'Pin-eyed' an 'Thrum-eyed' Primroses

[Dorts]

What forms have you got?

As many will know, Primroses come in two distinct forms, Pin-eyed and Thrum-eyed. I though it would be interesting to know who's got what around the country.

I,ve just had a look-around this-morning and here we seem to have about 75% 'pin' and 25% 'thrum'.

In pin-eyed, the stigma is above the anthers; in thrum-eyed it is the other way round with the anthers prominent. This is how primulas of the same species help to avoid self pollination

Here's what to look for.


A 'pin-eyed' Primrose;


A 'thrum-eyed Primrose.

Dorts.

[sunnydale]

Well, I had no idea there was a difference!

Now I know to take more notice next time I see a Primrose!

Thanks Dorts. I learn new something every day via WAB!!

Tracey

[Deb London]

Very interesting. Does the same thing happen with the native ones Dorts?

[The Woodman]

I remember this from biology at school!

The "pin" is self explanatory but what about the "thrum"?

It's not a musical or textile word, what about "Thrum a band; a troop; a crowded area; a bundle of arrows, 1450"

Does that make any sense or is there another description?

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

I remember this from biology at school!

The "pin" is self explanatory but what about the "thrum"?

It's not a musical or textile word, what about "Thrum a band; a troop; a crowded area; a bundle of arrows, 1450"

Does that make any sense or is there another description?

Good question. I only know of 'thrum' being used in the musical context as in a 'thrumming' sound.

Re. Primroses, perhaps 'thrum' is a corruption of some long lost word?

Originally Posted by Deb London

Very interesting. Does the same thing happen with the native ones Dorts?

Primroses are native Deb, and as far as I am aware, this mechanism to avoid 'cross-pollination' can be found in all primula species.
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I have just discovered that a 'Thrum' is an old kind of 'Knitted Cap', so maybe there's our answer?
Dorts.

[thunder]

You do get intermediates between pin-eyed and thrum-eyed, as well. I have seen a short paper about it, which I will try and track down.

henrya

[thunder]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

It's not a musical or textile word

My dictionary says of thrum - the end of a weaver's thread.

The anthers do look a bit like the cut end of a bit of thick thread (at least to me)

henrya

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by thunder

My dictionary says of thrum - the end of a weaver's thread.

The anthers do look a bit like the cut end of a bit of thick thread (at least to me)

henrya

Sounds good to me henrya! Thanks.
Dorts.

[Ladywell]

Well Dorts - every time I read your posts I learn something new - what a wealth of knowledge you have. Thank you.

[The Woodman]

Originally Posted by thunder

My dictionary says of thrum - the end of a weaver's thread.

The anthers do look a bit like the cut end of a bit of thick thread (at least to me)

henrya

That'll do for me too, thunder. There was a weaving connection in one dictionary I looked in but it didn't make sense if applied to the flower components.