Right now, up for sale on Ebay are specimens of of three species of Solandra, or Chalice. Simply put Solandra into the Ebay search engine. But are they all different, or even accurately identified? I am looking for information on the differences between Solandra longiflora, S. grandiflora and S. maxima. Are some larger or smaller as plants. Are their differences in bloom seasons, frequency or ease of cultivation or cultural requirements. Most of all, are their differences in the fragrances. I know S. maxima's blossoms are often compared to coconut.
Do others have input?

Thank-you!

Best wishes,

Sincerely,

Matt Di Clemente
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Last night while reading before bed I came across solandra in The Evening Garden: Flowers and Fragrance from Dusk till Dawn by Peter Loewer. I remember he mentioned that S. longiflora is the most intensely scented species and that S. maxima's scent smelled of cheap toilet soap up close but was more agreeable farther away.
It's a great book if you haven't read it. Worth getting just for the illustrations alone. :)

-Robert