Matucana

Several groups of globose cacti occur in the Peruvian Andes, and Matucana is one of the most spectacular, often bearing red, hummingbird-pollinated flowers. I have had the good fortune of observing them in their habitat but have discovered that, like many other cacti, the species are extremely variable and have been confusing taxonomically. Fortunately, Matucana has been the subject of a thorough study by Rob Bregman (1996) of the University of Amsterdam. 

 

His research has not solved all the problems, especially the question of whether some species have hybridized. Nonetheless, Bregman's work greatly clarifies the status of the genus. Nathaniel Britton and Joseph Rose described Matucana (type, M. haynei) in 1922 for a single species. The name of the genus is that of the Peruvian town near the type locality of M. haynei. Bregman (1996) recognized 19 species, 17 of which are accepted by the International Cactaceae Systematics Group (Hunt 1999a) and included here. Matucana is characterized as globose to short cylindrical, bearing bilaterally symmetrical flowers that are open during the day in summer. 

 

The flowers may be of various colors, though most are red. The distinctive fruits are usually globose, about 1 cm (0.4 in) in diameter, and dehisce by three vertical slits. Matucana is closely related to Oreocereus, Oroya, and possibly Denmoza, each of the genera with different flowers, however. Myron Kimnach (1960) has suggested that Matucana belongs in Borzicactus, which the International Cactaceae Systematics Group places in Cleistocactus. The affinity of Matucana to other South American cacti remains somewhat unclear.

Buiningia brevicylindrica Buin

Buiningia brevicylindrica Buin. is about 30 cm in height and 15 cm wide; it may grow off-sets at the base and form clumps. It is one of the cerei and is related to the genus Coleocephalocereus, forming a lateral cephalium with hairy. and woolly areoles producing flowers. The spination is yellow, up to 6 cm long, and outstandingly attractive, especially on cultivated seedlings. There are three species in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais; they live in the acid humus accumulated on terraces and pockets of granite rocks. They grow together with bromeliads, mosses, and lichens, which indicates heavy rainfall. Cultivation requires temperatures permanently above 15° C, and even in winter the plants should be kept growing slowly by occasional moistening and by keeping them in the light. Cultivated seedlings can be grafted on Hylocereus spp. and Sele-nicereus spp.

Amorphophallus Titanum (Titan Arum)

Amorphophallus Titanum (Titan Arum) is known for its spectacular inflorescence, this flower grows wild in Sumatra islands, reaching a height of 3 meters. With a single, gigantic leaf, this flower has a characteristic foul smell that resembles rotting flesh, earning it the nickname 'corpse flower'.

Purple Petunia

 

The process is when pollen is transferred by animals

The process is when pollen is transferred by animals. 

The process of transferring pollen from one plant to another. Pollen grains are tiny structures that contain male gametes (sperm) and female gametes (egg cells). When two plants of different species come into contact, pollen grains are released from the stamens of the flower on the first plant. These pollen grains land on the pistils of the second plant where they germinate and grow into new flowers. This process is called pollination.

How does pollen transfer from plant to animal?

Pollen grains contain tiny structures called pollens. When these grains land on the fur or feathers of an insect, they stick to them. The insects then take the pollen back to their bodies where it germinates into new plants. This process is known as pollination.

Pollen is carried through the air by wind and water. Animals such as bees, birds, bats, and butterflies are responsible for transferring pollen between plants.

What do we call the process of transferring pollen?

We call this process pollination. It's a common name used to describe how pollen gets from one plant to another plant.

What happens if there is no pollination?

If there is no pollination, seeds will not be produced and the plant dies.

A:

The term "pollination" refers to the transfer of pollen from the male reproductive organs of a plant to the ovaries of another plant.

B:

The word 'pollen' comes from the Greek word 'pollo', meaning feather.

C:

Pollination is the process in which pollen is transferred from one plant to another via the agency of an insect.

A:

I think you're looking for the word pollinate.

To fertilize; bring forth fruit or seed.

To cause the development of; promote growth.

D:

In biology, pollination is the transfer of pollen from one plant to the stigma of another plant.

E:

Pollen is the male part of a flowering plant's reproductive system.

F:

Pollen is the male haploid cell contained within a flower.

G:

Pollen is a small grain-like structure found inside the anthers of most flowering plants.

H:

Pollen is the male gamete of a flowering plant.

I:

Pollen is a type of microscopic body produced by some plants.

J:

Pollen is made up of male gametes.

K:

Pollen is a powdery substance found in the anthers of many flowering plants.

L:

Pollen is the male gamete produced by flowering plants.

M:

Pollen is a powdery substance produced by flowering plants.

 

Giant Nolina "Nolina parryi"

 Overall, this species is larger than other nolinas. It has numerous strap-shaped leaves 2–4 cm wide, with fine teeth on the margins and no curling fibers. Its flower stalk is 2.5– 9 cm diam. at the base, the bracts are persistent. One to several trunks, 0.5–2.1 m tall. leaf Flat; margins with close, minute teeth, not shredding; blade 50–140 cm long, 2–4 cm broad. flower In panicles 90–180 cm tall, 20–130 cm wide; stalk at the base 26–90 mm diam.; bracts persistent; tepals 2–5 mm long; Apr.–Jun. fruit Capsule 9–13 mm long, about as wide, notched at the base and tip.

 

HABITAT/RANGE

Native; rocky areas in deserts and piñon–juniper woodland, 900–2,100 m; s. Calif. Similar species Easily confused with Chaparral Beargrass. Yucca: Yuccas There are about 40 species of Yucca; they range from the U.S. to Central America. North of the U.S.–Mexico border are 28 species, a few of which are treelike. They occur from sea-level to moderate elevations, mostly in arid situations. 

Yuccas (a.k.a. Spanish bayonets, palmillas) are evergreen plants of arid lands, easily recognized by their usually branched habit, the commonly stiff, pointed leaves in tight spirals, forming rosettes, and their large clusters of bell-shaped creamy-white flowers. Unlike the similar, but never treelike, century plants (Agave), yuccas bloom year after year. 

For a number of years after leaves die, they will clothe the trunk; eventually, they drop, exposing a thin, rind-like grayish bark. leaf Simple, long, slender, ending in a sharp spine, hairless, more or less concave on the upper surface, margins sometimes with minute teeth, often shredding into coarse fibers. flower Inflorescence a large ovoid panicle-like cluster of showy, bisexual, radially symmetric waxy flowers; 6 tepals, separate or joined at the base, 6 stamens, and a superior, 6-sided, 3-chambered ovary. fruit Stiffly woody-papery capsule, or fleshy squash-like berry that very slowly dries and is indehiscent. In each of the fruit’s 3 chambers are many flat black seeds, tightly stacked. 

Typically about half, the seeds are consumed by moth larvae. Each yucca species relies on a single species of moth (genera Parategiticula and Tegiticula) for cross-pollination and seed production. The moth carries pollen from one plant to another, packing it into a receptacle on the stigma. It then lays eggs on the developing ovary, and the larvae feed upon some but not all of the seeds. 

The emergence of adult moths from pupae in the soil must be timed to correspond to the flowering of the yuccas. Synchronization is frequently poor, and in some dry years, yuccas flower poorly. As “insurance” to perpetuate the symbiosis, not all pupae break dormancy in any one year, and yuccas flower to greater or lesser extent year after year. 

Yucca flowers are an edible delicacy, and their consumption contributes to reduced seed production in some populations in rural Mexico. The leaves have been used to make sandals, coarse rope, and baskets. An extract from the subterranean stem of some species has detergent qualities and may be used as soap or shampoo.

Tree heliotrope

 tree heliotrope

other common names: beach heliotrope, messers chmidia, tahinu

scientific name: Tournefortia argentea

family: Boraginaceae (borage family)

natural setting/location: Indian and the Pacific Ocean coastal areas

current status in the wild in Hawai'i: common in coastal areas

propagation

Form: seeds; cuttings 6–12" long (hardened wood or green wood, but green wood is more prone to rot-ting); air layering.

Pre-planting treatment: use medium rooting hormone on cuttings

planting depth: sow seeds ¼" deep in the medium; insert the base of cutting 2–4" into medium

germination time:2–4 weeks

cutting rooting time:3–6 weeks

preferred Production Conditions

general soil characteristics: sandy, well-drained

soil pH: 6.0–7.5

light: full sun

water: drought tolerant

temperature: 65–95°F

Elevation: 10–50'

salt tolerance: good

wind resistance: good

fertilizer needs medium

recommended spacing: 15' apart

adaptation to growing in containers: not recommended

pruning: prune to keep within picking height and induce branching; do not prune into old wood

special cultural hints: do not overwater

suggested companion plantings: low-growing beach plants.

How to Grow The African violet (Saintpaulia Hybrids)

African violets have a great range of color and form. It is very easy to grow and they will flower continuously over a long period and new plants can be grown from leaves.

African violet known botanically as saintpaulia was first discovered in the hills of Tanzania in East Africa. The leaves are hairy and fleshy, with long, brittle stalks. They grow to form a rosette like mound. The flowers grow in loose clusters from the rosette.

Size and Growth

The African violet can be 10 to 15 cm high and up to 38 cm or more across. Miniature varieties are about 15 cm in diameter. Although it can bloom at any time of the year, there are generally fewer flowers between November and March.

Color and Varieties

These days there are many African violet hybrids. Flower color ranges from white, through all pink, red, blue, mauve and purple shades. The flowers may be single five petals semi double or fully double. Much in demand are plants with two colored petals. Frilly-edged flowers, plants with strongly variegated or crinkle edged foliages are also very popular. Also, it is available are miniature, semi-miniature and trailing stemmed forms.

Is African Violets Toxic to Cats?

Many pet lovers have question in their mind, “is African violet Safe for Cats?” The good news is that, African violet is not toxic. Normally cats like to chew the plant leafs. May be cats stomach is not good for digest plant material for nutritional craving. So, African violet is not poisonous for cats and dogs.

Display ideas

The African violet enjoys the company of other plants so it is an ideal subject for setting in containers with other house plants.

Making New Plants

The easiest way to start new plant is to take leaf cutting.

Leaf cutting: Well, you need to propagate African violets by taking leaf cuttings. This way you know the kind of plant and the flower color that you will have in the end and it will be identical to the parent plant. It will take about 8 to 10 months from taking cutting to a fully blooming adult plant.

·         Take the leaf from the parent plant together with its stalk.

·         Plant it so that half the stem is covered with a rooting mixture. Keeping the cutting at temperature of 18 °C to 21°C. For about one month and roots will form.

·         Moreover, after 8 to 14 days at this temperature new plantlets will appear. Once they have reached a diameter of about 5cm then they can be split up and transferred to small pots of their own.

·         Also, water with a liquid plant food every fortnight once the plants are well-established. Maintain high humidity by growing plants on pebbles trays.

Plant Doctor

1.      Brown spots scorched leaves can appear if strong sun has been shinning directly on the leaves, or if cold water has been spilled on them. Make sure do not expose the plant to strong sunlight between March and October. Hence you need to give water carefully.

2.      Crown rot fungus is a major problem with African violets. Discard the plant and clean the area where it was growing thoroughly.

3.      Mildew can appear particularly in winter if the surrounding air is to too moist and stagnant. Also, allow humidity trays to dry out

4.      Sunken brown spots on undersides of leaves. This is due to thrips or cyclamen mites. Also, discard plants under severe attack.

Secrets of Success to Grow African Violet

General Care: African violets are not demanding plants but will respond to regular and thoughtful attention, rewarding you with flowers all year round. Pick off faded flowers and leaves right to base to maintain only 3 to 4 layers of leaves on plants.

Potting: This plant grows well in open but rich potting compost. Commercial peat based potting mixtures are best. Also, repot every spring or summer when the roots have filled the pot. Spilt the plant with multiple crowns when repotting

Watering: The African violet cannot tolerate cold water on its leaves or crown. It should be watered with tepid water from bin the saucer. Any water that remains in the saucer after half an hour after watering should be poured off. Keep humidity high by placing it on a tray of damp pebbles.

Feeding: Then you need to give it a liquid fertilizer feed every fortnight during the growth period.

Light: Although the love the light, African violets cannot take very hot sunlight, especially from March till October. The brightest possible light without hot direct sun is ideal. During winter you cannot give them too much light.

Temperature: You will get the best growth and the best flowers if you plant have a summer temperature of (15°C to 22 °C). Minimum winter temperature should be 13°C

Lifespan: With the right care of African violet the plant will grow for many years, offering flowering most of the time round the year. Note the yellow pollen sacs in this variety.

Buying Tips

Well, if you don’t want to invest too much time in the above process. Then these African violets are available any time of the year in the nearest nurseries. But make sure that the leaves are healthy and plump. That there are plenty of flower buds showing. source: Charismatic Planet

Read More - How to Care and Grow Perennial Iris Flower

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Amaranthus tricolor, (edible amaranth)

Amaranthus tricolor, known as edible amaranth, is a species in the genus Amaranthus (family Amaranthaceae). The ornamental plant is known as bireum in Korea; tampala, tandaljo, or tandalja bhaji in India; callaloo in the Caribbean; and Joseph's coat after the Biblical figure Joseph, who is said to have worn a coat of many colors. Although it is native to South America, many varieties of amaranth can be found across the world in a myriad of different climates due to it being a C4 carbon fixation plant, which allows it to convert carbon dioxide into biomass at a more efficient rate than other plants. Cultivars have striking yellow, red, and green foliage.

Tabebuia and Handroanthus

Genus and Family:

The genus, Tabebuia, is native to the Amazon rain forest and other tropical parts of Mexico, and Central and South America. It included nearly 100 species of trees commonly known as trumpet trees, named so because of the shape of the flowers. In 2007, about 30 species of the trees in Tabebuia were renamed Handroanthus when molecular studies found that they were more closely related to genera other than Tabebuia. Handroanthus can be distinguished from true Tabebuia by the minute hairs on the leaves or flowers and extremely dense wood containing copious amounts of the compound lapachol in its bark. Tabebuia is restricted to those species with white to red or rarely yellow flowers.

Tabebuia and Handroanthus belong to Bignoniaceae, a family of deciduous, evergreen, and semi-evergreen trees, bushes, and vines known for its showy flowers. Jacarandas, African tulip tree, catalpas, bower vines, cape honeysuckle, and cat’s claw vines are also part of the Bignoniaceae family.

Growth:

In the United States, trumpet trees are most commonly found in southern California, in some of the milder areas of northern California, parts of the southwest, and Florida. The ones most common to southern California are the Pink (or Purple) Trumpet tree, Handroanthus impetiginosus, and the Golden Trumpet tree, Handroanthus chrysostricha. Pink Trumpet trees are found throughout San Diego with some exquisite specimens in Balboa Park. The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden helped to introduce trumpet trees to cultivation in the 1970s and have the best collection of mature trumpet trees in California. Lining the streets and gardens within the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles are twenty-three Pink Trumpet trees.

While pink and golden trumpet trees share many characteristics, they display differences in growth. The golden trumpet tree may grow up to 36 inches per year to heights of 15 to 25 feet, spreading 10 to 25 feet wide. Dependable and uniform in growth, the golden trumpet tree varies little in shape or color.

Pink trumpet trees grow up to 24 inches per year to a mature size 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 20 feet wide. Their spreading branches often droop toward the ground, and there are color variations in flowering. When grown from seed, pink trumpet trees may take anywhere from three to 24 years to flower. Unusual for a tropical tree they may live up to 300 years.

Handroanthus has a hard fissured bark and palmately compound leaves usually with five leaflets. The leaves are smooth and shiny on both surfaces. The lance-shaped leaflets are 2 - 4" long by 1 - 2" wide with prominent veins.

Both Tabebuia and Handroanthus have a pod or pod-like elongated fruit up to one foot in length. Propagation is by seed or by vegetative methods. Vegetatively propagated trees bloom at the same time, while seed propagated trees flower at different times.

In California, trumpet trees usually drop their leaves in the winter and bloom in March and April, then push out new leaves as their flowers wane. They can also bloom at other times during the year while in leaf.

Both species benefit from shaping and removal of the weaker and dead branches and brittle wood as the trees mature.

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The flowers are easily accessible to both bird and bee pollinators. There are no known serious pests or diseases that affect these trees.

Appearance: Trumpet trees are valued as ornamentals and their slow growth and spectacular flowers make them ideal patio, street, and parking lot island trees.

The Pink (or Purple) Trumpet tree, H. impetiginosus is also known as Pau d’arco, pink lapacho, and ipe and is the national tree of Paraguay. The H. impetiginosus has showy, trumpet-shaped lavender-pink flowers with yellow throats, 2 - 3" long by 2" wide, and are produced in rounded clusters in early spring while the tree is deciduous. Flowers become larger and more profuse as the tree matures with heavier flowering occurring in warmer areas. Footlong hanging seed pods follow flowers and persist into winter.

There are three cultivars of H. impetiginosus: cv. “Pink Cloud, described as compact and floriferous, deep pink cv. “Raspberry,” and cv. “Paulina,” a medium pink tree that grows to 12-15 feet at maturity and blooms intermittently all year.

The San Diego Street Tree Selection Guide approved the Pink Trumpet tree for use under power lines and Public View Corridors.

The Golden Trumpet tree, H. chrysotricha, has maroon-striped, golden flowers, and is less cold hardy. It is also smaller and more uniform in shape and flower color. It is the national tree of Brazil. Dependable and uniform in growth, the golden trumpet tree varies little in shape or color.

Climate, Soil, and Water Preferences:

Tabebuia and Handroanthus prefer full sun but will adapt to partial shade. They tolerate heat and they can be cold hardy to freezing temperatures for brief periods. Freezing temperatures will weaken the trees. Seaside- and drought-tolerant once established, it prefers consistent moisture. Both trees do well in urban environments and don't need fertilizer or irrigation under normal soil and weather conditions

Timber and Medicinal Uses:

Handroanthus wood, commonly known as ipe (ee-pay), is one of the hardest and densest on earth and is used in the tropics for bows, boats, railroad ties, and tool handles. It is exported to the United States for flooring and decking. The wood is also insect and fungus-resistant. Because of these qualities, it has become a major cause of deforestation in the Amazon.

The bark and wood of H. impetiginosus have been long used by the South American indigenous peoples (where it is known as pau d’arco) as well as in traditional Western medicine. Lapacho, a tea made from the bark of the tree, is used for a variety of ailments and conditions. Possibly unsafe at high doses, pau d'arco is also used to treat a wide range of infections. Lapachol, the main active compound in the bark and wood of the tree, is toxic, and its strong antibiotic and disinfectant properties may be better suited for topical applications.