with a huge flower and a border in the form of popcorn or owl ears does not have enough strength for the petals to bloom due to the tightly adhered fringe. It is better to choose varieties with dense, but not very corrugated petals - they are more unpretentious in relation to to bad weather ( "Adorable Tiger", "Beyond The Moon", "Big Blue", "Classy Cast", "Corinthyan Pink", "Darlington County", "Destination", "Erin Lea", "Gene Crocker", "Highland Lord", "Judah", "Moon Dazzle", "Moonlit Masquerade", "Night Rider", "Orange Velvet", "Outrageous", "Royal Prestige", "Sheikh of Araby", "Strutters Ball", "Total Eclipse", " White Ibis", "White Temptation"). Many spiders and daylilies with flowers of unusual shapes open well in low light conditions (" Ruby
Spider", "Lilting Bell", "Heavenly Curls", "Plum Curls", "It's Soul Time"), as well as with small flowers (" Cavatine", "Gadsden Firefly", "Siloam Baby Talk", "Melomane", "Little Cristine", "Nabis").
Resistance of daylily flower stalks
In rainy weather, some varieties of daylilies with very large and heavy flowers may have peduncles that fall over - this happens with tall spiders with several flowers on one peduncle. (" Thin Man", "Ginger Twist"). Hybridizers strive to get rid of this disadvantage by creating varieties with strong and stable peduncles (" Sergeant Major", "Firebird Suite", "Mint Octopus").
Drawings on petals
New types of coloring and patterns on flowers have appeared in modern daylily varieties. This can be a green border along the edge of the petals, leopard spots, water circles around the throat, almost the entire flower, arrows, blue eyes with an ink outline. If such a spectacular variety of daylily is suitable for our climate due to its winter hardiness and grows well, then both its color and pattern will be complete. But they will not appear fully immediately. In general, most daylilies do not bloom to their full potential the next year after planting. It is even recommended to remove the first flower stalks so that the plants take root faster and gain strength. In colder climates, varieties with blue eyes exhibit better coloration than in hot countries.
Diploids and tetraploids
Tetraploid daylilies differ from diploid ones by a larger set of chromosomes, which means potential diversity in color and stability. You can often hear that tetraploids are better than diploids and that if a variety exists in two versions, then you need to choose the tetraversion. However, many varieties do not have any special external differences between their diplo and tetra varieties. For example, both versions " Lavender Blue Baby"grow and bloom equally well, but a diploid costs $15, and its tetraploid costs $75. Diploids and tetraploids have their own advantages and disadvantages, which manifest themselves when creating new varieties. But if you are not going to personally engage in hybridization, you should not attach much importance to this , which version of daylily to buy.
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TETRAPLOID (from the Greek tetrapl6os - fourfold and didos - species), an organism that has 4 main (haploid) sets of chromosomes (4p) in all body cells, or a separate cell with four haploid sets of chromosomes. In grapes, as in other plants, T. can arise spontaneously under normal natural conditions on industrial plantations in the form of large-berry somatic genomic mutations with a frequency of 1:25,000. They can also be obtained experimentally after treating grape plants with colchicine or gamma rays. The first natural tetraploid forms of grapes were discovered by B. Nebel (1929), who cytologically proved that large-berry clones of Muscat gigas and Sultanina gigas contain 4 haploid sets of chromosomes in somatic cells (An = 76). Some species of this genus, for example T. oliviforme Planch., have edible berries. Species of the genus T. are characterized by 3 somatics. set of chromosomes:
ordinary diploid plants of the same varieties contain 2 such sets (2 l = 38). Later, many T. grapes were identified among large-berry varieties (for example, White Kishmish, Gherkin, Malbec, Muscat of Alexandria, Rhenish Riesling, Portugieser, Tokay, Shabash, etc.). Tetraploid forms of grapes, resulting from spontaneous somatic mutations, are found in many countries with developed industrial viticulture. The most common and characteristic feature of T. grapes is an increase in the size of meristematic cells. However, ultimately, the size of an individual organ and the plant as a whole also depends on the number of cells and the degree of their stretching. Therefore, in T., an increase in size as a result of tetraploidy (the gigas effect) is most often observed and is most pronounced in organs with a final type of growth (for example, anthers, seeds, berries, bunches). It has also been established that in T. grapes there is a change in the growth rate, leading to an increase in habit in some varieties (for example, Shabash large-berry), when this indicator increases, or vice versa, to a decrease in the plant as a whole (for example, Sageret, Chasselas gros Kulyar pink ) if the growth rate decreases. It is especially important that under natural conditions, grape varieties usually self-pollinate and do not cross with related diploid grape plants, i.e., a genetic barrier arises between them. See also Autopolyploidy, Amphidiploid, Polyploidy.
Literature: Dermen X. Colchiploidy in grapes. - In the book: Polyploidy: Sat. articles / Ed. P.A.Baranova, B.L.Astaurova. M., 1956; Golodriga P. Ya. et al. Spontaneous tetraploid mutants of grapes. - Cytology and genetics, 1970, vol. 4, No. 1; Rudenko I. S., Zotkin I. I. Autotetraploid form of grapes. - Izv. Academy of Sciences of Moldova, ser. biol. and chem. Sciences, 1972, No. 5; Topale Sh. G. Polyploidy in grapes. - K., 1983; Rives M., Pouget R. Le chasselas Gros Coulard - mutant tetraploide. - Vitis, 1959, Bd.2, H. 1.