Cotinus 'Old Fashioned' Foliage Color Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing varieties of Cotinus coggygria lack distinct and stable characteristics in foliage color and size, with limited interest in their flowers, which are short-lived and of limited visual appeal.
Innovation Solution
The cultivar 'Old Fashioned' exhibits mature blue-green leaves, contrasting greyed-purple young leaves, large and rounded foliage, and brief yellow-green flowering in early summer, providing a unique visual appeal and stability through asexual propagation methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If existing varieties of Cotinus coggygria are used, then they have been available for landscaping, but they lack distinct and stable characteristics in foliage color and size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and propagating a plant variant with specific foliage color parameters (blue-green mature leaves, greyed-purple young leaves) and size parameters (large, rounded leaves) that differ from existing varieties. This parameter-based selection and asexual propagation ensures stable reproduction of these distinctive characteristics.
2Duration of action of moving object
If existing Cotinus varieties are used, then they provide landscaping options, but their flowers are short-lived and of limited visual appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by highlighting the contrasting foliage colors (blue-green mature leaves versus greyed-purple young leaves) as the primary visual interest rather than relying on flowers. This color-based distinction provides continuous visual appeal throughout the growing season, compensating for the brief and limited flower display.
3Stability of the object's composition
If asexual propagation is used for 'Old Fashioned', then it reproduces true to type, but requires careful observation and multiple generations to confirm stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing multiple generations of asexual propagation and careful observation before establishing the cultivar. This preliminary verification process across successive generations confirms the stability and uniformity of the distinctive characteristics, ensuring reliable reproduction before widespread propagation.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct cultivar of Cotinus coggygria named ‘Old Fashioned’ that is distinguishable from all other varieties of Cotinus by its medium green foliage topped by the contrasting greyed-purple of the younger emerging leaves.