Hypericum CROWTHYP Variegated Foliage Stability via Asexual Propagation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a new cultivar of Hypericum that exhibits striking variegated foliage and lemon-yellow flowers, which is distinct from existing varieties and maintains stability in asexual propagation, while being hardy and resistant to pests and diseases.

Innovation Solution

The cultivar 'CROWTHYP' of Hypericum calycinum, discovered as a naturally occurring branch mutation, features prostrate growth, multicolored variegated foliage, and bright lemon-yellow flowers, propagated through softwood stem cuttings, and is hardy to USDA Zone 5, making it suitable for full sun to light shade and moderate water conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a new Hypericum cultivar with striking variegated foliage is developed through natural mutation, then the ornamental value and visual appeal are improved, but the stability and uniformity of characteristics across generations may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveornamental valueVSAvoidcharacteristic stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses asexual propagation through softwood stem cuttings to create genetically identical copies of the mutated plant. This ensures that the striking variegated foliage characteristics are perfectly replicated across generations without genetic variation, resolving the contradiction between achieving unique ornamental features and maintaining stable inheritance of those features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Stability of the object's composition

If the cultivar is propagated through softwood stem cuttings, then the uniformity and true-to-type reproduction are improved, but the propagation time and effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveuniformityVSAvoidpropagation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent takes softwood stem cuttings during the active growing season when the plant is naturally producing softwood growth. By performing the propagation action at the optimal time when the plant is actively growing and the cuttings are most receptive to rooting, the propagation process is accelerated while maintaining high uniformity and true-to-type reproduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the cultivar is bred for drought tolerance, then the hardiness and low-maintenance characteristics are improved, but the initial establishment requirements become more stringent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrought toleranceVSAvoidestablishment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides specific establishment instructions that involve maintaining moderate moisture levels during the initial growing period. This temporary cushioning of water requirements during establishment allows the plant to develop a robust root system, after which the plant becomes drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance, resolving the contradiction between long-term hardiness and initial establishment needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUSPP26400P3<i>Hypericum </i>plant named ‘CROWTHYP’

Publication Date: 2016.02.02 CROWTHER TIMOTHY

AI summary

A new cultivar of Hypericum plant named ‘CROWTHYP’ that is characterized by a prostrate and spreading habit, variegated green and cream-yellow, with pink coloration to its new growth, single and bright flowers lemon-yellow in color with numerous lemon-yellow stamens bearing prominent mid-brown anthers, hardy to USDA Zone 5, is disclosed.