The wingthorn rose (f. pteracantha from the Greek, pteryx = wing and acantha = thorn) is a large-prickled selection of R. omeiensis that is highly decorative. The young prickles are a rich red, turning purple and brown with age.
This form was named by Rehder and Wilson from E.H. ("Chinese") Wilson's collections in China. The trait (broad-based thorns) also occurs in the related R. sericea (as Rosa sericea forma pteracantha of Franchet). The close relationship between R. sericea and R. omeiensis has been commented on in another post.
When well-developed the prickles add decorative interest and seldom fail to draw comments from garden visitors.
No comments:
Post a Comment