Gervaise Smelser

Griffin ed., 1958, Camellian, vol.IX, No.3, p.14: Large, flesh-pink semi­double. Similar colour and formation to ‘Magnoliiflora’ (Hagoromo) only larger. Flowers mid-season to late. Originated in Portugal by da Silva. Note: in the official records of the Alfredo Moreira da Silva and Filhos nurseries, this cultivar is not registered. Having also access to almost all of its catalogues, this cultivar has never been placed in the commercial circuits. At the time of its presentation in the Griffin’s Catalogue,1958, the reference number at Moreira da Silva's nursery was the No.93, D. Herzilia de Freitas Magalhães (i.e., Dona Herzilia de Freitas Magalhães) - Lindissima variedade cor de lilás (Beautiful variety lilac colour) . Thus, the only possibility that this cultivar was created by Moreira da Silva & Sons would have to appear in the reference numbers prior to this one. In the original handwritten list of the Alfredo Moreira da Silva nurseries from commercial Reference1 to Reference 100, found the non-existence of 'Gervaise Smelser'.