>Hey, do you have a pic of the entire platn? I was wondering >whats the pitcher to leaf size ratio...
It varies, but is fairly typical. I hate to use this comparison, but the ratio is about like a raff. Some of the small plants can produce fair large pitchers in relation to overall plant mass. Much of this has to do with cultural conditions-ie. constant high humidity=big pitchers.
>have you heard of uppers on this plant before?
Yes. They are elongated versions of the lowers.
>How about the max size it gets?
Our plants are not yet full grown. They are all from rhizome cuttings, so we're waiting to see just how big they can get. The new basal shoots can start out as a little rosette, looking like a mirabilis, but each new growth gets larger. Some of the red forms show red coloration to the stems and leaf mid-vein.
>Is the plant something small (generally) ?
This is where we believe they will be of great interest to horticulturists in general. Because of the rhizome-like root mass that spreads horizontally, it seems like they could be trimmed back and kept in a more miniature stage of development, or let them go and..who knows? The pitchers are constantly improving as they grow out and become more established. Another nice feature is trap retention. We counted seven nice pitchers on one plant that is far from being full grown. Again, a characteristic of mirabilis (but also alata, bicalcarata and ampullaria).
> By the way, nice pics, its quite a cool plant and I'll definitely want one when it comes into the market!
Michelle took the pics with our Konica-Minolta. She's developed a real eye for good angles, lighting, backgrounds-all they key ingredients of a professional photo!
'Vikings' are really cool, and do show remarkable variation. I could see collectors just specializing in them, or having a seperate little collection of Viking forms. I have definitely fallen for them! We have already got quite a bunch going, so PM me if you want more info.
Julian, like Bill said, if you can grow rafflesiana, you should do fine with 'em!
Trent