Patent Application
20140157466
The Latin name of the genus and species of the novel variety disclosed herein is Callistemon viminalis.
The inventive variety of Callistemon viminalis disclosed herein has been given the variety denomination ‘LC01’.
The present invention relates to a new and distinct perennial variety of Callistemon viminalis, which has been given the variety denomination of ‘LC01’. Its market class is that of an ornamental tree or shrub. ‘LC01’ is intended for use in landscaping as a small tree or hedge shrub.
Parentage: The Callistemon viminalis variety ‘LC01’ was the result of a controlled pollination between seed parent Callistemon viminalis ‘x2003.1.1’ (unpatented) and pollen Callistemon viminalis ‘x2003.1.3’ (unpatented) in September 2005 at the Plant Breeding Institute in Cobbitty in the state of New South Wales, Australia. These parents were, themselves, progeny of a previous cross pollination of two well known forms of Callistemon which are Callistemon viminalis ‘Captain Cook’ (unpatented) and Callistemon viminalis ‘Little John’ (unpatented). Both parents exhibited an intermediate size, improved vigor and improved flower habit. Resultant seed from the controlled pollination of 2005 were collected and germinated during 2006 and transplanted to the field in 10 cm pots in September of 2006. Initial selection took place in September 2009 on the criteria of more compact and bushy habit, deep green foliage and a superior flower display compared to that of the parent plants and also other seedling accessions from the same parent cross. In 2010 trials and evaluation continued including confirmation of DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability) and commercial propagation by cuttings. The cultivar was named ‘LC01’.
Asexual Reproduction: ‘LC01’ is propagated asexually by division. The distinctive characteristics of the inventive ‘LC01’ variety are stable from generation to generation; clones of the variety produced by asexual reproduction maintain the distinguishing characteristics of the original plant.
‘LC01’ is a distinctive variety of Callistemon viminalis which is characterized by the combination of a short to medium height, an erect to semi erect shrub habit and a high flower density.
The following is a detailed botanical description of a new and distinct variety of Callistemon viminalis known as ‘LC01’ based upon observations of 24-month old plants grown from rooted cuttings into 200 mm nursery pots in full sun in open beds in Clarendon, New South Wales, Australia during spring 2009 to summer 2010. Unless indicated otherwise, the descriptions disclosed herein are based upon observations made from mature ‘LC01’ plants grown in full sun from rooted cuttings filled with soilless potting media, maintained with granular slow release fertilizer, and regularly watered with overhead irrigation. No pest and disease measures were taken. Observation data was recorded in summer of 2010.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain characteristics will vary with older or, conversely, with younger plants. ‘LC01’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. Where dimensions, sizes, colors and other characteristics are given, it is to be understood that such characteristics are approximations or averages set forth as accurately as practicable. The phenotype of the variety may differ from the descriptions set forth herein with variations in environmental, climactic and cultural conditions. Color notations are based on The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, The Royal Horticultural Society, London, 2001 edition.
A botanical description of ‘LC01’ and comparisons with other varieties of Callistemon viminalis are provided below.
‘LC01’ is characterized by the combination of a short to medium height, large leaves, deep green foliage, and large inflorescence when compared to that of the parent plants, other seedling accessions from the same parent cross as well as other cultivars known to the breeder. There are two commercially available cultivars, known to the breeder, that have a similar form as ‘LC01’ Callistemon viminalis ‘Matthew Flinders’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,314) and Callistemon viminalis ‘Little John’ (unpatented).
Both ‘Matthew Flinders’ and ‘Little John’ are short Callistemon cultivars with an approximate height and width of 1 m whereas ‘LC01’ is larger with a height of approximately 1.8 m and a spread of 1.5 m. The foliage of ‘LC01’ is larger than both that of ‘Matthew Flinders’ and ‘Little John’ which gives ‘LC01’ a more dense and compact habit. ‘Matthew Flinders’ has foliage dimensions of 32 mm long and 6 mm wide whereas ‘LC01’ has much larger foliage that measures 47 mm long and 9 mm wide; the foliage of ‘Little John’ is closer in size to ‘LC01’ yet still smaller, measuring 39 mm in length and 8 mm wide. The foliage of ‘LC01’ is deep hue of yellow green (RHS 147A) whereas the foliage of ‘Matthew Flinders’ has a lighter green hue (RHS 137A) and the foliage of ‘Little John’ is greyed green 189A. This difference in foliage color gives ‘LC01’ a very healthy appearance by comparison to both ‘Matthew Flinders’ and ‘Little John’.
The flower habit of ‘LC01’ is also easily distinguishable from that of ‘Matthew Flinders’ and ‘Little John’. The inflorescence ‘LC01’ is comprised of approximately 75 florets that measures approximately 12 to 14 cm in length whereas the inflorescence of both ‘Matthew Flinders’ and ‘Little John’ are significantly smaller, measuring approximately 4 to cm long and containing only 15 to 25 florets. The stamen of ‘LC01’, as previously described above, are a lighter hue of red (corresponding to RHS 42A) when compared to the stamen of ‘Matthew Flinders’ and ‘Little John’ which are red 46B.
The present application claims priority from a provisional U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/567,236 filed Dec. 6, 2011, which is herein incorporated by reference.
