DG Site Updates: Proposal: Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) Forum, 1 by Michael_Ronayne

Michael_Ronayne wrote:
I am attempting to root Dianthus barbatus Green Trick cuttings in Perlite (Miracle Gro) using one node, two node and the larger cuttings from the green ball in a transparent plastic container to maintain humidity. Before harvesting cuttings, I dissected one of the green balls to give an internal view of the structure. The green ball is a highly modified main stem where the nodes are growing very close together but are still staggered at 90º rotations to the nodes above and below. At each node there is leaf and proliferation on opposite sides of the stem where the proliferations intern become two new stems with their own nodes, leaves and proliferations until the outer surface of the green ball is formed which is comprised of very small leaves. Basically the Dianthus barbatus Green Trick is an excellent example of a living Fractal assemblage which is comprised of increasingly smaller identical subassemblies. To learn more about Fractals review the flowing link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fractal

In nature we encounter structures which at first appear to be very complex until it is realized that they can be described by simple recursive mathematically expressions encoded into living DNA. Understanding the underlying mathematics only enhances the beauty of the living structures.

In answer to a question raised by Leftwood the stems of Dianthus caryophyllus are filled with a soft central pulp while the stems of Dianthus barbatus are hollow between the nodes. If I had access to grafting wax I would most likely have applied it to the tops of each cut stem.

My local Shop Rite is sold-out of Dianthus barbatus Green Trick and we will have to see if they get anymore in. I hope the attached photograph is of interest and I will let everyone know if I have any success rooting the cuttings in four to six weeks.

Mike