Bergenia crassifolia (L.) Fritsch
A species found in coniferous and deciduous woodlands, stream beds, scree and stony slopes across N. Altai, W. Irktusk and Tuva Republic in Siberia, N.E. Mongolia and possibly in North Korea at 200-2000m. It has broadly oval, ovate or oblong, bright green leaves with a rounded apex, rounded or cuneate base and glabrous leaf surfaces. Margin recurved, crenulate to serrate. Flowers are described by Yeo as a medium rose-purple to deep reddish-purple.
The type specimen of the genus is a Saxifraga crassifolia cultivated in Uppsala Botanic Garden from 1753. It was introduced into cultivation in England in 1765 by Dr. Solander. Saxifraga crassifolia is now a synonym of Bergenia crassifolia. Herbarium specimens indicate that the species was cultivated at Uppsala in the time of Linnaeus.
Bergenia crassifolia wavy form
An interesting form of crassifolia found growing in the systematics beds at Cambridge University Botanic Garden. The unusual wavy edges and strongly crenate margin are features not commonly seen in the species. Although it is widely distributed across most of Central Asia, Siberia, Mongolia, Manchuria and North Korea and variation has been observed.
Unfortunately, the provenance is unknown with the accession pre-dating the records held for the garden. It may be an 18th or early 19th century collection. There is the possibility of it being a Thomas Smith hybrid, as Peter F. Yeo grew several Smith varieties in the garden and included them in his 1966 revision of the genus, some of which remain today.
Bergenia crassifolia DF90028
A wild form collected by Derek Fox near Lake Baikal in Russia during the USSR. Cheery, bright green, upright leaves form a dense ground cover. Nodding pink flowers appear in spring. Not the most interesting but perhaps one for collectors. Rarely offered but can occasionally be available at Binny Plants.
Bergenia crassifolia DF90046
A distinctive wild form collected by Derek Fox in Buryatskaya, near Lake Baikal in Russia in 1991. Forms a carpet of ovate, bright green, leathery leaves with slightly depressed veins, not seen in DF90028. Flowers yet to be observed.
Not available in trade but can be found growing in the Chinese Hillside at RBGE.
