When I think back, they are the reason I began growing Brugmansia. It was Methysticodendron amnesianum, I think it is spelled (now Culebra). Had been reading lots of Wade Davis books, that included plenty of info on his mentor R.E. Shultes, both plant explorers. Schultes just died, but Davis tours giving lectures and I HIGHLY reccommend seeing him if you can. I know Culebra is getting around nicely, and Quinde is in good hands, how about the others does anyone know?
Dennis
Have the Sibundoy Brugs been found?
Tonny - has Quinde. I think he might have another one too. He's been a busy guy lately but he'll be around sooner or later.
Dennis, there are many mutated forms of mostly candidas in the sibundoy valley.Collection of wild plants is not an option at the moment as ALL wild brugs as well as cultivated forms are forbidden from Columbia...potyvirus can destroy any lind of solanacae plants and it is widespread in the wild in columbia.The most unusual type I think of is Munchira...with its tiny tiny leaves and huge flowers!Most of these plants are coveted by the sibundoy indians...especially the shamans.Very hard to remove and the government of columbia is on the verge of breakdown so the State Dept doesn't reccomend any US residents visit there. :-)
Kyle, yes it's just a shame what is happening with the CDP. And Columbia's civil unstability! What I was hoping was the possibility of clones taken back in the 60's and 70's, that had been in cultivation in private collections perhaps, that were known to be safe, if anything like this is known to be true. If they are not out of Sibundoy, possibilities are the strains could go extinct. This is my feeling and not necessarily the truth but it is hinted in literature I had read and what I know about cultivars, that most mutations will not come true from seed, so if the cultivar is lost, it is gone. From what I have read, Culebra was only ever propagated by the Kamsa vegetatively. I can't wait to see what my culebra x jamaican yellow will look like, though the leaves have lost most/all culebra characteristics.
If anyone is interested in reading interesting points about the Sibundoy brugs, look for a book called Plants of the Gods, Richard Evans Schultes/Albert Hofmann. Good explanations of the historical uses etc.
Dennis
I have that book. Another interesting one is "The Marriage of the Sun and the Moon" by Andrew Weil. You should check it out if you get a chance.
I will Poppysue, thanks for the heads up.