ISI 2018-20. ×Graptophytum ‘Amphitryon’ M. Bischofberger

The Crassulaceae are noted for their promiscuousness, i.e. almost any two genera can be crossed to produce viable hybrids or, if not crossed directly, the genes of two non-compatible genera can be combined via an intermediate hybrid resulting in a tri-generic hybrid. This rich inter-fertility and its potential for interesting hybrids was realized through the meticulous work of Charles Uhl (1918 – 2010) at Cornell University. A number of Uhl hybrids have made their way into cultivation, along with other garden hybrids of uncertain origin. The hybridizer of ×Graptophytum ‘Amphitryon’ is uncertain, but this attractive and durable hybrid has long been in cultivation, though unidentified. However, it has a name and plausible parentage (Graptopetalum amethystinum x Pachyphytum glutinicaule), which can be found illustrated on the International Crassulaceae Network, a very useful website curated by Swiss authority Margrit Bischofberger. She named ‘Amphitryon’ after the character in Greek mythology, whose wife Alcmene was deceived into infidelity when Zeus, taken by her beauty, “morphed” into Amphitryon to share her bed when her husband was away. The Crassulaceae, likewise, are not above such infidelities. The result, in this case, is a worthy horticultural subject, just as Iphicles proved his worth along with his illegitimate half-brother Hercules. The hybrid displays the thick leaves of its parents, particularly the lavender-tinged Graptopetalum amethystinum, with the slightly glutinous (sticky) stems of Pachyphytum glutinicaule. It produces elongated rosettes at the tips of stems to about 20 cm tall. Inflorescences, scorpioid cymes, rise another 10 cm or so above the foliage with attractive, pink-petaled flowers that open a few at a time. They are mostly directed downward displaying the proclivities of the parents for cliff-side habitats and hummingbird pollination. Rooted cuts of HBG 73695, acquired Oct 27, 1992, unnamed, from Boyd and Mary Walker of Pacific Palisades, CA who were renowned for their artfully designed succulent garden. $8.