Gerbera plant named Terocsa

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of Gerbera plant named Terocsa, characterized by its semi-double flower and flat shaped flower form; red to dark lilic ray floret color; dark purple disc florets; red to dark lilac perianth lobes and relatively small diameter flower head.

Description

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Gerbera plant, botanically known as Gerbera jamesonii, and referred to by the cultivar name Terocsa.

Terocsa was originated from a hybridization made in a controlled breeding program in De Kwakel, The Netherlands in 1989 under the supervision of the inventor Lambertus J. M. Stravers.

The female parent was a cultivar designated 87.442. The male parent was a cultivar designated M88.138. The new cultivar was discovered and selected as one flowering plant within the progeny of the stated parentage by the inventor in or about January 1990 in a controlled environment in De Kwakel.

The first asexual reproduction of Terocsa was accomplished when vegetative cuttings were taken from the initial selection in April 1990 in a controlled environment in De Kwakel, The Netherlands by a technician working under formulations established and supervised by the inventor. The new cultivar is presently being propagated by cuttings and tissue culture. Horticultural examination of selected units initiated in November 1990 has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for Terocsa are firmly fixed and are retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction.

Terocsa 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 commercial greenhouses in De Kwakel, The Netherlands under controlled conditions which closely typify those generally used in commercial practice.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and have been determined to be basic characteristics of Terocsa, which in combination provide a new and distinct cultivar:

1. Semi-double type flower and flat shaped flower form.

2. Ray florets are red-dark lilac in color.

3. Dark purple disc florets.

4. Perianth lobe is also red-dark lilac in color.

5. The diameter of the flower head is small, approximately 70 mm.

Of the many commercial cultivars known to the present inventor, certain comparisons can be made with the new cultivar. The new cultivar Terocsa has a relatively small flower diameter (approximately 70 mm) and is similar in this characteristic, and also growth habit, to the cultivars Terkapol, Tertala and Terikatir, all cultivars of the present inventor disclosed in pending plant patent applications. However, Terocsa differs from the other cultivars in flower color and certain other characteristics. The flower color of Terocsa, a relatively intense red/dark lilac, is a more intense and dark red than the flower color of the cultivar Teracha which is a relatively bright pink. A further difference is that Teracha has single flowers. Teracha is disclosed in a pending plant patent application of the inventor.

In comparison to the parent cultivars, the female parent 87.442 has a red flower color with purple discs, and a much larger flower diameter (70-79 mm). The male parent M88.138 has semi-double flower form, pink ray florets and green disc florets, and a somewhat larger (65-75 mm) flower diameter.

The accompanying photographic drawing shows typical inflorescence characteristics of Terocsa, with the colors being as nearly true as possible with illustrations of this type.

In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart (R.H.S.). The color values were determined at approximately 9:20 a.m. on Feb. 20, 1991 under natural light at De Kwakel, The Netherlands.

Classification:

Botanical.--Gerbera jamesonii cv Terocsa.

Commercial.--Gerbera.

Parentage: Seedling from cross of 87.442 and M88.138.

Plant: The plant when fully grown after approximately five (5) months of growth reaches a height of 40 cm, measured from the soil line.

Leaf blade:

Length.--Medium.

Width.--Narrow.

Blistering (puckering).--Weak.

Hairiness on upper side.--Medium.

Depth of cuts or incisions.--Medium in central part of leaf.

Color.--Upper surface of leaf 137A, medium green; lower surface 138B.

Glossiness on upper side.--Weak.

Angle at tip.--Acute.

Shape at tip.--Pointed.

Margin of lobes.--Serrate.

Extension of margin.--Small.

Petiole length.--Long.

Petiole anthocyanin coloration.--Present, medium in intensity.

Peduncle:

Length.--Long.

Cross section.--Round, medium strength and thickness.

Hairiness.--Medium.

Color.--Medium green.

Anthocyanin.--Present at base, medium in intensity, none present at tip.

Bracts.--Absent.

Flower Head:

Type.--Semi-double; flat shaped in form.

Diameter from edge to edge.--Approximately 70 mm; varies somewhat depending on season and stage of development.

Involucre.--Height: Medium. Diameter: Medium. Bracts: Longitudinal axis of bracts on inner rows are straight. Anthocyanin: Present at top of inner involucral bracts.

Outer row ray florets.-- Number in outer row: 40-60. Length of floret: Less than 29 mm. Width of floret: 5-9 mm. Shape of floret: Generally elliptical with narrow base; longitudinal folding is weak. Shape of tip: Rounded, right angle, two teeth, absent or very shallow in depth. Cross section of floret: Flat. Color distribution on inner side: Uniform. Striation: Absent. Claw spot: Absent. Color on top side: 53C. Color on bottom side: 58D. Color (general tonality from a distance of 3 meters: Red to dark lilac.

Inner rows rays florets.--Number of incisions: Two. Depth of incisions: Shallow or absent.

Disc florets.--Diameter: 10-19 mm. Main color of perianth lobes: Dark lilac. Color (mature and immature): Dark purple.

Reproductive parts:

Stigma.--Main color, purple.

Anthers.--Main color, yellow; anthocyanin coloration medium.

Pappus.--Main color, purple.

Disease resistance: Medium.

Pest resistance: Medim.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Gerbera plant named Terocsa, as illustrated and described.