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Hepatica insularis is a tiny hepatica which comes from an equally tiny corner of the world; the southern tip of Korea, and mainly from an adjacent island just off that coast (Cheju Island); hence the species name "insularis". Cheju Island is apparently a remarkable place botanically, with over 1800 endemic species; the island is anchored by an old volcano and is said to be influenced by both maritime and continental climates, plus having sub-alpine areas, so it has numerous microclimates in a small area. Hepatica insularis is a unique hepatica, being deciduous here, yet surprisingly it is always the first hepatica to bloom, well before its new leaves emerge. I have it growing in an out of the way spot underneath a rhododendron, and am always surprised (and pleased) to see its small, pale flowers rising up out of the leaf litter in March. It looks improbably frail and defenseless to be blooming when snow flakes are still drifting down, and it is very endearing.
04-02-2008, 09:40 AM
