Use in Aromatherapy Essential oils are often used in massaging and aromatherapy. This is a form of alternative medicine that employs plant extracts to support health and well-being. They are not meant to be eaten or swallowed. Essential oils These oils are compounds extracted from plants. The oils capture the plant’s scent […]
CAULIFLORY
NO… this is not about cauliflower ! Cauliflory is an evolutionary adaptation in which flowers and fruit develop directly from the trunks and woody branches of plants. Cauliflory means “ stem flower”. It occurs in a distinct vertical zone below the forest canopy. Its found throughout the world. It is most prevalent in the […]
MORPHOLOGY
The shape of things “Morphology” – from the Ancient Greek – (morphḗ) meaning “form”, and (lógos) meaning “study”. In Botany it is used to classify plants based on the shape of their parts. Why pay attention ? What a plant looks like can give hints as to where it evolved and therefore […]
Ligules and Stipules Oh My !
Ligule The word ligule comes from Latin “ligula” which means strap. It is a thin outgrowth at the junction of a leaf and leafstalk. Ligules occur only in some grass species. Basically, it acts in a passive way in protecting the culm and leaves that it encloses. It protects the leaf from the entry […]
MY NEIGHBORS’ UGLY BUILDING !
What can I say. Some views are detrimental to your mental health ! What should I plant on my rooftop to block the view of that ugly building ? – this is something I have heard countless times. Now … Throwing a plant in a pot and hoping it works – doesn’t work. […]
SEPALS !
SEPAL The word comes from Latin – separatus “separate” + petalum “petal”. What is it? In Angiosperms (flowering plants) the sepal is a modified leaf found on the outermost part of the flower. They are usually green and therefore more likely to be confused with leaves. They are also often covered […]
DODDER
Ah yes… summertime ! Warm sunny days, light breezes and DODDER !!! A tangle of dodder ! What is it? Cuscuta (dodder) is a genus of over 201 species of yellow to orange parasitic plants that look like angel hair pasta! It is in the morning glory family – the Convolvulaceae (morning […]
THE APHIDS ARE COMING !
What are they ? Typical green aphid with live birth young Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects with long, slender mouth parts that they use suck out plant fluids. They tend to feed in dense groups on leaves, buds, stems, or flowers. Some species feed on only one type of plant, while others are […]
MINI DAFFODILS !
Wow ! THE SPECIES Daffodils are a group of flowering plant in the Amaryllis family. They are one of the most carefree of all spring-flowers. Growing almost anywhere, they are not bothered by deer or rodents. Blooming reliably for generations, they return every spring in greater numbers! Flowers come in many […]
