Trailing lobelia, Lobelia erinus

Lobelia erinus, commonly known as trailing lobelia or edging lobelia, is a popular ornamental plant prized for its vibrant, profuse blooms and versatility in gardens. Below are the key facts about Lobelia erinus:

Botanical Classification

Family: Campanulaceae (bellflower family)
Genus: Lobelia
Species: Lobelia erinus
Common Names: Trailing lobelia, edging lobelia, garden lobelia, blue lobelia

Origin and Habitat

Native Range: Southern Africa, specifically in regions of Malawi, Namibia, and South Africa.
Natural Habitat: Found in grasslands, slopes, and forest edges, where it grows in well-drained soils.

Description

Growth Habit: Lobelia erinus is a small, tender perennial often grown as an annual. It has a low, spreading growth habit, forming mounds or cascading over edges.
Size: Typically grows 10–25 cm (4–10 inches) tall and can spread about 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) wide.
Leaves: Small, oblong to lance-shaped leaves with a slight serration along the edges. The leaves are usually bright green.
Flowers: The plant produces an abundance of small, tubular, two-lipped flowers. The most common color is bright blue, but cultivars exist in shades of white, pink, lavender, and purple. The flowers bloom continuously from late spring through early autumn.
Fruit: Produces small capsules containing numerous tiny seeds.

Cultivation

Light Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, it benefits from afternoon shade.
Soil Requirements: Thrives in well-drained, fertile soils rich in organic matter. It does not tolerate heavy, waterlogged soils.
Watering: Requires consistent moisture but should not be waterlogged. Drought stress can cause reduced flowering.
Fertilization: Benefits from regular feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, particularly during the blooming season.
Propagation: Typically propagated by seed, which is very fine and requires light to germinate. Seeds are usually sown in early spring indoors and then transplanted outdoors after the last frost.

Uses in Gardening

Container Gardening: Ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, and containers where its trailing habit can be showcased.
Border Planting: Used as an edging plant in flower beds and borders due to its compact growth.
Groundcover: Can serve as a groundcover in small areas or rock gardens.
Companion Planting: Pairs well with other bedding plants like petunias, marigolds, and alyssum.

Varieties and Cultivars

There are numerous cultivars of Lobelia erinus, selected for flower color, growth habit, and size. Notable varieties include:
'Crystal Palace': Known for its deep blue flowers and bronze-colored foliage.
'Cambridge Blue': Features pale blue flowers.
'Riviera Series': Compact, early-blooming variety with various flower colors.
'Regatta Series': Known for its trailing habit, suitable for hanging baskets.

Environmental Impact and Conservation

Pollinators: Attracts bees and other pollinators, making it a valuable plant for pollinator gardens.
Invasiveness: Generally not invasive; it does not tend to naturalize outside cultivated areas.
Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free, but can be susceptible to aphids, slugs, and fungal diseases like powdery mildew if grown in overly humid or wet conditions.

Toxicity

Humans and Pets: Lobelia erinus contains alkaloids that are toxic if ingested in large quantities. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and more severe symptoms if consumed in large amounts, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Lobelia erinus is celebrated for its brilliant and abundant flowers, making it a staple in ornamental gardening worldwide.

Common Fennel Foeniculum vulgare

Botanical Characteristics

Family: Apiaceae (Carrot family)
Type: Hardy perennial herb, often grown as an annual in cooler climates
Origin: Mediterranean region
Height: Can reach up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall
Leaves: Finely dissected, feathery appearance, similar to dill
Flowers: Yellow, small, clustered in umbels ( individual flower stalks arise from about the same point; youngest flowers are at the center)
Seeds: Aromatic, used in cooking and for medicinal purposes

Varieties

Common fennel: Used primarily for its seeds and leaves.
Florence fennel (Finocchio): Grown for its enlarged, bulbous stem base, which is eaten as a vegetable.

Cultivation

Climate: Thrives in warm, sunny conditions. Tolerates drought once established.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
Propagation: Grown from seeds, sown directly in the garden in spring.
Care: Relatively low maintenance. Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods.

Culinary Uses

Leaves: Used fresh or dried for flavoring dishes like fish, seafood, salads, and soups.
Bulbs: Eaten raw or cooked, often used in salads or as a vegetable.
Seeds: Used whole or ground in various cuisines, including Italian, Indian, and Middle Eastern. Popular in breads, cakes, and as a flavoring for liqueurs.

Medicinal Uses

Fennel seeds have been used traditionally for digestive issues, bloating, and colic.

Contains essential oils with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Often used as a breath freshener and digestive aid.

Other Uses

Ornamental: Attractive foliage and flowers make it a suitable garden plant.
Wildlife: Attracts pollinators like butterflies and beneficial insects.

Cautions

Fennel can be invasive in some regions, so it's essential to manage its spread.

Some people may have allergies to fennel.

Kohlrabi The Underappreciated Cruciferous Gem

What is Kohlrabi?

A unique member of the Brassicaceae family, related to cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.

Known for its enlarged, edible stem that grows above ground, resembling a bulb.

Available in green and purple varieties, both with crisp, white flesh.

Taste and Texture

Mild, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of earthiness.

Crisp and juicy texture, similar to a cross between a cucumber and broccoli stem.

Nutritional Benefits

Packed with vitamins and minerals:

Excellent source of vitamin C.

Good source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, and manganese.

Contains antioxidants like anthocyanins (especially in purple varieties).

Low in calories and fat.

Growing Kohlrabi

A cool-season crop that thrives in spring and fall.

Relatively easy to grow in gardens.

Harvest when the bulb reaches desired size (usually 2-3 inches in diameter).

Leaves are also edible and can be cooked like other greens.

Culinary Uses

Versatile vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked.

Popular in salads, slaws, and stir-fries.

Can be roasted, steamed, mashed, or pickled.

The greens can be sautéed or added to soups.

Fun Facts

The name "kohlrabi" comes from the German words "kohl" (cabbage) and "rabi" (turnip).

Kohlrabi is a sustainable crop with a relatively short growing season.

It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

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!

Chinese Fringetree, Chionanthus retusus

Description

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.

Cultivation

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.

Uses

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.

Additional Notes

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.

Stinking corpse lily, Rafflesia arnoldii

General Description:

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.

Physical Characteristics:

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."

Lifecycle and Reproduction:

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.

Ecological Role:

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.

Conservation Status:

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.

Interesting Facts:

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.

Hawaii silversword, Argyroxiphium sandwicense

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:

Botanical Information

Scientific Name: Argyroxiphium sandwicense
Common Names: Hawaii silversword, 'ahinahina (Hawaiian)
Family: Asteraceae (sunflower family)

Description

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.

Habitat and Distribution

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.

Subspecies and Varieties

Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. sandwicense:

Commonly known as the Mauna Kea silversword.

Found on the Big Island of Hawaii, specifically on Mauna Kea.

Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum:

Commonly known as the Haleakalā silversword.

Found on the island of Maui, specifically on Haleakalā.

Ecological Role and Adaptations

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.

Conservation Status

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.

Cultural Significance

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.

Research and Studies

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.

Similar Species

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.

Cranberrybush viburnum, Viburnum trilobum

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:

Botanical Information

Scientific Name: Viburnum trilobum
Common Names: American cranberrybush, highbush cranberry, cranberry viburnum
Family: Adoxaceae (formerly classified under Caprifoliaceae)

Description

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.

Habitat and Distribution

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.

Cultivation

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.

Uses

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.

Ecological Benefits

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.

Maintenance and Care

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.

Varieties and Cultivars

'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.

Similar Species

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.