Selecting N. bicalcarata Clones

[rainforest]

It has always been an intention of mine to select clones of N. bical for use in selective breeding. While many advocates of nepenthes say that this species is too uniform or have no varietal clones, I beg to differ in these first generation seed-grown plants of bicals.
All plants are grown in the same media in 8 inch hanging baskets under the exact same cultural conditions.
Here is a form with speckled under lid design and lime green edged pink body.

Here is the same pitcher in another angle.

Note the distinct green inner peristome contrast.

Here is another with somewhat orange-red pitchers and some color inside the peristome region.


And another with darker markings borderline a black edge to an otherwise greener pitcher with just some red on the wings.


Here is another with less red and a somewhat thickened tendril attachment somewhat squat pitcher.



I will go back and retake more shots as not all of them came out focused. Will try to show that some had red underlids, and others wit green lids. Plus an assortment of color features.

M

[lamwn]

Hi Rainforest,
they all look very nice, thanks for sharing.
Do you notice any variations in colour caused by the microclimates each pitcher is exposed to?
I am not at all disagreeing with your observations on variation, but the colours on my bicals seem to be quite largely affected by the humidity and darkness each individual pitcher ends up in - i.e. those in darker more humid areas (e.g. behind the pot) may turn redder with red peristome, whereas those on more open spots keep a green with orange tanned peristome throughout their life....pitchers on the same plant.
Anyway, i find the variation in form of the 4th and 5th pics quite interesting.
thanks!

[stevestewart]

Hello Rainforest,

I think there is a great deal of variation in the species N. bicalcarata. Anyone that says the species is too uniform for any selection, simply hasn't seen enough individual plants to know differently. A rose is a rose unless you are a rosarian. ;D

Pitcher-leaf ratio, length of internodes, nectar production, "fang" placement (some stay crossed) & length (some are short), pitcher color and general plant vigor are just a few of the differences I have seen in sibling N. bical. growing side by side in a greenhouse.

I personally like to see vigorous plants that have short internodes and large red, "drooling" pitchers on short leaves with well spaced fangs that are not crossed. But I'm picky that way.

It would be interesting to read what others like for selections in this variable species.

Take care,
good selecting!
Steven Stewart

[rainforest]

Many thanks for your response and input. I have been collecting bicals for quite some time. I have seen much variation and will hopefully be able to make some selective crosses this year if all my plants flower together.
These clones photographed were all grown together in the exact same container growing, same media and same lighting. These are grown in full sun and in hanging pots with drip lines to each so they all get the same watering, nutrients, etc. These are all seedlings and are grown hard.
Other selections aside from color/shape or form is compactness. I have seen individual plants that don't grow large. I used to think it was due to insufficient fertilizings or maybe a small container or just maybe poor root development. But some plants are just small, compact, tight growing. I have these set aside and continue to try and make them become monsters, but so far no luck. Then there are the ones that might be introgressed hybrids crossed back to bicals. These sometimes have some blotching to their pitchers or even somewhat wider peristomes (ampullaria/Hookeriana traits?) so these are marked as uncertain bicalcaratas.
Then there is the elusive "black" bical that I have never seen personally, but seen offered for sale elsewhere. Anyone owns a black bical that they'd like to share a photo of?

I will try to get more snaps. Most of my shots were out of focus and will need to shoot those that have distinctly different colors and shapes.
This thread to be continued.

Michael

[rainforest]

I have begun to select and recognize various seed original clones of N. bicalcarata. I would like to perhaps begin a species parent stock list for species to alert those who might have a particular species in bloom or soon to bloom.

Any suggestions for this?

I am also curious who else owns N. bicalcarata from seed and have unique clones to mention.

M