Delosperma Jewel of Desert Ruby Compact Horizontal Habit
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for new cultivars of Delosperma plants with low-growing and well-spreading growth habits combined with long flowering periods and unique flower colors, as existing cultivars either have upright growth habits, shorter blooming periods, or less diverse flower colors.
Innovation Solution
The development of the Delosperma cooperi 'Jewel of Desert Ruby' cultivar, which exhibits a compact and horizontal growth habit, small leaves, a very floriferous and long-blooming flowering habit, and flowers with red color and deep pink and white centers, achieved through a controlled breeding program and stable propagation by softwood cuttings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If existing Delosperma cultivars are used, then they have upright growth habits, but they lack compact and horizontal growth habits desired for container and landscape use
Solution Approach 1:
The breeding program systematically altered the growth habit parameters of Delosperma plants by selecting for compact, horizontal growth patterns. This involved changing the architectural parameters from upright to spreading habits, creating a new plant form that is ideal for container cultivation and landscape applications where low-growing, well-spreading habits are desired.
2Duration of action of moving object
If existing Delosperma cultivars are used, then they have shorter blooming periods, but they lack the long flowering periods desired for extended ornamental value
Solution Approach 1:
The breeding program targeted and extended the flowering duration parameter of Delosperma plants. By selecting parent plants with longer blooming periods and breeding for this trait, the resulting cultivar achieves a prolonged flowering season, thereby increasing its ornamental value and productivity in landscape and container settings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing Delosperma cultivars are used, then they have limited flower colors, but they lack the unique range of flower colors desired for aesthetic diversity
Solution Approach 1:
The breeding program systematically diversified the flower color parameters by introducing and selecting for unique color combinations not previously available in Delosperma cultivars. This included developing flowers with distinctive color patterns such as red with deep pink and white centers, creating a broader palette for aesthetic diversity in landscaping applications.
4Shape
If the parent plant Ref. No. 2005-1 is used, then it has pink flowers without white centers, but it lacks the distinctive red flowers with deep pink and white centers
Solution Approach 1:
The breeding program applied local quality by creating distinct color zones within the flower structure. The selected cultivar exhibits differentiated color regions: red outer petals, deep pink intermediate zones, and white centers, with yellow anthers providing additional contrast. This spatial differentiation of color qualities within the single flower enhances aesthetic uniqueness and visual appeal.
Data Source
AI summary
A new cultivar of Delosperma plant, ‘Jewel of Desert Ruby’, characterized by its compact and very horizontal plant habit, its relatively small leaves, its very floriferous and long blooming flowering habit, and its flowers that are deep red in color with white centers and yellow anthers.