First new purchase of the year - Neo, Ikaruga 斑鳩

[Hakumin]

This variety is a mutation out of Shutenno, with white tora-fu in addition to the characteristic pink flowers of the parent variety. Arguably the best part is that this variety gets some of the deepest, most intense ruby roots of any variety. I can't for spring!

[Shoreguy]

If delivered by USPS, UPS, or Fed Ex, that requires real courage at this time of year.

[Neodex]

Thats really nice and interesting too. I hope you post some pics when the roots sprout. There are a number of tora-fu varieties that have nice roots, but with all that extra anthocyanin from Shutennou it's not surprising the roots are intensely coloured. I suspect that what happens in the leaf, reduced or delayed chlorophyll synthesis, if it also happens in the root then the magenta pigment is not masked or muddied by the green. That should be a treat come spring. I have a red type called Hien, it has strong anthocyanin production in the roots and I've wondered what they would look like if the chlorophyll was suppressed.

There is a variety on sale in the EU called "Benigyoku no hana" that from the picture also looks to have intensely red roots but it's hard to tell from the small pic just how clear they are. Very dark stem and rather expensive also.

Thanks for posting.

---------- Post added at 11:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:00 PM ----------

Also it will be interesting to see if the young flower spike is a brighter red than in Shutennou.

[Hakumin]

Originally Posted by Neodex

I suspect that what happens in the leaf, reduced or delayed chlorophyll synthesis, if it also happens in the root then the magenta pigment is not masked or muddied by the green.

I agree, I think that's exactly what's happening

Originally Posted by Neodex

There is a variety on sale in the EU called "Benigyoku no hana"...

The name of this one is 紅玉の花, and the correct reading is actually Kougyoku no Hana (紅 can be read as Beni, Kou, or Kurenai depending on context, and the Japanese published material regarding this variety indicates Kou is correct in this case.)

[Hakumin]

I guess I didn't need to wait for spring

[bjmac]

That is a wonderful plant with the best roots

[Optimist]

Those roots are huge compared to the size. I have never tried neofinitas. I think I will join the FB group to learn more about them!

[Hakumin]

Originally Posted by Optimist

Those roots are huge compared to the size.

Huge? I find the roots on this variety are actually a bit on the thin side!

Neos do often have thicker roots than other species for the overall size of the plant i guess.

[bjmac]

Does the red tip stay red as the root continues to grow?

[u bada]

stunning, love... you giving it any different amount of light than the others?

side note, my shut, usual variety, has bright green root tips for some reason, just got it last fall so not sure what's going on. I read some where it does better with low to medium light, but if I'm missing the rubier root tips then I'll have to move it... on other hand, if in lower lights the root tips should be just muddy than really don't know for sure what's going on...