We have an opportunity to bring in a new Colocasia from China that our parent company would offer to wholesale nurseries, and I wanted to see what the general reaction to it is.
It would be brought in as a stage III micro cutting to be rooted in liners, so it would be some time before it's found in any garden center, but I thought where better to get some good feedback on a new item than here.
YES!!!!!!!!!!
WOW! Look at those stems!
I think it would definitely sell, but as you well know the price will be the real decider. I find that avid people of any hobby will scrimp and save and splurge on one or two items so I think that is the question you need to ask yourself and your audience...Would you splurge on this plant? And of course how long it would take from import to time of having enough to sell and then there is the threat of someone larger getting it on the market faster and in larger volume....but to answer your question...yes, I would spend my hard earned money on this specimen.
Thanks Dale.
Yes, these things typically take time to get to the retail level. Minimum of 2 years. It's pateneted in China, and we are being offered the exclusive here in the States, so there's not a danger of someone else getting it to market before us.
When new introductions are offered we typically check with growers, and many things are hit and miss. Curcuma, for example, is something we had high expectations for at the commercial level, and had a dismal response. At the retail and mail order, it's been a huge success, which makes me wonder if commercial growers are in touch with what the consumer is really interested in.
I figured this forum was a good place to get seem feedback on potential new introductions, though it contains more of the serious gardeners, than those that shop the mass merchandisers.
I'LL TAKE TWO!!!!!!Are they selling it as Colocasia?sure looks to be Alocasia to me.?
Seriously now I'LL TAKE TWO!!!LOL!
can't wait for it to hit the market!
Please keep us posted.
Bob
Bob,
They're saying Colocasia, but the taxonomy in that region is so messed up, I take it with a grain of salt.
We just heard from one of our salespeople that Agristarts already has it, so we're checking to see if it's the same. If it's the same or real close, needless to say we will pass on the offer from China.
Just went surfing,I wonder if this is the one they are calling New Guinea gold?
I am also looking for A.Superba,if you ever run across it.
Bob
This plant is an alocasia..the split in the top of the leaf goes all the way to the stem..colocasias don't do that.
Very beautiful plant. :-)
