ADVENTURING FOR PLANTS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 257, 28 July 1939, Page 16

ADVENTURING FOR PLANTS

Explorer’s Discoveries Reach New Zealand When we casually ask for a packet of seed, or order a shrub from a nurseryman, how often do we stop to wonder how that particular seed or plant was made available -to us? Most of the worthwhile plants in our gardens hail from the remote corners of the earth; and were made available to the gardeners of civilized countries only after great trials and adventures. Plants perpetuate the names of many great explorers; how often do we see the words Wilsonii, Wardii, Henryii, and many others favouring part of a plant's name? These are among the men who have braved the perils of unexplored deserts, tropical forests, and fever-ridden valleys to bring into cultivation the flonfi gems of unknown lands. Among the explorers who are at present discovering new plants and bulbs Is Mr. 15. K. Balls, an Englishman who has been responsible for the introduction of numerous iris species and rare bulbs. Mr. Balls is at present conducting an expedition into the higher altitudes of Peru, Chile, and Ecuador. He has been successful in locating many new and rare bulbs, of which consignments have already reached New Zealand. Although they probably do not know it, many gardeners throughout the Dominion are even now growing bulbs which reached them indirectly through this explorer.