Lords/Ladies Question

KeenTeen17 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 08:29 PM

I have noticed that some lords/ladies have yellow spadyxes whereas some have purple. Is there a reason for this?

Is the yellow one A. italica like this one?

Thanks

diggleken · #2 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 08:47 PM

Dont have an answer KT, but potentially stages of maturity cause differences, even at the same site, plus substrate type might affect colour? And light/shade! Like some plants depend on minerals /trace elements/PH for colouration? (Hydrangea springs to mind).

hey ho, someone will know!
Ken

KeenTeen17 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 08:50 PM

Thanks for all your info Ken. You're probably right. I came across
this on BWS, could it be a possibility for this one?
Arum italicum ssp. neglectum

diggleken · #4 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 09:02 PM

errrrr - I wouldnt begin to be sure, to be sure.
Then I decided not to be lazy and looked it up in CTW, always a good guide - it says the terminal portion of the spadix is dull purple, rarely yellow for maculatum.
Neglectum (italicum) its ALWAYS yellow or orange yellow.
There are hybrids though with spotted leaves!
The spathe itself may be a better way - maculatum it is pale yellow green, sometimes purple spotted, but neglectum isnt spotted at all, but the tip is deflexed.
Maculatum is throughout, generally shady woods as we know up north, neglectum is south coast and closeish to sea in stony ground.
Any more help to you mate?

Cheers
Ken