Plant of the Day: Mentha

DESCRIPTION: This is a large group of well-known perennial herbs, which are widely spread over the temperate parts of the world. Mentha includes the Apple Mint, Curly Mint, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Pineapple Mint, Spearmint and Water or Bog Mint. Following are descriptions of each variety.
Apple Mint (M. suaveolens) - This hardy perennial is a very robust grower. Apple Mint has interesting light green leaves. They are somewhat hairy on the upper surface and downy underneath, with serrated edges. They can grow up to 3 feet high, but should be kept lower.
Curly Mint (M. spicata variety crispii) - This plant is valued more for its intricately curled, fringed leaves than for its fragrance. The foliage is dark green and lightly splotched with a contrasting lighter green. They can grow up to 2 feet high and are invasive. Chefs like Curly Mint for garnishes, but prefer the pleasant flavor of Spearmint and Peppermint.
Pennyroyal (M. pulegium) - This creeping Mint is used once in a while as a ground cover in cool climates. It has many stems, which grow up to 12 inches high and are covered with small, round to oval, dark green leaves. In the summer it produces bluish-lilac blossoms. Pennyroyal has an enjoyable lemony aroma and is used to flavor meat puddings and fish entrees.
Peppermint (M. piperita) - This spreading plant has a sharp, penetrating yet pleasant, mint aroma. It grows 1 to 2 feet high, but can reach 3 feet when in bloom. The lance-shaped leaves are deeply notched when mature and the flowers are usually purple.
Pineapple Mint (M. suaveolens 'Variegata') - Pineapple Mint is a variegated hybrid of Apple Mint with white or cream blotches on its leaves. It does have a slight Pineapple scent, but the aroma isn't always detectable. This Mint is good for garnishes because the thick leaves are slow to wilt.
Spearmint (M. spicata) - This is considered one of the most popular and versatile garden Mint. Spearmint has a fruity aroma and flavor and blends well in many foods, including salads, sauces, teas and dips. This plant can reach 2 to 3 feet in height when in bloom. It has bright green leaves and purple flowers. Its toothed leaves lack stems, distinguishing this plant from Peppermint.
Water or Bog Mint (M. aquatica) - This aggressive Mint is great for growing along the margins of water gardens, though care must be taken that it doesn’t become troublesome. The Bog Mint grows to a height of 2 or 3 feet. It produces pairs of very fragrant, elliptic-shaped, serrated leaves that are usually tinted with purple and shaded with even more purple on their undersides. The leaves grow from reddish colored stems. In the summer, whorls of lilac colored flowers grow at the stem tips. The leaves may be used to flavor salads and teas.

VARIETIES:
Apple Mint - M. suaveolens.
Curly Mint - M. spicata variety crispii.
Pennyroyal - M. pulegium.
Peppermint - M. piperita.
Pineapple Mint - M. suaveolens 'Variegata'.
Spearmint - M. spicata. The large-leaved cultivar Scotch and the small-leaved Native contain the most mint oil. Kentucky Colonel is a strongly scented hybrid favored for juleps. Curly and variegated cultivars also exist.
Water or Bog Mint - M. aquatica.

Mentha (also known as Mint, from Greek míntha, Linear B mi-ta) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae (mint family).  The species are not clearly distinct and estimates of the number of species varies from 13 to 18. Hybridization between some of the species occurs naturally. Many other hybrids as well as numerous cultivars are known in cultivation. The genus has a subcosmopolitan distribution across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America.
Mints are aromatic, almost exclusively perennial, rarely annual, herbs. They have wide-spreading underground and overground stolons and erect, square, branched stems. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, from oblong to lanceolate, often downy, and with a serrate margin. Leaf colors range from dark green and gray-green to purple, blue, and sometimes pale yellow. The flowers are white to purple and produced in false whorls called verticillasters. The corolla is two-lipped with four subequal lobes, the upper lobe usually the largest. The fruit is a small, dry capsule containing one to four seeds.
While the species that make up the Mentha genus are widely distributed and can be found in many environments, most Mentha grow best in wet environments and moist soils. Mints will grow 10–120 cm tall and can spread over an indeterminate area. Due to their tendency to spread unchecked, mints are considered invasive.

{[http://www.botany.com/mentha.html]}
{[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentha]}

Plant of the Day: Dulichium - Water Bamboo

DESCRIPTION: This aquatic plant is commonly known as Water Bamboo. Though it doesn't belong to the Bamboo family, it does resemble the plant. This plant can grow 2 feet high or more. It has slender, green leaves and tiny, unnoticeable flowers during the summer.
VARIETIES: D. arundinaceum.

Dulichium, Dolicha, or Doliche (Greek: Δουλίχιον)[1] was a place noted by numerous ancient writers that was either a city on, or an island off, the Ionian Sea coast of Acarnania, Greece.

In the Iliad, Homer says that Meges, son of Phyleus, led 40 ships to Troy from Dulichium and the sacred islands he calls Echinae (the Echinades), which are situated beyond the sea, opposite Elis. Phyleus was the son of Augeas, king of the Epeians in Elis, who emigrated to Dulichium because he had incurred his father's anger. In the Odyssey, Dulichium is frequently mentioned along with Same, Zacynthus, and Ithaca as one of the islands subject to Odysseus, and is celebrated for its fertility.
The site of Dulichium gave rise to much dispute in antiquity. Hellanicus supposed that it was the ancient name of Kefalonia; and Andron, that it was one of the cities of Kefalonia, which Pherecydes supposed to be Pale, an opinion supported by Pausanias. However, Strabo maintains that Dulichium was one of the Echinades, and identifies it with Dolicha (ἡ Δολίχα), an island which he describes as situated opposite Oeniadae (Oinadai) and the mouth of the Achelous, and distant 100 stadia from the promontory of Araxos (Araxus) in Elis. Dolicha appears to be the same which now bears the synonymous appellation of Makri (Greek: Μάκρη), derived from its long narrow form.
Most modern writers have followed Strabo in connecting Dulichium with the Echinades, though it seems impossible to conclusively identify it with any particular island. It is observed by Leake that Petalas (Petalá), being the largest of the Echinades, and possessing the advantage of two well-sheltered harbours, seems to have the best claim to be considered the ancient Dulichium. It is, indeed, a mere rock, but being separated only by a strait of a few hundred meters from the fertile plains at the mouth of the Achelous and river of Oenia, its natural deficiencies may have been there supplied, and the epithets of grassy and abounding in wheat, which Homer applies to Dulichium — Δουλιχίου πολυπύρου, ποιήεντος — may be referred to that part of its territory. But Leake adds, with justice, that there is no proof in the Iliad or Odyssey that Dulichium, although at the head of an insular confederacy, was itself an island: it may very possibly, therefore, have been a city on the coast of Acarnania, opposite to the Echinades, perhaps at Tragamésti, or more probably at the harbour named Pandeléimona or Platyá, which is separated only by a channel of a mile or two from the Echinades.
Another story has Dulichium placed approximately 3 kilometers from the island of Kefalonia but reportedly sunk following an earthquake.

{[http://www.botany.com/dulichium.html]}
{[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dulichium]}

Quote of the Day

"Our environmental problems originate in the hubris of imagining ourselves as the central nervous system or the brain of nature.  We're not the brain, we are a cancer on nature." 

~Dave Foreman, Harper's, April 1990

Quote of the Day

A margin of life is developed by Nature for all living things - including man. All life forms obey Nature's demands - except man, who has found ways of ignoring them.

~Eugene M. Poirot, Our Margin of Life, 1978

Plant of the Day: Chrysanthemum

DESCRIPTION: These hardy plants are natives of China, Japan, northern Africa, and southern Europe. They belong to the Daisy family, Compositae. Their flowers come in every color except blue. Their blooms come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes. Some are spherical in shape and have incurved petals at the center. Some have tubular-shaped petals of unequal length with little hooks at the end. Spoon Chrysanthemums have rather flat petals that are spoon-shaped at the end. Anemone Chrysanthemums have fairly flat, thin petals with shorter tubular petals in the center. Chrysanthemum carinatums are striking annuals with their beautiful yellow, purple and red rings. They originate in Morocco and grow 2-3 feet in height. C. maximum (Shasta Daisy) is a perennial found wild in Spain and Portugal. They form tufts of foliage close to the ground and in the summer, bear large, white flowers on 2- to 3-foot stems. Large plants of this variety tend to become straggly, so it is smart to lift the clumps every year or two and separate them. This assures finer blooms and more manageable plants. Only the young outer pieces should be chosen for replanting. C. rubellum is a herbaceous perennial that bears clusters of pale rose-pink flowers on 3-foot stems. C. cinerariaefolium's inflorescences are of considerable importance in the manufacture of Pyrethrum insecticides. C. balsamita (Costmary, Alecost, Bible-leaf, Sweet Mary, or Mint Geranium) is a sprawling, hardy perennial that reaches 3 feet in height when in bloom. The yellow flowers are rather sparse and the leaves are elongated, oval and toothed. They are leathery when dried and can be used as bookmarks. Fresh young Costmary leaves can be used in salads and to add a balsam flavor to beer, soups, and bread. Other Chrysanthemums will be listed below in the varieties section.

VARIETIES: Below are hardy perennials - C. maximum (Shasta Daisy) and some its best varieties are: Mount Shasta (double white), The Speaker (single white), Astrid (double white), Marconi (double white, frilled flowers), Alaska (white), Majestic (immense white flowers), Mark Riegal (large, white of distinct form) and Cobham Gold (cream, yellow center). C. rubellum (sprays of pale rose pink single flowers). C. Parthenium flore pleno (Feverfew - can grow in sun or shade - tons of small, double, white flowers and has a scent somewhat resembling Chamomile) and its variety aureum (Golden Feather - is dwarf with yellow leaves).C. uliginosum (herbaceous, large, white flowers).C. nipponicum (shrubby, stems don't die in the winter. Large, white, single, flowers resembling daisies - Great for borders, rock gardens and seaside gardens). C. Balsamita and its variety tanacetoides (commonly called Costmary, Sweet Mary and Mint Geranium). Costmary is grown in herb gardens and sometimes in flower borders and wild gardens & is naturalized in some parts of North America. Costmary was once reputable for its medicinal values and is used for flavoring foods. C. arcticum (native of the arctic regions. It produces white to lilac colored daisy-like flowers). C. yezoense (white flowers fade to a pinkish color). C. Zawadskii (pink flowers - 2 or less inches in diameter). Hardy annuals - These are derived from C. carinatum, C. segetum and C. coronarium: Morning Star (pale yellow), Evening Star (yellow), Northern Star (white), atrococcineum (red), Burridgeanum (white marked with crimson and yellow). Double varieties: Double White and Double Yellow and Bridal Robe (small, white flowers). Some other popular types are: C. frutescens (Marguerite or Paris Daisy); C. indicum and C. morifolium (scinensis). Here are the classifications of Chrysanthemums:
Japanese, Large Exhibition or Large Irregular - Have broad, irregularly incurved petals with blooms larger than 6 in. across. Large or Exhibition Incurves - Have petals overlapping regularly and blooms larger than 6 in. across. Intermediate Regular Incurves - Similar but with blooms over 5 in., but not more than 6 in. across. Small Regular Incurves - Similar but with blooms not over 5 in. across. Decoratives - Petals are regularly or irregularly reflexed. This is the most common garden class; the blooms measure 1½ to several inches across. The petals can be long. Singles - Have disc florets that form Daisy or Marguerite "eye" in the center of the flower. The ray florets are arranged in not more than 5 rows. Semidoubles - The ray florets are arranged in more than 5 rows but the disc is clearly evident as a daily-like eye. Anemones - The ray florets are in 5 or fewer rows and shorter petaloid disc flowers form a cushion-like center. Pompons - Blooms are usually spherical, though sometimes they are almost flat when small. They are usually not over 4 in. wide. Some Pompon varieties have incurved petals in the center of the flower head. Spoons - Have disc florets that are rather flat and ray florets that are regularly arranged and spoon-shaped. Quills - The disc shouldn't show, but tubular florets issue from the center and form a globular flower head. The tips of the petals may be recurved or spoon-shaped. Spiders - Have relatively long, thin and tubular petals of irregular length, sinuous or hooked at the tips. Threads - The disc may or may not show. The ray florets are of unequal length, tubular and delicate. Azaleamums and Cushion Chrysanthemums - Dwarf, spreading garden varieties of hardy character. Cascades - This name is applied to the varieties that have thin, wiry stems that can easily be trained to grow downward from pots and baskets to form a cascade effect when in bloom. The term Cascade refers mainly to the mode of training; the same varieties grown naturally develop into regular bushy plants.

Chrysanthemums, often called mums or chrysanths, are of the genus (Chrysanthemum) constituting approximately 30 species of perennial flowering plants in the family Asteraceae which is native to Asia and northeastern Europe.

{[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysanthemum]}
{[http://www.botany.com/chrysanthemum.html]}

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Plant of the Day: Colocasia

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of six tender, tuberous-rooted perennials, commonly known as Elephant Ears. Elephant Ears are natives of tropical countries and are grown for their beautiful, large leaves. They are suitable for growing in containers, borders, and also bog gardens because they tolerate wet soil, even standing water. The handsome, large leaves of these plants grow atop 3- to 7-foot stems and can reach a length of 2 or 3 feet themselves. The leaves are held perpendicular to the stem (called a peltate leaf - see dictionary), so that they face outward and point to the ground; thus their beauty is completely seen. C. esculenta (Taro Root; Dasheen) has heart- to arrow-shaped, smooth green leaves. This species has been grown for over a thousand years for its edible tubers, which are a staple in the diet of people from India to the South Pacific. The Taro roots were boiled and eaten and the tender leaves were cooked as greens. However, they are poisonous if not prepared correctly. Even though the leaves of C. esculenta are a deep green, there are several varieties with variegated foliage and stems. Variety 'Fontanesia' produces green leaves on very dark purple petioles (leaf stalks). Variety 'Black Magic' is a gorgeous plant with such dark plum leaves they appear black. The leaves grow on dark burgundy-black stems.

VARIETIES: C. esculenta & var. Fontanesia, Black Magic, rubra; C. antiquorum.

Colocasia is a genus of 25 or more species of flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to tropical Polynesia and southeastern Asia. Common names include Elephant-ear, Taro, Cocoyam, Dasheen, and Eddoe. Elephant-ear and Cocoyam are also used for some other large-leaved genera in the Araceae, notably Xanthosoma and Caladium. The generic name is derived from the Greek word for Nelumbo nucifera, κολοκασιον (kolokasion).
They are herbaceous perennial plants with a large rhizome on or just below the ground surface. The leaves are large to very large, 20–150 cm (7.9–59 in) long, with a sagittate shape. The elephant's-ear plant gets its name from the leaves, which are shaped like a large ear or shield.

{[http://www.botany.com/colocasia.html]}
{[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colocasia]}

Quote of the Day

When a man wantonly destroys one of the works of man we call him a vandal.  When he destroys one of the works of god we call him a sportsman.  


~Joseph Wood Krutch

Plant of the Day: Phragmites

DESCRIPTION: These tall, aquatic perennials, commonly known as the Common Reed Grass, are natives of North America and many other regions. P. maxima is an attractive Grass for landscape planting. Growing up to 15 feet high, this variety is too invasive and large for most water gardens. It produces plumed flower heads that can be dried and used for decoration. This plant grows naturally in marshes with brackish or sweet water. P. australis 'Aurea', the Variegated Dwarf Common Reed, is a handsome Grass with green foliage variegated with yellow. Its flower plumes may also be dried and used in floral arrangements. This species isn't as vigorous growing as P. Maxima and only grows 3 to 4 feet in height. It is suitable for growing in your water garden.

VARIETIES:

P. maxima & var. variegata;

P. australis & var. Aurea.

Phragmites, the Common reed, is a large perennial grass found in wetlands throughout temperate and tropical regions of the world. Phragmites australis is sometimes regarded as the sole species of the genus Phragmites, though some botanists divide Phragmites australis into three or four species. In particular the South Asian Khagra Reed – Phragmites karka – is often treated as a distinct species.

{[http://www.botany.com/phragmites.html]}

{[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phragmites]}

Quote of the Day

"A virgin forest is where the hand of man has never set foot." 

~Author Unknown

 

 

Plant of the Day: Echinocereus

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of about fifty cacti from the southern U.S. and Mexico. These pretty cacti come in a wide range of shapes and colors. Some species form round, spiny mounds and are commonly called Hedgehog Cacti, while others develop thin, rambling stems. The flower buds of these succulents form inside the stems, bursting out near the stem tips in late spring and early summer. The flowers open completely in full sun and come in an array of colors such as yellow, orange, red, pink, purple and white. Since the flowers break through the skin as they open, a small scar may be left behind. Sometimes the dead flowers can cause a stem to rot; therefore, remove any withered flowers. E. chloranthus (Cylinder Bells) is an interesting species that grows up to 5 inches high. Its colorful spines range from red or brown to cream. In the spring, an abundance of brownish-green flowers are produced at the plant's crown. This variety needs a dry winter dormancy. E. rigidissimus var. rubrispinus (Rainbow Cactus) is a very pretty variety that grows up to 8 inches high with a 2-inch diameter. In good light, the short spines of this plant will grow in red and white bands. This plant will blossom when fairly young. In early summer, a ring of 23/4-inch, pink to magenta, light-throated flowers are produced at the crown of each stem. E. triglochidiatus (Claret Cup Hedgehog) grows up to 8 inches high producing corrugated ribs armed with formidable spines. The beautiful, cup-shaped flowers of this plant have brilliant scarlet petals and contrasting bright green stigmas. Small, pink berries follow the blossoms. E. papillosus forms clumps of sprawling stems, 3/4- to 11/4-inch thick and 12 inches long. This species is excellent for growing in hanging baskets. In early summer, 41/2-inch, yellow flowers with red centers are produced.

VARIETIES: E. coccineus & var. neomexicanus; E. papillosus; E. pentalophus; E. rigidissimus & var. rubrispinus; E. poselgeri; E. pulchellus; E. reichenbachii; E. subinermis; E. viridiflorus; E. schmollii; E. chloranthus (Cylinder Bells); E. stramineus (Porcupine Hedgehog); E. knippelianus; E. scheeri; E. cinerascens; E. triglochidiatus (Claret Cup Hedgehog); E. subinermis; E. enneacanthus & var. conglomeratus (Strawberry Cactus); E. engelmanii; E. pectinatus & var. neomexicanus, rigidissimus; E. reichenbachii (Lace Cactus) & var. albispinus.

Echinocereus is a genus of ribbed, usually small to medium-sized cylindrical cacti, comprising about 70 species from the southern United States and Mexico in very sunny rocky places. Usually the flowers are large and the fruit edible.

The name comes from the Ancient Greek ἐχῖνος (echinos), meaning "hedgehog," and the Latin cereus meaning "candle." They are sometimes known as hedgehog cacti, a term also used for the Pediocactus and Echinopsis.

{[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinocereus]}

{[http://www.botany.com/echinocereus.html]}

Plant of the Day: Amelan'chier

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of beautiful, flowering shrubs and trees mostly native of North America. They are commonly known as Serviceberries, Juneberries, Shadbush, Shad-blow and Snowy Mespilus. Serviceberries are some of the earliest spring-blooming trees. These trees have slender branches and smooth, pale gray bark. They begin to bloom in their first year producing a profusion of short spikes of pure-white, 1-inch flowers. The flowers are followed, in early summer, by small, sweet, red or purple berries. The berries are hidden among the dark green leaves and birds tend to devour them before gardeners realize they are ripening. They were a source of food in the pioneer days and are sometimes used in making jellies. A. canadensis (Downy Serviceberry) grows up 20 or 30 feet high and has an oval shape. It is covered in smooth, green leaves that are clothed with soft gray hairs when they first unfurl, thus the common name.

VARIETIES: A. canadensis (20-30 ft); A. oblongifolia (5-6 ft); A. laevis (30-40 ft); A. asiatica (30-40 ft); A. ovalis (6-9 ft); A. alnifolia (20 ft); A. grandiflor

Amelanchier (pronounced /æməˈlænʃɪər/ am-ə-lan-sheer), also known as shadbush, shadwood or shadblow, service- or sarvisberry, juneberry, saskatoon, sugarplum or wild-plum, and chuckley pear is a genus of about 20 species of shrubs and small deciduous trees in the Rosaceae (Rose family).

The genus is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, growing primarily in early successional habitats. It is most diverse taxonomically in North America, especially in the northern United States and in Canada, and is native to every US state except Hawaii. Two species also occur in Asia, and one in Europe. The systematics (taxonomy) of shadbushes has long perplexed botanists, horticulturalists, and others, as suggested by the range in number of species recognized in the genus from 6 to 33 in two recent publications. A major source of complexity comes from the occurrence of apomixis (asexual seed production), polyploidy, and hybridization.

These plants are valued horticulturally, and their fruits are important to wildlife. Amelanchier species grow to 0.2–20 m tall, arborecent or suckering and forming loose colonies or dense clumps to single-stemmed. The bark is gray or less often brown, smooth or fissuring in older trees. The leaves are deciduous, cauline, alternate, simple, lanceolate to elliptic to orbiculate, 0.5–10 x 0.5–5.5 cm, thin to coriaceous, with surfaces abaxially glabrous or densely tomentose at flowering, abaxially glabrous or more or less hairy at maturity. The inflorescences are terminal, with 1–20 flowers, erect or drooping, either in clusters of one to four flowers, or in racemes with 4–20 flowers. The flowers have five white (rarely somewhat pink, yellow, or streaked with red), linear to orbiculate petals, 2.6–25 mm long, occasionally andropetalous (bearing apical microsporangia adaxially; only known in this genus in A. nantucketensis). The flowers appear in early spring, "when the shad run" according to tradition (leading to names such as "shadbush"). The fruit is a berry-like pome, red to purple to nearly black at maturity, 5–15 mm diameter, insipid to delectably sweet, maturing in summer.

{[http://www.botany.com/amelanchier.html]}

{[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelanchier]}