Articles
SCARLET BLOODROOT (HAEMODORUM COCCINEUM) – A NEW AUSTRALIAN CUTFLOWER CROP
Article number
541_13
Pages
91 – 97
Language
English
Abstract
Australias major production seasons for cut flowers derived from the native flora are winter and spring, which coincide with summer and autumn in the important flower markets of the northern hemisphere. Relatively little product is available for the northern winter despite strong demand.
This paper explores the potential of a species from northern Australia, Haemodorum coccineum (scarlet bloodroot), as a summer flowering cut flower crop.
Despite being very easy to propagate, growth of H. coccineum appears to require soil temperatures in excess of 22ºC at rhizome depth. This unique dormancy mechanism may limit production to tropical environments.
This paper explores the potential of a species from northern Australia, Haemodorum coccineum (scarlet bloodroot), as a summer flowering cut flower crop.
Despite being very easy to propagate, growth of H. coccineum appears to require soil temperatures in excess of 22ºC at rhizome depth. This unique dormancy mechanism may limit production to tropical environments.
Authors
IAIN Dawson
Keywords
Dormancy; eco-physiology; flower initiation; propagation; soil temperature; vase life
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