>If this is the case, could someone educate me about why this >is? If the variegated form is producing the flowers/fruit, >why are the seeds not variegated?

The cells in leaves are arranged in three layers: L1, L2, amd L3. L1 is the outermost, L3 is the innermost. Normally, the L2 and L3 layers are green. The L1 layer is not green, but contains all the necessary genetic information to make green cells. For the most part, the cells in these layers stay in their layer as they multiply and the plant grows. Judging from pictures of Cornus Controversa Variegata, it looks like the L2 layer is albino because of some mutation. The green part of the leaf is colored by the L3 layer.

Originally, this happened as a mutation in the L2 layer in some plant, and gave rise to a branch that had variegated leaves. The L3 layer is normal, and therefore green. The L1 layer is, in all likelihood, normal. I believe the seeds are derived from the L1 layer. Therefore, the seeds will be "normal"...ie, they do not carry the mutation that stops the formation of green in the cells. The only way to propagate the variegated form is by rooting or grafting cuttings..

Because the suckers arising from the base are not variegated, you can assume the tree is grafted.

There's a more eloquent explanation with pictures at the link below.

Alex

Here is a link that might be useful: variegation explained

you are a terrifically helpful person. I read your post aloud many times after I figured out that it wasn't a hoax(!! I bet you never considered THAT possibility of interpretation, eh?!!)I think I get it now. What a fascinating world. Thank you so much.
Mindy