I've witnessed this particular variety -- as in at least 4 trees -- growing in a grocery store parking lot area. Then I took cuttings and am growing my own trees. Pretty much all the leaves are the same whether in sun, shade, fast growth; slow growth, although the number of spines varies a bit. But none of the leaves are as round as other known East Palatkas I've seen in the area. East Palatka leaves seem to be more obovate to elliptical - at least from multiple images I've seen as well as actual trees. That is why I suspect it's not an East Palatka. But I'm open to any speculation. Also, East Palatka is propagated by cuttings, so it is a genetic clone. There wouldn't be THAT much variation in a clone. Seedlings, for sure, where the gene pool gets mixed and expressed differently. Also, the original trees look like they may have been planted quite a while ago -- maybe over 20 years. There is NOTHING like them elsewhere in the area that I have seen. Honestly there are so many holly hybrids that have been 'discontinued', forgotten or 'pushed out of the market' and are now virtually unknown in current markets. For example, I've never witnessed a 'Hume #2' but the written description sounds very similar to what I have. Fosters #2 and Nellie Stevens have so dominated the market that not much else has a chance. Housing developers don't want to experiment with things that might fail or aren't 'bullet proof' for their area. Nor do nurseries.

Interesting book and thread. I do wonder about the name "Yuguo Tiangung" It seems it should be "Yuguo Tianguang" which would translate, after the rain passes, the sky is bright. I think this because there is no "gung" in Chinese. I think my favorite name is the one you gave for R. X fortuniana. Xiang (fragrant) is one of my favorite words in Chinese. Also, the pink rose you mentioned should be written Yu Linglong (jade exquisite) which is the way to say "exquisite jade" and in fact the adjective linglong makes me think of the carved jade balls that look like one ball inside of another or something else of great value that is intricately or ingeniously formed or crafted. So now I NEED another book on roses. It will have to go on my Christmas wish list. I love to know the origin of words so the origin of rose names blends two interests. Thanks for posting.

Hello....I have some spineless prickly pear pads. Im not sure what kind it is but it grows pretty big.I have mine in a big floor pot and the plant itself is about 4ft tall. I can send you a pic if you would like to see it.Just send me an email and let me know.

Hi I have some seedlings of a spineless Trichocereus that I grown from seed that were given to me I have no idea of the species. Anyway they are a couple of years away from being big enough to mail to anybody Regards Dave61