Overseas interests in the cut flower trade are queueing for new varieties of gentian that a New Zealand research and flower breeding joint venture has developed.

The venture has released a hot-pink gentian on the market, a radical departure from the normally blue flowers.

Crop & Food ornamental plant scientist Ed Morgan who has been working in partnership with Southland flower breeder John Moffat says that is only the start.

He says they have other colours ready to go – including orange, red and yellow gentians that have not been commercially available before anywhere in the world.

Mr Morgan says they have already had strong inquiries from companies in Europe and the United States for access to the new varieties.

He says up to 130 million gentian stems a year are sold in Japan and millions more in Europe and North America.

source : www.radionz.co.nz