Speaking of Lileeane's Jewel... Or perhaps any other variegated maple: do you think it is possible that there are slightly different versions of the tree in circulation based on the theory that scions taken from different parts of the tree that have somewhat different appearance will propagate into a tree with that predominant appearance? I met someone recently who claims to have multiple LJs that all look noticeably different from each other, and consistently return each year with the same unique look. Indeed, as we were discussing this at a nursery we were standing in front of several specimens, and they ranged from being very pink with a lot of white variegation, to predominantly dark red with splashes of pink and no white. And the difference was consistent on the entire tree, but they all still looked like LJ. And I'm not talking about reversion or mutation. Just the range of variation one would expect in the cultivar, but with different specimens staying within one area of the spectrum. Previously I would have thought the variation was due only to environmental factors with all LJs being absolutely identical clones. But this is an interesting thought. Anyone have similar experience?
It's an interesting and in many ways controversial question -- e.g. "are 'Cosmos' and 'Radiant' different cultivars?" 'Radiant' being a proper clone of 'Cosmos', but "selected for superior variegation over several generations." Here's my understanding. If the variegation is chimeric, which is to say down to cell mutation, some parts are more or less variegated, depending on how many cells have the mutation to (for example) not produce chlorophyll. Or less anthocyanin, or whatever. There may be various mutations within the chimera. Some parts of the plant lose the cellular mutations, and we call that part "reverted." If you graft on a reverted branch from a chimeric variegation, you will have an unvariegated graft. Within some chimeras there are various different mutations, leading to more complicated variegation. So depending on what part of Lileeanne's Jewel was chosen as scion wood, yes, you could end up with several different "versions", all still proper clones of the base cultivar, but with different mixes of mutated cells. Viral variegation is a different story. I hope that makes sense, I'm sure someone will correct me if I've got it wrong! I don't have time to read it right now, but I will do: this looks like an interesting article on the subject https://ipps.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/53_12.pdf Cheers, -E
