Part 108 - Field notes on Primula specimens Nos. 3206 and 3228

1 page

SUMMARY:
Notes compare Primula gracilipes var. (No. 3206) with P. Boothii and P. whitei across altitudes and relate it to a prior specimen from Nyuksam La in March 1936. Also assesses No. 3228 as P. sikkimensis (alpine form) or P. Hopeana, noting pale yellow flowers with reddish suffusion, possible hybridization, absence of P. Waltoni nearby, and a pink form seen on the Tulung La in 1934.

CONTENT:
flower approximates much closer to P. sikkimensis than our collection in Tsari.

No. 3206. Primula gracilipes var. The normal P. Boothii grows at 7000-9000 ft. It is now over seed, and has grown to a huge size. Above that there is usually a space, then P. whitei takes its place. P. whitei, except at 14000' is now just coming into ripe seed. At 14000 it is still just in flower. No 3206 starts at about 12000 - goes on to 14000 ft. It is still in flower at 13-14000. No seed of this high variety is nearly ripe yet. I doubt if it will grow as big a scape as the low variety, or as big leaves, though this looks more possible. (See if it grows the leaves in the umbel as does P. Boothii). No 3206 must be the same as my No 1178 from the Nyuksam La in March 1936.

No. 3228. P. sikkimensis (alpine form) or P. Hopeana? This is pale yellow in colour, appears otherwise the same as 3227 P Hopeana. The corolla is suffused with a reddish tinge. Perhaps this is due to hybridization. No P. Waltoni known to be near. I got a very definite pink form on the Tulung La in 1934.