Cordyline australis ‘purpurea’

["Monty C. McCoy" <mmccoy@columbus.rr.com>]

Can anyone tell me the probability of Cordyline australis (Dracaena
indivisa) actually coming up as Cordyline australis 'purpurea' ?
I have heard of some situations this year where expected 'Green Dracaena' or
'Spikes' is germinating and coming up red. If you know please also try to
answer the following questions.

1. I have been informed that Cordyline australis 'purpurea' is extremely
rare and that multiple lots of this seed seemingly originating from several
resellers would be almost impossible.  Is this true?

2. Is it normal for a small percentage of Cordyline australis to actually
germinate 'red' and then revert back to green before maturity?

3. Does the red foliage of young seedlings actually show the potential cold
hardiness of the plant?

4. At what point during production does the 'red' foliage actually give way
to the green?

5. About what percentage of Cordyline australis 'purpurea' is actually
harvested per year and from what area's of the world is it harvested?

Any help on this subject would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.


Monty C. McCoy
Novartis Seeds Inc.
Flowers
monty.mccoy@seeds.novartis.com
mmccoy@columbus.rr.com