Pinguicula selbyi

[kitkor]

I took this photo a year and a day ago at the University of Washington greenhouses. I finally flipped through my photos and noticed the curious species name, "Pinguicula selbyi". Perplexed, I performed a google search and found a single hit, a scientific illustrator's website: link. My curiosity got the better of me, so I e-mailed the artist, L.A. Brooking, and asked why his/her illustration was so named. As it happens, L.A. Brooking and I had both seen the same plant in that greenhouse.

I realize typos on these labels occur frequently or perhaps it is a rather carelessly named and unregistered cultivar, something that someone thought was distinct but never published. I've contacted the greenhouse staff with hopes that their records will clarify, but I'm not very hopeful.

I personally would call this Pinguicula moranensis, but that's my rather uneducated guess. If anyone knows any further information on this particular specimen or has a more plausible explanation, like an overlooked synonym, I'd love to hear it! Or your thoughts on which species it might be (difficult without the flower, I know; my apologies).

I love a good mystery.

[Brian Barnes]

Hmmm....my guess would be; P. Huahuapan, maybe?
Bri.

[ICPS-bob]

Interesting mystery and good sleuthing. Let us know how the University of Washington replies.

[kitkor]

Mystery solved, I guess. The University of Washington responded:

Most of our plants are donated by collectors or such and we use their identification until we learn otherwise. I agree that it is probably in the Pinguicula moranensis complex. "Selbyi" is sometimes associated with the Marie Selby Botanic Garden in Sarasota, Florida.

Makes sense to me!