[b said:
Quote[/b] ]They are pretty consistent and distinct differences hence the logic of species classification. Pitchers are broader and more colourful. The flower larger, lighter in colour and is on a shorter stalk
I still disagree with the species tag.
S. purpurea ssp. venosa var. burkii (as I like to call it
) is more similar to plain ssp. venosa than ssp. purpurea is!
I have a ssp. venosa that has pitchers virtually identical to that of burkii!
Let's look at them in some detail:
HOOD:
Venosa: large or very large. Various degrees of undulation.
Burkii: large or very large. Various degrees of undulation, usually very undulating.
Purpurea: small, uniform, tight, round.
PITCHER SHAPE:
Venosa: large, squat, bulbous.
Burkii: large, squat, bulbous. Longer in spring, more bulbous later on.
Purpurea: smaller, narrower, less bulbous, longer.
TEXTURE:
Venosa: rough.
Burkii: rough.
Purpurea: smooth and waxy.
PITCHER COLOR:
Venosa: green and lightly veined, heavily red veined or all red.
Burkii: veined, pink or all red.
Purpurea: green and lightly veined, heavily red veined or all red.
LIP:
Venosa: thick.
Burkii: thicker.
Purpurea: thin.
FLOWER:
Venosa: large and red. Long stem.
Burkii: large, pink or magenta petals with white style. Short stem.
Purpura: smaller and dark red. Long or short stem.
I can't see any large enough differences to elevate burkii to a whole new species. Remember that ssp. venosa and ssp. purpurea flowers are actually quite different from one another. Leaving aside colour, the flower characteristics of venosa and burkii are very similar.
I believe there are some genetic differences between venosa and burkii, and I think it would be good to hear more about them if anyone has any info.
I know Barry has joined the rosea camp recently, but I can't see enough evidence personally to join him at the moment