Patent Grant
PP35308
Latin name of the genus and species of the claimed plant: Peperomia polybotrya.
Variety denomination: ‘VERDANT FLAME’.
The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Peperomia plant botanically known as Peperomia polybotrya and hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name ‘Verdant Flame’. ‘Verdant Flame’ originated from a discovery in our research facility. The cultivar ‘Verdant Flame’ was selected by the inventor Lawrence Holtkamp, in March 2019 in a controlled environment as a single plant within the progeny of regular ‘Polybotrya’ in an environmental controlled greenhouse area.
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar ‘Verdant Flame’ first occurred by tip cuttings from stems in March 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. Since that time, multiple asexual reproductions have been conducted and under careful observation, the unique characteristics of the new cultivar have been uniform, stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations of asexual reproduction.
The following represents the distinguishing characteristics of the new Peperomia cultivar ‘Verdant Flame’. These traits in combination distinguish ‘Verdant Flame’ as a new and distinct cultivar apart from other existing varieties of Peperomia known by the inventor.
The new variety ‘Verdant Flame’ presents an average of 7 or more leaves per plant when it reaches its maturity (between 3-4 months). The new variety has an erect growth habit, and the entire plant can reach a height of 30-50 cm and more. The leaves are slightly wide (8-10 cm average measured at the widest part of the mature leaf) and cordate with a soft waxy texture. As the plant matures, leaf sizes can increase to over 10-12 cm at the widest margin.
The plant is globe-shaped, wider at base and somewhat narrower at top.
The new variety is mildly drought tolerant, adapts to conditions of light and shade, and shows resistance to diseases and pests.
The closest comparison cultivars are Peperomia polybotrya (not patented). Peperomia polybotrya is distinguishable from ‘Verdant Flame’ by the following characteristics as described in Table 1.
Peperomia polybotrya
Of the many commercial cultivars known to the present inventor, the most similar in comparison to the new Peperomia ‘Verdant Flame’ is the parent plain green Peperomia polybotrya (unpatented) in the characteristics described in Table 1. No other similar cultivar is known.
The accompanying photographs illustrate the overall appearance of the new Peperomia cultivar ‘Verdant Flame’ showing the colors as true as is reasonably possible with colored reproductions of this type. Colors in the photographs may differ slightly from the color value cited in the detailed botanical description which accurately describe the color of ‘Verdant Flame’.
The following is a detailed description of the new Peperomia cultivar named ‘Verdant Flame’. Data was collected in Nashville, Tenn. from 12 week old plants grown in a glass greenhouse in 10 cm. diameter containers. The time of year was late summer and the temperature range was 18-25 degrees Centigrade during the day, and 18-23 degrees Centigrade at night. The light level was natural light level in the greenhouse between 2-3 pm on a bright sunny day. The age of the plants described is 3 months. No photoperiodic treatments or growth retardants were used. Color determinations are in accordance with The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, except where general color terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The growing requirements are similar to the species. ‘Verdant Flame’ has not been tested under all possible conditions and phenotypic differences may be observed with variations in environmental, climatic, and cultural conditions without any variance in genotype.
