文章
Miss Chen
2017年09月03日
CONDICIONES AMBIENTALES:
La Saponaria (Saponaria Officialis), planta herbácea plurianual, rizomatosa, muy rústica. Florece en junio-septiembre, y más intensamente en julio-agosto. Pleno sol o semi-sombra. Resistente a las heladas (hasta -15 ºC) y a la sequía. No es exigente en cuanto a la clase de terreno. Suelo profundo, drenado o encharcado, fresco; los suelos pobres deben ser abonados. Riegos regulares bastante frecuentes (el terreno debe permanecer siempre fresco). En el terreno, aporcar las plantas al comenzar los fríos (hacia octubre).
MULTIPLICACIÓN:
Por semillas; semillero protegido o en cama caliente en primavera u otoño (septiembre), trasplante en marzo-abril. Siembra de asiento a mediados de marzo. Esquejes de madera tierna obtenidos a primeros de verano, que se colocan del otoño a la primavera (marzo). División de matas de octubre a marzo.
RECOLECCIÓN:
El rizoma se recolecta en marzo-junio del quinto año o avanzado el verano, y en septiembre-noviembre. Las raíces se extraen al quinto año, se limpian, se cortan en trozos y se dejan secar. La primera cosecha de hojas tiene lugar desde el segundo año, en julio-agosto, cuando la planta está a punto de florecer. Si el corte se realiza pronto, la planta volverá a florecer a finales de septiembre, permitiendo un segundo corte aunque de menor rendimiento. Las sumidades se cortan a 30 cm, poco antes de abrirse las flores. El secado de hojas y flores se hace en local bien ventilado, al sol o a la sombra. El rizoma y las raíces, en trozos, se secan al sol o con calor artificial (50-70 ºC).
PARTES ÚTILES: Rizoma, hojas, sumidades florales.
PROPIEDADES:
Ha sido cultivada muchas veces porque una vez machacada servía para sustituir al jabón. La maceración de la raíz produce mucha espuma, sobre todo después de añadir bicarbonato sódico. Para uso medicinal se usa el rizoma de plantas de al menos 2-3 años de edad. Es usado para preparar gotas y jarabes expectorantes. Es diurético y diaforético (aumenta la sudoración). La raíz se emplea para preparar dentífricos, jabones y polvos limpiadores. Sus sumidades originan una acción un poco más atenuada.
CURIOSIDADES:
Una receta para hacer jabón con saponaria:
– 50 gr. raíz Saponaria officinalis
– 1 cucharada hojas salvia
– 1 cucharada hojas romero
– 1 cucharada hojas abrótano macho
– 1 l de agua.
Se colocan las hierbas en un recipiente. Se hierve agua y se vierte sobre las hojas y la raíz de saponaria. Tapar y dejar reposar 45 minutos. Colar y envasar.
Se obtiene un jabón líquido para manos, cara o champú. Miss aromática.
La Saponaria (Saponaria Officialis), planta herbácea plurianual, rizomatosa, muy rústica. Florece en junio-septiembre, y más intensamente en julio-agosto. Pleno sol o semi-sombra. Resistente a las heladas (hasta -15 ºC) y a la sequía. No es exigente en cuanto a la clase de terreno. Suelo profundo, drenado o encharcado, fresco; los suelos pobres deben ser abonados. Riegos regulares bastante frecuentes (el terreno debe permanecer siempre fresco). En el terreno, aporcar las plantas al comenzar los fríos (hacia octubre).
MULTIPLICACIÓN:
Por semillas; semillero protegido o en cama caliente en primavera u otoño (septiembre), trasplante en marzo-abril. Siembra de asiento a mediados de marzo. Esquejes de madera tierna obtenidos a primeros de verano, que se colocan del otoño a la primavera (marzo). División de matas de octubre a marzo.
RECOLECCIÓN:
El rizoma se recolecta en marzo-junio del quinto año o avanzado el verano, y en septiembre-noviembre. Las raíces se extraen al quinto año, se limpian, se cortan en trozos y se dejan secar. La primera cosecha de hojas tiene lugar desde el segundo año, en julio-agosto, cuando la planta está a punto de florecer. Si el corte se realiza pronto, la planta volverá a florecer a finales de septiembre, permitiendo un segundo corte aunque de menor rendimiento. Las sumidades se cortan a 30 cm, poco antes de abrirse las flores. El secado de hojas y flores se hace en local bien ventilado, al sol o a la sombra. El rizoma y las raíces, en trozos, se secan al sol o con calor artificial (50-70 ºC).
PARTES ÚTILES: Rizoma, hojas, sumidades florales.
PROPIEDADES:
Ha sido cultivada muchas veces porque una vez machacada servía para sustituir al jabón. La maceración de la raíz produce mucha espuma, sobre todo después de añadir bicarbonato sódico. Para uso medicinal se usa el rizoma de plantas de al menos 2-3 años de edad. Es usado para preparar gotas y jarabes expectorantes. Es diurético y diaforético (aumenta la sudoración). La raíz se emplea para preparar dentífricos, jabones y polvos limpiadores. Sus sumidades originan una acción un poco más atenuada.
CURIOSIDADES:
Una receta para hacer jabón con saponaria:
– 50 gr. raíz Saponaria officinalis
– 1 cucharada hojas salvia
– 1 cucharada hojas romero
– 1 cucharada hojas abrótano macho
– 1 l de agua.
Se colocan las hierbas en un recipiente. Se hierve agua y se vierte sobre las hojas y la raíz de saponaria. Tapar y dejar reposar 45 minutos. Colar y envasar.
Se obtiene un jabón líquido para manos, cara o champú. Miss aromática.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年09月02日
When you think of Florida, you immediately think of palm trees. However, not all palm species do well in colder regions of the state where temperatures may dip down to 5 F. (-15 C.). Pindo palm trees (Butia capitata) are one type of palm that will tolerate cooler temperatures and can even be found along the East Coast up to the Carolinas. Let’s find out how to care for a pindo palm.
Hardy Pindo Info
Pindo palms, also known as jelly palms, grow slowly to a mature height of 15-20 feet with a trunk diameter of 1 to 1 1/2 feet. Flowers can be red, white or yellow and occur in groups of two male flowers and one female flower. The fruit of this graceful palm is light orange to brownish red and can be used to make jelly. The seeds can even be roasted for a coffee substitute. Pindo palms are often used as a specimen tree and draw a variety of wildlife with their sweet fruit.
Growing Pindo Palm Trees
Pindo palms will grow in full sun or partial shade and any type of soil as long as it is moderately salt tolerant and has good drainage. Falling fruit can make a mess, so it is recommended that pindo palms be planted at least ten feet from decks, patios or paved surfaces. Since these trees grow so slowly, it is best to buy at least a three-year-old nursery stock tree unless you are extremely patient.
How to Care of a Pindo Palm
Pindo palm care is not difficult at all. There are no diseases or insect problems with this tree, other than the odd micro-nutrient deficiency. Regular fertilization will help keep the pindo palm looking its best. Pindo palms are able to survive hot and windy conditions, but it is always best to keep the soil adequately moist. This Brazil native requires some pruning of dead fronds to keep its appearance tidy.
Hardy Pindo Info
Pindo palms, also known as jelly palms, grow slowly to a mature height of 15-20 feet with a trunk diameter of 1 to 1 1/2 feet. Flowers can be red, white or yellow and occur in groups of two male flowers and one female flower. The fruit of this graceful palm is light orange to brownish red and can be used to make jelly. The seeds can even be roasted for a coffee substitute. Pindo palms are often used as a specimen tree and draw a variety of wildlife with their sweet fruit.
Growing Pindo Palm Trees
Pindo palms will grow in full sun or partial shade and any type of soil as long as it is moderately salt tolerant and has good drainage. Falling fruit can make a mess, so it is recommended that pindo palms be planted at least ten feet from decks, patios or paved surfaces. Since these trees grow so slowly, it is best to buy at least a three-year-old nursery stock tree unless you are extremely patient.
How to Care of a Pindo Palm
Pindo palm care is not difficult at all. There are no diseases or insect problems with this tree, other than the odd micro-nutrient deficiency. Regular fertilization will help keep the pindo palm looking its best. Pindo palms are able to survive hot and windy conditions, but it is always best to keep the soil adequately moist. This Brazil native requires some pruning of dead fronds to keep its appearance tidy.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年09月02日
Few things evoke the tropics like a palm tree. Growing palm trees outdoors in northern climates can be challenging due to their frost intolerance but some, like cabbage palm and Chinese fan palms, will survive temperatures to 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-9 C.) when mature. Warm climates get their pick of palm tree choices. No matter where you have the plant, knowledge on how to take care of palm trees will help you have a healthy specimen standing proudly in your garden.
Palm Tree Choices
Palm tree care starts with proper selection of species. Choose one that is hardy in your region and situate it where it gets adequate light and has excellent drainage. There are many varieties of palms from which to choose, but consideration should also be taken as to the plants mature size. Some are towering plants and don’t fit into many home landscape situations.
Hardy palms are those that can withstand light freezes and even a bit of snow. In addition to Chinese and cabbage palms, the following palms are all good choices for temperate regions with some cold weather:
Bismarck
Mexican fan
Needle
Sago
Pindo
Windmill
The classic varieties found in places like California and Florida would be:
Palmetto
Mediterranean fan
California fan
Coconut
Queen palm
Royal palm
You can also select the cold hardy varieties for warm season growing. Larger trees should be grown in ground while smaller varieties, such as sago, are useful for growing palm trees outdoors in containers.
How to Take Care of Palm Trees
Once you have your selection site, preparation is crucial to a healthy plant. Excessively alkaline soil should be amended with sulfur. The area should have organic nutrients over a large area since palm tree roots will spread and should have access to these nutrients many feet from the trunk. Take care not to bury the trunk in soil when planting a palm tree, as this could cause rot. Water the root ball before back filling the hole. Spread mulch several feet from the trunk out around the root zone to provide supplemental nourishment over time as it composts. Replace the mulch annually.
Palm Tree Care Over the Years
After planting a palm tree, it needs supplemental watering until it establishes. Do not let the soil dry out completely for the first several months, but also do not let it stand soggy or you will invite fungal issues. In the first year, do a foliar feeding in spring and a time release granular feeding with a 3-1-3 ratio every 4 months. Once the plant has been in the ground a year, apply only the granular feed. Prune off dead fronds as they occur. If you need to prune to maintain size, only prune off the bottom to middle fronds. Topping a tree is not recommended which is why it is important at purchase to consider the mature size.
With very little palm tree care, these majestic plants will live in your landscape for a generation or more, providing shade, dimension and exotic beauty.
Palm Tree Choices
Palm tree care starts with proper selection of species. Choose one that is hardy in your region and situate it where it gets adequate light and has excellent drainage. There are many varieties of palms from which to choose, but consideration should also be taken as to the plants mature size. Some are towering plants and don’t fit into many home landscape situations.
Hardy palms are those that can withstand light freezes and even a bit of snow. In addition to Chinese and cabbage palms, the following palms are all good choices for temperate regions with some cold weather:
Bismarck
Mexican fan
Needle
Sago
Pindo
Windmill
The classic varieties found in places like California and Florida would be:
Palmetto
Mediterranean fan
California fan
Coconut
Queen palm
Royal palm
You can also select the cold hardy varieties for warm season growing. Larger trees should be grown in ground while smaller varieties, such as sago, are useful for growing palm trees outdoors in containers.
How to Take Care of Palm Trees
Once you have your selection site, preparation is crucial to a healthy plant. Excessively alkaline soil should be amended with sulfur. The area should have organic nutrients over a large area since palm tree roots will spread and should have access to these nutrients many feet from the trunk. Take care not to bury the trunk in soil when planting a palm tree, as this could cause rot. Water the root ball before back filling the hole. Spread mulch several feet from the trunk out around the root zone to provide supplemental nourishment over time as it composts. Replace the mulch annually.
Palm Tree Care Over the Years
After planting a palm tree, it needs supplemental watering until it establishes. Do not let the soil dry out completely for the first several months, but also do not let it stand soggy or you will invite fungal issues. In the first year, do a foliar feeding in spring and a time release granular feeding with a 3-1-3 ratio every 4 months. Once the plant has been in the ground a year, apply only the granular feed. Prune off dead fronds as they occur. If you need to prune to maintain size, only prune off the bottom to middle fronds. Topping a tree is not recommended which is why it is important at purchase to consider the mature size.
With very little palm tree care, these majestic plants will live in your landscape for a generation or more, providing shade, dimension and exotic beauty.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年09月01日
Originating in Japan, contorted mulberry trees (Morus alba) thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. This deciduous, rapidly growing plant can easily reach 20 to 30 feet high and 15 to 20 feet wide if not controlled. This tree is also known as a contorted “Unryu” mulberry.
Contorted Mulberry Info
The leaves of this attractive tree are a light green color and somewhat glossy and heart-shaped. They turn yellow in the fall. From mid to late summer, small yellow flowers bloom followed by fruit similar in shape and size to a blackberry. Fruit is white and ripens to a pink or light violet. Depending on variety, it can take up to ten years for a tree to start producing fruit. A distinguishing feature of this interesting tree is the contorted or twisted branches that are often used in flower arrangements, which help to give these plants the name ‘corkscrew mulberries'.
Growing Contorted Unryu Mulberries
Many people plant contorted mulberries as an ornamental plant in the home landscape. They bring great interest during all garden seasons and draw wildlife with their fruit and foliage. Mulberry trees do best in full to part sun and require ample water while they are establishing, although they are drought tolerant once roots are established. Some people plant varieties in large containers where their growth can be controlled. They make lovely patio plants and are popular because of their fast growth.
Care of Contorted Mulberry
Mulberry trees need space to spread out; 15 feet between trees is recommended. Provide supplemental water during dry conditions. If the soil conditions become too dry, fruit drop will occur. An annual feeding using a 10-10-10 fertilizer will keep the tree at its best. Pruning is only necessary to remove dead or damaged limbs and to limit crowding and control growth.
Harvesting and Using Fruit
Pick fruit early in the morning when it is at the peak of ripeness. It will be deep red to almost black when it is ready. Spread a sheet on the ground and gently shake the tree. The fruit will fall to the ground. Use immediately or wash, dry and freeze. This delicious berry is great for jams, pies or when eaten fresh.
Contorted Mulberry Info
The leaves of this attractive tree are a light green color and somewhat glossy and heart-shaped. They turn yellow in the fall. From mid to late summer, small yellow flowers bloom followed by fruit similar in shape and size to a blackberry. Fruit is white and ripens to a pink or light violet. Depending on variety, it can take up to ten years for a tree to start producing fruit. A distinguishing feature of this interesting tree is the contorted or twisted branches that are often used in flower arrangements, which help to give these plants the name ‘corkscrew mulberries'.
Growing Contorted Unryu Mulberries
Many people plant contorted mulberries as an ornamental plant in the home landscape. They bring great interest during all garden seasons and draw wildlife with their fruit and foliage. Mulberry trees do best in full to part sun and require ample water while they are establishing, although they are drought tolerant once roots are established. Some people plant varieties in large containers where their growth can be controlled. They make lovely patio plants and are popular because of their fast growth.
Care of Contorted Mulberry
Mulberry trees need space to spread out; 15 feet between trees is recommended. Provide supplemental water during dry conditions. If the soil conditions become too dry, fruit drop will occur. An annual feeding using a 10-10-10 fertilizer will keep the tree at its best. Pruning is only necessary to remove dead or damaged limbs and to limit crowding and control growth.
Harvesting and Using Fruit
Pick fruit early in the morning when it is at the peak of ripeness. It will be deep red to almost black when it is ready. Spread a sheet on the ground and gently shake the tree. The fruit will fall to the ground. Use immediately or wash, dry and freeze. This delicious berry is great for jams, pies or when eaten fresh.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月30日
A harbinger of spring in parts of the country that enjoy mild winters, flowering dogwood trees boast an abundance of pink, white or red flowers long before the first leaves appear in spring. Since they grow only 15 to 30 feet tall, there is room for a dogwood tree in almost any landscape. They seldom need pruning, but when the need does arise, correct dogwood tree pruning leads to a healthier, more attractive tree.
When to Trim a Dogwood Tree
Part of proper dogwood pruning involves knowing when to trim a dogwood tree. In areas where boring insects are a problem, never prune a dogwood tree in spring. The wounds created by pruning cuts provide an entry point for these devastating insects. In addition, if pruned while the tree is actively growing in spring and summer, the wounds bleed copious amounts of messy sap. Therefore, the best time to prune a dogwood tree is in late fall and winter while the tree is dormant.
Dogwood Tree Pruning Info
Dogwood trees have a naturally attractive shape and don’t require routine pruning, but there are some circumstances where pruning and trimming dogwood trees becomes necessary. Pruning a dogwood tree when these situations arise helps prevent insects and disease from infesting the tree and allows for better growth and shape. Before pruning a dogwood tree, you should be aware that removing large branches can damage the trunk if the heavy branch breaks away and tears down the trunk as you begin to cut. Therefore, you should remove branches larger than two inches in diameter by making three cuts to prevent tearing.
Make the first cut on the underside of the branch, 6 to 12 inches out from the trunk of the tree. Cut only one-third of the way through the branch. Make the second cut about an inch beyond the first one, cutting completely through the branch. Make the third cut at the collar of the branch to remove the stub. The collar is the swollen area of the branch near the trunk.
How to Prune a Flowering Dogwood Tree
When you’re ready for trimming dogwood trees in your yard, it also helps to know a little bit about when and how to prune a flowering dogwood tree. Remove damaged, diseased or dead branches at the collar. These branches are unsightly and provide an entry point for insects and disease. Remove undersized twigs and branches that detract from the shape of the tree to open up the canopy for better air circulation and to let in sunlight. Suckers that grow at the base of a dogwood tree use energy that the tree needs for proper growth. Remove them as close to the roots as possible. The lower limbs on a dogwood tree sometimes hang so low that you can’t mow under the tree or enjoy the shade it provides. Remove low-hanging branches at the collar.
When two branches cross and rub together, they create wounds that allow insects and diseases to gain a foothold. Remove the least desirable of the two crossing branches. Now that you know the basics of dogwood tree pruning, you can enjoy your trees without the worry of them becoming unsightly or sick.
When to Trim a Dogwood Tree
Part of proper dogwood pruning involves knowing when to trim a dogwood tree. In areas where boring insects are a problem, never prune a dogwood tree in spring. The wounds created by pruning cuts provide an entry point for these devastating insects. In addition, if pruned while the tree is actively growing in spring and summer, the wounds bleed copious amounts of messy sap. Therefore, the best time to prune a dogwood tree is in late fall and winter while the tree is dormant.
Dogwood Tree Pruning Info
Dogwood trees have a naturally attractive shape and don’t require routine pruning, but there are some circumstances where pruning and trimming dogwood trees becomes necessary. Pruning a dogwood tree when these situations arise helps prevent insects and disease from infesting the tree and allows for better growth and shape. Before pruning a dogwood tree, you should be aware that removing large branches can damage the trunk if the heavy branch breaks away and tears down the trunk as you begin to cut. Therefore, you should remove branches larger than two inches in diameter by making three cuts to prevent tearing.
Make the first cut on the underside of the branch, 6 to 12 inches out from the trunk of the tree. Cut only one-third of the way through the branch. Make the second cut about an inch beyond the first one, cutting completely through the branch. Make the third cut at the collar of the branch to remove the stub. The collar is the swollen area of the branch near the trunk.
How to Prune a Flowering Dogwood Tree
When you’re ready for trimming dogwood trees in your yard, it also helps to know a little bit about when and how to prune a flowering dogwood tree. Remove damaged, diseased or dead branches at the collar. These branches are unsightly and provide an entry point for insects and disease. Remove undersized twigs and branches that detract from the shape of the tree to open up the canopy for better air circulation and to let in sunlight. Suckers that grow at the base of a dogwood tree use energy that the tree needs for proper growth. Remove them as close to the roots as possible. The lower limbs on a dogwood tree sometimes hang so low that you can’t mow under the tree or enjoy the shade it provides. Remove low-hanging branches at the collar.
When two branches cross and rub together, they create wounds that allow insects and diseases to gain a foothold. Remove the least desirable of the two crossing branches. Now that you know the basics of dogwood tree pruning, you can enjoy your trees without the worry of them becoming unsightly or sick.
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Miss Chen
2017年08月24日
Nombre común o vulgar: Níscalos, Níscalo, Rovellón, Rovellons, Mízcalo
Nombre científico o latino: Lactarius deliciosus
Es una de las setas más populares y comunes en toda España.
El sombrero mide de 5 a 15 cm de diámetro, primero convexo, después extendido y finalmente deprimido.
El margen es involuto, sobre todo en los ejemplares jóvenes.
La cutícula es lisa y de color naranja, con zonas rojizas. A veces se mancha de verde, sobre todo si se han producido heridas.
Láminas decurrentes, de color anaranjado que pueden mancharse de verde.
Esporada de color blanco crema.
Pie corto, de 3-5 x 1-3 cm, cilíndrico, de color blanco debido a una pruína blanquecina que lo recubre, excepto en unas pequeñas depresiones de color naranja vivo, llamadas escrobículas.
Carne granulosa y compacta, blanquecina hacia el centro y de color naranja hacia la periferia.
Usos culinarios:
Carne suculenta.
Utilizar sólo el sombrero.
Cocinar a la parrilla (a la brasa) o prepararla íntegra en la sartén con perejil.
La carne, de consistencia poco fibrosa, se resquebraja fácilmente durante la cocción, sobre todo si es prolongada, tendiendo a convertirse en una pasta poco apetecible.
Tiene un sabor suavemente amargo.
También se conserva en sal para utilizarlo fuera de temporada en la elaboración de los típicos guisos de carne con setas.
Igualmente se conserva a la vinagreta y se utiliza como entrante o para acompañar un entremés.
Suele guisarse con aceite de oliva, cebolla, ajo, vino blanco, harina y sal.
Magnífico complemento de los guisos de carne.
Excelente en guisos de caza (perdiz, conejo o liebre).
Muy bueno en guiso con patatas y chorizo.
Precios elevados debido a los costes de recolección y localización.
Recolección:
Aparecen fundamentalmente en otoño.
Se encuentra bajo pinos. Búsquela en los pinares.
Es bastante abundante en años lluviosos.
El níscalo es una seta muy fácil de identificar.
Posiblemente la especie que más se preste a confusión es Lactarius sanguifluus, de características similares, aunque de color más rojizo y al corte segrega látex de color vinoso. Es también comestible.
Otra variedad que puede generar dudas es el Lactarius chrysorrheus, conocido como Falso níscalo, cuyo sombrero tiene mucho parecido con el Lactarius deliciosus, pero el látex blanco o amarillento sirve de identificación.
Al recoger los rovellones hay que tener cuidado de no tocar las laminas para que no se oxiden.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月13日
Gardeners who have an ugly wall or underused vertical space may want to try growing Arizona grape ivy. What is Arizona grape ivy? This attractive, ornamental vine can get between 15 and 30 feet in height and self-attaches with small tendrils that bear suction cups on the ends. These “feet” cement themselves to structures and can be damaging if removal is necessary. In some zones, this plant is considered invasive so check with your local extension office before purchase. Otherwise, throw caution to the wind and check out Arizona grape ivy plants (Cissus trifoliata).
What is Arizona Grape Ivy?
Vertical spaces with green vines spilling over them accent the garden and lend lushness that bare wall or trellis simply can’t fake. Arizona grape ivy plants are fast growing, easy care vines with tiny flowers and pretty lobed leaves. They are mostly herbaceous but develop a woody base and numerous stems. Another name for the plant is possum grape vine.
Those of us not from Mexico or the American South may wonder, what are Arizona grape ivy plants? This North American native is a fast-growing vine that climbs into trees in its wild range. The plant is remarkably adaptable to almost any lighting because of its nature as an understory tree. In the wild, the tree starts life either in a sunny clearing or in a crowded forest with no light. As the plant grows upward, it reaches brighter and brighter conditions. In cultivation, the vine thrives in partial to full sun or even shade. In its habitat, the plant grows in stream banks, rocky ravines, and roadsides.
Possum Grape Vine Info
Possum or grape ivy is a hardy, herbaceous vine. It has three-lobed rubbery leaves nearly 4 inches long with grayish green color. The plant produces 2-inch wide small greenish flat clusters of blooms which become tiny, grape-like fruits. These are green but mature to a rich bluish black. The stems have tendrils which coil around any object to help pull the plant up as it grows. Reportedly, the leaves produce a rather nasty odor when crushed. The plant is attractive to bees and butterflies. Birds eat the fruits. Basic possum grape vine info must include the fact that the plant is semi-evergreen. In warmer climates, the plant tends to keep its leaves, but in temperate zones it will drop leaves in fall.
Growing Arizona Grape Ivy
This is one of the easiest plants to grow and is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 6 to 11. Once established, care of Arizona grape ivy is negligible. Choose a well-drained site where soil has been loosened and amended with compost or other organic material. The plant can tolerate either acidic to mildly alkaline soil. Provide a vertical structure for support as the plant grows and help it along at the beginning with plant ties. Possum vine is drought tolerant and resistant to deer, but it will need water during establishment. It also self-sows, so you may wish to remove the seed heads before they ripen. Care of Arizona grape ivy may require occasional pruning to keep the plant in habit.
What is Arizona Grape Ivy?
Vertical spaces with green vines spilling over them accent the garden and lend lushness that bare wall or trellis simply can’t fake. Arizona grape ivy plants are fast growing, easy care vines with tiny flowers and pretty lobed leaves. They are mostly herbaceous but develop a woody base and numerous stems. Another name for the plant is possum grape vine.
Those of us not from Mexico or the American South may wonder, what are Arizona grape ivy plants? This North American native is a fast-growing vine that climbs into trees in its wild range. The plant is remarkably adaptable to almost any lighting because of its nature as an understory tree. In the wild, the tree starts life either in a sunny clearing or in a crowded forest with no light. As the plant grows upward, it reaches brighter and brighter conditions. In cultivation, the vine thrives in partial to full sun or even shade. In its habitat, the plant grows in stream banks, rocky ravines, and roadsides.
Possum Grape Vine Info
Possum or grape ivy is a hardy, herbaceous vine. It has three-lobed rubbery leaves nearly 4 inches long with grayish green color. The plant produces 2-inch wide small greenish flat clusters of blooms which become tiny, grape-like fruits. These are green but mature to a rich bluish black. The stems have tendrils which coil around any object to help pull the plant up as it grows. Reportedly, the leaves produce a rather nasty odor when crushed. The plant is attractive to bees and butterflies. Birds eat the fruits. Basic possum grape vine info must include the fact that the plant is semi-evergreen. In warmer climates, the plant tends to keep its leaves, but in temperate zones it will drop leaves in fall.
Growing Arizona Grape Ivy
This is one of the easiest plants to grow and is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 6 to 11. Once established, care of Arizona grape ivy is negligible. Choose a well-drained site where soil has been loosened and amended with compost or other organic material. The plant can tolerate either acidic to mildly alkaline soil. Provide a vertical structure for support as the plant grows and help it along at the beginning with plant ties. Possum vine is drought tolerant and resistant to deer, but it will need water during establishment. It also self-sows, so you may wish to remove the seed heads before they ripen. Care of Arizona grape ivy may require occasional pruning to keep the plant in habit.
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Miss Chen
2017年08月10日
Losing its leaves in winter, the confederate rose is no rose but instead a member of the hibiscus family. Hibiscus mutabilis matures at up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide if never pruned or killed back by hard winter freezes. Appropriate to grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 7 through 10, the winter cold in zones 7 and 8 often causes this tree to become a much smaller multi-stemmed shrub. The large green, maple-like leaves make an attractive foil to the white-to-pink to deep-lavender changing flowers that don the branch tips in late summer through autumn.
Step 1
Prune off any broken or dead branches on the confederate rose bush any time you encounter them. Make the pruning cut 1/4 to 1/2 inch above a lower branch junction, leaf or dormant bud if no leaves are present.
Step 2
Reduce the length of any branch or trunk in early spring to a height of 12 to 36 inches. Since larger diameter branches occur lower in the confederate rose, use loppers if they're wider than 3/4 inch in diameter. Time this reduction or rejuvenation pruning for just before the buds begin to swell and the leaves unfurl. In subtropical areas, this may mean pruning in late winter.
Step 3
Clip off any suckering, thin shoots from the main trunk or larger, healthy stems on the confederate rose any time of year, too. Make the cuts flush with their attachment to the main trunk or even with the soil line.
Step 4
Trim off old flowers once they fade if you do not want the seed capsules to form on the branches. Some find them attractively curious, as the seed capsules are fuzzy and split open to reveal a cottony core with seeds.
Step 1
Prune off any broken or dead branches on the confederate rose bush any time you encounter them. Make the pruning cut 1/4 to 1/2 inch above a lower branch junction, leaf or dormant bud if no leaves are present.
Step 2
Reduce the length of any branch or trunk in early spring to a height of 12 to 36 inches. Since larger diameter branches occur lower in the confederate rose, use loppers if they're wider than 3/4 inch in diameter. Time this reduction or rejuvenation pruning for just before the buds begin to swell and the leaves unfurl. In subtropical areas, this may mean pruning in late winter.
Step 3
Clip off any suckering, thin shoots from the main trunk or larger, healthy stems on the confederate rose any time of year, too. Make the cuts flush with their attachment to the main trunk or even with the soil line.
Step 4
Trim off old flowers once they fade if you do not want the seed capsules to form on the branches. Some find them attractively curious, as the seed capsules are fuzzy and split open to reveal a cottony core with seeds.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月10日
Coffee plants produce not only the all important coffee bean, but they make terrific houseplants too. In their native tropical habitat, coffee plants grow up to 15 feet or more, so pruning a coffee plant is integral when growing them indoors.
Information on Coffee Plants
Before we explore how to prune a coffee plant, a little background on Coffea arabica is in order. A member of the Ruiaceae family, one of 90 in the genus Coffea, coffee plant is an evergreen, perennial shrub with dark green, glossy leaves decorated with ruffled edges and pleasantly aromatic white blossoms. Grow this specimen as an attractive houseplant, or if you aren’t shy on patience, for its fruit, which will take about four years to produce anything approximating a decent cup of coffee.
Hailing from Southern Asia and tropical regions of Africa, temperatures should be kept at 70 F. (21 C.) or higher during daylight hours and in the mid to lower 60’s (15-20 C.) at night with a good dose of humidity. Make sure the plant has well-draining soil, filtered sun and moderate (never soggy) irrigation. Although coffee plants will produce fruit without fertilization, for the most optimal fruiting and quality, they should be fed every two weeks from March to October and thereafter each month. A soluble, all purpose type of fertilizer is recommended for use. Coffee plants can be obtained through most online nurseries. Purchase the cultivar Coffea arabica ‘Nana’ if you desire a plant with more compact growth, thus reducing the necessity and frequency of cutting back coffee plant.
How to Prune a Coffee Plant
Due to their ability to attain a height of between 10 and 15 feet, not manageable in most homes, pruning of coffee houseplants is a necessity, not an option. Never fear; pruning coffee plants indoors is a simple process. When cutting back coffee plant, remember this plant is very forgiving and pruning back harshly won’t harm the plant at all. When pruning a coffee plant on a commercial plantation, trees are kept down to an easy-to-harvest 6 feet. This may be too large for your home and may necessitate more severe pruning of coffee plants indoors. Pruning a coffee plant may only require minimal pinching of new growth or it may involve cutting the plant way back. Pinching back the plant will not only restrain the tree’s height, but will encourage a bushier appearance. Coffee plant should be pruned back during the spring months to maintain a fuller, bushy appearance and generally shape the plant. Using clean, sharp pruning shears, cut the stem at a 45-degree angle, ¼-inch above where the leaf attaches to the stem (axil), paying attention to top growth to retard size. Remove any suckers at this time as well as any dead or dying limbs while leaving the largest branches.
Cuttings taken from the plant during pruning are difficult to propagate; however, if you want to make the attempt, use the young stems prior to hardening. Coffee plants make an easy, attractive plant that with a minimum of care you will be enjoying for many years.
Information on Coffee Plants
Before we explore how to prune a coffee plant, a little background on Coffea arabica is in order. A member of the Ruiaceae family, one of 90 in the genus Coffea, coffee plant is an evergreen, perennial shrub with dark green, glossy leaves decorated with ruffled edges and pleasantly aromatic white blossoms. Grow this specimen as an attractive houseplant, or if you aren’t shy on patience, for its fruit, which will take about four years to produce anything approximating a decent cup of coffee.
Hailing from Southern Asia and tropical regions of Africa, temperatures should be kept at 70 F. (21 C.) or higher during daylight hours and in the mid to lower 60’s (15-20 C.) at night with a good dose of humidity. Make sure the plant has well-draining soil, filtered sun and moderate (never soggy) irrigation. Although coffee plants will produce fruit without fertilization, for the most optimal fruiting and quality, they should be fed every two weeks from March to October and thereafter each month. A soluble, all purpose type of fertilizer is recommended for use. Coffee plants can be obtained through most online nurseries. Purchase the cultivar Coffea arabica ‘Nana’ if you desire a plant with more compact growth, thus reducing the necessity and frequency of cutting back coffee plant.
How to Prune a Coffee Plant
Due to their ability to attain a height of between 10 and 15 feet, not manageable in most homes, pruning of coffee houseplants is a necessity, not an option. Never fear; pruning coffee plants indoors is a simple process. When cutting back coffee plant, remember this plant is very forgiving and pruning back harshly won’t harm the plant at all. When pruning a coffee plant on a commercial plantation, trees are kept down to an easy-to-harvest 6 feet. This may be too large for your home and may necessitate more severe pruning of coffee plants indoors. Pruning a coffee plant may only require minimal pinching of new growth or it may involve cutting the plant way back. Pinching back the plant will not only restrain the tree’s height, but will encourage a bushier appearance. Coffee plant should be pruned back during the spring months to maintain a fuller, bushy appearance and generally shape the plant. Using clean, sharp pruning shears, cut the stem at a 45-degree angle, ¼-inch above where the leaf attaches to the stem (axil), paying attention to top growth to retard size. Remove any suckers at this time as well as any dead or dying limbs while leaving the largest branches.
Cuttings taken from the plant during pruning are difficult to propagate; however, if you want to make the attempt, use the young stems prior to hardening. Coffee plants make an easy, attractive plant that with a minimum of care you will be enjoying for many years.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月09日
The shaded hedgerows and ditches of Pembrokeshire (and many other coastal parts of Britain and Ireland) are lit up in springtime by the brilliant white but short-livedflower-masses of Common Scurvy-grass.
Identification
Usually 15 to 40 cm tall, this untidy biennial plant is best admired from a distance. Its succulent lower leaves, varying from dark green to red and even deep purple, are held close to the ground.
The fragrant, four-petalled flowers, 8 to 15mm across, are usually white but sometimes tinged with mauve or purple. Once the short-lived petals have fallen from the flowers, roundish seed pods swell and ripen.
Distribution
Found throughout Britain and Ireland, Common Scurvy-grass occurs also in coastal regions of northern and central Europe; it is also found, although much less frequently, in some mountainous inland locations.
Habitat
This plant is common only near the coast, where it grows on grassy cliffs, in salt marshes and on coastal roadside lanes where winter salting adds to the natural salinity. Inland locations near salt mines and saline springs are also favoured by Common Scurvy-grass.
Heavily salted main roads inland sometimes have central reservations and verges lined with Common Scurvy-grass, but more often the species seen there is the much smaller Danish Scurvy-grass Cochlearia danica. Surprisingly, in view of Common Scurvy-grass's apparent craving for salt, there are also some mountain sites in northern England and in Scotland where Cochlearia officinalis has been recorded.
Blooming Times
The first flowers appear in April, but May is the best month for this member of the Cabbage family. You will see odd patches of scurvy-grass inbloom throughout the summer.
Uses
Sailors ate scurvy-grass when at sea to ward off the debilitating diseaseof scurvy, which is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C.
The symptoms of scurvy are spongy and bleeding gums, bleeding beneath the skin, and extreme weakness. The sharp-tasting leaves of this plant are very high in vitamin C, and at one time scurvy-grass ale was a popular tonic drink. In herbal medicine Cochlearia officinalis was used for its antiseptic properties.
Identification
Usually 15 to 40 cm tall, this untidy biennial plant is best admired from a distance. Its succulent lower leaves, varying from dark green to red and even deep purple, are held close to the ground.
The fragrant, four-petalled flowers, 8 to 15mm across, are usually white but sometimes tinged with mauve or purple. Once the short-lived petals have fallen from the flowers, roundish seed pods swell and ripen.
Distribution
Found throughout Britain and Ireland, Common Scurvy-grass occurs also in coastal regions of northern and central Europe; it is also found, although much less frequently, in some mountainous inland locations.
Habitat
This plant is common only near the coast, where it grows on grassy cliffs, in salt marshes and on coastal roadside lanes where winter salting adds to the natural salinity. Inland locations near salt mines and saline springs are also favoured by Common Scurvy-grass.
Heavily salted main roads inland sometimes have central reservations and verges lined with Common Scurvy-grass, but more often the species seen there is the much smaller Danish Scurvy-grass Cochlearia danica. Surprisingly, in view of Common Scurvy-grass's apparent craving for salt, there are also some mountain sites in northern England and in Scotland where Cochlearia officinalis has been recorded.
Blooming Times
The first flowers appear in April, but May is the best month for this member of the Cabbage family. You will see odd patches of scurvy-grass inbloom throughout the summer.
Uses
Sailors ate scurvy-grass when at sea to ward off the debilitating diseaseof scurvy, which is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C.
The symptoms of scurvy are spongy and bleeding gums, bleeding beneath the skin, and extreme weakness. The sharp-tasting leaves of this plant are very high in vitamin C, and at one time scurvy-grass ale was a popular tonic drink. In herbal medicine Cochlearia officinalis was used for its antiseptic properties.
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