[Question] Sport cloning and new cultivars

[Moraceae]

Hi there,

I have recently received a large cutting of a variegated ficus Benjamina from an enthusiastic nursery owner.
After taking smaller cuttings from the branch I noticed that I had a mutated variation of leaf growing.

My question is whether or not this cutting would likely continue to grow the altered version of this leaf or revert back to its initial mode of growth? Also, if say it does continue to grow with the altered version would continued cuttings of the desired branch reduce the likelihood of reversion?

Anyways, here's a pic, it seems interesting to me although I am very much a bonsai, and plant novice.

image.jpg

Any light shed on the topic would be much appreciated.

And for those of you who, like myself, didn't know what a sport was prior to today -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport_(botany" )
Also, another similar AusBonsai topic -
viewtopic.php?f=134&t=11698

Thanks,
Rob

[Moraceae]

So after much reading I have come to the conclusion that it is entirely possible for me to grow this ficus as a new cultivar provided that it continues to maintain this mode of growth and more importantly that I don't kill my cutting

I am unaware of any other Benjamina's with this leaf shape so I'll be interested to see how this goes.

Cheers

[Neli]

I get the odd green leafed branch on my variegated FB...I remove them and leave only the variegated ones...if a branch starts growing green it stays green in my experience.
Just remember FB has branch die back if a branch is cut off and left without any green at the end.
Concentrate on growing it for now.

[Moraceae]

Hi Neli,

Thank you for your response, I will continue to grow this cutting for the time being (I have had it soaking in rooting hormone for 3 days prior to planting and root development was already evident )

It is good to know that when one of your variegated Benji's grow a green leaf the branch continues to follow suit (probably not desirable for you though ) which leads me to believe that with luck this branch will also do the same.

Unlike you though I am not so concerned with the variegation but rather the shape of the leaf, which is more orbicular compared to the typical elliptical leaf shape (see pics).

Cheers,
Rob

(Again, sorry for the poor image quality)

[kcpoole]

No reason why the new leaf shape will not stay like that on that branch.
As Neli mentioned, you get reversion back on the occasional shoot or branch, but you just remove them when they appear.

Ken
ps I also have a large Verigated Benji that I have several layers on. That shoot back with unverigated ones every so often.

[Moraceae]

Thanks Ken,

I'll try my best to keep it alive as I really like the shape, it's quite difficult to see from the photos I've taken but it has a concave shape to it that acts like a little water cup.

Cheers,
Rob

[shibui]

Several factors to consider here.
1. Is this actually a genetic factor or is this leaf shape just the result of environmental conditions. So far you only have a single leaf to indicate any difference.
2. If it is genetic, where in this large cutting is the genetic variation? Shoots from the main stem may be 'normal' if the affected cells are in the side shoot. If further growth from that shoot is the same, cuttings from that branch should remain true to the new type.

Discoveries of this type are the origin of many new varieties. Well done on noticing the difference and thinking about propagating a new variety.

Now for naming it...... 'Rob's roundleaf', Ficus benjamina 'Rob', ?????

[Moraceae]

Hi again Shibui,

1. Only time (and growth) will tell if this is a true variation and not just some response to an environmental factor, as you mentioned (I hope not though )

2. If it is indeed a true sport the variation is only in this section, either at this bud or section of the stem as the rest of the branch from which this cutting was taken was typical variegated Benji.

Thanks for the response and questions, I always appreciate the feedback and subsequent discussion

As for the name, I'm not going to count my chickens yet

Cheers,
Rob

[Neli]

Rob, keep us updated how the tree progresses. If it gets some more normal shoots, and this branch stays with this foliage you might decide to remove the normal foliage so You have a uniform tree and channel all energy into it.
The leaf is nice small size?