|
Spurflowers - Plectranthus spp. |
|
Plectranthus ecklonii 'Medley Wood' Blue
Picture courtesy www.newplant.co.za
|
Plectranthus is a large family of plants with about 350 species, that occur largely in the warm parts of the southern hemisphere; in sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, India, the Indonesian archipelago, Australia and some Pacific islands. About 48 species occur in South Africa, mostly in the warm eastern regions of the country. Some species are endemic; meaning they can only be found growing in the wild in a very limited area, while others are very widespread and variable.
Spur flowers belong to the mint family, and have become popular garden plants around the world. They are often grown for their attractive foliage, which provides interesting textures and colours. The leaves have a characteristic pungent smell when crushed and the flowers come in a number of shapes and colours, ranging from white and pink to dark mauves, and lavenders.
|
|
Growing water lilies - Nymphaea |
|
Nymphaea nouchali var.caerulea = N. capensis
Picture courtesy www.newplant.co.za
|
 The genus (family) Nymphaea consists of about 40 species and can be found growing in tropical and temperate climates, of both hemispheres. Many hundreds of hybrids have been bred, in so many colours, shapes and sizes; that even botanists can get confused identifying them.
There are only two species that occur in southern Africa; Nymphaea lotus has white or cream flowers and blooms at night, and Nymphaea nouchali, with blue flowers, that blooms during the daytime. Nymphaea caerulea, and Nymphaea capensis; are no longer regarded as distinct species and have now been classified under Nymphaea nouchali.
|
|
Picture courtesy Joel Bradshaw
|
There are about 7 or 8 species of Frangipani, native to the tropical and subtropical Americas. Frangipani can also be found in Eastern Africa, where they are sometimes referred to in Swahili love poems. They have become naturalised in India, where they symbolise immortality and are used extensively in temples. These exotic ornamental shrubs or small trees remain popular in sub-tropical regions for their showy terminal clusters of large waxy flowers, that bloom all summer and autumn; and last well in a vase. Plant them near your patio or windows, where their fragrance can be enjoyed. They also grow beautifully in pots.
|
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next > End >>
|
|
Page 1 of 14 |
|
torrent, rapidshare download, direct download, reviews, pdf, book, guide, ebook, free download, megaupload, file, keygen.
