Chrysanthemum plant named Tree Lane

Abstract

A Chrysanthemum plant named Tree Lane particularly characterized by its white ray floret color and contrasting, generally orange disc florets; nine week response; anemone capitulum; and, excellent flower production.

Description

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum, botanically known as Chrysanthemum morifolium, Ramat., and referred to by the cultivar name Tree Lane.

Tree Lane was discovered as a spontaneous mutation of Penny Lane, a cultivar of applicant disclosed in a pending application.

Tree Lane was the result of an induced radiation program conducted by applicant in De Lier, The Netherlands, in 1984. Plants of the parent cultivar Penny Lane were subjected to radiation levels of 1750 rad X-rays. Tree Lane was discovered and selected as a mutation by virtue of its white ray floret color, as opposed to the pink ray floret color of Penny Lane. The disc floret color of Tree Lane was also noticed as being significantly different than its parent.

The first act of asexual reproduction of Tree Lane was accomplished when vegetative cuttings were taken from the initial selection in 1984 in a controlled environment in De Lier, The Netherlands by a technician working under formulations established and supervised by Jacques C. M. Van der Knaap. Horticultural examination of selected units initiated in 1984 has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for Tree Lane are firmly fixed and are retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction.

Tree Lane has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary significantly with variations in environment such as temperature, light intensity and day length. The following observations, measurements and comparisons describe plants grown in De Lier, The Netherlands under greenhouse conditions which approximate those generally used in commercial greenhouse practice.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be basic characteristics of Tree Lane which, in combination, distinguish this Chrysanthemum as a new and distinct cultivar:

1. Anemone capitulum.

2. White ray floret color, with the disc florets being medium orange to provide a striking contrast with the ray florets.

3. Nine week response.

4. Excellent flower production per stem.

Of the many commercial cultivars known to the present inventor, the most similar in comparison to Tree Lane is the parent cultivar Penny Lane. In comparison to Penny Lane, Tree Lane has white ray florets, and disc florets the centers of which are a medium orange in color, bounded by a yellow band.

The accompanying photographic drawing shows typical inflorescence and foliage characteristics of Tree Lane, with the ray and disc floret colors being depicted as accurately as possible with photographs of this type.

In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart. The color values were determined between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon in August 1986 under natural daylight at De Lier, The Netherlands.

Classification:

Botanical.--Chrysanthemum morifolium, Ramat., cv. Tree Lane.

Commercial.--Anemone spray.

INFLORESCENCE

A. Capitulum:

Form.--Flat.

Type.--Anemone.

Diameter across face.--30-55 mm.

B. Corolla of ray florets:

Color (general tonality from a distance of three meters ).--Very pale pink to white.

Color (upper surface).--155A.

Color (under surface).--155A.

C. Corolla of disc florets:

Color (mature).--Orange 34B, with yellowing 13B around the entire periphery.

Color (immature).--White to pink.

D. Reproductive organs:

Androecium.--Present in disc florets.

Gynoecium.--Present in both ray and disc florets.

PLANT

A. General appearance:

Height.--75 cm.

B. Foliage:

Color (upper surface).--147A.

Color (under surface).--147B.

Shape.--Lobed and serrated.

Claims

1. A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant named Tree Lane, as described and illustrated, and particularly characterized by its white ray floret color and contrasting, generally orange disc florets; nine week response; anemone capitulum; and, excellent flower production.