When Should a Clone be Singled Out?

A New Clone of Bridal Veil

 

                     When should a clone be singled out?

 

Tahitian Bridal Veil has been around forever as an easy houseplant.  It has narrow, pointy leaves that are dull green and gives small white flowers when mature.

 

            My friend Bob found a plant with very purple leaves.  He had never seen this purple color on Bridal Veil and bought me one.

 

            The definition of a rare plant is one that you’ve never seen before.  This purple color is unique and is distinctively different from the normal green leaves.

 

            Looking around on the internet, you can find this version of an easy houseplant.  So, it’s not rare for those who grow it.  But it is worth noting.

 

            A plant can be singled out for naming if it is distinctive and can be vegetatively propagated.  But who decides?

 

            The botanical name is Gibasis pellucida everywhere in the world.  Cultivated varieties (cv.) are permissible if distinctive.  I say this plant deserves recognition with its own clone name.

 

            Gibasis pellucida cv. ‘Very Purple’

 

            The common name will be Very Purple Tahitian Bridal Veil.  I’ll need to shop this around to see if appropriate.

 

            Will this name catch on?  Only if a grower champions the idea and produces thousands of them.