Sunday, April 4, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Our Plants
Indoor Plants
Type: Indoor Plant, Conifer
Exposure: Sun to partial shade
Conditions: Hard
Flowering Time: No Flower
Fragrant: No
Habit: Extreme Slow Growing
Foliage: Sparse
Drought Tolerance: High
Salt Tolerance: High
Light: Bright
Temperature: 5-45 °C
Sensitive to: Wet and Dry Condition
Watering: keep the compost moist in spring, summer and autumn. It will need less water in winter. Mist often.
Repotting: repot annually in spring until the plant is 1m/3ft tall, and then just replace the topsoil.
Problems: Dry yellow needles mean conditions are too hot and dry. Water and move to a cooler, well-ventilated spot, mist frequently.
Maximum Height: 100 ft
Product Information:
Type: Indoor Plant, Conifer
Exposure: Sun to partial shade
Conditions: Hard
Flowering Time: No Flower
Fragrant: No
Habit: Extreme Slow Growing
Foliage: Sparse
Drought Tolerance: High
Salt Tolerance: High
Light: Bright
Temperature: 5-45 °C
Sensitive to: Wet and Dry Condition
Watering: keep the compost moist in spring, summer and autumn. It will need less water in winter. Mist often.
Repotting: repot annually in spring until the plant is 1m/3ft tall, and then just replace the topsoil.
Problems: Dry yellow needles mean conditions are too hot and dry. Water and move to a cooler, well-ventilated spot, mist frequently.
Maximum Height: 100 ft
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Plant Information
Hardiness Zones
All plants fall under a hardiness zone that determines what type of climate conditions a plant can withstand.Parts of A Plants
Understanding the parts of a part, which is called plant morphology, is extremely important in identifying plants.Plants by Region
Looking for a plant from a particular continent or country? All our plant information is broken down by region.Types of Plants
This section categorizes all of our information about plants by plant types. Some examples of types of plants are trees, flowers, fruit, and herbs.Plant Terminology
Biennial
These types of plants have a two year life cycle. The plant grows the first year, and flowers or grows fruits during the second year.
Calcareous
This term refers to soil which has a high level of calcium carbonate. This content makes the soil very alkaline.
Calyx
The word calyx is used as a collective term for the sepals of a flower.
Chlorotic
When there is a nutrient deficiency that causes a plant to fail to produce chlorophyll, a yellowing of the plants tissue can occur, and the plant if referred to as being chlorotic.
Corolla
The corolla is the overall structure of all the petals of the flower.
Crop
A season's yield of a plant that is grown in large quantities. Crops are usually grown as food for sale in grocery markets, but also can be grown for livestock feed and for fuel.
Culm
Originally the term culm referred to a stem of any kind. It now refers to an above ground stem.
Cultivar
A cultivar results from the cross-breeding of plants, which results in a new subspecies, or cultivar (hybrid).
Cymes
A cyme is a variation of the arrangement of flowers on a plant.
Deciduous
A deciduous plant is one that loses its leaves seasonally. Loss of leaves normally is in conjunction with a seasonal weather change, such as winter.
Dioecious
This is when flowers of a plant are one sex only, and require a second plant with flowers of the opposite sex to reproduce.
Endemic
When a plant is said to be 'endemic', it means it is confined, restricted, or found only in a particular location.
Frost Tender
Plants that are said to be 'frost tender' can not survive in any level of frost.
Gametes
Germ cells, called gametes, from the male and female plants fuse together during fertilization.
Glabrous
Parts of plants that are glabrous have no 'hairs' on their surface.
Gynoecium
The female reproductive part of the plant.
Hybrid
A hybrid plant is the result of interbreeding different plant species of separate taxa.
Lanceolate
This is a term describing the particular shape of leaves. Lanceolate leaves are long leaves that are wider in the middle.
Lenticel
A lenticel is an area of spongy tissue on the outside of vascular plants that allow for the exchange of gases between the atmosphere and the inner tissue of the plant.
Monocarpic
These plants have a limited life cycle. The plant will grow, develop flowers, set their seeds, and the die.
Pendulous
When a tree's branches are dangling or hanging loosely in the shape of a pendulum, they are said to be pendulous.
Perennial
If a plant lives for more than two years it is classified as a perennial.
Perianth
The perianth refers to the outer portion of a flower. The perianth contains the petals, tepals and sepals.
Propagation
This is the act of reproducing, spreading or distributing plants through both artificial and natural methods. Common methods are by using seeds or cuttings.
Radicle
This is the first part to emerge from the seed during germination, considered the embryonic root of the plant. The radicle, once emerged, always grows downward in the soil.
Ramification
The process of making parts of trees/plants smaller is called ramification. This is usually accomplished through pruning. (ie. Making a tree into a bonsai variant).
Root Tuber
A root tuber is a lateral root, although modified. These tubers are enlarged, and work as an organ for storage of nutrients. A good example of a root tuber is the sweet potato.
Samara
The fruit of a plant that is in the shape of wings, allowing the wind to carry them off. Often referred to as a 'helicopter'.
Stamen
This term refers to the male organs of a plant.
Stem Tuber
This type of tuber tends to develop at the sides of the parent plant, and close to the soil. The topside can grow stems and leaves, while the underside develops roots. A potato is a specialized stem tuber.
Stipule
Outgrowths located on either side of the leafstalk base. Stipules come in all shapes and sizes; spines, scales, hairs, etc.
Tuber
A tuber is an enlarged plant structure used to store nutrients, usually to provide sustenance for the plant during the winter months, and to help regrow the plant the following year. There are two types of tubers: stem tuber and root tuber.
Whorl
A whorl is when items on a plant surround a central point. Example: Leaves that are whorled surround and attach to the stem at the same point.
These types of plants have a two year life cycle. The plant grows the first year, and flowers or grows fruits during the second year.
Calcareous
This term refers to soil which has a high level of calcium carbonate. This content makes the soil very alkaline.
Calyx
The word calyx is used as a collective term for the sepals of a flower.
Chlorotic
When there is a nutrient deficiency that causes a plant to fail to produce chlorophyll, a yellowing of the plants tissue can occur, and the plant if referred to as being chlorotic.
Corolla
The corolla is the overall structure of all the petals of the flower.
Crop
A season's yield of a plant that is grown in large quantities. Crops are usually grown as food for sale in grocery markets, but also can be grown for livestock feed and for fuel.
Culm
Originally the term culm referred to a stem of any kind. It now refers to an above ground stem.
Cultivar
A cultivar results from the cross-breeding of plants, which results in a new subspecies, or cultivar (hybrid).
Cymes
A cyme is a variation of the arrangement of flowers on a plant.
Deciduous
A deciduous plant is one that loses its leaves seasonally. Loss of leaves normally is in conjunction with a seasonal weather change, such as winter.
Dioecious
This is when flowers of a plant are one sex only, and require a second plant with flowers of the opposite sex to reproduce.
Endemic
When a plant is said to be 'endemic', it means it is confined, restricted, or found only in a particular location.
Frost Tender
Plants that are said to be 'frost tender' can not survive in any level of frost.
Gametes
Germ cells, called gametes, from the male and female plants fuse together during fertilization.
Glabrous
Parts of plants that are glabrous have no 'hairs' on their surface.
Gynoecium
The female reproductive part of the plant.
Hybrid
A hybrid plant is the result of interbreeding different plant species of separate taxa.
Lanceolate
This is a term describing the particular shape of leaves. Lanceolate leaves are long leaves that are wider in the middle.
Lenticel
A lenticel is an area of spongy tissue on the outside of vascular plants that allow for the exchange of gases between the atmosphere and the inner tissue of the plant.
Monocarpic
These plants have a limited life cycle. The plant will grow, develop flowers, set their seeds, and the die.
Pendulous
When a tree's branches are dangling or hanging loosely in the shape of a pendulum, they are said to be pendulous.
Perennial
If a plant lives for more than two years it is classified as a perennial.
Perianth
The perianth refers to the outer portion of a flower. The perianth contains the petals, tepals and sepals.
Propagation
This is the act of reproducing, spreading or distributing plants through both artificial and natural methods. Common methods are by using seeds or cuttings.
Radicle
This is the first part to emerge from the seed during germination, considered the embryonic root of the plant. The radicle, once emerged, always grows downward in the soil.
Ramification
The process of making parts of trees/plants smaller is called ramification. This is usually accomplished through pruning. (ie. Making a tree into a bonsai variant).
Root Tuber
A root tuber is a lateral root, although modified. These tubers are enlarged, and work as an organ for storage of nutrients. A good example of a root tuber is the sweet potato.
Samara
The fruit of a plant that is in the shape of wings, allowing the wind to carry them off. Often referred to as a 'helicopter'.
Stamen
This term refers to the male organs of a plant.
Stem Tuber
This type of tuber tends to develop at the sides of the parent plant, and close to the soil. The topside can grow stems and leaves, while the underside develops roots. A potato is a specialized stem tuber.
Stipule
Outgrowths located on either side of the leafstalk base. Stipules come in all shapes and sizes; spines, scales, hairs, etc.
Tuber
A tuber is an enlarged plant structure used to store nutrients, usually to provide sustenance for the plant during the winter months, and to help regrow the plant the following year. There are two types of tubers: stem tuber and root tuber.
Whorl
A whorl is when items on a plant surround a central point. Example: Leaves that are whorled surround and attach to the stem at the same point.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Eastern Redbud
An Eastern Redbud with bright pink flowers.
A close-up of flowers growing on the Eastern Redbud flowers.
Eastern Redbud Description
The Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is native to North America and grows naturally along the eastern seaboard from southern Ontario to Florida.
It is a large shrub with a twisted trunk that reaches heights of around 10 m. The branches of the Eastern Redbud grow spead away from the trunk. The trunk itself is brown in color, while the smaller branches are a lot darker, almost black.
The Eastern Redbud's leaves are about 3 - 5 inches long, very thin, with small hairs on the underside. In the winter, small buds form and are a dark red in color.
Flowers form from March to May in clusters and are quite small, reaching sizes of about a half inch. The flowers normally form before the leaves and can often been seen growing on the trunk.
Eastern Redbud Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Fabales
- Family: Fabaceae
- Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
- Tribe: Cercideae
- Genus: Cercis
- Species
Catawba Rhododendron
A pink colored Catawba Rhododendron in the United States.
The Catawba Rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense) is native to the Appalachian Mountains in the United States of America. It is a species of flowering shrub from the Rhododendron family, and its name is dervied from the Catawba tribe of Native Americans.
The Catawba Rhododendron will grow to heights of about 3.5 meters, and is a very dense, evergreen shrub. The leaves of this plant grow to a maximum length of about 12 cm, and a wdith of about 4 cm.
The flowers of the Catawba Rhododendron are a violet color with small streaks of darker purple, and grow 4 cm in diameter. The fruit, growing to a length of 2 cm, is a dry capsule with many seeds inside.
Catawba Rhododendron Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Ericales
- Family: Ericaceae
- Genus: Rhododendron
- Subgenus: Hymenanthes
- Species
Pictures of Shrubs and Bushes
Aucuba
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Garryales
- Family: Garryaceae
- Genus
Close-up of the berries of Aucuba japonica
Aucuba Plant
In some circles, the genus Aucuba consists of three different species, but the Flora of China now lists ten different species. These dioecious evergreen shrubs are native to east Asia and can grow to heights of 13 m tall. They are normally a lot smaller than this however, usually growing to 2 - 6 m tall.
Aucuba Leaves
The leaves of the Aucuba have a leathery feel and a glossy look to them, are opposite and have a lanceolate shape. They will grow to lengths of 25 cm long and about 7 cm wide. The apex of the leaf also sports large teeth.
Aucuba Flowers and Fruit
The Aucuba shrubs have small flowers, growing somewhere between 4 to 8 mm in diameter. The petals are a dark purple to brown color and each flower has four. A loose cyme forms with each containing 10 to 30 flowers. Aucuba plants have small red berries, no larger than 1 cm.
Aucuba Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Garryales
- Family: Garryaceae
- Genus
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Woodruff
Close-up of Woodruff
Woodruff Description
The herbaceous plant Woodruff (Galium odoratum) is native to Western Asia,Woodruff grows to lengths from 30 to 50 cm, but it is not very strong and lays flat along the ground. If there are other plants nearby, Woodruff will also grow upwards, but supported by the other plants. Northern Africa and Europe.
Woodruff emits a very strong scent, which comes from coumarin, a toxin found in this plant. The scent gets stronger when the plant is dying and wilting, and stays around when drying. This fact makes Woodruff a popular pot-pourri addition. It is also used to flavour many different food and beverage products. As mentioned, it is toxic, but only in high doses. Germany has banned the use of Woodruff in commercial food products since 1981.
Woodruff Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Gentianales
- Family: Rubiaceae
- Genus: Galium
- Species
Rosemary Pictures
A sprig of Rosemary growing in Titusville, Florida.
It is very woody in texture, and its needle-like evergreen leaves have a very strong fragrance. The Mediterranean is the original home of Rosemary.
The Rosemary plant is actually a member of the Lamiaceae family (mint), along with many other different herbs. It is common to find Rosemary growing by the sea, which is how it got the name "dew of the sea", derived from the Latin word rosmarinus, or 'dew' (ros), and 'sea' (marinus).
Rosemary is considered a good beginner gardening plant, and are especially good to grow in Mediterranean-type weather conditions. As such, there are many cultivars. These rosemary cultivars grow in many different ways, from low trailing plants to tall erect versions. The upright variations can grow to 1.5 m tall, and have grown to 2 m tall, but is rare.
As mentioned, Rosemary leaves are evergreen. They grow to be about 2 - 4 cm long and only a few millimeters wide. They are green coloured on top, but the undersides are more white. Rosemary can also flower, and the plant does so in the late winter or spring. Flowers can be blue, purple, white or pink shaded.
Rosemary Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Unranked: Angiosperms
- Unranked: Eudicots
- Unranked: Asterids
- Order: Lamiales
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Genus: Rosmarinus
- Species
German Chamomile
A colour diagram of Cumin from Koehler's Medicinal-Plants 1887.
German Chamomile Description
The herb named German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is an annual plant native to Europe and some parts of Asia. It has also been introduced, and has spread wildly, throughout both Australia and North America. German Chamomile is actually part of the sunflower family of plants.
German Chamomile is often also called Wild Chamomile or Scented Mayweed. This plant needs open soil to grow. As such, open cultivated fields often see German Chamomile growing among the rows, along with the sides of roads. German Chamomile grows to a maximum height of about 60 cm, but plants ranging from 15 cm up to 60 cm are commonly seen together.
The flower petals of the German Chamomile plant are white, while the centre of the flower is a bright yellow. These flowers bloom in the early parts of the summer and have a very strong scent.
German Chamomile Uses
German Chamomile is used to make Chamomile tea. This tea is used to treat sore stomachs and to help people sleep.
German Chamomile can also be used to treat oral mucositis, when used as a mouthwash.
German Chamomile Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Asterales
- Family: Asteraceae
- Genus: Matricaria
- Species
Cumin
A colour diagram of Cumin from Koehler's Medicinal-Plants 1887.
Another drawing of Cumin, but from an unknown publication.
Cumin Description
Cumin is a herb, and used as a spice, in many foods from different cultures around the world. The Cumin plant itself, Cuminum cyminum, is an annual flowering plant that grows natively in the Mediterranean area, and stretching over to East India.
The cumin plant grows about 20 to 30 cm tall, and is very slender with sparse branches. The leaves of the cumin plant are about 8 cm long and also slender. The flowers are small are either pink or white in colour.
The fruit of the plant is what contains the seed. The seed is the edible part of the cumin plant. The seed itself is about 3 - 4 mm long.
Cumin seed can be used whole, or ground into a powder. It is used to spice dishes native to North Africa, the Middle East, India, Cuba, Mexico and some parts of China.
History of Cumin
Cumin has been used as a spice or flavouring for foods since ancient times. The earliest dated seeds went back to the second millennium BC, at the site of Tell ed-Der in Syria. Cumin has also been found among egyptian ruins.
Ancient Greece and Rome used cumin very frequently. Like pepper is today, cumin was kept in it's own container on the tabletop. Both the Old Testament and New Testament versions of the Bible mention cumin. Cumin was later brought over to the America's by colonists from Spain.
Cumin Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Apiales
- Family: Apiaceae
- Genus: Cuminum
- Species:
Pictures of Herbs
Pods from the Black Cardamom
Black Cardamom Description
Black Cardamom is a herbaceous plant in the Zingiberaceae family. The name Black Cardamom actually refers to two species; Amomum subulatum and Amomum costatum. Black Cardamom is also referred to as Brown Cardamom. The plants seed pods are used as a spice, and have a smoky, and very strong flavour.
The seed pods of Amomum subulatum are used in Indian cuisine, while the larger pods of Amomum costatum are used primarily in Chinese, Vietnamese, and Sichuan cuisine. The pods of Black Cardamom are generally used in marinades, soups and casseroles.
Black Cardamom is used in Chinese medicine to treat malaria and various stomach disorders.
Nepal is the largest producer of Black Cardamom, followed by India, and then Bhutan.
Alpine Wormwood Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Asterales
- Family: Asteraceae
- Genus: Artemisia
- Species
Monday, January 25, 2010
Viper's Bugloss
Description
The Viper's Bugloss (Echium vulgare) can be found growing in dry and barren areas of Northern Europe. They are quite common all over the United Kingdom. They are also common in North America, surrounding the Great Lakes, but are considered weeds. The Viper's Bugloss is a monocarpic
perennial, or biennial flowering plant.
The flowers themselves are about 17 mm in size, and are a rich blue in color. The stamens are always protruding from the flower, and their red color contrasts deeply against the blue. The flowers grow out from a hairy and spiked branch, which also has lanceolate shaped leaves.
Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Boraginales
- Family: Boraginaceae
- Genus: Echium
- Species
Tiger Lily
Description
The Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium) is a wonderfully beautiful flower now cultivated all over the world in temperate zones. It is originally from the eastern Asian area; mainly China, Korea and Japan. They do not occur too commonly in the wild, and some think they are actually a hybrid.
The Tiger Lily is a true bulb flower that is hardy to zone.4. It grows about 1.2 meters high, with the widest part of the plant reaching about 25 cm. The Tiger Lily requires well drained soil but moist soil. These flowers are best kept in full sunlight, but can survive in partial shade.
There are reports that the pollen of the Tiger Lily is actually slightly toxic, and creates a drowsiness effect and even vomiting.
Star Magnolia
Description
Native to Japan, the Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is a small tree with large white or light pink flowers that bloom early in life. In has been brought to North America and now grows naturally there as well. The flowers will appear in the spring before the leaves.
The Star Magnolia is very slow growing, but very large, reaching heights up to 20 feet. The leaves have an oblong shape, growing to 10 cm long and 4 cm wide. The flowers themselves grow to about 9 cm long and have a light fragrance.
Sacred Garlic Pear
Description
The Sacred Garlic Pear (Crateva religiosa) is actually a flowering tree native to southeast Asia, Japan and Australia. It is called many names in different languages, including Temple Plant and Spider Tree.
The Sacred Garlic Pear has edible fruit, and as such the plant is also grown in Africa for food. This plant also attracts a lot of insects as the flowers are nectar filled.
The flowers of the Sacred Garlic Pear are quite large, and have many long hanging stamens, leading to the Spider Tree name.
Pigeon Orchid
Description
Growing wild in Singapore, Pigeon Orchid (Dendrobium crumenatum) flowers are bright white and very fragrant. The insides of these flowers are tinted yellow as well. They are tropical plants and found all over Singapore, both growing wild and used as city decoration.
The Pigeon Orchid blooms when it experiences quick changes in temperature. In most cases this occurs as a result of a rainfall, which cools off the air in tropical areas rather quickly.
Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Liliopsida
- Order: Asparagales
- Family: Orchidaceae
- Subfamily: Epidendroideae
- Tribe: Dendrobieae
- Subtribe: Dendrobiinae
- Genus: Dendrobium
- Species:
Goldband Lily
Description
The Goldband Lily (Lilium auratum) is also commonly referred to as the Golden Rayed Lily of Japan. As is apparent from this secondary name, this species of lily originates in Japan.
They are very large flowering plants, growing to heights of 2.5 meters, with up to 20 flowers growing on each stock. The Goldband Lily is one of the world's true lilies, are the largest of all lily species, and is more commonly used in crossbreeding than any other lily.
The flowers of the Goldband Lily are large and white, with golden or orange markings running down the center of each petal. There may also be orange spots throughout the markings. The flowers also have a very strong fragrance.
Growing the Goldband Lily
Planting bulbs will result in faster growing plants, but they can be cultivated from seeds. The Goldband Lily has a life span of about 3 to 4 years, so it is recommended to help this plant reproduce by itself.
Soil and Planting
When you are planting the Goldband Lily in your garden or in a pot, make sure you are using acidic or plain soil. This flower will not grow as well in any other type of soil, and fertilized soil will kill the Goldband Lily.
Plant the bulbs of the Goldband Lily in a hole three times the size of the bulb itself. When you fill in the soil around the bulb, make sure it is loose.
Sunlight
The Goldband Lily will need partial sunlight to grow properly. It is best to plant this flower where the bottom will be covered in shades and the tops, including the flowers, will be in the sunlight.
Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Liliopsida
- Order: Liliales
- Family: Liliaceae
- Genus: Lilium
- Species: Lilium auratum
Didier's Tulip Pictures
Description
The origins of the Didier's Tulip (Tulipa gesneriana) is basically unknown, but is now commonly found throughout Asia and south-west Europe. As far as private gardens are concerned, the majority of cultivars of tulip are from Didier's Tulip.
The flowers of the Didier's Tulip are bi-sexual and have a very sweet scent. The bulbs of the Dider's Tulip are extremely hardy and resistent to frost, allowing them to withstand below freezing temperatures. Below freezing temperatures are actally required to start the growing process.
The bulbs of the Didier's Tulip are edible, and can be dried, powdered, and added to flour or cereal products. Interesting to note, even though they can be consumed with no side effects, the flower and bulb itself can actually cause dermatitis when exposed to the skin.
Didier's Tulip Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Liliopsida
- Order: Liliales
- Family: Liliaceae
- Genus: Tulipa
- Species: Tulipa gesneriana
Corncockle Pictures
Corncockle Plant
Corncockle (Agrostemma githago) grows naturally among corn fields in European countries. It was introduced around the world by countries that import European wheat. When the wheat was harvested, Corncockle was harvested and mixed in with the wheat seed. Past developments in agriculture technology helped remove Corncockle from exported European wheat.
The poisonous Corncockle plant can reach heights of 1 meter. They have very few branches, all of which are covered in small, fine hairs. The stalks are very hard and stand up erect. The leaves reach lengths of 15 cm but are normally much smaller. They are lanceolate in shape, opposite and a light shade of green in color.
Corncockle is also known as Gith and Zizany.
Corncockle Flower
A pink or purple flower will develop and grow on the end of each Corncockle branch. These summer blooming flowers do not have a strong fragrance and grow to a maximum of about 5 cm. The design of each petal includes 2 or 3 black lines.
Corncockle Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Mangnoliopsida
- Order: Caryophyllales
- Family: Caryophyllaceae
- Genus: Agrostemma
- Species: Agrostemma githago
Chrysanthemum Pictures
Description
Chrysanthemums, also called Mums, consist of 30 individual species of flower. They are perennial plants that originated in parts of Europe and Asia.
Used in China as an herb as far back as 1400 BC, they were brought to Japan around 800 AD, and used as the governments official seal. Chrysanthemums were then introduced to Europe in the 1700's.
The most common color of Chrysanthemums is yellow, but they are also seen in red, white and purple. These flowers are one of the most widely cultivated flowers, and thousands of variations exist.
Bosnian Lily Pictures
As the name of this plant, Bosnian Lily (Lilium bosniacum) suggests, the plant is native to Bosnia, but also has populations in Herzegovina. The native population of Bosnia calls the flower the Golden Lily. This unique lily was used as the symbol of the country until 1998, and a historic heraldic symbol and the country in medieval times.
Bosnian Lily Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Liliopsida
- Order: Liliales
- Family: Liliaceae
- Genus: Lilium
- Species: Lilium bosniacum
Alaska Violet Pictures
The Alaska Violet (Viola langsdorffii) is not actually restricted to Alaska as it's name may suggest. This flower is native to land throughout western North America, stretching from Alaska to Oregon, and East Asia as well.The Alaska Violet is a perennial flower that does not normally grow above 10 cm in height. The plant flowers in April and May. The Alaska Violet has both female and male reproductive organs, making this flower a hermaphrodite species. The Alaska Violet likes to grow in damp or wet areas, like marshes, bogs and swamps. The soil needs to be well-drained, and be either dense clay, light sand or a loamy soil to grow well.
Edible uses of the Alaska Violet
Both the flowers and the leaves of the Alaska Violet are edible. When the flower is young, the leaves and the flower buds can eaten raw, and are often included in soups. The leaves of the older plants are often included in tea mixtures.
Alaska Violet Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Malpighiales
- Family: Violaceae
- Genus: Viola
- Species: Viola langsdorfii
Growing the Alaska Violet
The Alaska Violet grows best in a cool and moist loose soil and humus mixture. Keep the plant in partial shade and out of the way of strong winds. Keep the pH of the soil between 6 and 6.5. If the pH becomes too high, the Alaska Violet will become chlorotic.
Propagating the Alaska Violet
Starting with the seed, they are best sown in a cold frame during the early spring months. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and put them out in the summer.
Division of the Alaska Violet will normally occur just after the plant flowers, but may happen a bit later in the fall months. Smaller divisions are best started in greenhouses or outdoors in partial shade. The larger divisions can be planted outdoors, directly into their final positions.
African Marigold Pictures
The African Marigold (Tagetes erecta) is an annual flower that ranges across the southern parts of North America, and into South America as well. It most commonly grows in pine or oak forests, or in areas where these trees are common. It is actually a cultivar of the Mexican Marigold.
The African Marigold plant grows 40 cm high, and each plant spreads out my 1 meter. The African Marigold likes its soil to be in between dry and moist, and it needs to be well-drained. They also need good sunlight to grow properly.
Other common names for the African Marigold are Aztec Marigold, Chambergo and Fleurs Souci.
African Marigold Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Mangnoliopsida
- Order: Asterales
- Family: Asteraceae
- Tribe: Tageteae
- Genus: Tagetes
- Species: Tagetes erecta (Cultivar)
Growing African Marigolds
African Marigolds are one of the easiest flowers to grow, and are easy to start from seeds. They give gardens a nice, bright, cheerful touch.
Sowing Marigold Seeds, and Soil
African Marigolds require nutrient rich, well-drained soil to grow properly. You can start growing African Marigolds inside or outside. If you choose to start them indoors, plant them 6 to 8 week's before the last frost date. If you start them outdoors, make sure the last frost has taken place, and sow the seeds right into the ground, leaving about 1/4 inch of soil above the seed. If you planted seedlings, pinch off any blooms so the plants energy will be focused on root development.
Growing, Fertilizer and Pruning
As they start to grow, thin them out by gently pulling out extra seedlings. You want your African Marigolds to grow about 12 inches apart. Add mulch over the soil around your African Marigolds to keep in moisture. Mulch also helps prevent weeds from growing in your garden. African Marigolds are hardy plants, and should grow with regular watering. If desired, you can use fertilizer on your African Marigolds every four to six weeks. When blooms are finished, pinch them off. This will direct energy to new blooms, and prolong flowering.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Types of Plants
Here are our different types of plants, as they are sorted on this blog. You may notice some categories are not actually scientific, or botanical, classifications. For example, the term 'vegetables' is only a culinary term, not an actual plant type. Same for 'fruits', but to a lesser extent. We have seperated our types of plants by how people commonly refer to them.
Flowers
Flowers are the reproductive part of angiosperms, also known as flowering plants. Look through our Flower information for details about specific flowers.
Herbs
Herbs are used for culinary, medicinal and spiritual uses. In cuisine, the leaves of the herb are normally the only part used. All parts of herbs are used in various medical or spiritual practices.
Shrubs and Bushes
Usually under 6 m tall, shrubs and bushes are categorized as woody plants. Shrubs have multiple stems and many are covered with flowers of all shapes and sizes.
Trees
Trees are everywhere in the world. Trees are tall, large and some are very old. Trees are important in fighting soil erosion and responsible for the clean oxygen we breathe.
Vegetables
The term 'vegetable' is not actually a scientific classification of a plant, but rather strictly a culinary term. Vegetables are parts of plants (flower buds, seeds, stems, fruits, etc) that are edible and used in culinary dishes.
Flowers
Flowers are the reproductive part of angiosperms, also known as flowering plants. Look through our Flower information for details about specific flowers.
Herbs
Herbs are used for culinary, medicinal and spiritual uses. In cuisine, the leaves of the herb are normally the only part used. All parts of herbs are used in various medical or spiritual practices.
Shrubs and Bushes
Usually under 6 m tall, shrubs and bushes are categorized as woody plants. Shrubs have multiple stems and many are covered with flowers of all shapes and sizes.
Trees
Trees are everywhere in the world. Trees are tall, large and some are very old. Trees are important in fighting soil erosion and responsible for the clean oxygen we breathe.
Vegetables
The term 'vegetable' is not actually a scientific classification of a plant, but rather strictly a culinary term. Vegetables are parts of plants (flower buds, seeds, stems, fruits, etc) that are edible and used in culinary dishes.
Plants
Plants are abundant all over the world with an estimated 350,000 known species. Every corner of the planet has some form of plant life such as flowers, trees, fruits, vegetables, and ferns. Most plants go through the process of photosynthesis, and most are classified as autotrophs.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
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