I hate to think about how much could be mislabled out there, based solely on the appearance of the leaves.. which is what many people have done with the red blotched stuff.
The 'Bordelon' s that I saw seemed to have more pink in the infruct. and fruits (which were just starting to form, but very small). I really need to go back soon to check them out. Gabe, you didn't see any ripe fruits by any chance? Growing some out from seed would tell us what we need to know. I have a 'zebrina' cross that is great, except for the fact that it is very slow growing. On the other hand, the Bordelons over at LSU are huge, with just one years growth... everything is thriving, except for the ratty m. beccariis that barely made it through winter there. They are in a wide open field, with no protection. The Dwarf Orinoco (spelling?) are fruiting. I'll keep an eye out on those to see if they actually ripen in time. It means nothing to someone living ...in say, colorado.. but in zone 8b that would be great
I've seen a photo of a dwarf M. acum. zebrina that had major breeding potential. Don't know if its in the US or not, would love to get some.
Tim Chapman