On Fri, 6 Aug 2004 21:27:40 +0200, "Gaby Chaudry"
wrote:

I'm desperately seeking the following plants:

Christia vespertilionis (Island pea)
Gossypium sturtianum (Sturt's Desert Rose, from down under)
Boswellia serrata (incense tree)

Your problem is that you are looking for plants that are not
particularly easy to cultivate in northern Europe (in the case of
Gossypium sturtianum, it is extremely tricky on account of its desert
origins) and to be honest, of no immense ornamental merit. I keep an
almost constant watch for interesting exotics and have only seen
Christia offered once or twice as growing plants (seeds are
occasionally available) and that was many years ago. I very much
doubt if any are currently grown in nurseries in the UK, although they
may be present in a few specialised collections and botanical gardens.

Gossypium sturtianum requires highly specialised growing conditions
and is exceptionally prone rot unless maintained in a very arid,
sunny, sunny climate. Growing them from seed is fraught with problems
and plants from cuttings are simply unavailable.

Boswellia seed is very, very rarely offered and the tree, apart from
its considerable pharmacological value, holds relatively little
interest to even the most avid plant collector. Native to northern
India through to the southern Arabian peninsula, it prefers hot, dry
sunny climates. Although it will tolerate more moisture than the
Gossypium, it does not grow well in the lower light levels much
further north than mediterranean regions.

Christia (if you can get the seeds) is relatively easy. Soak them in
very hot water and allow to remain in it as it cools for at least 24
hours. Sow in a sharply drained compost and maintain temps of around
26 - 28C. Germination is usually quite rapid. Once the seedlings
have develop their first true leaves, gradually harden them to air
temps of around 21C and gently expose to full light. A good compost
for growing the plants on consists of a mixture of a sterilised loam
based type such as John Innes No2 and horticultural grit in a ratio
of 2:1. Christia needs full sun to develop best colouring and is not
really a very good pot plant for the home, but it can be done.

Dave Poole
Torquay, Coastal South Devon UK
Winter min -2°C. Summer max 34°C.
Growing season: March - November