Flowers Land

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Agapanthus Praecox

Like many plants which do well in Sydney gardens, Agapanthus are native to South Africa. The big rounded umbels of mid-blue or white flowers appear on 1m stems above the strappy leaves in late November and bloom all through December, providing lots of material for floral arrangements at Christmas time. The most commonly seen species is Agapanthus praecox subspecies orientalis.

They enjoy a sunny, well-drained position (with boggy conditions being fatal for them) and can grow in very harsh, deprived situations, providing a refreshing sea of green leaves where few other plants will thrive. However, they shouldn't be just used as a desperation measure in gardens: they have much more to offer than that.

Their foliage forms an excellent groundcover and they can also be used as a low border along a driveway or fence. The bold flower-heads make them probably more suited to a semi-tropical style or shrubbery garden than dainty cottage gardens. They mix well with summer-blooming Salvia, providing a good contrast of flower form, or with lush Dahlia and Canna cultivars. The many colours of daylilies (Hemerocallis), which are in bloom at the same time, provide a range of possible combinations.

White Agapanthus

Native to South Africa the name agapanthus is derived from the words Greek 'agape' meaning love, and 'anthos' meaning flower. Agapanthus White Swan has large umbells loaded with lovely bell shaped flowers. They thrive on neglect and produce beautiful funnel-shaped flowers for weeks and is quite drought resistent. Excellent plants for big patio planters & look great when planted with low growing perennials in sunny locations.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Agapanthus Africanus

There are about 10 species of Agapanthus, all native to southern Africa. Agapanthus praecox, A. africanus and various hybrids are most often grown in American gardens. African lily grows as an ever expanding clump of evergreen strap shaped leaves around 12 in (30 cm) or a little more in length. There are up to 18 leaves, arranged in two ranks. The dark blue flowers are trumpet shaped, 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm) wide, and borne in rounded umbels containing as many as 30 blossoms. These flower clusters are 6-12 in (15-30 cm) across, and held above the leaves on scapes 2-3 ft (60-75 cm) tall. Flowers appear in late summer and are long lasting. The African lily cultivar 'Peter Pan' is a dwarf, with its scape reaching little more than 18 in (45 cm) in height, but what it lacks in stature is compensated for by its profusion of long lasting deep blue flowers. 'Albus' is a white flowered cultivar. The Headbourne Hybrids (aka Palmer Hybrids) include several cultivars that are hardier than the species and available in various shades of blue and violet as well as white.

Agapanthus

gapanthus ("Lily of the Nile") is a genus of flower plants with six to ten species depending on how the different species are classified. They are all herbaceous perennial plants native to South Africa. Members of the genus have funnel-shaped flowers, in varying shades of blue colors with white fucuba is a genus of three to ten species of flowering plants, now placed in the family Garryaceae, although formerly classed in the Aucubaceae or Cornaceae.

Aucuba species are native to eastern Asia, from the eastern Himalaya east to Japan. They are evergreen shruSunday morning I saw bambi for the first time. I knew she was out there somewhere but this was the first sighting. We watched mother walk by the window on her way to picking up her fawn and heading back with her. She was browsing a little on goodness knows what. Believe you me there isn't much out there to eat.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Acacia Australia

Native to Australia . This lovely tree was introduced into India several decaded ago, now finding ecological acceptance within the flora of this country. One can see it growing in many public parks and private house gardens either in groups or as a single tree. Faster in growth rate than many other common trees, it has a thick crown of flattened leaf like structures which are glossy green and falcate in shape. These are actually the phyllodes (the flattened portion of the leaf stalls or part of the rachis) and perform all the functions of the leaf. The tree flowers in winter in slender so yellow colored spikes which emit a characteristic odour so common to the genus. The branches droop down in a graceful manner all around the truck of the tree almost two to three feet above ground level.

Acacia Flowers

The acacia flower blooms from a genus of trees and shrubs that belong in either the Fabaceae family or the Mimosoideae subfamily. Although the majority of acacia species can be seen in Australia, these flowers may be found blossoming in all seven continents. Sometimes referred to as wattles, the acacia flower sprouts in inflorescences made up of many stamens, and miniscule flowers that can number between 3 and 130, depending upon the species. They are most commonly seen in yellow or creamy white hues, but some species also grow in shades of red and purple. Acacias grow their best in warm, humid areas in well drained soil.

Acacia Flower

Acacia FlowerThe trees of the acacia flower have become an important part of myth, and are also well known for their numerous practical uses. One of the best examples of mythology describes the acacia tree as being something of a shelter to the newborn Egyptian gods. This tree, which was associated with the goddess Saosis, was also thought to have been a part of the boat that carried the sun god Re, and thus, is considered sacred. These plants are thought to be a great food source, the shoots being used in Thailand and Loas as earthy greens which are added to curries, stir fries and soups. The flowers themselves attract many bees, and the honey that is then created is a prized delicacy with a faint, floral flavor. Acacia plants are also known for their potent medicinal uses – most of which are thought to have an actual scientific backing. Gum Arabic,

Acacia Flower

Acacia Flowerwhich is produced from the species acacia senegal, is one of the most frequently used parts of this plant. Because this substance coats affected areas, it is often used to treat inflammation. It is also useful for coughs, stomach ailments and colds. In Ayurvedic medicine, the acacia flower has long been thought to be a powerful astringent and a useful sedative. This plant’s cultural uses are also quite varied. For example, the flowers are thought to have magical uses, and are often made into talismans that aid in meditation and promote clairvoyance, as well as being used as an emblem for protection. In addition to that, they are used for dyes and paints, perfumes, and are frequently presented to Italian and Russian women on International Women’s Day.

Acacia Flower

Acacia Flower

Acacia FlowerIn Ayurvedic medicine, the acacia flower has long been thought to be a powerful astringent and a useful sedative. This plant’s cultural uses are also quite varied. For example, the flowers are thought to have magical uses, and are often made into talismans that aid in meditation and promote clairvoyance, as well as being used as an emblem for protection. In addition to that, they are used for dyes and paints, perfumes, and are frequently presented to Italian and Russian women on International Women’s Day.

As a symbol, the acacia flower is most often associated with honor, resurrection and immortality. They are also given as gifts to represent friendship, secret romantic crushes, and chaste, unsullied affections. Although these flowers are frequently given on their own, they also look lovely in large arrangements and small bouquets of complimentary blossoms.

Acacia

NAME: Acacia Catechu

GENUS: Acacia

SPECIES: Catechu

ORDER: Fabales

FAMILY: Fabaceae

SUBFAMILY: Mimosoideae

HEIGHT: 15m

Acacia catechu is a deciduous, thorny tree. It is found in Asia, China, India and the Indian Ocean area. The tree can be propagated by planting its seeds, which are soaked in hot water first. After about six months in a nursery, the seedlings can be planted in the field. The tree's seeds are a good source of protein. Its heartwood is used in dyeing, leather tanning, as a preservative for fishing nets, for medicine and as a viscosity regulator for oil drilling. Catechu is used to treat sore throats and diarrhoea. The tree is often planted for use as firewood and its wood is highly valued for furniture and tools. The wood has a density of about 0.88 g/cm³.