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Colors Dancing in Summer - Caladium New Variety ‘TSS No. 2- Red Heart Emerald’ Obtained Variety Rights

Colors Dancing in Summer
- Caladium New Variety ‘TSS No. 2- Red Heart Emerald’ Obtained Variety Rights

Caladium new variety ‘TSS No. 2- Red heart emerald’, bred by Taiwan Seed Improvement and Propagation Station, C.O.A(TSIPS), for potted viewing is going to be available for technology transfer. A fiery red central patch and yellow-green wavy leaf margin are distinguishing features of leaves. Its lively attitude can increase the diversification of varieties on the market, and promote the development of the caladium seedling industry.

Caladium (Caladium × hortulanum Birdsey) is a perennial herbaceous bulbous plant of the Araceae family and indigenous to tropical America. It has vivid leaf color and abundant markings. The bulbs are mainly produced in Florida, USA. According to appearance, caladium can be distinguished into two types: fancy-leaved type and lance-leaved type. The connection point of the lance-leaved type is located at the basal of the leaf margin. The leaf shape is slender, triangular arrow-shaped, and the plant is small, the petiole is short and stiff, so it is suitable for foliage potted viewing. ‘TSS No. 2- Red heart emerald’ is a lance-leaved cultivars, with an open plant type, heart-shaped leaves, and obvious yellow-green wavy leaf margin. The bright red central patch, red veins, and petioles with spots and horizontal stripes, very suitable for potted plants.

TSIPS research team has been working on the breeding of caladium since 2003. By applying artificial pollination for cross-breeding, after years of selection and observation, a new variety with stable traits has been obtained. Because of its heart shape leaf and patch color, ‘Red Heart Emerald’ is named. After passing DUS test in September 2020, the plant variety right has successfully obtained.

TSIPS said that in the hot season during summer is the time to use caladium when other types of flowers are lack on the market. In addition, flower language of caladium plants means great joy and delight, they can enrich the interior decoration, and be a source of joy and delight. The colorful leaf can be used as the best supporting role for flower arrangements or bouquets, with potential for leaf cutting applications. In the future, TSIPS will continue breeding for cold-resistant and extend the viewing period, to enhance the development of the caladium industry.

 

  • Taiwan Seed Improvement and Propagation Station
    Contact person: Mr. Ming-Chi Liu
    Tel: (04)25825459
    E-mail: ad1810@tss.gov.tw
  • Contact person: Dr. Wen-Chuan Chung
    Tel: (04)25825402
    E-mail: wcchung@tss.gov.tw

Figure 1、Top view of caladium ‘TSS No. 2- Red heart emerald’
Figure 1、Top view of caladium ‘TSS No. 2- Red heart emerald’

Figure 2、Plants of caladium ‘TSS No. 2- Red heart emerald’ grown in the green house
Figure 2、Plants of caladium ‘TSS No. 2- Red heart emerald’ grown in the green house