Recent Primula introductions from Sichuan

摘要

PRIMULA is ONE OF the most popular genera of hardy, srennial plants for the humid temperate garden. At least 430 species occur around the northern hemisphere. More than half of these have been in cultivation and at least 100 species and very many cultivars are regularly offered by the trade. The centre of diversity for the genus lies in eastern Asia, and more than half of all species are restricted to China, including Xizang (Tibet). Most of these occur close to the Tibetan border in the provinces ofSichuan and Yunnan, an area that is very rich in primulas. Localities that have become well-known to Western visitors since about 1993 such as the Gang-ho-ba, Zhongdian plateau and Beima Shan each have in excess of 20 species. Most of the primulas fromthese districts have been introduced to cultivation on a number of occasions. Some, such as Primula bulky ana, P. chionantha, P.poissonii, P. secundiflora, P. sikkimensis, P. zambalensis and P. vialii have proved to be reliable, decorative garden plantsfor relatively cool, humid areas, while P.forrestii, P. bracteata andP.florida are excellent subjects for the alpine house.