An unknown Tradescantia ID'd by Oron as Elasis hirsuta

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violapinnata

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An unknown Tradescantia ID'd by Oron as Elasis hirsuta
« on: October 18, 2013, 08:14:52 PM »
Good morning everyone, I photographed last week (in pots but outdoors) what I believe to be a Tradescantia (or a Callisia). But I can not identify it further. Can anyone help me?
« Last Edit: October 19, 2013, 07:43:54 AM by Alisdair »
I love and viisite gardens on the french and italian coast and i love photography.

Trevor Australis

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Re: An unknown Tradescantia needing ID
« Reply #1 on: October 18, 2013, 10:12:43 PM »
I suggest it is a colour form of Tradescantia virginiana. We have white and deep blue, and one with yellow leaves and deep blue flowers - all quite good in our Med garden in the Adelaide Hills. I don't water them through summer so they suffer somewhat but always increase and return year after year.
M Land. Arch., B. Sp. Ed. Teacher, traveller and usually climate compatible.

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oron peri

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Re: An unknown Tradescantia needing ID
« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2013, 07:24:00 AM »
Your plant is Elasis hirsuta (syn Tradescantia hirsuta) originated to Mexico,
a recent cultivar is known under the name Tradescantia 'Swallowtail'.
« Last Edit: October 19, 2013, 07:43:10 AM by Alisdair »
Garden Designer, Bulb man, Botanical tours guide.
Living and gardening in Tivon, Lower Galilee region, North Israel.
Min temp 5c Max 42c, around 450mm rain.

violapinnata

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Re: An unknown Tradescantia ID'd by Oron as Elasis hirsuta
« Reply #3 on: October 19, 2013, 11:44:19 AM »
Many thanks Oron, In fact, I had come to a similar conclusion. My doubt is among Tradescantia hirta D.R.Hunt ( synon.: Setcreasea hirsuta Markgr.)  and Elasis hirsuta (Kunth) D.R.Hunt (synon.: Tradescantia hirsuta Kunth )
see for example:
http://www.plantillustrations.org/illustration.php?id_illustration=39835
http://www.tropicos.org/Name/50299071
« Last Edit: October 19, 2013, 11:57:16 AM by violapinnata »
I love and viisite gardens on the french and italian coast and i love photography.

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oron peri

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Re: An unknown Tradescantia ID'd by Oron as Elasis hirsuta
« Reply #4 on: October 19, 2013, 12:40:32 PM »
I had the same doubt as there is much confusion between the two species.
 We need to read the original descriptions of the two in order to decide which is which.
Garden Designer, Bulb man, Botanical tours guide.
Living and gardening in Tivon, Lower Galilee region, North Israel.
Min temp 5c Max 42c, around 450mm rain.