Plant Profile

Botanical Name: asiaticus

Common Name: Ranunculus; Persian Buttercups

FAMILY NAME:

Species and of special interest: asiaticus -- ‘Bloomingdale’, ‘Auriga’, ‘Pluto’ and ‘Green’

Origin: South-eastern Europe to south western Asia

Availability: Spring

Foliage Characteristics: The bright to dark green are lobed and have a long petiole. They are arranged in a rosette at the base of the .

Floral Characteristics: The crateriform are held well above the foliage on a slender stem. They are available in singles, semi-doubles and doubles in a wide colour range including white, pink, red, orange, scarlet and crimson, appearing during spring.

Special features and characteristics of special interest: Flowers are not sensitive to ethylene. Sometimes Anemone and Ranunculus are confused. Ranunculus are full-centred blooms with many petals. Anemone are open and flat and generally have a black centre. The etymological root of the genus name is derived from the Latin rana meaning ’frog’, in reference to the liking for damp places. The word more accurately describes the moisture-loving, yellow buttercups (R. acris) to which Persian buttercups are related. The species name asiaticus refers to the origin of the plant, similarly the common name of Persian Buttercup comes from the fact that the wild plant grows on rocky limestone hillsides of Iran, once called Persia.

Maintenance, Cultural requirements and Post Harvest Treatments: Recut stems and strip leaves. Place in water immediately. If limp, recut stems and place in water with food added. Place in a cool spot, firmly wrapped in paper until rehydrated and sturdy.

Pest and Diseases: Can be infested by aphids which are small, green insects that feast on the sweet sap that flows through the flower stems.

Use In Floristry: Can be used as transitional or focal flower. Suitable for vase arrangements and hand- tied natural-stem bouquets. In wedding designs, mix with other spring flowers or foliage to add physical support. Vase life is poor to average (5-7days).

Customer advice: Recut stems and use a floral preservative. Change water regularly. The stems are commonly naturally bent and hollow and they break easily, so careful handling is important.

Reference: 1. http://www.plantfileonline.net 2. http://marketfresh.com.au/flowers/a-z-flower-search/item/1715-ranunculus.html 3. http://www.seedaholic.com/ranunculus-asiaticus-f1-bloomingdale-mixed.html 4. http://www.ausgardener.com.au/plant-care/Ranunculus.html 5. http://www.gardenguides.com/105737-ranunculus-asiaticus-pests-diseases.html 6. http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s1866763.htm 7. https://www.google.com/imghp 8. Thomas,D. & Gollnow,B. 2013, What cut flower is that? The essential care and handling guide for cut flower professionals, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation 9. Maree,J. & Wyk,B. 2010, Cut flowers of the world, Briza Publications 10. V. Scariot, F. Larcher, M. Caser, E. Costa, M. Beruto and M. Devecchi. 2009, Flower longevity in ten cultivars of cut Ranunculus asiaticus L. as affected by ethylene and ethylene inhibitors, European Journal of Horticultural Science 11. Jones,R. 2001, Caring for cut flowers, 2nd ed. Landlinks Press