Pinguicula rectifolia from 'Huahuapan'

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TAXONOMY:

Family : Lentibulariaceae

 

Genus : Pinguicula

 

NamePinguicula 'Huahuapan' can be also found under the names Pinguicula moranensis 'Huahuapan', Pinguicula sp. Huahuapan...

 

Sub-classification (Casper) : link

 

Publication : By Adrian Slack in "Insect-Eat.Pl. & How to Grow Them" :110 (1986)

DESCRIPTION : (By A. Slack) 

 

"(...) Thus, in [Pinguicula ' Mitla ' {auct. non Hort.Slack: Hort.Slack}] the purplish to carmine pink (corolla) lobes are so narrow as to give a spidery appearance; they are rather less so in [Pinguicula ' Huahuapan ' {Hort.Slack}], and of lilac pink with crimson touches at their base. In [Pinguicula ' Vera Cruz ' {Hort.Slack}] the flower is of similar form to [Pinguicula moranensis {H.B.K.} var.caudata {(Schlecht.) Hort.Slack}], but it is of deep rose with more substantial basal marking."

ORIGIN AND HISTORY :

No data. This plant looks close to Pinguicula rectifolia but with a little darker flower and can be in fact a P. rectifolia collected near Huahuapan de Leon (Oaxaca). 

Map / LOCALISATION:

No precise localisation but according to the name, the plants could grow near Huahuapan de Leon in the state of Oaxaca in Mexico. Huahuapan de Leon is also written Huajuapan de leon. 

 

(click on the map for better location and relief map)

 

 

HABITAT:

No data. 

Introduction in culture :

This clone is grown worldwide and can easily be found in various carnivorous plants nurseries.

CULTURE AND MULTIPLICATION : 

(North hemisphere, France near Paris, in a polycarbonate greenhouse - see the map -)

Life cycle : The life cycle observed in culture for this Pinguicula consists of two seasons, one wet and the other dry (see link). The plant forms different leaf rosettes according to the season. During the resting months (winter) the small succulent rosette is composed of numerous non-carnivorous leaves. The carnivorous leaves are produced in spring and during all summer. The life cycle of the plant is probably similar in it's native habitat.

 

Media : I use a 100 % mineral media : 2 perlite, 2 vermiculite, 1 small sand (for aquarium), 1 fine white sand, 1 pouzzolane (volcanic lava), 1 aqualit (expansed ceramic for aquarium). The aqualit can be replaced by 1 of pouzzolane. Plants in this media grow slower but have a stronger root system.

 

Pot : plastic, colour terracotta, diameter 12.5cm, height 12cm.

 

Cultivation : I think that a slightly airy situation inside the greenhouse is important to avoid air stagnation. For this reason, I use a fan 24h/24h all the year round.

Watering is very important : from May to September (summer). I let the media drying slightly between two watering. I use rain water poured on the top of the pot taking care not to wet the rosette.  From October to April, It is important to let the media drying completely (no watering) but with an atmospheric humidity of about 80%.

The mentioned months are indicative and can change according to your own growing conditions. In fact, when this Pinguicula begins to produce its non-carnivorous leaves, you have to stop watering and let the pot drying out completely. Inversely, when the plant begins to produce in early spring its carnivorous leaves, you have to progressively start watering again the pot.

Temperatures : during growth period, day temperatures are about 25°C but can reach 35°C when the sun is shining on the greenhouse in spite of the use of shading covers. Night temperatures are around 20°C. During resting period : day/night over freezing point. Lower temperature observed : - 4°C. I use an electronic petroleum heater to provide heat.

Flowering period :

 

Multiplication : I have never succeeded in pollinating the flowers of this Pinguicula. So I don't know the seeds. The plants can be propagated easily using non-carnivorous leaves separated from the rosette at the end of winter. You only have to carefully tear out the totality of the leaf including the white base as the plantlets will sprout from this area.

 PICTURES: (click to enlarge)

 

 

Summer rosette of Pinguicula from Huahuapan.

 

Photo : Eric Partrat

- October 2002  -

Pinguicula from Huahuapan flowering in Vic Brown's culture.

Photo : Vic. Brown

A flower of Pinguicula rectifolia. Some growers have noted that the Pinguicula from Huahuapan could be also a P. rectifolia (originated also from the same area !).

Photo : Vic. Brown