Pinguicula from Sumidero

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TAXONOMY:

Family : Lentibulariaceae

Genus : Pinguicula

Name : not yet published, the plants from a close origin can be found under the unpublished names Pinguicula sumidero  (forma 1 or 2), and Pinguicula from Canon del Sumidero (forma 1 or 2) and Pinguicula from Canyon del Sumidero (forma 1 or 2)

 

Sub-classification (Casper) : link

Publication : no publication

DESCRIPTION :

- soon - 

ORIGIN AND HISTORY :

These plants are labelled "Sumidero". This is a well known tourists spot in Chiapas called in fact  Sumidero Canyon (Canon del Sumidero in Mexican). It is a national park. I have been told that the famous Andreas Wistuba could have been the introducer of these plants in culture via his no less famous carnivorous plants nursery.  According to the flower of one of the form (forma 2), it could be possible that we are facing a new unpublished species.... It could be two populations of the same species or two different species.  Hope to see also soon the flower of the forma 1 in culture to confirm this hypothesis.

 

The plants can be found on the Christmas tree. (information received in august 2004).

Map / LOCALISATION : 

 

Sumidero Canyon is near San Cristobal in the state of Chiapas. It is an awe inspiring canyon whose dramatic cliffs of up to one kilometer high and the river's depth of up to 100 meters deep dwarf anything in its presence. You can take a boat ride along part of the canyon which is most enjoyable. Wild monkeys and iguana inhabit the area.

 

One of the famous spot is the fantastic Christmas Tree falls. The waterfall consists of unusual rock tiers which were covered in green ground cover which looked like think moss, with purple flowers.  During the wet season when the rain fall is heavy, the fall's water looks like snow falling from the bows of a Christmas tree.

 

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

 

HABITAT:         

The plants can be found growing on the Christmas tree over the Sumidero river. It means that the atmosphere around  the plants are very wet. 

Introduction in culture :

I got the two forms from Andreas Wistuba carnivorous plants nursery.  

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 may 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.  

 

Multiplication : 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 particularly with it's white base as the new plantlets will sprout from this area. Don't try with the summer leaves, it is harder.

PICTURES: (click to enlarge)