Growth And Flowering Patterns Of Liatris Corms In Kenya

Abstract

Terminal and axillary buds of Liatris corms require cold treatment for flower induction and release from dormancy. The terminal and a few axillary buds closest to the terminal one develop into flower buds after chilling. The remaining axillary buds may develop into vegetative shoots which initiate daughter corms on top of the mother corm. Development and growth of the buds into flowering and vegetative shoots take place progressively and simultaneously. However, rapid increase in size of the daughter corms takes place after the inflorescences are cut. Vegetative shoots closest to the inflorescences initiate bigger daughter corms than the outermost ones. Hence, the duration of daughter corms' growth to maturity and their growth rate vary with their position on the mother corm. Growth and flowering of Liatris takes place any time in Kenya, provided the planting corms are given adequate low-temperature treatment.