Zamioculcas zamiifolia
‘HANSOTI13’
The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Zamioculcas, botanically known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, and hereinafter referred to by the name ‘HANSOTI13’. The new Zamioculcas is a naturally-occurring branch mutation from an unnamed, unpatented variegated selection of Zamioculcas zamiifolia. The new Zamioculcas was discovered and selected by the inventor, Ashish Hansoti as a single, green compact leaf from this variegated plant grown in a simple plastic greenhouse at Vangani, near Mumbai in India in the year 2009
Asexual reproduction of the single leaf by vegetative cuttings at Vangani, near Mumbai in India showed variable characteristics. Further repeated selection for specific characteristics displayed by ‘HANSOTI13’, especially short internode space, resulted in the new Zamioculcas which is stable and reproduces true to type in successive generations.
The cultivar ‘HANSOTI13’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in environment such as temperature, day length, and light intensity, without, however, any variance in genotype.
The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the unique characteristics of ‘HANSOTI13’. These characteristics in combination distinguish ‘HANSOTI13’ as a new and distinct Zamioculcas cultivar:
1. Very short internode spaces giving compact growth and more numerous leaflets per leaf.
2. Stiff, strong and upright leaves with characteristic curvature of petiole and rachis resulting in overall urn shaped plant.
3. Shiny dark green-colored leaves.
Plants of the new cultivar ‘HANSOTI13’ are similar to the parent, an unpatented, unnamed, Zamioculcas zamiifolia in most horticultural characteristics. However the new variety, ‘HANSOTI13’ differs from the parent in the following characteristics:
1. Much more compact growing that parent variety
2. Space between leaflets much reduced
3. Leaves smaller and thicker. Darker green under same cultural conditions
4. Leaves more upright (or vertical) with typical S shaped curve of rachis
5. Growth rate is as fast or faster than the parent variety.
‘HANSOTI13’ is best compared with the unpatented commercial variety Zamilculcas zamiifolia new variety, ‘HANSOTI13’ differs in the following characteristics:
1. Plants of the new variety have leaflets with very short internode space between leaflets and so many more leaflets per leaf than the typical commercial Zamioculcas zamiiafolia leaf of similar length.
2. Plants of the new variety display an overall compactness and are short in stature even though eventually they can grow to 50 cm or more.
‘HANSOTI13’ is can also be compared with the unpatented commercial variety Zamilculcas zamiifolia ‘ZZ’. ‘HANSOTI13’ differs in the following characteristics:
1. Plants of the new Zamioculcas have very short internode space between leaflets and so are more compact and shorter than plants of the cultivar ‘ZZ’, with more leaflets per leaf of similar length.
2. Plants of the new Zamioculcas have stiffer, stronger, more upright leaves with characteristic curve to petiole and rachis. The new variety results in an overall shape is that of an urn, a characteristic not observed in variety ‘ZZ’.
The accompanying colored photographs illustrate the overall appearance of the new Zamioculcas showing the colors as true as it is reasonably possible to obtain in colored reproductions of this type. Colors in the photographs may differ slightly from the color values cited in the detailed botanical description which accurately describe the colors of the new Zamioculcas.
The aforementioned photographs and following observations, measurements and values describe plants of the new Zamioculcas grown in Vangani, near Mumbai, India in a poly-covered, simple greenhouse during the summer and autumn and under conditions which closely approximate commercial production in tropical countries but warmer and drier than many western growing areas. During the production of the plants, day temperatures ranged from 25° C. to 38° C., night temperatures ranged from 15° C. to 25° C. and light levels under diffuse plastic and 50% shade net.
Plants had been growing in 13-cm containers for about 13 months when the photographs and the description were taken. In the detailed description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, 2001 Edition, except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. It should be noted that given time and potting into larger pots the cultivar ‘HANSOTI13’ will grow up to 50 cm tall and maybe taller. However, even at this size the core characteristics of short internodes, more leaves per leaf, stiff and strong petioles and overall urn shape of plant continue to hold true.