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Helleborus torquatus, Archer-Hind (1884)
Helleborus torquatus is arguably one of the more controversial 'species' and it
is very possible that the name will be revised or disappear from official
nomenclature as we know it. Originally, it was described as a plant with dark
flowers. Perhaps inconveniently, the plants in wild H. torquatus populations do
not comfortably fit the nomenclature. Distinguishing between H. torquatus and
Helleborus multifidus has particularly proved difficult. Both have repeatedly
divided foliage and flowers can at times be nearly identical. Northern and
southern populations of what we refer to as H. torquatus also show significant
differences. A revision in this part of the genus is underway, but for now I will
keep the 'torquatus' name as is. I will update or replace this page as formal
and accepted changes occur.
Horticulturally, these plants are very attractive but can be slow to mature.
Placing the plants in an open position where some bright light is available will
lead to faster and more floriferous growth. The sepals may be dark violet or
green on the interior and are frequently dark colored on the exterior. Bracts
may also have dark markings. Mature plants also can produce heavily divided
leaflets, making it an especially useful foliage plant.
The photos below contain images from many different colonies and show the
tremendous variation in plants currently known as 'torquatus'. Included are
photos of plants that some people refer to as 'intermediate forms', as they do
not perfectly match prototypes used to describe the taxon. Photos by Joseph
Woodard.
_________________________
Copyright hellebores.org
- Perennial, pubescent; 8-16" in flower
- Leaves basal, pedate, serrate with 15-30 segments; not overwintering
- Flowers green to violet; 1.5-2.5" in diameter
- Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro
- Woodland edges, clearings, meadows; elevation 1200-6000'
Helleborus torquatus is arguably one of the more controversial 'species' and it
is very possible that the name will be revised or disappear from official
nomenclature as we know it. Originally, it was described as a plant with dark
flowers. Perhaps inconveniently, the plants in wild H. torquatus populations do
not comfortably fit the nomenclature. Distinguishing between H. torquatus and
Helleborus multifidus has particularly proved difficult. Both have repeatedly
divided foliage and flowers can at times be nearly identical. Northern and
southern populations of what we refer to as H. torquatus also show significant
differences. A revision in this part of the genus is underway, but for now I will
keep the 'torquatus' name as is. I will update or replace this page as formal
and accepted changes occur.
Horticulturally, these plants are very attractive but can be slow to mature.
Placing the plants in an open position where some bright light is available will
lead to faster and more floriferous growth. The sepals may be dark violet or
green on the interior and are frequently dark colored on the exterior. Bracts
may also have dark markings. Mature plants also can produce heavily divided
leaflets, making it an especially useful foliage plant.
The photos below contain images from many different colonies and show the
tremendous variation in plants currently known as 'torquatus'. Included are
photos of plants that some people refer to as 'intermediate forms', as they do
not perfectly match prototypes used to describe the taxon. Photos by Joseph
Woodard.
_________________________
Copyright hellebores.org
Above: A striking contrast showing the
variation in sepal coloration in what is
currently known as Helleborus torquatus.
Photo by Matthias Thomsen.
Below: Early foliage and a variety of
habitats in which Helleborus torquatus and
'torquatus/multifidus intermediates' grow.
Photos by Joseph Woodard
variation in sepal coloration in what is
currently known as Helleborus torquatus.
Photo by Matthias Thomsen.
Below: Early foliage and a variety of
habitats in which Helleborus torquatus and
'torquatus/multifidus intermediates' grow.
Photos by Joseph Woodard
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