Tag: Germination

Categories
Herbs & Plants

Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima )

Lobularia
Image via Wikipedia

[amazon_link asins=’B0714P8DB3,B004YE8DMU,B01FPPVFZ8,B005MLLJQQ,B078VLGN85,B00DWY21KS,B005MLJPRG,B00M645ITG,B008GO5A8Y’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’6c990f01-10c2-11e8-81bb-97e0926eec3a’]

Botanical Name: Lobularia maritima
Family   : Cruciferae
Genus : Lobularia
Synonyms : Alyssum maritimum – (L.)Lam., Clypeola maritima – L.
Common Name:  Sweet alyssum
Habitat : Europe – Mediterranean. Naturalized in Britain.  Dry sunny places in the Mediterranean. Grows by the coast in Britain. Cultivated Beds; South Wall In; West Wall In;

Description:
Annual/Perennial growing to 0.15m by 0.25m at a fast rate.
It is hardy to zone 7. It is in leaf from April to October, in flower from June to October,Flower Color: Purple, red, white  and the seeds ripen from July to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife.

click & see the pictures

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Cultivation :
Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil in a sunny position. Succeeds in sandy soils. Grows well on dry walls. Tolerates maritime conditions. Although a short-lived perennial, it soon loses its compact habit if grown for more than one year and so is usually grown as an annual plant in gardens. A very ornamental plant, there are several named forms developed for their ornamental value. This species usually self-sows in the garden if growing in a good position. A fast-growing plant, it makes a good edging to a plant bed. The forms of this species with white flowers have the refreshing scent of new-mown hay – flowers of other colours having little or no scent. A good bee and butterfly plant.

Propagation:
Seed – it can be sown in situ during mid to late spring and should germinate within 2 weeks[200]. Seedlings can be transplanted. In order to obtain an earlier display of the flowers, the seed can be sown in a greenhouse in late winter. When large enough to handle, the seedlings are pricked out into individual pots and are then planted out in late spring.

Edible Uses
Edible Uses: Condiment.

The young leaves, stems and flowers are sometimes used as a flavouring in salads and other dishes where pungency is required.

Medicinal Actions & Uses:
Antiscorbutic; Astringent; Diuretic.

The plant is commonly used in Spain as an antiscorbutic and diuretic . It is also highly esteemed there as an astringent in the treatment of gonorrhoea.

Scented Plants
Flowers: Fresh
The forms of this species with white flowers have the refreshing scent of new-mown hay.

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Lobularia+maritima
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/annuals/lobularia_maritima.html
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Brassicaceae/Lobularia_maritima.html

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Garlic Mustard

Botanical Name :Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) Cavara & Grande
Family : Cruciferae
Genus  : Alliaria
Synonyms: Alliaria officinalis – Andrz. ex M.Bieb.Erysimum alliaria – L. Sisymbrium alliaria – (L.)Scop.
Common Name: Garlic Mustard. (Garlic mustard gets its name from its characteristic odor of garlic when the plant is crushed and its mustard-like appearance. It is a naturalized European biennial herb that poses a significant threat to lowland natural areas as well as gardens and field crops. It belongs to the Brassicaceae (Mustard) family.)

Habitat : Most of Europe, including Britain, south to N. Africa and east to W. Asia and the Himalayas. Damp hedgerows, edges of woods and other shady places, preferring basic soils .land Garden; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Deep Shade; Hedgerow; Bog Garden;

Description:
It is a Biennial  plant.

click & see
Height: First-year rosettes extend to 10 cm (4 in) high. Flowering stems may reach 0.6-1.1 m (2.0-3.5 ft).

Leaves: First-year leaves (which remain the second year) are round to kidney-shaped and are on stems approximately 5.0-6.5 cm (2-3 in) tall. Leaves on flowering plants are alternate and are larger near the base of the stem. They are large-toothed, triangular in shape, and approximately 2.54 cm (1 in) long and 5.0-7.5 cm (2-3 in) wide.
click & see
Flowers: Flowers grow in clusters at the end of the stems. Each flower has four white petals (0.5 cm or 0.2 in long). Blooms in spring, usually in late April to May. Occasionally, some plants will bloom again in July-August.

Click & see

Fruit: Fruit is a long 2.5-6.3 cm (1.0-2.5 in) green capsule called a silique, and contains many seeds. Siliques are produced summer to early fall. The capsules burst open when mature and ballistically disperse seeds several meters.

click & see

Seeds: Small, black seeds grow in a row inside the silique. Seeds may remain viable for up to 5 years. Plants can produce up to 868 seeds depending on habitat and population density. Seeds are dispersed by human/animal vectors or by water in riparian areas.  click & see

Life History
Garlic mustard is a cool-season obligate biennial herb. Seeds germinate in early spring (April-May) of the first year resulting in initially high seedling densities. Natural mortality during the first year results in only 2%-4% of the plants surviving to flower the following spring. Garlic mustard is self- or cross-pollinated and a single plant can populate an entire site. Adult plants set and disperse seed in late spring (May-June) the second year and produce an average of 165-868 seeds. The seeds are dormant for 20 months germinating in early spring of year four.

It is hardy to zone 0 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to June, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It requires moist or wet soil.

Cultivation :-
Prefers a damp rich alluvial soil. Succeeds in damp shady places where few other herbs will grow. A good woodland edge plant, it also grows well in the bottom of hedgerows and will self-sow freely in suitable conditions. On a calm day the plant emits a strong smell of garlic. This is especially pronounced if the leaves are bruised. This species is an important food source for the orange-tip butterfly.

Propagation:-
Seed – sow outdoors in situ either in spring or autumn.


Edible Uses:-
Edible Parts: Flowers; Leaves; Seedpod.

Young leaves – raw or cooked as a potherb or as a flavouring in cooked foods. A mild garlic and mustard flavour, the leaves are also believed to strengthen the digestive system. They can be finely chopped and added to salads. The leaves are available very early in the year and provide a very acceptable flavouring for salads in the winter. Flowers and young seed pods – raw. A mild, garlic-like flavour.

Medicinal Actions & Uses:-
Antiasthmatic; Antiscorbutic; Antiseptic; Deobstruent; Diaphoretic; Sternutatory; Vermifuge; Vulnerary.

Garlic mustard has been little used in herbal medicine. The leaves and stems are antiasthmatic, antiscorbutic, antiseptic, deobstruent, diaphoretic, vermifuge and vulnerary. The leaves have been taken internally to promote sweating and to treat bronchitis, asthma and eczema. Externally, they have been used as an antiseptic poultice on ulcers etc, and are effective in relieving the itching caused by bites and stings. The leaves and stems are harvested before the plant comes into flower and they can be dried for later use. The roots are chopped up small and then heated in oil to make an ointment to rub on the chest in order to bring relief from bronchitis. The juice of the plant has an inhibitory effect on Bacillus pyocyaneum and on gram-negative bacteria of the typhoid-paratyphoid-enteritis group. The seeds have been used as a snuff to excite sneezing.

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Other Uses:-
Dye.

A yellow dye is obtained from the whole plant.

Scented Plants
Plant: Crushed
On a calm day the plant emits a strong smell of garlic. This is especially pronounced if the leaves are bruised.

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Alliaria+petiolata
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALPE4&photoID=alof3_002_avp.tif
http://www.se-eppc.org/manual/garlicmustard.html

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Alliaria_petiolata

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

African Lily (Agapanthus africanus)

Botanical Name : Agapanthus africanus
Family   : Alliaceae
Common name: Agapanthus
Synonyms: –
Homotypic
Abumon africanum (L.) Britton, Fl. Bermuda: 72 . 1918.
Mauhlia africana (L.) Dahl, Observ. Bot.: 26 . 1787.
Tulbaghia africana (L.) Kuntze, Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 718 . 1891.
Genus : Agapanthus
Species: Agapanthus africanus
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asparagales
Genus: Agapanthus

Habitat  : It is native of the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa – Cape Peninsula to Swellendam.   Rocky sandstone slopes, usually in montane regions. Upper slopes of Table mountain and the southern mountains.Cultivated Beds;

Description:
An evergreen Bulb growing to 1m by 0.5m. It has a short stem bearing a tuft of long, narrow, arching leaves 10-35 cm long and 1-2 cm broad, and a central flower stalk 25-60 cm tall, ending in an umbel of 20-30 white, or bright blue, funnel-shaped flowers, each flower 2.5-5 cm diameter.
It is hardy to zone 9 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.
The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Cultivation:
Succeed in most soils, but prefers a light very well-drained porous soil with plenty of leaf-mold[1, 200]. Plants need to be kept moderately dry during the growing season but with some moisture in winter[1]. They only flower freely if growing in a very sunny position. Plants succeed in maritime gardens. The rhizomes are best planted only just below soil level – a mulch of gravel or stone chips will help to keep the crown of the plant free from excess moisture. This species does not usually do well in cultivation. In the wild it usually only flowers freely in the year following a bush fire. This species is not very hardy in Britain, but some forms of the plant tolerate several degrees of frost. They are best given a good mulch if temperatures lower than 0°c occur. Plants are growing well at the foot of a wall in Cambridge Botanical Gardens. Hybridizes very freely with other members of this genus, some botanists say there is only one very variable species of Agapanthus. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. The flowering stems lean towards the sun.

Propagation
Seed – best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe, it can also be sown in a greenhouse in March/April. The seed usually germinates in 1 – 3 months at 18°c, do not sow it too thickly so that it is possible to grow the seedlings on in their pot without disturbing them for their first year of growth. Give occasional liquid feeds to make sure they do not become nutrient deficient. Divide the seedlings up into individual pots in the spring following germination, grow them on for a further year in the greenhouse and then plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Seedlings take 2 – 3 years to flower. Division of offsets in April/May. Do not move plants between October and March. Division is very easy in the growing season, the divisions can be planed straight out into their permanent positions if required.

Medicinal Uses:  Cardiac; Stomachic.

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Agapanthus+africanus
http://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Agapanthus_africanus
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Agapanthus_africanus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agapanthus_africanus

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Aconitum Orientale

[amazon_link asins=’B00AESM4E8,B00L6J6F6M’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’00b5d94a-016d-11e7-a7e9-f5d02df325a6′]

Botanical Name : Aconitum orientale
Family : Ranunculaceae
Other Names : Caucasian aconite; downy wolfsbane
Common Name: Downy Wolfsbane
Genus: Aconitum


Habitat :- W. Asia – Turkey to Iran. Woodland Garden; Dappled Shade;

Description:-
Perennial growing to 1.5m by 0.3m.
It is hardy to zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.
CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.

Cultivation:-
Thrives in most soils and in the light shade of trees. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist soil in sun or semi-shade. Prefers a calcareous soil. Grows well in open woodlands. Members of this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits and deer. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby species, especially legumes.

Propagation:-
Seed – best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed can be stratified and sown in spring but will then be slow to germinate. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division – best done in spring but it can also be done in autumn. Another report says that division is best carried out in the autumn or late winter because the plants come into growth very early in the year

Medicinal Actions & Uses:
Anodyne; Diaphoretic; Diuretic.

The dried root is anodyne, diaphoretic and diuretic. It should be harvested in the autumn as soon as the plant dies down. This is a very poisonous plant and should only be used with extreme caution and under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Known Hazards : The whole plant is highly toxic – simple skin contact has caused numbness in some people

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resourcs:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Aconitum+orientale
http://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/p1/gw1000507.html
http://www.armitageimages.net/index.cfm/fuseaction/stock.masterlist/index.htm
http://www.giftpflanzen.com/aconitum_orientale.html

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Related articles
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Aconitum Lycoctonum Vulparia

[amazon_link asins=’0994538405,0441019544,0142420980,1507653824′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’31e659d8-56f7-11e7-951d-0f4c5f1b3fab’]

Botanical Name :Aconitum lycoctonum vulparia
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Aconitum
Synonyms : Aconitum vulparia – Rchb.
Common Name :   Wolfsbane
Habitat : Native to Central and South Europe. Distribution:Europe to Asia.  Woods and bushy places in damp shady places.

Description:–
Perennial growing to 1m by 0.6m.
It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to  September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.
click to see the pictures.>.…..(1).……(2).…..…(3)..…...(4)..…
Special Features: Attractive yellow flowers held above deeply lobed foliage.
Natural Flowering Period: July – August/September
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z3-9
Growth Habit: Broad, upright, open habit
Foliage: Deeply cut, deep-green leaves
Height with Flowers: 120 cm (48”)
Spacing between Plants: 75 cm (30”)
Soil Requirements: Cool, moist, fertile soils, pH 5.8 – 6.8
Location: Part shade

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant
prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soil. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.

Cultivation:
Thrives in most soils and in the light shade of trees. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist soil in sun or semi-shade  Prefers a calcareous soil. Grows well in open woodlands. Members of this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits and deer. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby species, especially legumes.
An aggregate species which is divided by some botanists into many species.

Propagation:
Seed – best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed can be stratified and sown in spring but will then
be slow to germinate. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in
a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division – best done in spring but it can also be done in autumn. Another report says that division is best carried out in the autumn or late
winter because the plants come into growth very early in the year

Edible Uses:-

Some reports suggest the root is edible if cooked, but these should be treated with extreme caution due to thehighly toxic nature of the plant.

Medicinal Actions & Uses:-

Analgesic; Anodyne; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Irritant; Sedative.

The root is analgesic, anodyne, diaphoretic, diuretic, irritant, sedative. This is a very poisonous plant and should
only be used with extreme caution and under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Known Hazards:  The whole plant is highly toxic – simple skin contact has caused numbness in some people

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Aconitum+lycoctonum+vulparia
http://www.jelitto.com/english/AA086.htm
http://flora.nhm-wien.ac.at/Seiten-Arten/Aconitum-lycoctonum-vulp.htm

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
css.php