INTRODUCTION
Omphalogramma belongs
to Primulaceae and is close related to Primula, to which it earlier was
included.
The biggest part of the different species was described of the botanists
in the end of the 19. and the beginning of the 20. century.
Some of the species first was included to Primula, but is
later removed to Omphalogramma.
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION
Omphalogramma is a
perennial
with a vigorous woody rhizome. The leaf is basal, petiolate, normally a
little brown marbled. Only one scape in each rosette, without bracts.
The calyx has 5-7 lobes to base. They are linear- to lanceolate. The
corolla is funnel-formed, rarely bell-shaped to undulate, 5-7 lobed,
lobes entire, with clearly crenate or dentate margin.
5-7 stamens, filaments glabrous or pubescent, anthers oblong to ovate,
apex obtuse. Ovary ovoid, superior. Capsule oblong to cylindrical and
dehiscing by short valves.
OMPHALOGRAMMA
IN NATURE
Omphalogramma
is, according to Flora of China, where most of the following
information comes from, a genus of about 9 species (another place
informed to 15 species),
who all grows in E.Himalaya, V.China and N.Myanmar; 9 of the species in
China. It's only succeeded me to find description for the 12 species.
Omphalogramma
grows in mountains in an altitude at 2.200-4.700 meter, in open grass
meadows, in forest thickets, in shrubs, in rocky slopes and some in bog
areas.
OMPHALOGRAMMA
IN CULTURE
Omphalogramma
is
not very well known in culture,
and you must be lucky to get a plant.
It is a very beautiful plant with its upright
Gloxinia-looking flowers,
which will decorate in each garden.
It is one of the genus where we like to enlarge our assortment.
Until now we only have O. delavayi, O. vinciflorum and O. forrestii.
The last named hasn't bloomed yet, and maybe it shows to be one of the
two first named.
Omphalogramma
need a
moist, moderately fertile, humus rich soil with a good drainage in
half shade. It dos not like big change of temperature, so a place on the
shadow-side of for example a stone will be good, so the roots can get
the cool, moist climate under the stone. In winter the plant needs a dry
place, so cover eventually with glass or something similar.
In alpine house the plant needs a moist, fertile soil with a good
drainage in half-shade.
Omphalogramma is at
titbit for
pest. Snails and larvae often eats the leaves,
and by cultivation under glass the plant is an easy offer for white
flies and other insects.
Propagation is by dividing after flowering or by seed in spring. It can
take 3 to 5 years from seed until the plant blooms. On the other hand
Omphalogramma is one of the longest living in the family.
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