Platycerium Lucy Hybrid
is the product of two or more platyceriums growing in the same area and
the spore accidently mixed and P. Lucy is the result. P.
Lucy is not sterile and its spore produces new plants with the same
characteristics. Charles Alford has not determined if this is a
cultivar of P. alcocorne or a true hybrid from two species.
Siam Exotica lists the P. Lucy as a cross of P. ellisii and ?.
This suggests the P. Lucy is possibly a hybrid of P. alcicorne and P. ellisii.
Photo Siam Exotica
The reader must realize that many hybrids are a result of accidental mixing of spore when similar plants are grown in close proximity. Even when spore from two species are intentionally crossed, it is always possible for a spore from an unintended species to contaminate the intended cross. After proof that their progeny have the same traits, then we can agree to classify it as a hybrid. As to the parentage, we can only observe the chrematistics and guess at the parents until DNA is available. This can take a long time with slow growing platyceriums and experienced growers are hesitant to jump the gun and name a hybrid. So when we discuss hybrids, we need to consider all the variables. Soon we will have more definite DNA studies. Until DNA testing is more readily available, and an established parent base lines is defined, we must look at and compare traits from other species and deduct a logical inference to the actual parentage and these are considered individual plants and not necessarily a hybrid.