It's April 1st again, the day on which you have to pay close attention to every news item to see if it's a joke. The horticultural sector has also come up with creative April Fool's jokes. Below is an overview.
Carbera, the new Gerbera-Carnation Hybrid of HilverdaFlorist
Kew Rediscovers Aprilis stultus, aka the Invisible Plant
Have you heard of Aprilis stultus? In the video below, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, shares more about this newly rediscovered variety—also known as the Invisible Plant.
Glow-in-the-dark hydrangea unveiled
On March 27, HOKO Breeding unveiled a hydrange variety that displays a subtle, natural glow-in-the-dark effect. "The phenomenon was discovered during a routine selection round in the greenhouse and has since been confirmed by scientific research. The effect is entirely natural and results from a unique combination of pigments and cell structures", they said in a PR. Today, they revealed it was an April Fools' joke.
© Hoko Breeding
Steenks Carwash
Open today: Steenks Carwash. "Especially for Westland growers who want to see their cleaning machines sparkling clean again," they share on LinkedIn. "Drive your machine in, we'll do the rest. Ready while you wait! That's what we call Steenks Service!"
© Steenks Service
Carnivorous Phalaenopsis
Piet Vijverberg Nursery introduces a new brand: Star Quality Bye Fly. "In addition to our trusted brand Star Quality By5, featuring beautiful Phalaenopsis such as 'White World' and 'Arctic World,' it's time for something new. Introducing the first in this special line: 'Carni World,' the world's first carnivorous Phalaenopsis."
AI-assistent growers
New screen from Svensson
Svensson is launching a new screen on April 1st: the Luxous Tight FR with 75% energy savings. "With this revolutionary screen, we are taking the next step in energy saving. And as if that's not enough... the machines we use to develop this screen? Powered entirely by wind energy," they add with a wink on LinkedIn.