My Garden Pictures
A compilation of plant pictures that I have taken in and around my home in south central Texas or anywhere that I have found a beautiful plant to share with you. Be sure to click on each image to see larger picture.
In conclusion, kohlrabi is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that deserves more attention. Its unique taste and versatility make it a great addition to any diet. Give it a try and discover a new favorite!
Native to: Eastern and central China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.
Type: Deciduous shrub or small to medium-sized tree.
Size: Typically grows 15-20 feet tall and wide, but can reach 30-40 feet under optimal conditions.
Leaves: Lustrous, leathery, green leaves with an elliptic to ovate shape.
Flowers: Showy, fragrant, white, fringe-like clusters that bloom in spring. Male plants have showier flowers, while female plants produce fruit.
Fruit: Small, dark blue drupes that provide food for birds and mammals.
Bark: Thick and fissured on mature trees.
Growth rate: Slow-growing, typically 4-10 inches per year.
Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Adaptable to various soil types but prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Water:Tolerates moderate drought but benefits from occasional irrigation during extended dry periods.
Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Pests and diseases: Generally resistant to pests and diseases. Deer can be a problem.
Ornamental: Highly prized for its beautiful spring blooms. Can be used as a specimen tree, in mixed shrub borders, or as a multi-stemmed shrub.
Wildlife: Provides food for birds and mammals through its fruit.
Chinese fringetree is often considered superior to its North American cousin, the American fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus), due to its more graceful form and earlier leafing out.
It can show variation in growth habit depending on its geographic origin. Propagation can be done through seeds, cuttings, or layering.
Scientific Name: Rafflesia arnoldii
Common Name: Corpse flower
Family: Rafflesiaceae
Native to: Rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo in Indonesia
Discovery: Named after Sir Stamford Raffles and Dr. Joseph Arnold, who discovered the species in 1818.
Size: The flower can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter and weigh up to 24 pounds (11 kilograms), making it one of the largest individual flowers in the world.
Appearance: The flower has five large, fleshy, reddish-brown petals covered with white or pale-colored warts. It lacks leaves, stems, and roots.
Smell: Emits a strong odor similar to rotting flesh to attract carrion flies for pollination, hence its nickname "corpse flower."
Parasitic Nature: Rafflesia arnoldii is a holoparasitic plant, meaning it depends entirely on its host plant, the Tetrastigma vine, for nutrients and water. It lacks chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize.
Host: Tetrastigma vine (a member of the grape family)
Pollination: Pollinated by carrion flies attracted to the flower's odor and appearance. Male and female flowers must bloom simultaneously for successful pollination, which is rare.
Flowering: The flower buds take several months to develop and bloom. The actual blooming period is short, lasting only about 5 to 7 days.
Habitat: Found in lowland tropical rainforests, typically in humid and shaded areas.
Symbiotic Relationship: While primarily parasitic, Rafflesia arnoldii contributes to the ecosystem by providing a food source for carrion flies, which are important decomposers.
Threats: Habitat destruction due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and human encroachment. Its complex lifecycle and dependency on a specific host plant make it vulnerable to environmental changes.
Conservation Efforts: Included in several conservation programs aimed at preserving its natural habitat and promoting sustainable land use practices.
Cultural Significance: Rafflesia arnoldii is a symbol of national pride in Indonesia and is featured on the country's currency and stamps.
Challenges in Study: Studying the plant is difficult due to its elusive nature, long development time, and the rarity of simultaneous male and female blooms.
No Medicinal Use: Despite its impressive size and unique characteristics, Rafflesia arnoldii has no known medicinal properties.
Rafflesia arnoldii stands out not only for its remarkable size and distinct features but also for its intriguing ecological and biological aspects.
The Hawaii silversword, known scientifically as Argyroxiphium sandwicense, is a rare and striking plant native to the Hawaiian Islands. Here are detailed facts about this unique species:
Scientific Name: Argyroxiphium sandwicense
Common Names: Hawaii silversword, 'ahinahina (Hawaiian)
Family: Asteraceae (sunflower family)
Form: Perennial monocarpic shrub (flowers once then dies).
Height: Can reach up to 6 feet tall when in bloom.
Rosette: Composed of numerous sword-shaped leaves that are densely packed in a basal rosette.
Leaves: Silvery, succulent, and narrow, covered in dense silvery hairs which help reflect sunlight and reduce water loss.
Flowers: Produces a spectacular inflorescence, a tall flowering stalk with hundreds of maroon to reddish-purple flowers, typically blooming from June to October.
Seeds: Produces numerous small seeds that are wind-dispersed.
Native Range: Endemic to Hawaii, specifically found on the islands of Maui and Hawaii (Big Island).
Preferred Habitat: Thrives in high-elevation volcanic slopes and cinder deserts, typically at altitudes between 5,000 and 10,000 feet.
Environment: Grows in harsh environments with strong winds, intense sunlight, and temperature extremes.
Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. sandwicense:
Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum:
Pollination: Primarily pollinated by native insects, including Hawaiian honeycreepers and various arthropods.
Adaptations: The silvery hairs on the leaves reflect sunlight, helping to reduce leaf temperature and water loss. The succulent nature of the leaves stores water, enabling the plant to survive in the arid conditions of its habitat.
IUCN Red List: Listed as Endangered.
Threats: Habitat destruction due to human activities, invasive species (such as feral goats and pigs), climate change, and illegal collection by humans.
Conservation Efforts: Active conservation efforts include habitat restoration, fencing to exclude herbivores, propagation in nurseries, and outplanting of seedlings.
Hawaiian Culture: The silversword holds significant cultural value for Native Hawaiians. It is often referred to as 'ahinahina, meaning "very gray," and is considered a symbol of the unique flora of Hawaii.
Scientific Interest: The silversword is a subject of interest due to its unique adaptations to extreme environments and its evolutionary history. It is part of the silversword alliance, a group of plants that evolved from a common ancestor and diversified to fill various ecological niches in Hawaii.
Silversword Alliance: Includes other genera such as Dubautia and Wilkesia, which are also endemic to Hawaii and exhibit diverse forms and habitats.
The Hawaii silversword is a remarkable example of plant adaptation and evolution, showcasing the unique biodiversity of the Hawaiian Islands. Its striking appearance and ecological significance make it a key species for conservation efforts in Hawaii.
The cranberrybush viburnum, also known as Viburnum trilobum, is a deciduous shrub notable for its attractive foliage, flowers, and fruit. Here are comprehensive facts about this plant:
Scientific Name: Viburnum trilobum
Common Names: American cranberrybush, highbush cranberry, cranberry viburnum
Family: Adoxaceae (formerly classified under Caprifoliaceae)
Height: Typically grows 8 to 12 feet tall, but can reach up to 15 feet.
Spread: Similar to its height, with a spread of 8 to 12 feet.
Leaves: The leaves are opposite, simple, and have a three-lobed shape resembling a maple leaf. They are 3 to 5 inches long and turn a brilliant red to purple in the fall.
Flowers: Produces flat-topped clusters of small white flowers, called corymbs, in late spring (May to June). Each flower cluster is about 3 to 4 inches across.
Fruit: The bright red, berry-like drupes appear in late summer to early fall. These fruits persist into winter and are edible, though quite tart.
Native Range: Native to North America, specifically found in northern and eastern regions of the United States and southern Canada.
Preferred Habitat: Thrives in moist, well-drained soils and can be found in woodlands, along streams, and in swampy areas. It prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, loamy soils but can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay.
Water: Requires moderate moisture and can tolerate occasional flooding.
Light: Grows best in full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness: USDA zones 2 to 7, indicating good cold tolerance.
Ornamental: Widely planted as an ornamental shrub for its attractive foliage, flowers, and fruit.
Wildlife: Provides food and habitat for various wildlife species. The fruits are a source of food for birds and small mammals, and the flowers attract pollinators.
Edible Uses: The tart berries can be used to make jams, jellies, sauces, and juices. However, they are often more palatable after the first frost.
Erosion Control: Its extensive root system helps prevent soil erosion, making it suitable for planting on slopes and along stream banks.
Biodiversity: Supports a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, pollinators, and other beneficial insects.
Pruning: Prune to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. Pruning is best done in late winter to early spring.
Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to most pests and diseases but can occasionally be affected by aphids, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
'Compactum': A more compact form that grows 4 to 6 feet tall.
'Hahs': Known for its particularly heavy fruiting.
'Bailey Compact': A cultivar with a compact growth habit, reaching about 6 to 8 feet in height and spread.
European Cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus): Often confused with Viburnum trilobum, but can be distinguished by its more deeply lobed leaves and slightly different fruit and flower characteristics.
The cranberrybush viburnum is a versatile and attractive plant that provides year-round interest in the garden, from its spring flowers and summer fruits to its vibrant fall foliage and winter berries.
Helleborus 'Black Beauty', also known as Black Beauty Lenten Rose, is a captivating perennial plant appreciated for its unique and darkly colored flowers. Here are comprehensive facts about this plant:
Scientific Name: Helleborus x hybridus 'Black Beauty'
Common Name: Black Beauty Lenten Rose
Family: Ranunculaceae
Origin: Hybrid origin, with parent species native to Europe and Asia
Flowers: Helleborus 'Black Beauty' produces dark purple to nearly black flowers. The flowers are typically 2-3 inches in diameter and have a cup or saucer shape.
Foliage: The plant has evergreen, leathery leaves that are deeply lobed and dark green, providing year-round interest.
Height and Spread: Grows to about 12-18 inches in height and 18-24 inches in spread.
Light: Prefers partial to full shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens and shaded borders.
Soil: Thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types but prefers neutral to alkaline pH.
Water: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods, but is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 4-9. It can withstand cold winters and prefers cool to moderate temperatures.
Fertilization: Benefits from an annual application of compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring.
Pruning: Remove old, damaged, or diseased leaves in late winter before new growth begins. Deadheading spent flowers can help maintain the plant's appearance.
Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to pests but can occasionally be affected by aphids, slugs, or black spot.
Division: Can be propagated by division in spring or fall. Care should be taken to ensure each division has several growing points.
Seed: Can also be grown from seed, although it may take several years for seedlings to flower. Sow seeds in a cold frame in late spring.
Ornamental: Grown for its striking flowers and attractive foliage, making it a popular choice for shade gardens, woodland areas, and mixed borders.
Cut Flowers: The long-lasting flowers can be used in floral arrangements.
Ground Cover: Can be used as a ground cover under trees and shrubs due to its dense foliage.
Toxicity: Helleborus plants contain toxic compounds and can cause skin irritation or gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested. Care should be taken to keep it away from pets and children.
Winter Interest: One of the early bloomers in the garden, often flowering from late winter to early spring, adding color when few other plants are in bloom.
Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens where these animals are a problem.
Helleborus 'Black Beauty' is a stunning and resilient plant that adds a touch of elegance to shaded garden areas with its dark flowers and evergreen foliage.
Colocasia 'Black Magic' is a striking ornamental plant known for its unique dark foliage. Here are some comprehensive facts about this plant:
Scientific Name: Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic'
Common Names: Black Magic Taro, Black Elephant Ear
Family: Araceae
Origin: Native to Southeast Asia and India
Foliage: The most distinctive feature of Colocasia 'Black Magic' is its large, heart-shaped leaves that are a deep, almost black, purplish hue. The leaves can reach up to 2 feet long.
Stems: The plant has sturdy, upright stems that can be green to purplish-black.
Height and Spread: It typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall with a similar spread, depending on growing conditions.
Light: Prefers partial shade to full sun. In full sun, the color of the leaves is more intense.
Soil: Thrives in rich, moist to wet soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types but prefers well-draining soils.
Water: Requires consistent moisture and can even grow in standing water, making it suitable for pond margins.
Temperature: Grows best in warm, humid climates. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-11. In cooler climates, it can be grown as an annual or brought indoors during the winter.
Fertilization: Benefits from regular feeding during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed. Remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and health.
Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to pests but can occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, or root rot if overwatered.
Division: The most common method of propagation is by dividing the rhizomes or tubers in spring or early summer.
Offsets: The plant produces offsets that can be separated and replanted.
Ornamental: Primarily grown for its dramatic foliage, making it a popular choice for garden beds, borders, containers, and water gardens.
Landscape Design: Adds a bold, tropical look to landscapes and pairs well with other colorful foliage plants.
Indoor Plant: Can be grown indoors in large containers, provided it receives adequate light and humidity.
Toxicity: Like other Colocasia species, 'Black Magic' contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can be toxic if ingested. Care should be taken to keep it away from pets and children.
Winter Care: In colder regions, tubers can be dug up and stored in a cool, dry place during winter, then replanted in spring.
Colocasia 'Black Magic' is a versatile and visually stunning plant that can enhance any garden or indoor space with its unique foliage and dramatic presence.
