Brunnera Emerald Mist Silver Variegation and Scorch Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a new and distinct mutation of Brunnera macrophylla that exhibits unique silver variegation patterns, as existing cultivars like 'Jack Frost', 'Looking Glass', and 'Silver Wings' lack the broken and more extensive silver spotting seen in 'Emerald Mist', and 'Langtrees' does not have the characteristic light dusting on leaves.

Innovation Solution

The development of Brunnera macrophylla 'Emerald Mist', a non-induced whole plant mutation with a unique silver pattern featuring larger and more numerous spots, providing a two-tone silver effect due to a light dusting over the entire leaf, which is distinct from other known Brunnera varieties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If existing cultivars like 'Jack Frost' or 'Silver Wings' are used, then a silver variegation pattern is present, but the pattern is dense and lacks the broken, extensive spotting seen in 'Emerald Mist'

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesilver variegation patternVSAvoiduniqueness of silver pattern

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct variations in silver pattern density and distribution across different regions of the leaf. The 'Emerald Mist' cultivar exhibits broken, extensive spotting with varying densities in different leaf areas, rather than a uniform dense pattern, providing unique local characteristics that distinguish it from other cultivars.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If cultivars like 'Jack Frost' or 'Looking Glass' are used, then a solid silver color is present, but the light dusting effect creating a two-tone silver appearance is absent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of silver colorationVSAvoidtwo-tone silver effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining two different silver colorations - a base silver color with a lighter silver dusting overlay. This creates a composite visual effect on the leaf surface that produces the distinctive two-tone silver appearance, integrating multiple color layers to achieve the desired aesthetic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Shape

If variegated Brunnera species are used for landscaping, then visual distinction is achieved, but susceptibility to leaf scorch increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual distinctivenessVSAvoidleaf scorch susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical characteristics of the leaf - specifically increasing pubescence (hairiness) on the leaf surface. This structural parameter change provides protection against leaf scorch while maintaining the desired silver variegation pattern, allowing the plant to tolerate more environmental stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUSPP20460P2Brunnera plant named `Emerald Mist`

Publication Date: 2009.11.10 WALTERS GARDEN INC

AI summary

The new the new and distinct perennial Brunnera macrophylla plant named ‘Emerald Mist’ possesses a patterned dense silver baring on the outer portion of the foliage, a green center portion and a light silver dusting over the entire green leaf portion between the veins. It is accented by light blue flowers in spring and is useful for landscaping, potted plants display or cut flower or foliage use.