Eckalverta

Poinsettia

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Freedom Red'

Summary: 'Eckalverta' produces taller plants with smaller leaf blades than 'Freedom Red'. Shape of the base of the leaf blades for 'Eckalverta' is wedge-shaped while it is rounded for 'Freedom Red'. Intensity of anthocyanin colouration of the veins on the upper side of the leaf blades for 'Eckalverta' is moderate while it is weak for 'Freedom Red'. The sinuses between the lobes of the leaf blades for 'Eckalverta' are more rounded while they are more pointed for 'Freedom Red'. 'Eckalverta' has shorter petioles than 'Freedom Red'. The bracts of 'Eckalverta' are smaller than those of 'Freedom Red'. The glands of the cyathia for 'Eckalverta' are small with weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration of the margins while those of 'Freedom Red' are medium to large in size with moderate to strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration of the margins.

Description:

'Eckalverta' is a poinsettia variety with weak to moderate intensity of anthocyanin colouration of the stem. The broad ovate shaped leaves have a wedge-shaped base and no anthocyanin colouration on the upper and lower sides. Intensity of anthocyanin colouration of the veins on the upper side of the leaf blades is moderate whereas on the lower side it is weak to moderate. Development of lobes on the leaf blades is strong and the shape of the sinus between the lobes is more rounded than pointed. Incision of the margin of the leaf blades is absent. Intensity of anthocyanin colouration of the upper side of the petiole is moderate to strong whereas on the lower side it is moderate.

'Eckalverta' produces many uniform coloured bracts which are red in colour. Initiation of colour occurs early in the season. Development of lobes on the bracts is absent to very weak and the shape of the sinus between the lobes is rounded. Incision of the margin of the bracts is absent. There is no folding, curving or twisting of the bracts. The broad ovate shaped bracts have a rounded to wedge-shaped base and absent to weak intensity of rugosity between the veins. Time of opening of the first three cyathia is early in the season. The glands of the cyathium are small, greenish-yellow in colour and have weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration of the margin.

Origin & Breeding History: 'Eckalverta' was discovered at Paul Ecke Ranch, Inc., Encinitas, California, United States in December of 1999. It was selected for its dark red bract colour.

Tests & Trials: Tests and trials for 'Eckalverta' were conducted at Ed Sobkowich Greenhouses, Ltd., Grimsby, Ontario in the fall/winter of 2001. The trial consisted of ten plants of each variety grown in a greenhouse. Each plant was grown in 15 cm pots which were spaced approximately 0.40 metres apart. All measured characteristics were based on ten measurements.

Comparison tables for 'Eckalverta' with reference variety 'Freedom Red'

Plant height (cm)

Leaf blade length (cm)

Leaf blade width (cm)

Petiole length (cm)

Colour of bract (RHS)

Bract length (cm)

Bract width (cm)

Cyme width (mm)