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Rhododendron molle

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Botanical Name : Rhododendron molle
Family : Ericaceae
Genus : Rhododendron
Synonyms: Azalea mollis – Blume.,Azalea sinensis – Lodd.,Rhododendron sinense – (Lodd.)Sw.
Common Name: Chinese Azalea ,

Habitat :   Rhododendron molle     is  native to  E. Asia – China.  Grows amongst coarse grasses and shrubs, also in thin pine woods.Woodland Garden; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

It grows in pinus forests, thickets on mountain slopes, exposed grassy hillsides, ridges; near sea level to 2500 m. Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang.

Description:
Rhododendron molle  is a  decidious  Shrubs, 0.5–2 m tall; branches densely gray-white-pubescent, also sparsely setose when young. Petiole 2–6 mm, puberulent and ± setose; leaf blade papery, oblong to oblong-lanceolate, 5–11 × 1.5–3.5 cm; base cuneate; margin ciliate; apex obtuse and mucronate; abaxial surface densely gray-white-pubescent, yellow-brown setose along midrib; adaxial surface sparsely to densely puberulent when young. Inflorescence terminal, racemose-umbellate: flowers opening before or with the leaves; many-flowered. Pedicel 1–2.5 cm, pubescent and sparsely setose; calyx lobes small, rounded, pubescent and setose-ciliate; corolla broadly funnelform, yellow or golden yellow, with dark red flecks on lobes, ca. 4.5 × 5–6 cm; tube cylindric, tapering towards base, ca. 26 mm wide, outer surface puberulent; lobes 5, elliptic or ovate-oblong, ca. 2.8 cm, puberulent on outer surface; stamens 5, unequal; filaments flat, puberulent below; ovary conical, ca. 4 mm, densely gray-white-pubescent, also sparsely setose; style to 6 cm, glabrous. Capsule conical-cylindric, 5-ribbed, 25–35 mm, puberulent and sparsely setose. Fl. Mar–May, fr. Jul–Aug.

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It is hardy to zone 7. It is in flower in May. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid soils and can grow in very acid soil. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It requires moist soil.


Cultivation :
Succeeds in a most humus-rich lime-free soils except those of a dry arid nature or those that are heavy or clayey. Prefers a peaty or well-drained sandy loam[1]. Succeeds in sun or shade, though it prefers a shady position. A pH between 4.5 and 5.5 is ideal[1]. Succeeds in a woodland though, because of its surface-rooting habit, it does not compete well with surface-rooting trees. Plants need to be kept well weeded, they dislike other plants growing over or into their root system, in particular they grow badly with ground cover plants, herbaceous plants and heathers. Plants form a root ball and are very tolerant of being transplanted, even when quite large, so long as the root ball is kept intact. A very ornamental plant, it is the parent of many cultivars. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagation:
Seed – best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn and given artificial light. Alternatively sow the seed in a lightly shaded part of the warm greenhouse in late winter or in a cold greenhouse in April. Surface-sow the seed and do not allow the compost to become dry. Pot up the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a greenhouse for at least the first winter. Layering in late July. Takes 15 – 24 months. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, August in a frame. Difficult

Medicinal Actions & Uses
Anaesthetic; Analgesic; Sedative.

The flowers are analgesic, anaesthetic and sedative. They are applied externally in the treatment of arthritis, caries, itch, maggots and traumatic injuries.  The root is used in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism and traumatic injuries.

Other Uses
Insecticide.

The powdered flowers have a mild insecticidal effect.

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Cultivars
There are some named forms for this species, but these have been developed for their ornamental value and not for their other uses. Unless you particularly require the special characteristics of any of these cultivars, we would generally recommend that you grow the natural species for its useful properties. We have, therefore, not listed the cultivars in this database

Known Hazards: The plant is very toxic. The pollen of many if not all species of rhododendrons is also probably toxic, being said to cause intoxication when eaten in large quantities.

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?Rhododendron+molle
http://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/BCP/Rhododendron_molle
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200016492

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Goat’s Bread (Aruncus dioicus)

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Botanical Name : Aruncus dioicus
Family : Rosaceae
Genus : Aruncus
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Species: A. dioicus

Synonyms: Aruncus sylvester – Kostel., Aruncus vulgaris – Raf.

Common Name : goat’s beard or bride’s feathers

Habitat :–  This plant can be found throughout Europe, Asia, and eastern and western North America.   Damp woods, shady places and by streams, usually in mountainous areas.Woodland Garden; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover; Meadow; Bog Garden;

Description:–
Perennial growing to 2m by 3m at a fast rate.  It is a herbaceous plant with alternate, pinnately compound leaves, mostly cauline, less than 60 cm, 2 to 3 pinnate; leaflets 3 to 5 cm, ovate, sharply serrate, more or less hairy ,on thin, stiff stems. The flowers are white, borne in summer.

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Tiny brown seed capsules dry and stay on females plants after flowering is finished. Goats beard has foliage similar to astilbe but with a shrub like growth habit.  Aruncus dioicus is an excellent specimen plant in the shade garden or use as a focal point in woodland settings.  Its wands of creamy white flowers are used as fresh cut flowers and dried flowers.  It is an imposing background plant, especially when displayed in an isolated groupings and is listed as deer resistant.  Fruits are more or less cylindric follicle, 3 to 5 mm.

It is hardy to zone 7. It is in flower from June to August. The flowers are dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required) and are pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile.

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

Cultivation :-
Succeeds in mst moist soils in sun or partial shade. Plants do well in moist to wet soils but will also tolerate fairly dry sites. Succeeds in acid or limey soils. Grows well on the woodland edge. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn. Plants are hardy to at least -20°c. This is a polymorphic species, especially the form that grows in Japan.  There are some named forms selected for their ornamental value, ‘Kneiffii’ is only half the size of the type species. Plants are fast-growing  and form very large clumps. The flowers are sweetly perfumed.  Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagation
Seed – best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Sow stored seed in late winter or early spring in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame until they are at least 15cm tall. They can be planted out into their permanent positions at any time of the year. Division in early spring or autumn. Very easy, the clumps can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.

Edible Uses:-
Edible Parts: Leaves.
Budlings, stems and young leaves – cooked. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Actions & Uses:-
Antipyretic; Astringent; Birthing aid; Salve; Stings; Stomachic; VD.

The poulticed root is applied to bee stings. A tea made from the roots is used to allay bleeding after child birth, to reduce profuse urination and to treat stomach pains, diarrhoea, gonorrhoea, fevers and internal bleeding. The tea is used externally to bathe swollen feet and rheumatic joints. A salve made from the root ashes is rubbed onto sores.

Other Uses:-
Ground cover.

Plants form a dense growth that is very effective at holding invasive plants at bay. They can be used as a tall ground cover for large areas.

Scented Plants
Flowers: Fresh
The flowers are sweetly scented.

Known Hazards : Cyanogenic glycosides are found in the leaves.

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?Aruncus+dioicus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aruncus_dioicus
http://www.easywildflowers.com/quality/sty.dip.htm
http://www.cwnp.org/photopgs/adoc/ardioicus.html

 

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Alpine Calamint(Acinos alpinus)

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Botanical Name:Acinos alpinus
Family : Labiatae/Lamiaceae
Synonyms :Calamintha alpina – (L.)Lam., Satureja alpina – (L.)Scheele.,Thymus alpinus (L.)
Common Name:Rock thyme,Alpine Calamint,
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales
Genus: Acinos
Species: A. alpinus

Habitat: The plant originates from the mountains of Central & Southern Europe.In Italy, rock thyme can be found in most areas whose altitude is between 900 and 2600 meters above sea level. It is found in open fields, rock fissures, and areas with little fertile soil. Dry sunny habitats in mountains and rocky places.

Description:-
Rock thyme is a Perennial herbaceous plant averaging between 40 and 50 centimeters in height. The flowers are hermaphroditic; that is, they have both male and female reproductive systems. According to the Raunkiær system of categorizing life forms, rock thyme is considered to be a chamaephyte, specifically a chamaephyte sufruticosos.
CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES
The plant has a woody, fuzz-covered stem. Its leaves grow in symmetrical pairs and are connected to the stem by a thin petiole. Their shapes range from ovoid to lanceolates of 5 to 15 millimeters in length.

The flowers consist of whorled inflorescences, consisting of clusters of 3 to 8 flowers. They range from 15 to 20 mm in length, and are generally violet in  color. Depending on altitude, rock thyme flowers between May and August. Its fruit is schizo-carpal ( splits into four equal portions upon reaching maturity).The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs)

It is anchored to the ground by a taproot and a network of smaller secondary roots.There are two subspecies of rock thyme: A. alpinus meriodionalis, with smaller flowers; and A. alpinus majoranifolius, which grows in smaller bunches.

Cultivation :–
Succeeds in almost any well-drained soil, doing well in a hot dry soil.

Propagation:-
Seed – sow early spring in a cold frame. If you have sufficient seed then you could try sowing in situ in April or May. Germination should take place within a month. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Basal cuttings in late spring.

Edible Uses
Edible Uses: Condiment; Tea.

The leaves are used as a flavouring in cooked dishes and also as a tea substitute.

Medicinal Action & Uses
Diaphoretic, febrifuge.
Rock thyme is sometimes used in pharmacology for its diaphoretic and antipyretic properties. In addition, it can be brewed and served as tea.

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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acinos_alpinus
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Acinos+alpinus

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Siberian Yarrow (Achillea sibirica)

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Botanical Name:Achillea sibirica
Family : Compositae
Synonyms : Achillea alpina – L.,  Achillea mongolica – Fisch
Common name : yarrow
Genus : Achillea
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Species: A. sibirica

Synonyms: A. alpina. L. A. mongolica. Fisch.

Common Name : Siberian Yarrow
Habitat : Achillea sibirica is native to  E. Asia – China, Japan. North-western N. America. It grows on the  meadows, gardens, sandy slopes and dry areas.

Description: –
Achillea sibirica is an herbaceous Perennial plant with alternate, pinnately compound leaves, on green stems. The flowers are white or pink, borne in summer. The plants are hardy in Zones 3-10 in full sun and are often about 2 feet tall. Two varieties with attractive pink flowers that sometimes fade to white are A.s. ‘Stephanie Cohen’ (Z 5-8) and A.s. var.campschatica ‘Love Parade’.
CLICK TO SEE THE PICTURES………..>...(01)....…(1)....…(2).………(3)..

It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

Very different from the common yarrow, Achillea millefolium. The leaves are a nice glossy dark green, long and serrated. Blooms are more compact than the blowy umbels of its cousin, with more distinct daisy flowers. Interestingly, the flowers fade to almost completely white a few weeks after bloom starts.

Cultivation :-
Succeeds in most soils but prefers a well-drained soil in a sunny position . Plants succeed in maritime gardens. They live longer when growing in a poor soil. A very ornamental plant. Polymorphic. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.

Propagation:-
Seed – sow spring or early autumn in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in 1 – 3 months. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, the divisions can be planted direct into their permanent positions. Basal cuttings of new shoots in spring. Very easy, collect the shoots when they are about 10cm tall, potting them up individually in pots and keeping them in a warm but lightly shaded position. They should root within 3 weeks and will be ready to plant out in the summer.

Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves.

Young shoots and leaves – cooked.

Medicinal Actions & Uses
Antibacterial; Antiinflammatory; Carminative; Diaphoretic; Emmenagogue; Odontalgic; Stomachic; Tonic.

The whole plant is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, odontalgic, stomachic and tonic. A decoction is used in the treatment of abscesses, abdominal cramps, amenorrhoea, bleeding, falls, snakebite and stomach ulcers. A poultice of the chewed root can be applied to gum sores.

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?Achillea+sibirica
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achillea_sibirica
http://www.robsplants.com/plants/AchilSibir.php

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Bear’s Breeches(Acanthus mollis – L.)

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Botanical Name:Acanthus mollis – L.
Family : Acanthaceae
Synonyms: Acanthus latifolius – Hort. ex Goeze.
Common Name :Bear’s Breeches,
Genus: Acanthus
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales
Family: Acanthaceae
Species: A. mollis

Habitat : South-western Europe – Portugal to the Balkans. Naturalized in Britain in W. Cornwall.  Woodland scrub and stony hillsides.Woodland Garden; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Ground Cover; Meadow;

Description:–
It is a herbaceous perennial plant .It grows to 2 m tall, with basal clusters of deeply lobed and cut, shining dark green leaves up to 1 m long and 20 cm broad. The flowers are tubular, whitish, lilac or rose with spiny green or purplish bracts, and produced on stout spikes which grow up to 2.5 m (8 ft) above the leaves. It flowers in late spring or early summer. It grows in dry areas, and is tolerant of drought and shade. The plants are propagated from tubers and tend to form large, localized clumps which can survive for several decades. The leaves of this plant are generally considered by historians[who?] to have been the design inspiration for the Corinthian column capitals of Roman architecture.
CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES….>…....(01)…..…(1).
It is hardy to zone 0. It is in flower from June to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.

Cultivation :–
Prefers a deep loamy soil in a sheltered position in full sun but tolerates partial shade. Grows well in heavy clay soils if they are well-drained but dislikes heavy damp soils and will not overwinter in wet soils. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant. Hardy to about -15°c, though young plants may require protection in the winter and even older ones may need protection in cold winters. A very ornamental plant. The leaves can wilt on hot summer days when plants are grown in full sun. Plants can become invasive, spreading by suckers, and they are difficult to eradicate due to their deep roots. Does well in the lawn or wild garden. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut in the autumn. Members of this genus are not usually browsed by deer.

Propagation:-
Seed – sow spring in a cold frame or outside as soon as the seed is ripe. It usually germinates in 3 – 4 weeks at 10°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for two years before planting out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, they can be planted straight out into their permanent positions. Root cuttings – winter in a coldframe

Medicinal Actions & Uses:

Astringent; Detergent; Emollient; Vulnerary.
The leaves and roots are astringent, detergent, emollient and vulnerary. The plant contains appreciable quantities of mucilage and tannin. Traditionally it was used as a treatment for dislocated joints and for burns. A paste made from the plant, when applied to a dislocated joint, tends to normalize the affected muscles and ligaments, simultaneously relaxing and tightening them to encourage the joint back into its proper place. The crushed leaves have been used as a poultice to soothe burns and scalds. For internal use, the plant’s emollient properties are useful in treating irritated mucous membranes within the digestive and urinary tracts.

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:-
Ground cover.

The sub-species A. mollis latifolia makes a good ground cover plant. Relatively slow to cover the ground at first but it can eventually become invasive.


Source:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Acanthus+mollis
http://www.floradecanarias.com/acanthus_mollis.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acanthus_mollis

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