A new Neofinetia addition - and a question about the name

[camille1585]

Today I was at a local show and picked up a really nice looking white tiger leaf Neofinetia. I absolutely love it! The name is written as Jitsugekko on the label, without a kanji unfortunately. I can hardly find any information when I search for this name online. However, I came across another name during my search: Jitsugetsukou (日月光?). Is this just an alternative spelling, or a completely different plant that looks very similar?

[Shoreguy]

Same plant, different spellings. I have seen the kanji you show associated with the spelling Jitsugekko. Also your plant pictured agrees with what is shown with my reference, Seed Engei's 40 page pamphlet.

Spellings of transliterations are frequently wrong so perhaps “alternate” spellings might not be the best way of describing them. “Incorrect” might be more appropriate.

As far as which spelling is correct, just one vote for Jitsugekko. Who knows which is correct? I think I know who knows and so do you.

[camille1585]

Thanks for the speedy reply! I wasn't aware that there were incorrect spellings. I though that there were multiple ways of translating/transliterating a kanji to English since it's very phonetic, but it sounds like there's supposed to be one 'official' one?

I'm happy to finally have a white tiger stripe in my collection, I was missing one of those! From what I understand, white tigers burn more easily, so I'll have to be careful with the light.

[Shoreguy]

Just found a third spelling in the hard covered Neo book frequently available. Same kanji and same plant, Jitsugetsukoo.

Anyway, great plant.

As far as culture, can be tricky as to appropriate sunlight.

Setsuzan, a white tiger, requires strong sunlight to show variegation. I had one and it never burned for me under direct sunlight for an hour or so. Hard to make generalizations with tigers.

[Hakumin]

Regarding pronunciation:

In short, there are two possible pronunciations.

Japanese Neo books and the more authoritative Japanese websites give the pronunciation as Jitsugetsukō. JI-TSU-GE-TSU-KO—, with an extended /o/ at the end.

Other sources including the US based vendors sell it as Jitsugekkō. JI-TSU-GEK-KO—, again with an extended /o/ at the end.

Because of the way the Japanese language works, linguistically speaking, either pronunciation works for 日月光. But usually in cases where a Kanji name has more than one possible pronunciation, one is considered correct while the others incorrect.

However, this case is a bit different. Speaking to Japanese growers directly, they state that both Jitsugetsukō and Jitsugekkō are acceptable pronunciations for 日月光, and both are commonly used and understandable by all growers.

Regarding romanization:

Jitsugetsukou, Jitsugekkou, as well as Jitsugetsuko and Jitsugekko without the macron are all different informal romanizations that you might run into. Jitsugetsukoo is a simple typo.

Strictly speaking, Jitsugetsukō or Jitsugekkō are the correct romanizations in Revised Hepburn romanization which is the method used by most of the horticultural world, as well as prescribed by the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants.

Zitugetukô or Zitugekkô are also academically correct using Kunrei-shiki, but extremely uncommon in use.

[Neodex]

I also have this one, and yes, they do burn easily on the white areas, but can take direct early morning sunlight if they are not too close to the window.

Another issue with this variety is it's sensitivity to low humidity. In dry conditions the leaves distort or buckle somewhat particularly in the white areas. It's a bit like parts of the leaves don't fully unfold. I see the same issues with Houmeiden, but with this one it's less obvious than with Jitsugetsukou.

As for the variegation, mine has produced it's least variegated leaves this summer, and I think it's due to the warm weather. I suspect that the white tigers might do better (in terms of variegation) at cooler temps, or at least cooler nights.

[Pattywack]

Apparently I missed this post Camille. A nice find, finally you’ve added your white tiger stripe and a great looking plant.

I do not grow this one though I’m sure you will get great advice here as far as the correct light needed.

Congratulations on finding your tiger! I love being able to pick the plant rather than ordering online.

[camille1585]

I love the wealth of information on OB! Thanks Hakumin for all the detailed name information, I'll change the tag to Jitsugetsukō or Jitsugekkō and add the kanji. It'll be easier to find info on it again in the future if I have the correct name.

Neodex- thanks for the culture tips! For now, and until spring, it will be getting mainly artificial light and next year I'll have to consider it's position under natural light more carefully. Low humidity (30-40%) may be an issue this winter, so it's good to know what to look out for.