ISHS Acta Horticulturae 683: V International Symposium on New Floricultural Crops
EVALUATION OF HEBENSTRETIA DURA: AN ACADEMIC 2002 PLANT TRIAL IN SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA PROVIDES INTELLECTUAL SUPPORT THAT ENCOURAGES SOUTH AFRICA TO REAP THE REWARDS OF ITS FLORAL HERITAGE |
| Author: | M. Daly |
| Keywords: | ornamental plant evaluation, CBD, Convention on Biological Diversity, benefit sharing |
| Abstract:
Hebenstretia dura is a little known South African plant that was evaluated for its horticultural qualities in a 2002 plant trial in Pennsylvania, USA. Plants were grown from seed obtained from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Twelve weekly evaluations were made from 2 July to 22 September. A well-defined, numerical rating system provided objective, repeatable data. Evaluation criteria included vigor; resistance to disease and pests; uniformity of size; flower appearance; bloom percentage; uniformity of bloom; and foliage appearance. Weekly performance scores, season performance score, season flower performance score, and bloom period were calculated. Hebenstretia dura formed a bushy clump 40 cm tall by 25 cm wide. Attractive, glossy green foliage grew densely along upright stems and remained remarkably vibrant even through frost. Diminutive, 10 mm, white flowers opened as they progressed up 10 cm terminal spikes. Flowers were fragrant at night, attracted butterflies, and bloomed strongly for 5 weeks. Performance strengths were: vigor, resistance to disease and pests, uniformity of size, and foliage appearance. Hebenstretia dura’s ease of cultivation, unique blooms, glossy foliage, and small stature make it an ideal plant for intimate, outdoor living spaces where its sweet fragrance can be appreciated on warm summer evenings. This research suggests that South Africa should develop and promote Hebenstretia dura’s use in summer gardens at home and abroad. Many indigenous South African plants can be grown as annuals in colder, more temperate regions. For centuries plant explorers exploited South Africa’s rich floral resources. Now, when outsiders look to South Africa for new plant material, commercialization must be done within the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This plant trial respects South Africa’s sovereign rights to the genetic material found in its indigenous floral treasures and encourages efforts that will help the South African people profit from their floral heritage. | |
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