Exotic Plants

Si.9s

EXOTIC PLANTS

GOLDEN NATURE GUIDES BIRDS

FLOWERS

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REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS FISHES ORCHIDS

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FOSSILS

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INSECTS

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STARS

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TREES

GAMEBIRDS

ZOO ANIMALS

ROCKS AND MINERALS

NON-FLOWERING PLANTS

SPIDERS

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SEASHORES

EXOTIC PLANTS

SEASHELLS OF THE WORLD

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MAMMALS

B U TTERFLIES AND MOTHS •

INSECT PESTS

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POND LIFE

GOLDEN SCIENCE GUIDES ZOOLOGY

BOTANY

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FLYING

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WEATHER

LANDFORMS

FAMILIES OF BIRDS

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INDIAN ARTS

GEOLOGY

LIGHT AND COLOR

GOLDEN FIELD GUIDES BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA SEASHELLS OF NORTH AMERICA TREES OF NORTH AMERICA

GOLDEN REGIONAL GUIDES EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK YOSEMITE

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WASHINGTON, D.C.

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MEXICO

GOLDEN HANDBOOKS SAILING BICYCLING

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PHOTOGRAPHY

FISHING

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CAMPING

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GUNS S C U BA DIVING

HENRY GASSER'S GUIDE TO PAINTING THE SKY OBSERVER'S GUIDE

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ANTIQ U ES

GoLDEN, GoLDEN NATURE GUIDE,

and

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KITES HORSES

GoLDEN

PRESs®

ore trademarks of Western Publishing Company, Inc.

by J U Ll A F. M 0 R T 0 N Illustrated by RICHARD E.

YOUNGER

with assistance from

Sy and Dorothea Barlowe, Edith Singer, and Elmer Smith Under the g eneral editors hip of VERA R. WEBSTER Orig inal Project Ed itor: Herbert S. Zim

@GOLDEN PRESS NEW •

Western Publishin g Company, Inc . Racine, Wisconsin

YORK

FOREW O RD

" Exotic," l i terally, means " forei g n ," but it is today pop­ ula rly a p plied to anyt h i n g that is g l a m orous o r exciti n g . I t i s used i n a d u a l sense i n this titl e . I n most g a rdens, i n any p a rt of the worl d , the m a jority of the s h owy p l a n ts will be foun d to be truly " exoti c," or foreig n . This boo k presents nea rly 400 p l a n ts o f warm a reas (tropical and subtropical) which are a d m i red for the beauty of their flowers, fol iage, or d e corative fruits, and which are common enou g h to attract the eye of the layma n-whether they are h u g e trees, s h rubs, vines, cacti, or low-g rowi n g h erbs. Pla nts that a re strict­ ly a n n u a l s a n d a tem porary part of the l a n dscape a re o m itted, as a re most of those that a re g rown more for their edible fruit or other crop than as o r n a m enta l s . In the text, cultural requirem ents a re g i v e n when they help to explain the nature of a plant and its suit­ abil ity for p a rticular situatio n s . Mea n s of propagation a re shown i n the interest of the plant collector. The a rtists, Richard You n g er, Sy and Dorothea Bar­ lowe, Elmer S m ith, and Edith S i n g e r have portrayed the stri k i n g features of each plant so a s to a rouse inter­ est in its bea uty, and aid identification J . F.M. Front cover illustrations

Back Cover

1. Passion Flower

1. Wi ld Pla n tain

2 . Yellow l xora

2. Yesterday, Today a n d

3. Gardenia

Tomorrow 3. P i n k Glory Bush

4. Pomegranate

GOLDEN, GOLDEN NATURE GU IDE, GOLDEN PREss® a n d GOLDENCRAFT are trademarks of Western Publishing Com po ny, I nc. Copyright © 1971 by Western Publishing Company, Inc. All rights reserved, including rights of reproduction and use in any form or by any means, including the making of copies by any photo process, or by any elec� tronic or mechanical device, printed or written or oral, or recording for sound or visual reproduction or for use in any knowledge retrieval system or device, unless permission in writing is obtained from the copyright proprietor. Produced In the U.S.A. Published by Golden Press, New York, N.Y. library of Congress Catalog Card Number. 79-149094.

CON TEN TS

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FOREWORD INTRODUCTION

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SUBTROPICAL AND TROPICAL AREAS

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BOTANICAL

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GARDENS

LIST OF PLANT FAMILIES

(with page numbers) .

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GLOSSARY OF BOTANICAL TERMS

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EXOTIC PLANTS

(illustrations and descriptions)

10-1 53

MORE I N F ORMAT ION

154

INDEX

156

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PARTS OF A COMPlETE FLOWER

A COMPLETE FLOWER consists

of both mole and female re­ productive parts, plus petals and sepals.

stamen

ovary wall

ovule sepal (all sepals form calyx) 3

INTRODUCTION The plant lover d e m a n d s variety. To achieve it, he h a s m oved plants from t h e wi ld t o his g a r d e n , from h i s n eig h bor's g a rden t o h i s own . H e h a s s o u g h t plants from other countries a n d other conti n ents. Plant i ntro­ duction t h roug h govern ment a g encies has been moti­ vated la rgely by economic reaso n s; but o r n a m ental p l a n ts have not been neglected, for it is reco g n ized that they play a n im porta n t rol e i n m a n 's well-being-his m aterial and spiritual e n ri c h m ent and his recreatio n . This boo k i n cludes o n ly plants that a re su btropical o r tropical and flourish out-of-doors a l l year o n ly i n wa rm a reas ( s e e l i s t of Su btropical a n d Tropica l a reas, p . 6). Some of them a re g rown outs i d e i n the s u m m e r i n cooler c l i mates a n d many are cultivated as house plants or i n g reen houses i n all parts of the world . WARM

AREAS c a n be de­ fined as the strip around the earth lying between the Tropic of Cancer a nd the Tropic of Capricorn, known as the tropical zane, and the parallel strips north and south of this band, known as the subtropical zones. Within these zones there is great variation in altitude and consequently i n temperature. In the tropical zone, for exa mple, th ere a re mountains that are permanently covered with snow. Therefore, latitude alone does not determ i n e cli mate. A SUBTROPICAL AREA is one i n which the average tempera· lure of the coldest month is above 43° F and below 65°F. 4

ORNAMENTAL PLANTS, in . the warm a reas of the world, are a vital part of Clail'f life- cmd' reg ional attractions throughout the year. And a g reat dive�jty'_ of species is necessary to have an assortme nt in bloom in any g iven month and under va rying soil and other conditions. In both su btropical and tropical areas, there a re variations i n a m ou n t and season of ra infall, a n d these factors of aridity or humidity h ave an i mporta nt bearing on the selection of pla nts for certa i n reg ions.

ULTRA-TROPICAL PLANTS suc­ cumb wherever the average tem­ perature of any month is below 65° F, a nd frost is likely to occur.

THE PLANT WORLD is divided into five prima ry di­ visions: a l gae; fungi; mosses and l iverworts; ferns a n d fern a l l i es; a n d flowering plants. T h e fi rst fou r d ivision s

a re collectively known a s n on-flowering plants. T h e plants i n this b o o k a l l b e l o n g t o the flowerin g plants a n d are a rranged in the natural order of fa m ilies in accord a n ce with L. H. Bai ley's Manual of Cultivated Plants. Brief d escriptions a re g iven of the m ajor fam­ ilies. Wit h i n the fa m i ly g roupi n g , no rigid sequence is fol lowed, except that when presenti n g more than one species i n a g e n us, these a re kept tog ether. THE COMMON NAME u nder

THE BOTANICAL NAMES mainly

w h i c h each plant is described is the one w h i c h appears to be most widely employed or which causes the least confus ion with other plants. In some cases, al­ ternate com m o n n a mes are g iv� en but space does not a l l ow the listing of all col loqu ial na mes.

correspond to those preferred in Bai ley's Manual except where the ren a m i n g of certa i n species has been reported i n Baileya: Quarterly Journal of Horticultur­ al Taxonomy (Cornell Un iv.) or elsewhere. No attempt is made to show the bota n ical synonyms.

PLANT DESCRIPTIONS a re de­

FRUITS OR SEEDPODS OR SEEDS

l i berately l i m ited to those de­ tails not represented in the i l lus­ trations. Form of leaf is not specified u n less there is notable variation; co/or is not stated un­ less there i s a ra nge of colors. Size is not cited for all features but may be given for a leaf where leaves a nd flowers show the relative s ize of the latter. When leaves a re co mpou nd, t h i s i nformation is g iven. Distinction is m ade between a ca lyx, bract, or sepa l (see g lossary, p. 9) and the true fl ower. All pla nts vary in height be­ cause af inheren t factors or age, environ ment, or cultura l atten­ tion. A ra nge is g iven to convey the opproximute size.

are mentioned where they con­ stitute attractive or curi ous fea­ tures of the p l a n t; or a re note­ worthy as poisonous, edible, or particularly usefu l or u ndesir­ able in some other way; or when ca l l i n g attention to their s ize o r form m a y a i d i n the recog n ition of the plant.

SEASONS of flowering or fruit­ ing can not be stated precisely even for a l i m ited a rea, s ince they fl uctuate with preva i l i n g weather. Even genera l i z i n g , us­ i n g term s such as 11SUm mer" a n d "winter," can b e m islead i n g , for July and August occur i n su mmer north of the equator and in win­ ter south of the equator.

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SUBTROPICAL AND TROPICAL AREAS AT LOW ELEVATIONS

Bahama Islands Bermuda Burma Canary Islands Central America East Africa East Indies Florida Gulf States (coastal strip)

Hawaiian Islands India Madagascar Mediterranean Coast of Asia Minor Mediterranean Coast of Europe Mediterranean Coast of North Africa Mexico Northern South America

Polynesia and the South Pacific Queensland and New South Wales, Australia South Africa Southeastern China Southern California Southern Japan West Indies West Tropical Africa

VARIATION IN CLIMATE WITH ALTITUDE WITHIN TRO P I CAL ZONES 23V2°

6000

meters

TROPICS

4500

meters

3000

meters

SuM!apfl..

2 000 meters 1 000 meters

TrepWI 23Vz0 TROPIC OF C APRIC ORN

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NOTE: Travelers should display all plant cuttings, seeds or other ma­ terials for quarantine inspection when entering any country, to avoid spreading of pests and diseases, or the introduction of any plant that might become a nuisance. An example af such a plant is the pretty but aggressive Brazilian Pepper (see p.

74)

which has invaded vast tracts

af Florida and Hawaii and causes skin and respiratory irritation.

BOTANICAL GARD ENS (from among the many featuring tropical ond subtropical plants) Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium, Melbourne, Australia

Montreal Botanic Garden, Montreal, Canada

Munich Botanical Garden,

Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Fairchild Tropical Garden, Miami, Fla.

Munich, Germany

Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris National Botanic Gardens,

Georgetown Botanic Gardens, Guyana

Honolulu Botanic Gardens, Honolulu

lucknow, India

National Botanic Gardens of South Africa, Kirstenbosch New York Botanical Garden,

Hope Botanic Gardens, Mona, Jamaica

Bronx, N.Y.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, England

Jardim Botanlco do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Royal Botanic Gardens,

Longwood Gardens,

Royal Botanic Gardens,

Kennett Square,

Po.

Los Angeles State and County Arboretum, Arcadia, Calif.

Peradeniya, Ceylon Port-of-Spain, Trinidad

University of California, Los Angeles-Arboretum

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L IST OF PL ANT FAMIL IES (Order follows L. H. Boi l e y , Manual of Cultivated Plants) •

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PALM FAMILY (Palmae) 10 ARUM FAMILY lAroceae} 11 PINEA?PLE FAMILY (Bromeliaceae) 13 LILY FAMILY (LiliaceoeJ 15 AMARYLLIS FAMILY IAmaryllidaceae) 18 TACCA FAMILY 21 (Taccaceoe} IRIS FAMILY 22 (lridaceae} BANANA FAMILY lMusoceae) 24 GINGER FAMILY (lingiberaceoeJ 26 CANNA FAMILY CCannaceae) 28 ORCHID FAMILY (Orchidaceae) 29 SILKY OAK FAMILY (Proteaceae) 32 BIRTHWORT FAMILY IAristolochiaceae)

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BUCKWHEAT FAMILY (Polygonaceae} 35 FOUR O'CLOCK FAM· ILY CNyctaginaceoeJ

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CARPETWEED FAMILY CAizoaceael 37 WATER LILY FAMILY INymphaeaceae) 38 MAGNOLIA FAMILY CMagnolioceael 39 CUSTARD APPLE FAM· ILY CAnnonaceae)

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POPPY

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FAMILY IPopaveroceael .CO CAPER FAMILY ICapparidaceae) .41 MORINGA FAMILY IMoringaceael 41 ORPINE FAMILY lCranvlaceaeJ .42 PITTOSPORUM FAMILY IPittosporaceae) 44 CUNONIA FAMILY 45 CCunoniaceae) ROSE FAMILY (Rosaceae} A6 PEA FAMILY f!eguminosoel .48 CALTROP FAMILY (Zygophyllaceae) 6.4 (*)

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RUE FAMILY CRutaceae) 65 SIMARUBA FAMILY fSimorubaceaeJ 66 MAHOGANY FAMILY 66 (Meliaceoe) MALPIGHIA FAMILY fMolpighioceae} 67 MILKWORT FAMILY 68 IPolygalaceae) SPURGE FAMILY lEuphorbiaceae} 69 CASHEW FAMILY (Anocardiaceoe} 74 SOAPBERRY FAMILY fSapindaceaeJ 74 MELIANTHUS FAMILY CMelianthoceae} 75 BUCKTHORN FAMILY 75 IRhamnaceae) LINDEN FAMILY ITil· iaceoe, incl. Elaeo· carpaceael 76 MALLOW FAMILY 77 IMalvaceae) BOMBAX FAMILY 81 (8ombacaceae) CHOCOLATE FAMILY 82 lSterculiaceae} ACTINIDIA FAMILY lActinidiaceae} 85 OCHNA FAMILY COchnaceael 85 TEA FAMILY CTheaceae) 86 MANGOSTEEN FAMILY 86 CGuttilerael BIXA FAMILY 18ixaceael 87 BUTTERCUP TREE FAMILY (Cochlosperma87 ceael FLACOURTIA FAMILY lflacourtiaceae) 88 TURNERA FAMILY 88 CTurneraceael PASSION FLOWER FAMILY (Passilloroceoe) 89 CACTUS FAMILY CCactaceoe) 90 MEZEREUM FAMILY 92 IThymelaceae) LOOSESTRIFE FAMILY (Lythraceoe) 93 POMEGRANATE FAMI LY (Punieaceae) 93 BRAZIL NUT FAMILY ILecythidaceao) 94

TERMINALIA FAMILY lCombretaceaeJ 95 • MYRTLE FAMILY lMyrtaceaeJ 96 MELASTOMA FAMILY (Melastomaceae) 100 PRIMROSE EVENING FAMILY 101 fOnagraceaeJ GINSENG FAMILY (Araliaceae) 102 HEATH FAMILY 103 lEricaceae} MYRSINE FAMILY 104 lMyrsinaceaeJ LEADWORT FAMILY lP/umbaginaceae}

104

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OLIVE FAMILY 105 IOieacoao) STRYCHNINE FAMILY ( LoganiaceaeJ 105 DOGBANE FAMILY lApocynaceae) 107 MILKWEED FAMILY (AsclepiadaceaeJ

112

MORNING-GLORY FAMILY IConvolvu· 115 laceae) PHLOX FAMILY CPolemoniaceae) 118 FAMILY WATERLEAF IHydrophyllaceae)

118

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HELIOTROPE FAMILY (Boraginaceae) 119 VERBENA FAMILY 120 lVerbenaceae) MINT FAMILY 124 (Labiatae) TOMATO FAMILY 126 (Solanaceae) FIGWORT FAMILY lScrophuloriaceoeJ

133

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BIGNONIA FAMILY (8ignonioceae) 134 GLOXINIA FAMILY (Gesneriaceoe) 140 ACANTHUS FAMILY IAcanthaceae) 142 MADDER FAMILY 148 CRubiaceae) HONEYSUCKLE FAMIlY (Coprifoliaceoe) DAISY FAMILY ICompasitao)

Indicates maJor familfes which are briefly defined in text.

150 151

GLOSSARY (Som e bota nical ter m s used in the text. See prin cipal flower parts on sketch, page 3.) Axi l l ary: located in the upper a ngle betwee n a leaf a nd the plant stem. Bast: flber located between the outer bark a nd the �ood of a tree or s h rub. Bract, bractlet: a type of leaf, large or s m all, usua lly clustered with fl owers and often rese m­ bling a petal. Bulb: t h i ckened port at base of plant stem; has several layers. Bulbil: s m a ll b u l b which has de­ veloped fro m parent bulb. Calyx: a crown encircling the base of a flower. Compound leaf: a leaf com­ posed of two or more leaflets. Corm: bu lblike, but solid, base of pla nt stem, usually u nder­ g rou nd. Deciduous: s h eds leaves; oppo­ site of everg reen. Drupe: a fleshy fruit that does not spl it open; has a si ngle seed in a stony shell. Epiphyte: an air plant, roosting on a n other plant; not a parasite. Herbaceous: not woody. Inflorescence: flower cluster. Legume: a pod that "splits open at both sea m s."

Lanceolate: lan ce-shaped. Palmate: divided like a ha nd. Pin nate: divided like a feather. Pseudobulb: solid, th ick pa rt of orchid stem; above g rou nd. Rhizome: u nderg rou nd ste m which creeps horizontally. Rootstock: u ndergrou nd ste m, shorter tha n a rhizo me a nd more or less vertical. Scarify: to scratch ar make cuts i n the s u rface. Sepal: the divisions of a calyx. Spadix: a fleshy spike covered with small, closely set flowe rs. Spathe: a type of leaf, u nlike a foliage leaf; protecting a fl ower cluster. Subshrub: intermediate between a woody shr u b a nd a non-woody plan t. Succulent: fleshy a nd thick. Trifol iate: havi ng leaves in whorls o f t h ree. Trifoliolate: has three leaflets. Tuber: a t h ickened, fl eshy part a t the base of a pla nt, usually underg round, bearing buds, or "eyes,'' from wh ich new pla nts develop. Xerophytic: a ble to live with very little moisture.

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PALM FAMILY (Palmae) includes over 1 50 genera and nearly 3 , 0 0 0 s pecies of the tropics a n d wa rm-temper­ ate areas. Most a re trees, with sin gle or m u lti p l e tru n ks -smooth, roug h , h a i ry or s piny; others a r e woody­ stem med s h rubs or c l i m bers . The leaves, u n fo l d i n g fro m a termin a l bud, are either featherli k e o r fa n l i ke a n d some a re i m m e n s e . Flowers are s m a l l a n d cl us­ tere d . Fruits often large or showy. PALM (Caryota mitis) is an orn a mental East I nd i a n p a l m ( t o 4 0 ft.) with m a n y Leaves (4·9 f t . long) have fi s htail-like leaflets (to 6 i n . long). As each Ir u n k a g e s , flow­ ers and fruits a re borne lower a n d lower until that trun k dies ( i n a bout 7 yrs.). GOLDEN C O C O N U T !Cocos nuci·

is a showy variety fro m Malaya . I t beg i n s t o bea r when o n ly a few feet high. As it is im mune to the coconut n e matode and " lethal yellowi n g , " it is now in d e m a n d as an ornamental i n Florida a n d West I nd ies. feral

MERRILL PALM !Veitchia mer· p retty P h i l i p p i n e palm to 25 ft., has arched, p i n nate leaves Ia 6 ft. long and striking fruits at add seasons but espe· cially at Christmas time. I t is com pact a n d i n creasingly pop· ular in tropical la n dsca p i n g .

ril/i), a

ARUM

FAM I L Y (Araceae) covers 1 07 genera a n d 1 900 species, m ostly tropica l . A l l a r e herbs; som e

h u g e with stout, woody stems; some a r e vinelike with aerial roots that c l i n g t'o s u p ports or desce n d a n d ta k e root i n t h e soi l . Most h ave tubers o r t h i c k rhizom es. The l eaves m ay be s i m p l e or p i n n ately or p a l m ately divi d e d . S m a l l flowers are usually m assed o n a cyl i n ­ d rical s p a d ix s h i e l d e d b y a spathe, often colorfu l . G I A N T A R U M !A morphopho/lus

titonuml, of Sumatra, is one of the m a rvels of the plant world. From its tuber (to 20 in. wide) springs a fl ower spike to 4 ft. to l l , cupped by a fluted, foul­ s m e l l i n g spathe, and later a s i n g l e leaf, to 15 ft. wide, on a sta l k 6 to 1 0 ft. to l l . F A N C Y -L E AV E D

CALA D I U M

!Caladium bico/orl is a tuberous

tropical America n plant to 2 ft. h ig h , with succule n t ste ms sup· porting thin, s i l ky leaves (to 1 ft. long), w h i c h d i e back in w i n ­ t e r . T h e r e a re hundreds o f vari­ eties. Vivid i n full sun.

rMonstera deliciosaJ, from Mexico a n d Central Amer­ ica, is a spraw l i n g or c l i m b i n g p l a n t with t h i c k ste m s a n d per­ forated leaves (to 3 ft.). The spike of tiny flowers beco mes a com poun d , e d i ble fruit. Eas i ly g rown from cuttings in pots i n ­ doors o r outs ide i n w a r m areas; prefers shade and da m p soil. CERIMAN

DUMB

(Oi e lfe n b ac hi a from Brazil, is a n erect p l a n t (to 8 ft.) w i t h a fleshy stem a n d leaves blotched with white, yel low, or pale g ree n . A popular h ouse plant, it is g rown ou tdoors i n warm a reas i n s h a d e or s u n , she ltered from Cuttings root winds. strong q u i c kly. The j u ice is poisonous. CANE

macu/ato),

FLA M I NGO FLOWER rA n t h u r ium andrean umJ, native to Colo m bia, is a s hort-ste m m ed plant (to 3 ft.) with g lossy leaves ( 1 0- 1 2 i n . lon g . I ts yellow, w h ite or p i n k s p i k e o f t i n y flowers rises fro m o waxy spathe-red, p i n k , ora nge, white or green. Grown from seeds or d ivision i n subdued l i g h t and m o ist atmosphere. H U NTER'S ROBE (Rhaphidophora aurea), native to the Solo mon

I s l a n ds, is a large vine with aeria l roots. Leaves from 6 i n . l o n g , when g rown in pots or a s gro u n d cove r, t o 1 8 i n . w h e n c l i m b i n g trees. O l d leaves deeply a n d i rreg u larly d ivided. Gro w n fro m cuttings; prefers lig ht s hade and ric h soil. R a r e l y b l o o m s . Formerly Pathos ( o r Scindapsus) aureus.

P I N EAPPL E FAM I L Y ( Bro meliaceae) i n cl u d e s 50 or 60 g e n era and more t h a n 1 , 3 0 0 species of tropical Am er­

ica and t h e West I n d i e s . The typical form i s a rosette of more o r less spi ny, stra pli ke leaves, g reen or varie­ g ated . Borne i n a rigid spi ke or loose, d roo p i n g cl uster, t h e flowers a n d/ or b racts m ay be colorful . Most b ro m e l i a d s a re e p i p hytic a n d n ee d m u c h moisture; s o m e a re terrestria l and p refer aridity.

P I TCA I R N I A

(Pitcairnia

maidi­

fo /i a) occurring wild in Costa Rico, Colo m b i a , a n d Venezuela, is a terrestrial bro m e l i o d to 5 ft. to l l with s p i n e less leaves to 5 ft. long a n d 2% i n . wide. Flowers, massed in a 1 2- i n . spike o n a sta l k 3 to 4 ft. long, have w h i te peta ls fl a n ked by red or purpl i s h bracts. ,

BILLBERGIA (Sil/bergia vene­ zuelanaJ, an e p i phyte (to 3 ft.), Is found on tal l trees in hot lowlands of Venezuela. Leaves are stiff a n d toothed. The droop­ ing Inflorescence, most colorful i n the sun, is the gaud iest i n t h e g e nus. A s with other species, t h e s h owy fl owers and bracts last only a few days. AECHMEA

(Aechmea chantinii),

an e p i phyte from Brazil, has stiff, fa intly toothed leaves (to 1 ft. long o n d 2 i n . wide). S h owy red or mauve leaf-bracts ore borne be low the branched red ­ a nd-yel low flower spike (4 to 6 i n . long on 1 2- i n . stal k). Prop­ agated by suckers. Needs ful l l ig h t, very l ittl e soil. All brome­ liads g rown from seed or offsets. Fun nel must be kept ful l of water.

DYCKIA IDyclcia altissima} is a terrestrial brome liad (to 1 % ft.) for m i n g c l u m ps on d ry plains of northern Argentina. Its leaves a re rigid and waxy, the bra nched i nflorescence 2% to 3 ft. tol l . Propagated by su ckers. Good d rainage essential.

FLAM I NG

IPortea petropolitana}, an e p iphyte from the coast of southeastern Brazil, occurs i n severa l form s i n t h e wild; has spi ny-edged leaves. The fl ower spi kes may be sa l mon and lav­ ender o r g reen and p u rple. Var. extenso has a carol sta l k .

TILLANDSIA ITillandsia

PORTEA

VRIES lA IVriesia sp/endensl, fro m Guyana, is on

epiphyte (to 3 ft.) with s m ooth, leathery leaves (to 1 5 in. lang), yel low flowers, and red bracts . Grown fro m offsets and seeds i n sem i-shade. Var. major is called Fla m i ng Sword. cyaneal

i s native to Ecuador, Guate mala, a n d Costa Rica. I t is a n e p iphyte (to 2% ft.) but can be g rown in pots with d a i ly spri n k l i n g . Needs full sun. Propagated by seed or, p referably, s m a l l off­ sets in spring.

LJL Y FAM I L Y (Lilia ceae) e m b races more t h a n 200-250 genera and 2,000 species of tem perate a n d tropical clim ates. They a re m a i n ly peren n i a l herbs with b u l bs, corms o r fleshy rootstocks. Only a few a re treeli ke .

The flowers h ave 6 l o b e s o r seg m ents, 6 o r 3 sta m e n s a n d a 3-celled, su perior ova ry, the latter disti n g u i s h i n g the Lily from the Amaryllis fa mily. T h e s e two fa m i l ies usually s h a re between them the 500-odd s pecies some­ times p l a ced i n the Agave fa m i ly (Agavaceae ) . Most li liaceous pla nts are showy o r n a m entals.

AFRICAN LllY CA goponthus ofri­ conus), from the Cope Pen i n sula,

is a peren n i a l herb with ever­ g reen, arch i n g leaves (4 to 1 0 i n . long) a n d 20-30 flowers on a 1 Y2-3 ft. sta l k . G rows best a bove 2,000 ft. from seed or b u l bs, in s u n , wel l -watered. CANDELA B RA A L O E (A l oe con­ de/obrum), wild a n d a bundant i n Nota l , South Africa, i s a dra matic plant (6 to 1 2 ft. h i g h) with pointed, g racefu lly arched leaves (to 3 ft. long; 6 in. wide at base) i n a ter m i n a l rosette. In July it is topped by 6 to 1 2 vivid fl ower spi kes, 20 to 3 2 i n . h i g h , sta n d i n g i n candelabra formation. The o l d , d ry leaves beard the tru n k . 15

GLORY L ILY (Glorioso sup e rb o), from tropical Africa a n d Asia, is a s l e n der, c l i m b i n g lily (to 1 0 ft.) with ten d r i l s a t its leaf-tips. I t d ies after fl owering, the next s hoot coming up at o d ifferent poi nt a s the tuber (wh ich is very toxic) elongates underg round. Needs full sun.

a vinelike fro m C h ile, has wi ry, twi ning ste m s a n d leathery leaves (2 to 3 % i n . long). Popular i n Cali­ fornia a n d i n greenhouses for its blossoms in spring. Grown from seeds or l ayers. Needs shade and moisture.

Tl (pronounced " tee") (Co rdy

­

native from Austra lia to Hawa ii, i s a slen­ der s h rub (to 1 2 ft.). Leaves (to 2 ft. l ong) occur i n various shades of red, p i n k , purple or green; s o m e may be white­ striped. Grown from cutti ngs or seeds i n sun or s e m i-shade. Root edible; fresh leaves used for hula skirts a n d food wra p p i n g . line

16

termino/is),

TORCH LILY (Knipholia u va ri a l, of South Africa, is common i n California ga rdens a n d h a s gone wild i n Central America. From clu m ps of leaves (to 3 ft. long) arise stalks (4 to 9 ft.), bearing brill iant 'Spikes i n s u m mer a n d fall. T h e .several varieties a n d hybrids a r e p ropagated by di­ vision, offsets, or seeds. Provide full ·sun; m u c h moisture. OUR LORD'S CANDLE

(Yucca

whipplei), one of the most strik­

ing and beautiful features of the Coast-ra n g e vegetation of southern California, has been prized i n European gardens for over 1 00 years. From the u n der­ g rou n d stem a rises a clu m p (to 6 ft. wide) of s h a rp-tipped, saw­ edged leaves (8 to 30 i n . long) a n d a n i m mense colum na r flow­ er cluster (8 to 1 5 ft.). 17

AMARYLLIS

FAM I L Y IAm a ryl l i d a ceae) cont a i n s 90 g enera a n d some 1 , 2 00 species, m ai n ly of South Af­ rica, South A m e rica, a n d Mediterra n e a n area . They a re pere n n i a l h e rbs, mostly of a rid l a n d , with l a rg e b u l b s , fibrous roots o r rhizomes. The flowers em erge from a spathelike bract atop a central stal k and h ave 6 seg m ents (3 i n n er ones, peta ls; outer 3, sepals) . Ova ry usually i n ferior . Many are prized orn a m entals.

ougustumJ, from Mauritius and

G U E R N S EY L I LY INerine sornien­ sisl, of South Africa, is popular

the Seychel les, has o b u l b to 6 i n . t h i c k from which rises 2· to J.ft. leaves a n d o sta lk that bends to the g rou n d with the weig ht of 1 2 to 30 ftowers. Does not seed. Forms offsets slowly.

i n ,Cal ifornia. T h e ftower sta l k ( 2- 2 % ft.) appears i n fa l l , fol­ lowed by ftot leaves (to 1 2 i n . long). There ore severa l vari­ eties-white, p ink or crimson. Grown from offsets.

M I LK-AND-W I N E

L I LY

(Crinum

BARBADOS L I LY tHippeastrum puniceum), of the West I ndies

and tropical A m erica, is widely cultivated. The fl owers (on 1 2- to 1 5- i n . stalk), may be dark-red, salmon, or ora nge, and appear before the leaves i n the dry season. Propagated by offsets. KA F I R L I LY tC / ivia miniata) is a choice pla n t from South Africa with thick, everg reen leaves a n d flower cluster 1 0 t o 1 2 i n . broad. Must be shaded. Propagated by division. Seedli ngs bloom i n 5 to 7 years. Ma ny va rieties a n d hy­ brids grown in California. BLOOD L I LY !Haemanthus multi­ florus) is native to tropical Africa

and each spring produces 'its ball of 50- 1 00 fl owers just ahead of the sparse leaves, which wither i n December. Produces few offsets. Seedli ngs ta ke 5 to 7 years to bloo m . RA I N L I LY tZephyranthes grandi· flora), of Central America and

the West I nd ies, springs up in s u m m er ra i n s from 1 - i n . bulbs. flowers, ofte n preceding leaves, are long lasti ng. Popular in bor­ ders, in sun or semi-shade.

�-----\

....�litlle!ll

�

19

H URRICANE LILY l l y co ris a ureaJ, from Chino, sends up flowers on a 2-ft. sta l k during h u rrica ne season (Aug .-Oct.). Leaves (to 1 ft. long) follow a n d lost o i l win­ ter. The 2-in. b u l b may be cut i nto sections for planting 8 - 1 0 in. a po rt. Multiplies lost in semi­ shade.

CENTURY PLANT tAgove omeri­ conoJ, of tropical America, is

natura l i zed in Europe, Africa and East l n djes. Its s p i n e-edged leaves reach 6 ft. In 10 or 1 5 years, i t ma.y send u p a fl ower sta l k (25 to 40 ft.) a n d then die. Grown from suckers. 20

TUBE ROSE (Polionthes tuberosaJ,

o Mex ican plant popular i n w o r m reg ions, has g rassy leaves (to 1 % ft. long) and very fro­ g ra n t blooms (on 3% ft. sta l k) i n sum m e r a n d lo l l . They o r e often sold as cut flowers. The plant dies bock i n winter.

AMAZON L I LY lfucharis gra n di lloraJ, a native of Colombia, has a 2-in. bulb a n d evergreen leaves (8 to 12 in. long) a n d prod uces i n l a t e w i n t e r a flower sta l k ( 1 to 2 ft.) with 3 to 6 love ly, m i l d l y fragrant flowers. Grown from offsets, protected from f u l l s u n .

­

JACOBEAN L I LY ( Sprekel ia formosissima), from Mexico, h a s

b e e n w i d e l y cultivated for 300 years. Leaves m ay accom pany or follow the sing le, bri l l i a n t flower b o r n e on a 1 -ft. sta l k . Even in warm a reas, the 2 - i n . b u l b is usually t a k e n u p for a rest to force reg u l a r bloo m i n g .

T A C C A F A M I L Y (Jaccaceae) BAT FLOWER (Tocco chantrieriJ, from Malaya, has a creeping rootstock a n d g l ossy leaves ( 1 V2 ft. long) which appear in spring and wither i n f a l l . The bizarre

fl owers (on 3-ft. sta l k ) are ac­ companied by leafy bracts and t h readlike bractlets. Grown fro m seed or root-d ivision in shade with plenty of moisture .

I R I S F A M I L Y Uridaceae) 4. MARICA INeomarica caeru·

1 . TIG E R FLOWER ITigridia pa· vonial i s one of the most g l a m ­ orous pla nts of Mexico and Guate mala where i t i s abundant i n cornfields. Widely cultivated and a d m i red, i t was g rown i n Europe as early as t h e 1 6th Ce ntury. In the rainy season, the bulb (to 1 % in. wide) puts forth erect ste m s (to 2% ft.) bearing a few stiff l eaves a n d continuous blooms (3 t o 6 i n . wide). I n d ividual flowers-red, yel low, violet or white , with contrasting s pots-open early in the morn i n g a n d fade i n the af­ ternoon, but fresh ones a re al­ ways present for 2 to 3 months. Propagated by offsets, or seeds which produce fl owers i n 1 yr. Needs s u n and well-drained soil. Aztecs ate the nutlike b u l b .

5. BUGLE LILY I Wats o nia meri· anal, wild an the coast of South Africa a n d the lead i n g Watsonia i n c u l tivation, is a glad iol u s - l i ke plant with stiff leaves (to 20 i n .). The 3-4 ft. flower sta l k bears 1 2-20 flowers-red , salmon or p i n kish-i n spring. G rown fro m seeds or offsets in sandy soi l . N e e d s water and s u n .

2. BLACKBERRY L I L Y IBelam· cando chinensisJ, from C h i na

BABOO N-ROOT IBabiana 6. stricto), from the Cape Pen i n ·

a n d Japa n , is a pere n n i a l herb (2 to 5 ft.) with a creeping root­ stoc k. Blooms in s u m mer. Propa­ gated by division. The flowers and open pods showing the g lossy seeds a re frequently used i n arra n g e ments.

s u la, is a h a i ry plant (8- 1 6 i n . hig h). The flowers ( i n spring), mildly sweet-scented, may be blue, purple, red or yellow. Grown from offsets or seed in light shade and tra n s p lanted yearly. Baboons eat the corms.

3. PEACOCK I RIS IM o raea pa· von io), a South African herb ( 1 ·2 ft. h ig h ) has hairy leaves a n d a s uccession of fl owers, each lasting only a day. Cam mon form is scarlet with a dark-green or b l u e-black s pot; othe rs a re white with b l u e spot, purple with blue-black spot, or plain yel low. Propagated by d ivision. Needs f u l l s u n a n d fa irly d ry, light soil. Rese mbles true iris.

7. WALKING IRIS ITrimeza mar· tinicensis), from tropical A m erica

22

leal is a pere n n ia l herb (to 2 % ft.) from southern Bra z i l with short, creeping rootstock and leathery leaves (3·6 ft. long). The handsome flowers (in s u m ­ mer) m a y be b l u e or l i lac, barred with brown, yel low, or­ ange or wh ite. Propagated by root- d ivision. Needs rich soil a n d much moisture.

and the West I n d ies, has a fan­ like c l u m p of l eaves (2-3 ft. ta l l ) a n d s l i m flower sta l k ( 1 -3 ft. h ig h). Blooms sum mer to fa l l . New plantlets a r e borne o n old sta l k s w h i c h b e n d t o the g round so that they may root. Propagated by seed or division. Not particular as to soil. Does wel l i n s u n or parti a l shade.

BANANA FAM I L Y (Musaceae) is m a d e up of 5 or 6

genera and about 1 2 5

s p e c i e s of large-leaved trop­ ical h erbs. Some a re tree l i ke; few h ave woody stem s .

PINK VELVET BANANA /Musa velutinaJ, from Assa m, is o

BIRD-OF-PARADISE /Strelitzia re­ gi n ae J, native to South Africa,

p i n k· m i n iature, charm i n g ste m med banana plant (3 Ia 6 fl.) with upright flower cluster and velvety fruits that split open when ripe. Grown from seeds or s u c kers in part shade. T h e seeds a re used i n edible­ banana breed i n g . There a re or­ n a m e n ta l hybrids between t h i s s p e c i e s a n d M . flaviflora.

is a large herb with a fa n l i ke c l u m p of long-sta l ked, blue­ g reen leaves (to 5 ft. ta ll) and an o utsta n d i n g inflorescence suggesting a brilliant bird i n fl ight. Propagated by d ivision or seeds. See d l i ngs may not bloom for 7 yrs . Slow-g rowi ng, does best in f u l l s u n , with rich soil and a b u n d a n t moistu re.

24

LOBSTE R CLAW (long known as Heliconia humilis, now Heliconia

sp. 1 ) is native to South Am erica and widely c u ltivated. I t forms a clump of e rect, long-sta l ked leaves (to 6 or 8 ft. tall) a n d i n early s u m mer bears a n upright s p i ke of vivid, clawl ike bracts w h i c h en close the s m a l l flowers. Propagated by d ivision. Needs abundant moisture in full s u n or semi-shade. Th e s p ikes a re often cut for decoration . WILD PLANTAIN (Heliconia wag ­ nerianaJ, native from Mexico to

Brazil, is com m o n ly g rown in the West I nd ies and tropical areas of the O l d Worl d . I t is a stout plant (6- 1 2 ft. or m ore) with banana l i ke leaves (2-5 fl.). The inflorescence is s hort­ sta l ked, erect and showy for months. several Blue-coated seeds rarely p lanted. Suckers form large c l u m ps on moist land, i n s u n or part-shade. Formerly called H . bihoi, syn. H . elongata. HANGING H E LICONIA (Heli­ conia collinsiana), native to the

lowlands of Guate mala, El Sal­ vador a n d British H o n d u ras, reaches 8 to 1 5 ft. The leaves a re usua l ly wh itish on the lower side and the gay i nflorescence (to 1 % ft.) d a n g les ups ide-down , the l i g h t-ye llow fl owers p rotrud ­ i n g from the b racts. S a l t and foods b rou g h t to native ma rkets are wra p ped in the leaves, and the i nfloresce nces are sold for decorating c h u rches, particu larly at C h ristmas t i m e . Another spe­ cies with s pectacular hanging cluster i s H . rostrata.

GI NGE R FAM I L Y (Zi n g i beraceae) covers 4 5 genera

a n d n early 800 species from tropical Asia and Africa. These p u n g ent, peren n i a l herbs have fleshy rhizomes or tuberous roots, e rect, ca n e l i k e stems, and entire l eaves, m a i n ly l a n ce-s haped or oblon g . The flowers, i n term i n a l h e a d s , spi kes or h a n g i n g clu sters, a re tubular, 3 - pa rted, a n d often large a n d s howy . Ging ers g row rea d i ly on moist soi l a n d tend to c lu m p .

RED G I NGER CA/pinia ratal, from the South

purpu­

Pacific islands, forms a clump of leafy ste ms (4 to 1 5 ft. toll) tipped with s p i kes (6 to 1 2 i n .) of thick, red bracts shielding the s l i m , tubular flowers. You n g plantlets develop i n the s p i kes. S H E L L GI NGE R CA/pinia spe­ ciosal is an Asiatic plant with

6- Ia 1 2-ft_ leafy ste m s , beari ng i n spring a n d summer drooping c lusters of pearly buds a n d open, seashell- l i ke fl owers ( t o 2 in. long). The c l u m ps, l u s h i n semi-shade, n e e d t h i n n i n g .

TORCH GING E R (Nicolai elatiorJ,

from the East I n dies, has arc h i n g ste m s ( t o 1 5-20 ft.) a n d 3- to 5 ft. sta l ks topped by elegant cones (to 10 i n . wide) of waxy, red or p i n k bracts from which a few, s m a l l fl owers peer. Former­ ly, Ph aeo m e ri a magnifica. WHITE GINGE R (H edychium cor­ onariumJ, native to I ndia and

Malaya, for m s spreading clumps (6-7 ft. tal l ) a n d i n s u m m e r has term i n a l spi kes of sweet-scented blosso m s (to 3% i n. wide). Great n u m bers are used i n leis a n d i n perfum e m a k i n g i n Hawa i i.

YELLOW

GING E R

(Hedychium

flavumJ, from I ndia, has 3 - to 5ft. stems tipped with clusters of fragrant flowers (to 3 in. wide). Not as popular as w h i te g i nger for leis, but t h e i r o i l i s m are widely used in the perfume trade for exotic scents.

CRAPE

GINGER CCostus spec•­ osusJ, native Ia southern Asia and the P h i l i ppi nes, has leaves ( h a i ry beneath) s pirally set on stems 4 to 1 0 ft. taiL From s p i kes of red bracts emerge add flowers: the white portion ol eac h is a f u n nel- l i ke sta men.

PEACOCK

PLANT CKaempferia roscoeana}, from Burma, is a ste m less plant with a fleshy rhizome a n d two, thick, horizon­ tal, sati ny leaves (about 4 i n . lang), iridescent a bove, pur­ p l i s h-red and hairy beneath. Blooms conti nuouslv i n s u m mer.

CA NNA FA MIL Y ICannaceael I NDIAN SHOT CCan n a

indica), native to tropical A merica (not I n d ia), has slender stems (3 to 5 ft.) and is widely g rown a n d natura l i zed i n t h e tropics and southern U n i ted States. The ha rd seeds a re used for s h ot, neck­ la ces and Buddh is! rosaries.

ORCHID

F A M I L Y !Orchidaceae)

The o rchid fa m i l y e m b races more t h a n 600 g e n era a n d 20,000 s pecies o f peren n i a l herbs, a bo u n d i n g i n the tro pics where they a re mostly epiphytic . Temperate s pecies are u s u a l l y terrestria l. The epiphytic types h ave aerial roots that c l i n g to their hosts a n d a bsorbi n g roots that ta ke up moisture. Most develop pseudobulbs or fl es hy l eaves i n which water a n d reserve nourish­ m ent a re store d . The pla nts r a n g e fro m m i n ute leafless for m s to l a r g e speci m e n s several feet in h e i g ht. Som e ( m o n o pod ia!) prog ressively elong ate from a term i n a l bud; others (svmpodial) put out a succession o f axil ­ l a ry shoots. The leaves, com m o n ly more or less fl e s hy or rubbery, may be n a rrow, oblo n g , ova l, or roun ded. The flowers may b e tiny or u p to 9 in. a c ross, born e s i n g l y or in m a ssive s p rays. So m e are fragrant, espe­ cia l ly at certai n ti m es; others scentl ess. Natural species and hybri d s occur i n m a n y h ues and co m b i n atio n s of colors. Orc h i d s are a ristocrats a m o n g cultivated flow­ ering pla nts, and a re a l most exclusively esthetic i n a ppeal (except for va n i l l a orchid a n d others yielding salep). Orc h i d s are propag ated by divisio n , offsets , cutti n g s , or seed s . The l atter, fine as powd er, are p ro­ d uced in g reat n u m bers a n d , in the wi l d , a re sown by the wi n d . In captivity, seeds a re g e r m i n ated on n utri­ ent-a g a r in g l ass fl a s k s a n d the seed l i n g s tra n s p l a n te d t o pots . Orc h i d s are usu a l ly g rown i n osm u n d a (fib rous roots of Osmunda fern), Dou g l a s fir b a r k , or on s l a b s o f t r e e f e r n tru n k, a n d they flourish i n a m oist atmo­ s p h e r e . On pages 30 and 3 1 a re the i m porta nt g e n era. Ma ny more a re i l l u strated and described i n the Gol d en Nature Gui d e Orchids. 29

Pholoenopsis CATTLEYA orc h i d s from tropical America o re most popular. A fa­ vorite with home g rowers i s C. trionaei, often with 100 bloo m s ( t o 7 i n . w ide). There o r e t h o u ­ sands of CaHieya hybrids, b e ­ tween the various species a n d a lso with c losely related genera . PHALA E NOPSIS

( m oth orchids) ore found in tropical Asia a n d the E a s t I n dies. T h e y h o v e leafy ste m s , brood, leathery leov2s ( m ostly 6-12 i n . long, some 2-3 ft.); n o pseudobulbs. Flowers, in d rooping sprays, o re often wh ite tinged with rose or l i lac. 30

VANDA s pecies ra nge from I n­

d i o to New G u i n e a . They ore epip hytic and sun- lovi n g , wi t h ­ out pseudobu l bs ; h o v e leafy ste m s , s h ort or rea c h i ng to 7 ft. Leaves stra p - s h a ped or, rarely, rou nded a n d fles hy. Flowers frag rant, in c l usters of 3 to 80. CYMBIDIUM orchids ( m ostly epi­ phytes) o re from t h e For East. Usually with pseudob u l bs, they have narrow, g rass l i ke leaves to 3 ft. long . Flowers o re generally Iorge and s howy i n to l l , a rc h i n g s prays w h i c h lost f r o m 6 weeks to 3 months.

PAPHIOPEDILUM orchids

(from tropicol Asia) and Phrogmiped­ ium (trop ical American) a re either terrestri a l or e p i p hytic. They a re the so-called "cypri­ ped i u m " (lady-s l i p per) orchids of g reen houses. True Cypriped­ ium species are not tropical.

ODONTOGLOSS UM 'orc h i d s are from the h i g h la n d s of tropical America. They are e p i p hytic, have s hort rhizomes a n d s hort, broad pseudab ulbs bea ring 1 to 3 leaves. From t h e i r bases arise the crested- l i p ped flowers (to 6 i n . wide) in slender s p rays.

DENDROBIUM s pecies are epi­

phytic, p r i m a ri l y Malaya n . T h e i r stem- l i k e pseu dobu l bs a re u s u a l ­ ly elongated, with s h ort, fleshy leaves . Flowers (to 5 in. wide) are i n s hort s p i kes or d roop i n g s prays. Some l o s e their leaves before or d u ri n g bloo m i n g . PHAIUS g e n u s ( e p i phytic or ter­

restrial) is from tropical Africa, Madagascar, As ia, Austra lia a n d Pacific i s l a n d s . The renowned n u n 's orc h i d (shown) has p l u m p pseudo b u l bs, leaves t o 3 ft., flower s p i k e to 4 ft. with 12 to 18 flowers to 4 i n . wide. 31

SI L K Y O AK F A M I L Y (Proteaceae) KAHILI FLOWE R !Grevillea bank­ siiJ i s a s m a l l Austra l i a n tree (to

1 5-20 ft.) with p i n nate leaves (4- 1 0 in. long), s i l ky-w h i te be­ neath . In Hawa i i , the downy flowers (red or w h i te) a re used on hats, not in neck leis, as they may cause ras h . Beg i n s to bloom when only 3 ft. h i g h . SEA

U RCHIN IHakea Iaurino!, from Western Austra l i a , is a s h r u b or tree (1 0-30 ft.) with leaves (4-6 in. long) that turn red o r orange before fa l l i n g . The flower heads a re covered by bracts w h i c h peel off as the buds open. G rown from seeds. FIREBUSH

lfmbothrium

coccin­

e u m J, native to C h i l e and th riv­ ing in California and New Zea­ land, is a s h ru b by, suckering tree (to 40-50 ft.), very s h owy in bloom. Beg i n s Ia flower when 8 ft. h ig h . Needs acid sai l . Propagated by seed s.

SPIKY HONEYSUCKLE !Banksia ericifolial, from New South

SCARLET H ONEYSUCKLE !Bank· sia coccineaJ, native to Wester n

Wa les i s a s m a l l , s p read i n g tree or s h r u b ( t o 1 5 or 20 ft.), its dense foliage s i lvery be­ neath. Flowers (yel low, gold, or russet) long-lasting in bouquets; fu l l of nectar sought by birds.

Austra l i a , i s a s h r u b to 1 2 ft. with stiff, s p i n y foliage a n d abundant fl owers i n s p ri n g . Banksia cones a r e heated Ia free the seeds or laid between wet pads u n t i l seeds g e r m i nate.

KING PROTEA IProtea cyn­ aroidesl, of South Africa, is a

SUGAR BUSH !Protea m elliferal,

bush (fa 6 ft.) with leathery leaves and fl ower heads (8-1 2 i n . wide) ca l l e d " honey pots" as the copious sweet necta r is made i n to s u g a r. Grown fro m seed in full Bloo m s i n 4-5 years.

common on law mounta i n s lopes of South Africa a n d long i n c u l ­ tivation, is a s h r u b or s m a l l tree (7- 1 0 ft.) with red, p i n k o r white flower heads (to 5 % in. h i g h ) . The concentrated nectar ( " b u s h syru p") is a l o c a l coug h remedy.

WARATAH (Telopea speciosis­ sima), of New South Wa les, i s

FIREWHEEL TREE IStenocarpus sinuatusJ, a n Australian tree

a n e rect s h r u b (to 1 0- 1 2 ft.) with stiff, everg reen leaves and gorgeous fl ower heads (3-4 i n . wide) that last 2 weeks i n vases. Seed l i n g s may b l oom i n 2 years. Difficult to g row i n pots.

(from 30- 1 00 ft.), has variable leaves, p i n nately Ia bed ( 1 - 1 % ft. long) ar u n lobed (6- 1 0 i n . lang), a n d i s spectacular i n bloom. Grown f rom seed; beg i n s t o fl ower when very you n g .

BIRTHWORT F A MILY (Aristolochiaceae) PELICAN FLOW E R (Aristoloch ia grandifloraJ, from Central Amer­

ica and West I n d ies, is an herbaceous vine (to 10 ft.) with downy leaves and amazing flowers ( 1 2-20 i n . wide; ta i l to 2 ft.), pelica n -sha ped before open­ i n g . Grows fast from cutti ngs. May not produce seeds.

B U C K W H EAT FAM I LY (Polygonaceae) CORAL topusJ,

VINE

IA n tigonon

/ep­

a native of Mexico, naturalized in southern Texas, California, and Florida, is wide­ ly cultivated. I t is a sli m vine, clim bing (to 20-40 fl.) by means. of tendrils at t h e tips of the1 flower clusters. It blooms from1 spring to fall or later.

SANGRE D E TORO IRuprechtia• coriaceol, from northern Southl

America, is a slender tree (to. -,....,,. 20 ft.) with 3-in. leaves a n d in-. conspicuous flowers (male andl female on separate trees). The1 female develop i nto seeds with rosy-red wings, borne i n dense• clusters in m i dwi nter in Florida .. Propagated by a i r-layering. L O N G J O H N (Trip/oris me/aeno­ dendronl, from C entral America,

.__..,.""" � · is a very slender, soft-wooded l tree (30-65 ft.) with pale. s mooth, flaking bark, shor� branches, a n d downy leaves (7 1 6 i n . long). Ma l e trees showy but the female orc)d tJce·o'£ of colorfu l ,

F O U R O ' C L O C K F A M I L Y INyctaginaceael BOUGAINVILLEA is a genus of

Brazilian c l i m b i n g s h ru b s with evergreen leaves (Ia 4 i n.), prized for t h e i r h a n dsome clus· ters of papery bracts (in 3 's) which e n close the small, w h ite flowers. 8. spectabilis is tall­ g rowing (to 25 ft.) with downy ste ms and hooked s p i n es, a n d bracts of various s h a d e s o f red a n d orange a n d sometimes white . 8 . g/abra i s more com­ pact, has purple o r cri m son bracts, can be pruned and g rown a s a shrub or pot plant. The leaves of o n e variety a re variegated with w h ite. Boug a i n ­ vil leas a r e g rown f r o m cuttings. FOUR O ' CLOCK IMirab ilis jala­ pa), from tropical America, is a

pere n n i a l herb (to 3-4 ft.) with a t h i c k t u ber a n d s m ooth leaves (2-6 i n . long). The fl owers open i n late afternoo n ; a re brig ht­ magenta, yel low or w h ite. The black seeds conta i n a wh ite, starchy substance formerly u sed a s face powde r i n the Orient. Grown from seed, i n s u n .

36

C AR P E TW E E D F A M I L Y (Ai:z:oaceae) SOUR FIG (Carpobrotus acina­ ciforme), native to sandy coasts

of Cape Province, South Af­ rica, i s a succulent plant with lang, thick, tra i l i n g ste ms and thick, 3-a ng led leaves (1 Y, - 3 % i n . lang), joined i n pairs. Flow­ ers (to 5 in. wide) are largest of all so-ca lled "flg marigolds " (formerly g rou ped in genus Mesembryanthemum, now di­ vided i n to over 1 00 genera i n ­ c l u d i n g Carpobrotus, Lampran­ thus, and D rosanthemum). All g rown from cuttings i n f u l l sun. Withstand salt spray. (Drosanthemum DEWFLOWER floribun du m), fou nd i n brackish

soil o n Paard e n Island, Cape Prov i n ce , h a s t h re a d l i k e bra n ches a n d is low-creeping when you ng but rath e r woody and up to 5 i n . h i g h when old. Leaves cyl indrical, 1h to % in. long; 1 i n . thick. Flowers form a dense carpet of color in May a n d J u n e i n Ca l ifornia. The p l a n t is a good soil reta iner. Has h i g h re­ sistance to w i n d and salt spray. PINK FIG MARIGOLD (Lampran­ thus glomeratus!, from South

Africa, is popular i n Bermuda a n d Hawa i i . Its thin ste ms may be erect (to 2 ft.) or h u g the g rou n d . The leaves are s l i m a n d 3-a ngled. Bloom s f o r severa l months. In Hawa i i , leis are made of the buds which open after stri n g i n g , a n d the flowers last for days. Grown from seed and cutti ngs; needs some shade a n d moisture i n hot weather. 37

W A T ER L I L Y F A M I L Y !Nym phaeaceael CAPE

BLUE

WATER

LILY

from South and East Africa, has al­ m ost circular leaves ( 1 2- 1 6 i n . wide), d a r k green or brow n . T h e violet-scented fl owers (6-8 in.) open 4 days from morn i n g Ia late afternoon. Var. za nzi bari ensis has larger, darker bloo m s .

INymphaea

capensis),

­

RED BENGAL WATER LILY INy m p haea rubraJ, from I n d ia,

has nearly rou n d leaves ( 1 2- 1 8 i n . wi de), deeply toothed, ma­ roon at forst, later g ree n i s h ; downy below. Flowers open 3 or 4 nig hts a n d close a bout noo n . M a n y varieties; a l s o hybrids b e ­ tween this and o t h e r species. ROYAL WATER LILY I Vidori a amozonico), from G uya na, is

the largest of a l l aq uatic plants. Its floating leaves (3-7 % ft. wide) are red d i s h a n d prickly beneath. Flowers open late i n day, turn from wh ite t o rose. Variety Randii has dark-red blooms. G rown from 2-yr.-old seeds. Widely known as V. regia.

38

(Magnoliaceae) MAGNOLIA !Magnolia grandi­ floral, of the southern U n i ted

States, succeeds i n Florida and West I nd ies and a bove 3,000 ft_ i n ultra-tropical a reas. I s a state­ ly evergreen (to 1 00 fl-) g rown from seeds, layers and cuttings.

C U S T A R D A P P L E F A MI L Y lAnnonaceael ILANG-ILANG IConanga odo­ rotoJ, native to the East I ndies,

CALABASH NUTMEG IMonodora myristicoJ, from tropical West

is a slim, everg reen tree (to 80 o r 1 00 ft.). Bloo m s all year. The rich-scented flowers (to 3 112 i n . l o n g ) y i e l d o i l f o r fi n e perfume and are used in leis. Tree de­ velops rapidly fro m seeds.

Africa, is a deciduous tree (2080 ft.) with s h i n i n g leaves, fra­ g rant flowers, and black pod (8 1 2 i n . long, 6 i n . wide) con­ ta i n i n g nutmeg-flavored seeds used for spice and necklaces.

P O P P Y F A M I L Y IPapaveraceael PRI CKLY POPPY IArgemone mex­

icanal, a native of trop ical America w h i c h has s pread to all wa rm a reas, is a spiny herb (23 ft. h ig h), s howy both as a weed a n d as a garden orna­ mental. Often depicted i n art. or yel low. Flowers may

PLUME

POPPY IMacleaya cor­ datal, from C h i n a and Japa n , is a n herbaceous peren n i a l (to 5-8 ft.) with cree p i n g rootstock and ha ndsome leaves (to 8 in. wide), wh ite on the underside. Flower s p rays reach 1 ft. i n len g t h . G rawn from suckers o r cuttings.

MATILIJA POPPY IRomneya coulteri), native to Mexico a n d southern Ca l i forn i a , is a bushy, suckering plant (3-8 ft. h i g h ) w i t h s howy a n d fragrant fl owers (3-6 i n . wide). Propagated by division; seed l i n g s slow to bloom. T h rives in full sun.

40

C A P E R F A M I L Y !Capparidaceae) SPIDERFLOWER (C/eome spi­ nosal, native to tropica l Amer­

ica and widely natura l ized, is a pungent, odorous herb (to 3-4 fl.) with spiny ste ms a n d compound leaves. Seedpods long and s l i m . Seeds sprout easi ly. L i kes full sun and moist soil. Excellent honeybee plant.

H ORSERADISH oleifera), from

TREE

rMoringa

northern I ndia, is a g raceful tree (to 25 ft.) with thrice- p i n nate leaves (9-24 in. long) a n d copious flowers and fruits a l l year. T h e roots are prepared l i ke horseradish; the young pods, leaves a n d seeds are eaten. The latter yield ben oil, valued for cul inary use and i n cos metics. G rown from seeds o r cuttings.

BARNA

(Crateva

roxburghiil,

native to I n d ia , Malaya a n d Centra l Africa, is a deci duous tree (to 50- 1 00 ft.) with trifol iate leaves, very s h owy i n bloom. The fl owers (in clusters 4 - 1 2 i n . long, 1 0 i n . wide) have a garlic odor. Grown fro m seeds; i n sun. Leaves may inflame s k i n .

ORPINE FAMILY (C r a s s u l a c e a e) consists of 33 g en­ era a n d 1 , 500 species of tem pe rate a n d tropical re­ gion s . Most a re perennial succu lent herbs o r subshrubs with fleshy ste m s a n d leaves, the l atter waxy, often i n rosettes, som etimes colorfu l . Flowers may b e s howy. Ideal for roc k g a rdens; a rid situation s . SCARLET PAINTBRUSH ICrassula

native to the Cape Province, South Africa, and widely cultivated is a sem i-shrub (to 3 ft.) with a fleshy stem a n d very fleshy leaves ( 3 - 4 i n . long). The flowers (bright-scarlef, or­ ange or sometimes wh ite) a re in dense, flat term i na l c lusters. G rown from cuttings, leaf cut­ tings or seed . Needs perfect d rai nage. falcata),

ICE

ROSE

IEcheveria

glauco),

from Mexico, is a stemless, com· pact, saucer-shaped rosette (to 4 i n . wide) with t h i n , rounded l eaves. Flower sta l k (8- 1 2 i n . ta l l ) bears clusters of 8-20 fl ow­ ers. Easily g rown from offsets; forms dense beds.

42

MEXI CAN S NOWBALL (Eche­ veria e/egans), from Hidalgo, is

stemless and has t i g h t rosettes of 2-in. leaves. Flower sta l ks (41 0 i n . ta ll) bear c lusters of 5- 1 0 bloo ms. Var. simulans has red­ tipped l eaves and reddish-yel­ low flowers. G rown by offsets.

P I G ' S EAR (C otyle do n undulatal,

from the Cape P rovi nce, Africa, is a s h rubby pla n t (to 3 fl.), its leaves (3-5 i n . long) coated with a mealy, white or silvery bloo m. Flowers are ora n g e or red. Cut­ tings of old stems will put out new shoots. A E O N I U M (A e on i u m glutinosu m), native to Madeira,

GUMMY

has a n erect or p rostrate ste m , very sticky, as are the 3- to 4i n . leaves. T h e fl ower clu ster (1 ft. long a n d wide) is borne on a 2-ft., leafy stalk. Leaves used to harden fishing lines.

PLANT (Ka la nch oe flam­ mea), from tropical East Africa, is a succulent pere n n ial (to 1 % ft.) with fleshy leaves (to 2 i n . long) a n d yellow to ora n g e or scarlet fl owers, i n winter. Grown from seeds o r s p routing leaves, in full sun. LIFE

PI T T O S P O R U M F A M I L Y IPittos poraceael TASMA N I A N CHRISTMAS BUSH I B u rs ar ia s p i n o saJ, f o u n d

throughout Austra l ia a n d Tas­ man ia, is a s h rub (to 15 fl.) or s m a l l tree (to 20-30 ft.), with small, spiny leaves. Ter m i n a l spi kes (5-6 in. ta l l ) of sweetly sce nted flowers are produced in abundance in s u m m er (late De· cem ber i n its native h o m e). The red seedpods which fol low are also orna m ental. Grown from cutti ngs. LAUREL IPittospo­ rum undulatum), from the warm

pa rts of Australia and Tasman ia, is a beautifu l , low-b ra n c h i n g tree (to 20-40 ft.). The leaves (4-6 in. long) are laure l - l i ke, wavy a n d s h i n i ng. Fra g rant flow­ ers are succeeded by decorative fruits which split open when ri pe. The tree is q u i c k-growi ng fro m seed. I t is wind-res istant, salt-tolerant, and ·may be- g rown as a c l i pped hedge. A popular · variety has va riegated leaves. BERRY IPittosporum het­ erophyllum), native to C h i na, is

a s pread i n g , d rooping or se m i ­ recl i n i n g s h r u b (3-6 f t . h i g h , or up to 1 2 ft. if given s u pport). The leaves ( 1 -3 % i n . long) are variable in form ; the fl owers very fragra nt. The c lusters of s ma l l , black berries sta nd out because of the l i g h t g reen of the fol iage. Very slow-g rowi n g ; tolerant of poor, dry s o i l ; h i g h ­ ly d rou g h t-res istant. Excel lent plant for e m b a n k m e nts a n d roc k garde ns.

C U N O N IA F A M I L Y (Cunoniaceael N E W SOUTH WALES CH RISTMAS

BUSH

!Ceratopetalum g u m mi­ ferum ), a n elegant shrub or s m a l l tree (to 30 ft. or m ore), is the most com monly cu ltivated native p l a n t of New South Wa les. Although the flowers a re s m a l l a n d u nappea l i ng in scent, their mature ca lyces a re red a n d specta c u l a r i n late Dece m be r when cut sprays a re popular for decoration. Grawn from seeds or cutti ngs.

SWEETSHADE IHymenosporu m flavum ), from s u btropical Aus­ tralia, may be either a broad shrub or n a rrow tree (to 25 or 50 ft.). The evergreen leaves (3 to 6 i n . long) are downy o n the unders i de. Very fragra n t, at­ tractive flowers are d i s played in loose term i n a l c l u sters (4-8 i n . wide) a n d a re s u cceeded b y t h i c k capsules ( 1 i n . long) con­ ta i n i n g m a n y winged seeds. Grown from seeds or cutti n g s .

ROSE FAMILY (Rosaceae) is composed of some 1 1 5 g e n era a n d 3 , 2 0 0 s pecies, p r i m a r i ly of t e m p e rate c l i m ates. They ra n g e from low herbs to s h ru b s (some c l i m b i ng) and small trees, a n d may be thorny. The l eaves are a ltern ate, compound or s i m p l e . A ty pical flower h a s 4 or 5 peta l s (usually wh ite, p i n k o r red) surro u n d i n g a tuft of sta m e n s . Seeds may b e borne outs i d e o r inside a fleshy rece pta cle co m mo n l y called a fruit, w h i c h i s u s u a l ly edible a n d often orn a m enta l . Roses (Rosa s pecies) are g rown in t h e su btropics a n d tropics b u t a re better suited t o colder reg ions . COTONEASTER pannosa), from

CHINESE HAWTHORN (Photinia serrulata), a favorite orna m ental

southwest C h i n o , is popular in California and Hawa i i . I t i s a sem i-evergreen shrub (6- 1 5 ft. to ll) with arch i n g branches a n d leaves ( t o 1 i n . l o n g ) s i lvery­ velvet beneat h . loaded with showy fruits in w i nter. Grown from seeds, cuttings or layers.

i n its native C h i n o , California a n d other mild cli mates, is a s h r u b or s m a l l tree (to 30-40 ft.). Its leaves o re cop pery-red when you ng, crimson before fa l l i n g . Flowers ( i n 6 i n . clusters) i n sum mer; fruits v i v i d fa l l -winter. Needs port shade.

SILVERLEAF (Cotoneaster

angustifalia), a s h r u b (to 1 0- 1 2 ft.) of southwest C h i n a , is the species best s u ited to m i l d c l i mates. Its long, d roop­ ing, thorny bra nches a re downy when you n g . Leaves ( % - 2 '/.c i n . long) a re velvety g ray beneath, and the you n g fruits g ray and fuzzy. S mooth, ripe fruits make a stri k i n g s how.

IPyracantha

INDIAN HAWTH O R N IR a ph i ol ­ epis indica), of southern China,

YEDDO HAWTHORN IRap h i o / ­ epis umbellota), from southern

is a s h r u b (to 5 ft.) with s l i m , sprea d i n g branches, leathery leaves ( 1 % to 2% in. long) a n d wh ite or p i n k fl owers. Very slow­ g rowi ng. Sta nds f u l l s u n , poor soil, and s a l t s p ray.

Japan, i s a n upright shrub (to 1 2 ft.) with t h i c k leaves ( 1 % to 3 i n . long) a n d fra g ra n t fl owers. Of moderate g rowth role; very wind- a n d salt-resista nt. Fruits a re pear-shaped a n d blue-black.

PEA

FAMI L Y (leguminosae) is the third la rgest a m o n g flowering plants, with 600 g enera a n d 1 2 , 0 0 0 s pecies i n t h ree g rou p s : Lotoideae, o r Papilionateae

( m a i n ly tem perate, with flowers a lways " peal i ke"), Caesa l p i noideae, a n d Mi mosoi deae (both m a i n ly trop­ ica l). P l a n t types include a n n ual and peren n i a l herbs, shrubs, vines a n d trees; some aq uatic, some xerophyti c . All b e a r seed p o d s w i t h or without p u l p . M a n y gen era a re of g reat i m porta nce econom ical ly, fu rnishing food , fod d er, t i m b e r , g u m , oil a n d dye . Som e are notorious for their toxic properties; many are outsta ndin g o r n a m enta l s . FLAME AMHE RSTIA IA mhersfia nobilisJ, from Burma, is a re­ nowned tree (30-40 ft.) with pin nate leaves, the leaflets 6 to 1 2 i n . long. Flower sprays reach 2 to 3 ft. Rare a n d difficult to raise. G rown fro m seeds (few produced), cutti n g s or layers.

48

tAib izia WOMA N ' S leb beckJ, from tropical Asia a n d

northern Austra l i a , is a broad­ topped tree (to 1 00 ft tall) with p i n nate leaves (to 15 i n . long), shed i n wi nter when the abun­ dant d ry pods rattle i n the wind. Grows ra pidly from seed.

SILK TREE tAibizia julibrissinJ, native to mild areas from I ra n t o Japan, i s a b road tree (to 40 ft.) with deciduous, feathery leaves (9- 1 0 in. long), bloo m i ng heavily in sum m e r. Popular i n California; a n d is t h e com mon " m i mosa " of t h e South.

BAILEY ACACIA (Acacia bailey­ anal, of New South Wa les, i s

h i g h ly prized t here a n d i n Cali­ for n i a . A s h r u b or tree ( 1 0 to 30 ft.) with b l u i s h foliage, it has a rich s h ow of flowers i n late wi nter. Variety purpurea has purple-ti nted foliage.

PURPLE O R CHID TREE 18a uhinia

ST.

purp urea), from I n d i a and Chi­ na, is a f u l l - headed tree (to 40 ft.). I n fall, it bears orc h i d l i ke, purple, red or lavender fl owers (to 5 in. wide) a m idst the fo­ liage (p. 5 1 ). Later, there is a heavy crop of flat seedpods which snap open, scatteri ng their brown seeds. A very S i m i ­ lar, lavender-fl owered tree (8. voriegoto) and its wh ite-flowered variety candida bloom in spring after their leaves hove fa l l e n . T h e s e o r e fast-growing trees, raised fro m seeds which re­ m a i n viable more than a year.

lomenloso), native to trop ical Africa, C h i n o a n d I n d io, is a s m a l l tree or s h r u b (to 1 5 ft.) with thin leaves ( 1 % to 3 i n . wide) a n d d roo p i n g fl owers that do not fully open. Seeds ore d ifficult to germi nate.

THOMAS

TREE

lButea FLAME -OF-THE-FOREST frondosa), a native of I n dia, is

(8rowneo ROSE MOUNTAIN g r on d ic ep s), native to northern

a homely tree (20-50 ft. high) with c rooked tru n k a n d bra n c h ­ es. T h e trifoliate leaves w i t h gray-green leaflets ( 4 - 8 i n . long) are shed i n midwi nter. Soon after, the ends of the bra nches ore covered fo r 2 or 3 ft. with black, velvety buds from which e merge the lovely fl owers, mak­ ing a breathta king disp lay. The tree is featured i n Hindu cere­ monies and fol klore. Grown from see ds or c utti ngs i n Florida. Does well i n salty soils.

Venezuela, is an everg reen tree (to 40 or 60 ft.) with p i n nate leaves (to 15 i n . long), drooping decoratively w h e n you n g . The flowers are massed i n spectacu­ lar, rose-l ike heads (to 8 i n . wide) i n ter m i n a l s p i kes. I ntro­ d uced i nto Europe in 1 803 a n d m u c h a d m i red i n tropical bota n i c g a r d e n s , the tree is su ccessful i n Hawa i i but u n co m m o n i n Florida a n d Cal iforn i a . Grown fro m cuttings a n d seeds scarified be­ fore planting. Slow-g rowing.

IBauhinia

RED BAUHINIA 18ouhinia gof­ piniJ, from tropical Africa, is a

d rought-resista nt, s p rawling or c l i m b i n g shrub with everg ree n leaves (2-3 i n . wide), bloo m i n g profusely a l l su m mer. Wou ld be more co m mon, but seedpods ore scarce o n d cutti n g s h a rd to root.

F l a m e-of-the- Forest

Mou nta in Rose

BARBADOS PRIDE !P o in cia n a pulcherrimo), of u n k n own orig i n ,

is a somewhat thorny s h ru b ( 1 01 5 ft.) with deciduous, twice­ compou n d leaves (5- 1 0 in. long). Flowers (red or yellow) borne nearly all year. Grown from seed in full s u n ; may be pruned. PARADISE POINCIANA !Poinci­ ana gi/liesiiJ, from Argentina,

is a thornless s h ru b (to 10 ft. or u p to 20 ft. against a wall) with deciduous, feathery leaves (to 8 i n . long) a n d upright s p i kes of blooms a l l s u m mer. Grown from seed in f u l l s u n . Sta nds 8 ° F. and s u rvives as far north as Virg i n i a . WAIT-A-BIT aria), fro m

ICaesolpinio

•epi·

southern Asia, is a c l i m bi n g • h ru b with recurved thorns a n d twice-co mpound, de­ ciduous leaves (to 1 fl. long). I t flowers profusely i n sprin � . Grown from seed as a barrier hedge; has run wild i n Hawa i i .

RED POWDERPUFF rColliondro hoemotocepholo) is a I o rg e trop­

LABURNUM EAST AFRICAN (Colpurnio s u b deco ndro ) is a

ica l America n s h r u b ( 1 2-25 ft_), wide-sprea d i n g , with everg ree n , twice - p i n nate foliage. Bloo m s i n winter. Grown f r o m a i r-layers or cuttings i n sun. May be pruned to desired siz:e.

shrub or s m a l l tree ( 1 0-20 ft.) with evergree n leaves (4- 1 0 i n .) a n d laburn u m - l i ke fl owers i n winter. T h e pods persist a long time. G rown a s a n ornamental o n d a s a shade for coffee trees.

CANDLEBUSH (Cassia olotoJ, a tropical American s h r u b (to 1 5 ft.), often sprawl i n g , h a s com­ pou n d leaves (to 3 ft. long) and bri l l ia n t blooms i n fa l l a n d w i n ­ ter. G rown from s e e d s i n f u l l s u n a n d cut bock i n s p r i n g . W i d e l y known a s "ri ngworm bush," the leaves a re a common fol k remedy for s k i n afflictions.

53

tu/ol, from I ndio, is a fast-g row­

ing tree (25-60 ft.) with com­ pou n d leaves (to 20 i n . long), mostly shed as the tree becomes draped with blooms (June to Au­ g u st). The fruits are the Cassia pods wel l known i n t h e drug trade for their laxative p u l p. P I N K - A N D - W H I T E SHOWER !Cassia javan ical, n ative to the

East I ndies, is a tree ( 1 5-45 ft.) with thorn l i ke s p u rs. The com­ pou n d leaves (6- 1 2 in. long) fa l l i n wi nter a n d n e w foliage ap­ pea rs i n early sum mer with the flowers, m u c h l i ke a p p l e blos­ soms. Grows ra p i d ly from seed i n f u l l sun.

MORETON BAY CHESTNUT rC a s ­ tonospermum oustroleJ, from New South Wa les, is a majestic, low-bra n c h i n g tree (40-90 ft., or up to 1 30 ft. i n the wild). The everg ree n, compound leaves ( 1 1 Y2 ft. long) portly h ide the flowers that are massed a long the older l i m bs and often o n the tru n k i n m idsu m mer a n d suc­ ceeded by g lossy, decorative pods. The tree is p l a nted for shade i n California and on the Riviera. Grows fast i n moist, rich soil; needs full sun. The leaves and pods ore toxi c to l ivestock, but t h e seeds, after long soa king and roosting, ore g rou nd i nto o n edible mea l . GLORY P E A (Cfianthus dampi­ eriJ, from Austra l ia , is a bushy

pere n n i a l , sem i-erect (2-4 ft.) or rec l i n i n g . The s te m s and com­ pound leaves (5-7 i n .) a re coated with grayish, s i l ky h a i rs. Grown from scarified seed but longer­ l ived if g rafted onto Coluteo orborescens. Prized for rock gardens and h a ng i n g baskets.

BUTTERFLY PEA (Ciitoria terna ­ teaJ, fou n d wild t h roughout I n ­

d io, i s a s l e n d e r , twi n i n g vine (to 20 ft.) with compound leaves (4-6 in. long). Flowers (typically blue, may be pink o r w h i te; someti mes double) a p pear i n s u m m e r or nearly a l l year. C u t blooms k e e p well. Vine fast­ g rowing i n full s u n , moist soil.

55

CO LVILLE ' S GLORY (Colv_ille a rocemoso), of Madagascar, i s o n erect, m oderately s prea d i n g tree (40-50 ft.) with toll tru n k a n d fl a k i n g bark. The feathery leaves (to 3 ft. long) ore shed i n win­ ter rig ht after the bloo m i ng season, w h i c h lasts about 6 Flower s p i kes (to 8 i n . long), i n d roopi n g o r erect clus­ ters ( 1 %-2 fl. long), sta n d out above the foliage. Slow-growing from seed, borne i n cyl i n d rical, 6- i n . pod, w h i c h i s not p rod uced i n Florida. Seed l i n g s may bloom i n 2 years o r not for 1 0. Widely d i stributed but not commonly seen i n a ny a rea. SAPUPIRA-

IBowdichifl

virgilio­

ides!, native to Guyana a n d a d j a c e n t a reas of Brazil and Venezuela, ra nges from a s m a l l t r e e ( 1 0- 1 5 ft.) to a forest g i a n t (u p to 1 50 ft.). Its compound leaves o re shed i n winter before the fl owers a p pear in Iorge, ter m i n a l sprays. Thin, wine-red pods used i n perfu mery.

LANCEPOD (Lonchocarpus ser­ iceus), native to tropical West

Africa and natu ra l ized in trop­ ical Am erica and West I ndies, is a s h ru b or tree (to 50 or even 1 00 fl.), with brown i s h , downy bronch lets and p i n nate foliage. The fl owers a p pear after the leaves o re shed i n the d ry sea­ son. Seeds, i n woody pod, toxi c .

JEWEL VINE ! D e rri s scandens),

native from I n d i a Ia Australia, is a woody v i n e (Ia 1 5-35 ft.) with evergree n , compound leaves and flower c l usters (to 1 ft. long) i n s u m m e r a n d fa l l . Grown from seed or c utti n g s i n moist soil; sun or partial s hade. ROYAL

POINCIANA

IDelonix

regia), from Madaga scar, i s a n u m brel la-topped, low-bra n c h i n g tree ( t o 6 0 fl.) w i t h feathery leaves (to 2 ft. long). Famed for its vivid (red o r yellow) bloom s i n s u m m e r; mostly bare i n win­ ter except for pods (to 2 ft.). Fast-g rowing from seed.

57

JADE VINE

(Strongylodon ma­ a P h i l i p p i n e vine, high-twi n i n g , has trifol iolate leaves and drooping fl ower clus­ ters (to 3 ft. long) all spring and s u m m er. S low-growi n g from seeds o r a i r- layers; blooms i n 3 years. Flowers used i n leis. crobotrys),

variegata var. orienta/is), native

MOU N TAIN IMMORTELLE (Ery­ thrina poeppigiana), n ative from

from I n d ia to Polyn esia, is a thorny tree (to 60 ft.) with tri­ foliate leaves, shed i n late win­ ter, just before the flowers a p ­ pear. Cuttings 6 f t . l o n g take root rea d i ly.

Pa n a m a to Bolivia, is a s p i n y tree ( t o 80 ft.) which may have some leaves when it fl a res i n to bloom in spring. Cuttings g row fast. Ofte n planted as s hade for cacao a n d coffee trees.

58

MADRE DE CACAO (G/iricidia sepium), of tropical America a n d

the West I n dies, i s a s m a l l tree (to 30 fl.) with s prea d i n g bra nches w h i c h s h e d their p i n ­ nate leaves i n l a t e winter a n d are s o o n d e n s e l y covered with bloo m . Com m o n l y p l a n te d i n the tropics as s h a d e for cacao, sup­ port for va n i l l a a n d b l a c k pep­ per vines, and for living-fence­ posts, s i n ce l i m bs thrust i n to the g ro u n d ta ke root and g row rapidly in d ry soi l . Also g rown from seed (in 5- to 6-in. pods). The fl owers a re cooked a n d eate n . Leaves, seeds, a n d bark long reputed to be rat poisons but have not p roved so i n tria ls. PURPLE SARSAPARILLA IHar­ denbergia vio/aceaJ, from Aus­

tra l i a and Tas m a n ia , a c l i m b i n g s h r u b , has s mooth, twi n i n g ste m s , stiff, evergreen leaves (1 V2 -S i n . long) a n d q u a n tities of flowers i n s p r i n g . There a re white- a n d p i n k-flowered vari­ eties. Grown from cutti ngs.

J E R U SALEM

THORN (Par k i n sonia aculeatal, despite its com­ mon name, i s a tropical Ameri­ ca n tree (to 30 ft.), naturalized from Florida to Californ ia and widely pla nted i n the Old World. I t is g reen-trun ked when you n g and h a s a lig ht, a iry ap­ peara nce with its s l i m , g reen bra nches and cu rious leaves disgu ised a s flat, s l e nder " nee­ d le s " (8- 1 6 in. long) bearing sharp s p i nes and tiny leaflets ( 1 / 1 6-5/ 1 6 i n .). The fragrant flowers a p pear throu ghout spring a n d s u m mer. Seeds are pro­ d uced in l u m py pods (2-6 i n . long). Fast-grow i n g from seeds, cutti n g s or air-layers. Needs f u l l s u n ; tolerates droug ht, also low, moist, sa lty s o i l a n d i n d i rect ex­ posure to salt spray, but i s lusher i n good soil a n d i n l a n d location. Pop u l a r in Florida landscaping. ­

COPPE RPOD (Peltophorum ptero­ carp u ml, from Ma laysia, is a broad-topped tree (to 60 or even 1 00 ft.) with co mpound leaves (1 to 2 ft. long), evergreen except i n d ry locations. There i s a conspicuous red d i s h -brown fuzz on the sta l ks and buds of the flower clusters. The bri l l i a nt s p rays of fl owers w h i c h sta n d out above the fol iage ( s p r i n g t o f a l l ) e m i t a g rapelike perfume at n i g h t. They a re succeeded by flat, maroon seedpods w h i c h a re attractive u nt i l they blacken. Fast-g rowi n g from seeds. Long known a s P . inerme. Often ca lled "yel low poincia n a " but this n a m e s h o u l d be l i m ited to the yel low variety of Royal Poinciana (Oelo n ix regiaJ-see on p. 57.

60

ASOKA

TREE ISaraca i n dica), from I n d i a a n d Malaya, is a tree (to 30 ft.) sacred to the H i n dus. leaves are everg ree n, compound, to 1 ft. long. The flowers ( i n spring) a re ora n g e when fi r s t open; l a t e r red . They are frag ra nt and used i n dec­ orating te mples a n d worn i n the h a i r. Seedpods (to 10 in. long) red when u n r i pe; black w h e n r i p e . Easily g rown from seeds. TREE FUCH SIA ISchotia brachy­ peta/a), from South Afri ca, is a

tree (to 40 ft.) with c o m pound leaves w h i c h a re s hed i n late wi nter. F lowers borne in ter­ m ina I c l u sters or on older bra n ches a n d tru n k (in spring). Brown , woody seed pods (to 4 i n . long) re m a i n o n the tree a long time. S low-growing fro m seed, i n d ry soi l; tolerates drought. MESCAL BEAN (Sophora sec u n ­

dilloral, native f r o m New Mexico and Texas into Mexico, is a s h ru b or tree (to 35 ft.) with everg ree n , com p o u n d leaves (4-6 in. long). The violet-sce n ted flowers ter m i n a l c l usters in (spring and s u m mer) a re fol­ lowed by s i l ve ry pods- that s plit . ope.n, revea l i n g the a ttractive seeds. These conta i n the a l ka­ loid, cytis ine, and as little as one seed has caused fatal poi­ son.i n g . i n h u m a n s . Nevertheless, southwestern I nd i a n s have used the powdered seeds to prod uce inebriation and deep s l u m ber. Slow-g rowing fro m seeds; nee.ds fu l l s u n a n d a m p le watering. Sometimes espal iered on a wa l l . A popular orna m e ntal i n I n d i a . H i g h l y prized i n Californi a .

GANSIES (Sutherlandia frutes­ cens), from South Africa, is o

DARLING P E A (Swainsonia gale­ gifolia), from Queensland a n d

downy s h r u b (5- 1 5 ft. h igh) with everg ree n , compou n d leaves ( 2 % - 3 % i n . long). The flowers a ppear i n d roo p i n g sprays in spring. Seedpods (to 2 in. long), pa pery and inflated, a re a lso showy. Fast-g row i n g from seeds or cutt i n g s i n full s u n .

New South Wa les, is a subshrub, spread i n g ( 1 - 3 ft. h i g h ) or c l i m b i n g if g iven s u p port. It has feathery fol iage a n d blooms continuously. Flowers may be sca rlet, bronze, mauve, p i n k , or wh ite. Grown from seeds or cutti ngs. Pru n e d i n winter. TIPA (Tipuana tipu), from

Bo­

l ivia a n d A rgentina, is a tree (30- 1 00 ft.), common along roads i n South A m erica, Algeria and t h e Riviera. I t h a s decidu­ ous, com pou n d leaves (8- 1 0 in. long), a n d fl owers i n loose ter­ minal clusters in s u m mer. Winged seeds persist nearly a l l year. Grows fast i n d ry soil.

CARIB WOOD ISabinea carin ­ Dom i n ica, is a s m a l l tree ofte n c u l tivated f o r orna­ ment in the West I n d ies. Its flne, feathery foliage i s shed i n wi nter, a n d the vivid fl owers e merge before the new leaves, i n spri n g . Grown from seed ( i n 4-in. p o d s ) or cuttings, i n f u l l s u n , preferably o n d ry s o i l . a/is!, of

GUAPIRUVU ISchizolobium par­ native from Brazil to Mexico, i s a slender tree (501 20 ft.), often buttressed, with fern-l i ke leaves (to 4 ft. long). The bare bra n ches put forth an abundance of b l oo m s i n erect clusters (to 1 ft. tall) i n Fast-grow i n g fro m seed i n pods t o 4 i n . long).

ahyba),

�·���!�i���

·

C A L T R O P F A M I L Y (Zygophyl laceae) VERA IBulnesia arboreal, native to northern Venezuela ond Co­ lombia, i s o tree (35- 1 20 ft.) with o ta l l , stra i g h t tru n k and ever­ green, compound leaves. Flow­ ers a re borne in s hort clusters in s u m mer ond fall. Occurs i n ari d reg ions. Slow-growi n g . Wood is heavy a n d hard a n d has been used for bru s h backs and as bea rings for m a c h i nery. Vera posts i n 300-year-old r u i n s were found to be in good condition.

LIGNUM VITAE !Guaiacum offi­ cina/e), native to the West I n ­ dies, northern South America a n d Pa nama, is a tree ( 1 5-30 ft.) with com pou nd, everg ree n leaves (1 % -3 i n . long), bloo m i ng a n d bea ring clu sters of f r u i t s con­ t i n uously from spring to fa l l . T h e self-l ubricati n g , heavy, hard wood , formerly used for bowl­ ing balls, i s u n eq u a l led for l i n i n g propeller shafts of s h i ps. Very slow-growi n g from seed. PUNCTURE VINE ITrib ulus cis­ toidesl, fou n d in Florida a n d

on most tropical coasts, i s a prostrate herb with h a i ry ste ms reac h i n g 20 in. a n d p i n nate leaves (1 V2 ·3 in. long). Ever­ bloo m i n g flowers open in morn­ ing and close at noo n . Forms great ca rpets of color in the wild and is often pla nted as a ground cover where its s p i n y fruits will not be troublesom e . Best g rown from c u ttings; g rows well on d ry, sa ndy soil and fully exposed to salt spray.

BREATH-OF-H EAVE N IDio sm a ericoides), from South Africa, is

ORANGE JASMINE IMurroyo poniculotaJ, fro m southern As ia

a bushy s h r u b (to 3-4 ft.) with a lternate, everg reen , aromatic leaves (% to 'tc in. long). The flowers, wh ite or red d i s h , a re borne a l l spring a n d s u m mer. Popular i n g ree n h ouses and of­ ten pla nted a s a hedge i n Cali­ forn i a . Sta nds l i g h t c l i p p i n g . Bra nches used i n florists' ar­ ra nge ments. G rown from cut­ tings, i n poor soil.

a n d the East I n d ies, is a g race­ ful shrub or s hort-tru n ked, rou n d -topped tree (to 25 ft.) with attractive, evergreen, com­ pound leaves and very fragrant fl owers followed by bri g h t red fruits. Easily g rown from seed, but cutti ngs d i ffi c u lt to root. Popular a s a c l i p pe d hedge. Wood h a s been used far canes; roots for dagger h a n d les.

MAYPOLE

ISpathelia sim plex) a native of Jamaica, is a cu­ rious tree (20-25 ft.) with a s i n g l e slender tru n k only 3 i n . w i d e at the g rou n d , u n bra n c h e d but rou g h e ned by old l e a f scars. The compound, fern like leaves ( 1 6 i n .-5 ft. long) a re c l ustered at the s u m m it a n d a re velvety on the u nderside. Flowers a re borne in a ter m i n a l s pray (to 6 ft. h i g h a n d 8 ft. broad). Six months a fter produ c i n g seeds ( i n 3-sided, 3-wi nged fru i ts), the tree d ies. ,

S I M A R U B A F A M I L Y (Simaru baceae) B I TTERWOOD (Quassia a m ara) is a s h ru b or small tree (rarely 25 ft.) from northern Bra z i l to Mexico and West I ndies. Mature leaves (to 4 i n . long) a re dark green a n d g lossy a bove, light beneath; new leaves a re scarlet. Flowers (never open f u l ly) a n d s m a l l fruits h a n g i n loose clus­ ters. The wood, formerly a source of ton i c, is now used for i n secticide. Grown from seeds or cuttin g s for showy flowers in the tropics, i n southern Cal ifor­ nia, and in greenhouses.

M A H O G AN Y F A M I L Y (Mel iaceae) C H I NABERRY (Melia azedarachJ

is a tree (to 40 ft.) fro m western Asia, widely g rown for shade i n warm areas. The leaves a re twice compou n d , 1 -3 ft. long, with many leaflets, a n d a re shed i n w i nter. Clusters of s m a l l , l i lac­ scented flowers a p pear in spring. The abundant (but toxic) fruits are stri k i n g when tree i s bare. I t is s h ort- lived, fast-g row­ i n g , from seeds which are some­ times stru n g as beads or rosaries. Texas U mbrella tree is a broad -topped variety.

CAPE MAH OGANY (Trich ilia emetica) i s a h a n d s o m e tree to

40 or 70 ft. or m ore, commonly fou n d wild a n d pla nted along streets fro m Ara b i a to South Africa. The compound leaves a re up to 1 8 i n . long. Although the flowers are more fra g rant than s howy, the ri pe, split fruits a re stri ki n g-the i r brown or black seeds, partly encased by the ora nge arils, rese m b l i n g dol l 's eyes. O i l from the seeds is i m ­ portant i n s o a p m a k i n g . The red wood is used i n carpentry.

MAL P I G H I A FAM I L Y AMAZON V I N E IStigmaphyllon c iliatumJ i s a woody vine from

Brazil, Tri n i d a d , a n d British Hon­ d u ras. The evergreen leaves (2-3 in. long) have hairlike teeth on m a rg i ns . Bloo m s from late spri n g t o f a l l . T h e s i m i lar, d e n ser S . lit­ torale, bears s m a l l e r, deep-gold flowers in larger c l usters for a shorter season . You n g leaves of both are red d i s h . Propagated by layeri n g or cutti ngs. Fast-g rowing i n partial shade. Ideal for g row­ i n g o n tre l l i ses when planted i n g rou nd; d o not thrive i n pots. SARABATUCU IHeteropteris c h ry­ sophyllaJ, a twi n i n g vine from Brazi l , is one of t h e s h owiest m e m bers of its g e n u s. It has reddish-brown fuzz its on bra n c h e s and ca lyces, and its leaves (to 5 in.) are velvety ·golden-brown beneath. The flow­ ers c h a n g e from ora n g e to red­ dish and then g i ve way to the attractive masses of winged seeds. Propagated by c utti ngs.

SHOWER-O F-GOLD IGalph imia glauco!, from Central A m erica

and Mexico a n d w i d e l y c u l t i ­ vated, i s a s h r u b (3 t o 1 0 ft.) w i t h very s l e n der, red d i s h b ra n c h e s a n d l e a v e s t o 3 i n . long. Flowers ( i n s p i kes 3-4 o r u p to 8 i n . ta l l ) b o r n e n e a r l y a l l yea r i n tropics but not i n wi nter i n Florida and southern Cal ifor­ nia. Grown from seeds and cut­ tings. Needs d ry soi l and f u l l s u n .

67

lon ­

DALMA I S M I LKWORT lPolygala

is a shrub or s m a l l tree (to 20-30 ft.), wide­ s p read across tropical Africa and south to the Tra nsva a l . Its leaves are deciduous ( % - 2 % i n . long). T h e profusion o f violet­ scented flowers, fro m August to Nove mber, has i n s pired many efforts at cu ltivation, but this coveted species conti nues to be a horticu ltura l c h a l lenge.

a hybrid that orig inated i n Fra nce i n 1 839, is a 2- to 6-foot s h ru b which m ay have both a lternate and opposite leaves ( 1 i n . long). Its foliage is scant but it blooms most of the year. Popular i n g reenhouses a n d i n southern C a l i fornia and other mild a reas. Grown from layers; stands d roug h t a n d l i g h t frost.

V I O LET

TREE

gipedunculatal

lS ecurida ca

dalmaisianal,

EASTERFLOWER ISecuridaca

di­ versifolial, native and co m mo n

i n forests f r o m northern South America to Mexico and i n some of the Lesser Antil les, i s a slen­ der woody vine, tra i l i ng or h i g h ­ c l i m b i n g . The leaves ( 1 -5 i n . long), nearly rou n d or pointed­ ova l, a re h a i ry beneath. Often m ista ken for a leg u m e becaus10 of its pea l i ke flowers, rose ar purple, borne in ter m i n a l sprays th roug h out February or later. Grown from seed (wi nged , 1 3,4 2 3,4 i n . long). Needs partial shade a n d consta nt moisture.

SPURGE FAMILY (Euphorbiace a e), one of the l a rg ­

est a n d most i m porta nt p l a n t fa m i lies o f warm a reas, inclu des s o m e 2 5 0 gen era and over 4,000 s peci es. Spurges ran g e from h e rbaceous weeds to fles hy, cac­ tuslike s h ru b s ( m a ny with thorns) and l a rge, woody trees . Most h ave stic ky, m i l ky sap ( l a tex), g e n e r a l ly i rritati n g to t h e s ki n . Typical fruits contain 3 seeds, more o r less toxic. Flowers, usually small and i n co n ­ spicuous, m a y be e n c i rcled by colorful bracts ( m odified leaves), a s i n Poi n settia (p. 70). Other o r n a m enta l s a re prized for t h e i r fol i a g e (below a n d p . 7 1 ) . T h e cactuslike e u p h o rbias ( p . 7 0 ) th rive i n a r i d r eg i o n s . CROTO N CCodiaeum variega­ tu m), a s h r u b to 15 ft., native from Fiji to Austra l i a , i s g reen­ leaved i n the wild form. Leaves (3 to 10 i n .) of cultivated cra­ tons are s p l a s h e d or striped with colors; va ry i n shape from broad to narrow; may be lobed, wavy or spirally twisted . Culti­ vation, as spec i mens or i n hedges, beg a n i n t h e Moluccas and has spread to all tropical

a n d su btropical areas a n d north­ ern conservatori es. T here a re h u n d reds of na med varieties. S m a l l flowers a re borne i n ter­ m i n a l s p i kes. The co m m on n a m e , u n fortunately, c a u s e s confusion with the dangero u s Purg i n g Cro­ ton (Craton tig/ium). Propagation is by air-layeri n g or 1 2- 1 8 in. cutti ngs which root easi ly. Often g rown i n full s u n ; l u s h e r a n d more colorf u l i n semi-shade.

69

S C A R LET PLUME (Euphorbia lui­

C R O W N-O F-TH O R N S (Euphorbia

gens} i s a popular shrub of southern Mexico and northern g reenhouses, rea c h i n g 4 fl. a n d having s l i m , wiry, arc h i n g ste ms set with 2- to 4-in. leaves and t i n y fl owers encircled by s h owy bracts. Sprays o re sold by flo­ rists i n winter.

m ilii} is a sprawl i n g or c l i m b i n g plant ( 1 -4 ft.) fro m Madagascar. Its cyl i n drical ste m s are thickly clothed with s p i n e s but sparsely fo liaged. M i n ute fl owers are fl a n ked by saucerl i ke bracts, w h i c h may be red, s a l m o n - p i n k , or yellow-a n d - red. P O I NSETTIA (Euphorbia pulcher­ ri ma}, from Mexico and Central

A m erica, i s a shrub (to 15 ft.) beloved as a sym bol af C h rist­ mas. Its whorls af u p per leaves, red, p i n k, s a l m o n , pale-yel low or wh ite, masquera d i n g as blooms ( 1 0 to 22 i n . wide), are actually s p l e n d i d ruffs encircling the true, yel low- a n d-green flow­ ers. S i n g l e , double and p i n ­ wheel f o r m s grow f ro m cutti ngs.

J A C O B ' S COAT (8re yni a nivosa),

from the Pacific Islands, is a slen der, erect s h r u b (to 8 ft. h i g h , 4 ft. wide) with wiry, somewhat z i g zag bra n c h es a n d d a i nty leaves ( 1 - 2 i n .), mottled green-a nd-wh ite. Most pop u l a r variety is roseo-picta (shown), its leaves hoving added hues of red a n d p i n k. Flowers a re tiny a n d g ree n i s h . Creeping roots send up new s hoots which form c l u m ps. Grown by root-cuttings. C H E N I LLE P L A N T !Acalypha h i s · pidal, possibly from New Guin­

COPPERLEAF !Aca lyp h a wilke · siana), a s h r u b ( 1 0- 1 5 ft.) from

ea, East I n dies or Burma, is a s h r u b (to 1 5 ft.) with leaves to 8 i n . long. It is widely g rown for its droo p i n g s p i kes of fe­ male flowers, u s u a l ly dark red, which have i n s p i red the nick­ n a m e " red-hot catta i l " . Variety alba has ivory-white s p i kes. I n variety ramosa, spi kes a re bra n c h e d . Apparently, only pis­ tillate plants are i n cultivation. Ra ised from cuttings i n s u n or l i g h t shade; moist soil.

the South Sea I s l a n d s , is g rown i n most wa rm areas, often a s a hedge. Leaves (to 1 0 i n .) a re variously mottled a n d b lotc h e d w i t h brow n , p i n k , r e d , bronze, ora nge or yellow, and someti mes edged with w h i te. T h e Ba h a m i a n n o m e , Matc h - me-if-you-ca n , re­ fl ects the f a n cy that n o two leaves a re a l i ke. In F i j i , some bel ieve that chewing the leaves g ives magical protection from harm. Propagated by cutti ngs.

PEREG R I NA (Jatroph a integer­ rima), a West I n d ia n , s l e n der­ ste m m e d s h ru b to 15 ft. Leaves (to 7 in. long) vary from oblong to flddle-shaped ar may be un­ eve nly lobed. Flowers a n d fruits occur all year. Grown from seed or cuttings. Prefers fu l l s u n . CORAL PLA N T (Jatroph a

m u lti­ i s o soft-woode d , b u s h y s h ru b to 1 2 or e v e n 20 f t . The h a n dsome leaves (to 14 i n . wide) a n d the cora l - l i ke cl usters of s m a l l fl owers sta n d out o n long stalks. The flowers a re valued for corsages in the P h i l i ppines. Fruits a re normally 3-sided with t h ree rou nd, brown seeds w h i c h , t h o u g h p l easa nt-tasti n g , a re a com mon cause of poison i n g . I n Mexico, the leaves a re sometimes cooked as a vege­ table and i n Java the long t h i c k roots h a v e been roasted a n d eaten l i ke cassava. The s e e d oil is u s e d f o r i l lu m i nation a n d l ubrication a n d i n soap. Prop­ agated by seeds o r cutti n g s . T h rives in f u l l s u n or s e m i - s h a d e . Bloo m s a l l year. lido)

GOUT P LANT (Jatropha podag­ ricaJ, from Cen tra l America a n d

Guatemala cal led sometimes rhuba rb, is a s i n g le-ste m med shrub (to 5 ft.) with a swollen base. leaves a re 4 to 10 in. wide. Male fl owers are scarlet; female, gree n . Grown from seeds. BEAN (Ricinus com­ m unis), from tropical Africa, is

CASTOR

a giant herb that beco mes tree· l i ke (to 40 ft.) with a thick ste m . leaves ( 1 t o 3 f t . wide) a re s i l ky a n d bronze when you n g ; leaves o f s o m e varieties a re white-ve ined or solid dark red with red ste ms. The fl owe r s p i ke varies fro m 6 i n . to 2 fl. ta l l . W h e n i m mature, the burrli ke fru its may be bl ue-green or red. They turn brown when ripe a n d burst, scattering the seeds ( lA to 3,4 in. long), g ray or tan mottled with brow n , or all-black. Seeds yield ca stor oil, formerly much used m e d i c i n a l ly, n ow of more im porta nce i n i n d u stry. They are tox ic when raw, a lso conta i n a n a l lerge n , hence d a n ­ g erous t o u s e .

CAS H E W F A M I L Y (Anacardiaceae) PEPPER TREE (Schinus m o l/e) i s a broad, short-tru n ked Peruvian tree (to 40 or 50 fl. h i g h ) much grown in Central America, Mex­ ico, Cal ifornia a n d o n the Rivi­ era, though it i s h ost to black scale, a hazard to Citrus cultu re. Fruiting s p rays a re used for decoration, a s are those of Bra­ z i l i a n Pepper (5. terebinthilolius) in Hawa i i and Florida. Both trees are fast-growing and self­ seed i n g ; tend to become weed s.

SO A P B E R R Y F A M I L Y !Sa p i n d a c eael GOLDE N RA I N T R E E (Koelre utaria lo r m o s a n a), from Japan a n d Formosa, i s a deciduous tree (to 40 or 60 ft.) with twice­ compound leaves (1 % - 2 ft. long). In a u t u m n , larg e flower c l usters rise a b ove the foliage, followed by even more s h owy m a s ses of pa pery, balloo n l i ke fruits. The s u m mer-bloo m i n g K. paniculata is suited to cooler reg ions.

T U L I PWOOD (Harpullia pen du/a) is a handsome Austra l i a n tree with wee p i n g bra nches a n d evergreen, c o m p o u n d leaves. The d roop i n g ter m i n a l clusters of s ma l l fl owers develop i n to very s h owy b u n c hes of fruits ( 1 - 1 % in. wide), hol low except for a s h i n y black seed i n each lobe. The Asiatic H. arborea is s i m i l a r. Both a re ra p i d growers .

M EL I A N T H U S FA M I LY '""""''-.... (Melianthaceae) NATAL BOTTLEBRUSH IGreyia sutherlandiiJ is a South African s h ru b or s m a l l tree (to 15 ft. h i g h and 1 2 ft. wide). In winter or spring i t s h e d s many leaves and blooms p rofusely for severa l weeks. The fl owers are 1 % i n . l o n g i n 8- 1 0 i n . spi kes. Grown fro m seed or softwood cuttings. Sta nds fairly poor soil, f u l l s u n , a n d l i g h t frosts. P o p u l a r i n g reen houses a n d outdoors i n s u btropical c l i m ates.

B U C K T H O R N F A M I L Y !Rham naceael CALIFORNIA LI LAC ICeanoth usJ. This is a large g e n u s of s h ru b s or s m a l l trees , mostly native on the Pacific Coast of North America. O n ly a few s pecies a re g rown a s orn a m e ntals i n w a r m areas. C. cyaneus ( 6 - 8 ft.) has dark, g lossy leaves. The flowers (May-June) a re deep­ blue, lave nder, rose or w h ite, in l i lacl i ke clu sters. C . a zu re u s of

Mexico ( 1 0- 1 5 ft.) has leaves downy-w h i te below a n d dark blue fl owers in bra n c h i n g clus­ ters. C . arboreus (to 20 ft.), sometimes called I s l a n d Myrtle, has g ray-g reen leaves, velvety white below, a n d fragrant, pale to med i u m blue fl owers (late wi nter-spring). l i kes m ore shade o n d moisture t h a n other species. There are many lovely hybrids.

IGre wi a accide n­ talisJ is a South Africa n shrub

STA RFLOWER

(5 Ia 10 ft. high) with soft but slig htly h a i ry leaves ( 1 -4 i n .), flowers that may be p i n k or pur­ plish, and pea-sized edible fruits. The bush i s g rown from seeds or hormone-treated cui· a s a n i nformal hedge.

TREE (Luehea sp e ci osa J native from Colombia to Mexico and also i n Cuba, is a broad· crowned tree (80 Ia 1 00 ft. ta ll) often bu ttressed at the base. Its leaves (4- 1 0 i n .) are downy white beneath. The tree beg i n s very you n g Ia b l o o m profusely. The fruit is woody and 5-angled. WH I P

HONCKE NYA

,

IHonckenya

fici­

lolia J i s a woody herb or shrub (6- 1 0 ft.) abou n d i n g i n da m p forests o f tropical Africa. It has purplish ste m s a n d rou g h leaves, u s u a l l y 3- Ia 7-lobed, often e n tire. Flowers, purple, rarely wh ite, are 2 to 3 in. wide, the b ristly fruits u p to 2 % in. long. Rape a n d mats are made with the jute l i ke stem fi ber. Grown as a n orname ntal from seeds a r root- ar softwood­ cuttings, below 1 300 ft. 76

MALLOW FAM I L Y (Malvaceae) covers 40 or 50 g e n era (so m e say 80) a n d 1 ,000 or more species scattered

across the tem perate and tropical belts. They a re herbs, sh rubs, and soft-wooded trees with altern ate, si m ple, often lobed, leaves. The fun n elform, 5 - p a rted flowers are typified by the fusing of the sta m e n s i n to a tube or colu m n a ro un d the pistil a n d vary in color from wh ite and yel low to purple and red . The fruit i s nearly a lways a d ry seed capsule. Som e m e m bers of the fa m i ly a re world crops such as cotton . FLOWE R I N G MAPLE IAbutilon m egap o tamic u m) i s o d roop i n g

MAGA IMontezuma speciosissima) is a h a n d s o m e everg reen

Bra z i l i a n shrub ( u n der 1 0 ft. ta ll) with 2· to 4 - i n . leaves. Flowers are borne continuously after the first 8 months. In Ca l i ­ for n i a it is popu l a r as a bas ket p l a n t when you n g .

tree (to 50 ft.) common wild and cu ltivated i n Puerto Rico. I t has thick, 6- to 8 - i n . leaves a n d waxy fl owers nearly a l l year. Thrives i n low, d a m p soil. Its hard, d u rable wood is prized.

H IBISCUS IHibiscus rosa -sinensis) is an Asiatic s h ru b

(to 2 0 ft.) g ra c i n g a l l warm reg ions with its year-round blooms-s i n g l e or dou ble; red, ora nge, yel l ow, p i n k o r w hile; to 10 in. wide; m ost lasting but a day, some longer. Usually grawn from c utti ngs; may be a i r- layered o r g rafted . S hoe­ blocking a n d mascara ore mode fro m the red fl owers in C h i n o . FRINGED

H IBISCUS

(Hibiscus

is a s h r u b from tropical East Africa, m ore slen­ der a n d open t h a n the C h i nese species. It h a s a r c h i n g bra nches a n d rarely reac hes a s high as 12 ft. The leaves vary from 2 to 6 i n . long. Usually g rown from cutti ngs although it reproduces true from seed. In Hawa i i , its pollen is m u c h used for hybridiz­ ing with t h e C h i nese h i biscus. schizopetalus)

C h i nese Hi biscus 78

MAHOE !Hibiscus ti/iaceusl, a t home o n a l l tropical shores, forms low t h i ckets i n wet soil but becomes a handsome rou nd­ topped tree to 50 ft. on h ig h e r grou n d . Ever-bloom i n g , 4 - i n . flowers are yellow when they fi rst open i n the morning a n d maroon before t h e y fo i l at t h e e n d of t h e d a y . The buoya nt wood is used as cork; the bark was long-fa med for its fi ber. I LIMA ISida fa/lax), o n all the

Hawa i i a n isla n d s u p to 2000 ft., occurs i n n u merous forms­ some cree p i n g , some erect s h ru bs to 4 ft. h i g h . Leaves are downy, of varying form . F lowers (1 ln.) ra nge from yel low to ora nge or dark red. Fresh blos­ soms from both wild and cul­ tivated plants were m u c h used for leis, but paper i mitation s a re becom i n g c o m m o n .

79

TURK'S CAP (Malvaviscus arbo­ reusJ, a bushy Mexican shrub (8 Ia 12 ft_) with leaves 3 Ia 5 i n _ long, is ofte n cal led "sleep­ i n g h i biscus" because its fl owers (red, white or p i n k) open only s l i g h tly. Propagated by cutt i n g s f a r ta l l hedges. OTAGO R I B BONWOOD fHoheria

sexstylosa) i s a s ubtropical tree (to 25 ft.) from New Zeala n d with 2- I a 4-i n . leaves of vari­ able form a n d o n a b u n dance of sweet-scented flowers . Very fast­ g rowi ng a n d self-seed i n g . The wood is used for paper pulp. multiflora) is a robust Bra z i l i a n s h ru b with leaves 6 to 10 in. long. The ob­ long purple corolla of the flower and the purple calyx, which a re rolled together, a re c u p ped by n u m erous s howy, h a i ry, slender red bracts .

80

B O M B A X F A M I L Y (Bom bacaceae) RED S I LK COTTON (Bombax mal­ abaricuml is a g i a n t tree from

I ndia and Burma, rea c h i n g 30 ft. i n less t h a n 5 years a n d eventua l ly 1 25 fl., w i t h tru n k o v e r 40 f t . a round a n d heavily buttressed . Leaves, 5- to 7lobed, and 6- 1 2 in. long, fall i n late winter, when the g reat branches g low with mosses of fleshy, red o r ora n g e flowers. The woody fruit contains silky floss and many tiny block seeds. T h e floss, much l i ke kapok, is used i n saddles and pillows. Lorge cuttings root readily; put forth flowers i n one year.

SHAV I NGBRUSH TREE (Bombox ellipticum) is a tropica l Ameri­

can tree (to 30 ft.) with s moot h , g r e e n b a r k . T h e leaves (usually with 5 leaflets to 1 2 i n . long) o re shed i n wi nter; t h e flowers, with red, pin k, or white sta mens, open i n spri n g . FLOSS S I LK T R E E (Chorisio spe­ ciosoJ is a tree (50 to 100 ft.)

from Brazil and n orthern Ar­ gentino, very spiny when young. The leaves (to 10 i n . wide) hove 5 to 7 leaflets. T h e fl owers ore spectacular i n late fal l when the foliage is sca n ty.

81

C H O C O L A T E F A M I L Y !Stercu l iaceael FLAME TREE (B rachychiton acer­ ifoli um) i s a pyra m i da l Austra­ lian tree to 60 ft. o r more with varia ble, often maplelike leaves (to 10 in. wide), the oldest of w h i c h drop a t bloo m i n g ti me ( i n Florida, s p r i n g ; i n Cal iforn ia, J uly-August). T h e a b u n d a nce of flowers m a kes a bri l l iant display. The t h i c k bark yields a lacel i ke fiber (bast) prized far hats, bas­ kets and other a rticles. The seed­ pods furnish dye.

BANGAR N U T (S te rculi a foetidol

is a tree to 1 00 fl. h i g h in its natural ra nge from tropical East Africa to Austra l i a where it is planted along h i g hways. The leaves (with 7 to 9 leaflets) may be 1 fl. wide and are shed in spring when the branches are tipped with l a rge c l usters of flowers broadcasting a m u s ky, u n pleasa nt odor. Woody pods are prized for decoration; the l ­ i n . seeds e d i b l e after roast i n g .

PINK

BALL !Oombeya X cay­

euxiil, native to Madagascar, is

o s hort-tru n ked tree to 30 ft. with downy leaves, 5 to 1 2 i n . wide. I n winter flowers a re borne in n u merous pendent bolls, portly hidden by the dense foliage. long k nown a s D. wallichii.

ROSEMO U N D !Oombeyo s p .), developed in Miami, Florida, from seed s u p posedly from Re­ union, is a s h r u b s maller in stature and foliage than the pink b a l l a n d s howier. Mass plantings love ly in the fa l l .

D I N NE R PLATE T R E E !Pterosper­

mum a c eri lo liuml com mon wild a n d cultivated i n I nd i a a n d B u r m a , is a s l e n d e r but w i n d ­ resista nt tree to 40 f t . o r more. The handsome leaves, from nearly rou n d to spadeli ke a n d u p I a 1 5 i n . long, a re downy and conspicuously pale o n the u nderside, a n d i n Asia a re u sed as plates and roof l i n i n g u nder thatch. The fl owers, frag ra nt even after d ry i n g , a p pear in wi nter, followed by scurfy, woody pods contai n i n g many winged seeds. Raised from a i r­ layers; sometimes in pats . ,

IChiranthode n ­

dro n pen ta d act ylon J is a huge

tree of Mexico a n d Guate mala with leaves 5 Ia 1 2 i n . long, ven erated by the Aztecs a n d noted f o r i t s c u r i o u s fl owers with s h owy, fl n g e r l i ke sta mens (in winter or nearly a l l year). The woody fruit conta i n s g l ossy ck seeds with ora nge arils. The seeds g e r m i n ate readily. B A O B A B !A dansonia digitata) i s

one of the s i g h ts of tropica l Africa. The tree (40 to 70 ft.) may have a tru n k 30 ft. thick, hol low with age a n d used a s a to m b ar water ta n k . Same may be 5,000 years old. The 6- 1 2 i n . leaves a r e s h ed i n w i n ter. S u m ­ mer b r i n g s the dramatic flowers, fol lowed by woody, velvet-cov­ ered pads with d ry, acid p u l p .

A C T I N I D I A F A M I L Y !Actinidiaceael PU RPLE S I MPOH IWormia excel- · sa), one of the m ost beautiful trees of Ma laya (to 80 ft.) has s h i ny leaves (4- 1 2 i n .) and up­ turned, fra g ra n t flowers. Red fruit buds and red arils in the opened, star-shaped fruits are additional showy features.

H O N DAPARA rDillenia in dica) is a 30- to 40-foot tree fou n d wild from India to t h e P h i l i p pines. It has handsome leaves (7- 1 2 i n .), scented flowers a n d is popular a s a n orn a m e ntal. A thick, fleshy ca lyx enve lops the m uc i ­ laginous fruit.

O C H N A FAM I L Y R E D O C H NA (O c h n a mechowiana) is a s m a l l tree of

C H E RRY

Central Africa (to 1 0 ft.). The lovely fl owers open early i n the morn i n g ; lose their petals by noon. The fruits, l i ke those of other ochnas, are attached to very s h owy calyce s .

85

T E A F A M I L Y !Theaceael CAMELLIAS, from Ja pan, Korea a n d C h i n a , a re evergreen s h rubs or trees prized i n g re e n h ouses a n d gardens for the single or double flowers-red , p i n k or wh ite. Camellia japon i ca (to 3040 ft.) best for corsages (Oct.­ April); C . sasa n q ua (to 20 ft.), laster g rowi n g , with s m a l ler blooms (Sept.-Dec.). Grown from cuttings, layers, seeds, g rafts.

M A N G O ST E E N F A M I L Y !Guttiferael PITCH APPLE ICiusia rosea) is a West I n d i a n tree (to 30-60 ft.) with s p rea d i n g branches a n d th ick, rubbery leaves (to 1 0 i n . long), beautiful, waxy flowers, p i n k or w h i te with p i n k streaks, and res i nous, woody fruits. Pop­ ular i n lan dscap i n g , usually tri m med as a shrub. G rown from

86

B I X A F A M I L Y IBixaceael AN NATTO (Bixa o r e /lana }, from

tropical America, i s a s h rubby tree (to 25-30 ft.). Blooms in fa l l ; d u ring winte r bears b u n c h e s of bur- l i ke pods, m a roon-bristled or vivid scarlet. The s m a l l seeds a re coated with ora nge p u l p ru bbed b y I n d i a n s o n their bod­ ies and h a i r and widely used as food coloring. Grown from cut­ tings a n d seeds.

B U T T E R C U P T R E E F A M I L Y !Cochlos permaceael BUTTE R C U P

TREE

!Coch losper­

of Central America, i s a slender tree (to 35 ft.) with deciduous leaves (6-8 in. wide). S i n g l e or double fl ow­ ers g race the bare branches fro m late wi nter t h rou g h spri n g . Pods conta i n white fl os s . Fast g rowi n g from seeds or cuttings. Blooms when only 2-3 ft. h i g h . mum

vitifoliumJ,

F L A CO URTIA

FA M I L Y

(Fiacou rtiaceae) F R I E D EGG TREE IOncoba spi· n as a ), from tropica l Africa, is a

shrub or bushy tree (to 40 ft.), thorny, with everg ree n leaves (to 4 in. long), and fragra n t fl owers in s u m mer. Grown from seeds or cutti ngs. The hard fruits a re edible but sour a n d seedy. Dried, hol lowed-out shells used for s n u ff-boxes and rattles.

T U R N E R A F A M I L Y !Turneraceael B U TTE R FLY TREE IErblichia odo·

S A G E R O S E ITurnera ulmifolial,

native from Mexico to Pa n a m a , is a tree (to 50 fl.) with a lternate leaves ( 2 % -5 in. long), u s u a l ly downy beneath, and handsome, fragrant flowers. Con­ sidered one of the s howiest trees of Central America. The seed· pod i s woody, 1 % i n . long.

native to the West I n dies and tropical Am erica, is a sle nder shrub (2-4 ft.) with attractive, aromatic leaves and s u n n y fl ow­ ers that c l ose at noo n . Bloo m s nearly a l l year. Propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division. The leof i nfusion is a popular Ion ic.

rata),

IPas sifloraceael

PASSION FLOWER vines belon g t o t h e g e n u s Passiflora. O f nea rly 4 00 species, most are South A merica n . They a re ever· green vines that c l i m b by ten· drils. Some a re cultivated for their edible fruits, oth e rs for the ela borate flowers which, to the early S pa n is h explorers, were symbolic of t h e Crucifixion. Gar· d e n favorites i nc l u d e : Blue P.F. P. caeru/ea, with 5-lobed leaves (to 4 i n . wid e), part-parent of many hybrids; P. racem osa, with leaves (3-4 V2 in. wide) mostly 3lobed, and blooms in h a n g i ng cl usters; a n d P. coccinea, with 2- to 3-lobed leaves (to 5 in. wide). Fast- g rowi ng fro m cutti ngs i n rich, moist soil, i n full s u n .

CACTUS FAMI L Y (Cactaceae) e m b races possibly 2 5 g e n e r a a n d 1 , 5 0 0 - 2 , 000 species, so m e i n North A m e r­

ica but m ost from tropical Am erica a n d even the h i g h a ltitudes farther south. They may be terrestria l , s e m i ­ epiphytic o r epiphytic; denizens of a rid reg i o n s or of moist forests. Only o n e genus, Pereskia, h a s conve n ­ tio n a l stem s a n d leaves; o t h e r cacti exhibit a vari ety of for m s-b a rrel-li ke, colu m n a r, ribbed o r d eeply fl uted ; or have fles hy, cyl i n d rical, tri a n g u l a r or fl attened ste m s , s o m e formed of a series of joints o r l i n ks . So m e a re treeli ke; oth e rs c l i m b l i ke vi n es b y m e a n s o f aerial roots . Most cacti store water i n their tissues and have s p i n e s to p rotect them fro m g ra z i n g a n i m a l s . The flow­ ers are often large and beautifu l . Cacti a re slow-g row­ i n g ; p ropa gated by seeds or cutting s . They a r e easily g rafted . Very few a r e toxic . ROSE CACTUS (Pereskio grondi­

GOOSENECK

fol i o J, from Brazil, is a s p i ny s h ru b or tree (6- 1 5 fl.) with fleshy, true leaves (unusual in a cactus) 3-6 in. long. Flowers red or w h i te. Grown for hedges i n South America a n d widely cu ltivated a s o n ornamental.

native fro m Mexico t o Bra z i l , is a c l i m b i n g p l a n t (to 1 0 ft.), e p i p h ytic or sometimes terrestria l , with thin flat s te m s (4-5 i n . wid e). The fragrant fl owers open i n the eve n i ng. Needs moist, rich soil. lum

CACTUS

oxypetolumJ,

!Epiphyl­

N I GHT-BLO O M I N G C E R E U S IHy­

locereus undatus), of

u n known ori g i n , i s widely g rown a n d nat­ uralized i n tropica l and s u btrop­ ical areas. I t i s semi-epiphytic, its tria n g u l a r, jointed, spine­ edged ste m s c l i m bi n g wa l l s and trees by m ea n s of aerial roots . N u m e rous b i g , heavily perf u m ed fl owers open for a s i n g l e n ig ht, i n s u m mer. Bud s cut i n t h e eve­ n i n g will open i ndoors. deep- p i n k fru it has edible flesh. I ND I A N STRAWBE R RY IEchino­ cereus engelmaniiJ, native fro m

Mexico t o Uta h , for m s c l u m ps of e rect, ribbed, spiny ste ms (4 Ia 1 5 i n . hig h). The flowers, j u st below ste m tips, open in day­ time. The fruit is red, ova l, edi­ ble. Grown fro m seed in sandy soil. Needs sem i-shade at fi rst. 91

M E Z E R E U M F A M I L Y (Thymelaceael DA I S (Dais cotinifo/ia), a South Africa n s h ru b or tree (to 25 ft.) h a s deciduous leaves (3-5 i n . long) a n d fragrant flowers i n late spring a n d s u m mer. Propa­ gated by seed or suckers; cut­ tings do not root freely. Fast­ g rowing in full s u n ; bloo m s when o n ly 4 or 5 f t . h ig h .

WRI NKLED G N I D I A (Gnidia op­ positiloliaJ, a native of South Af­ rica, is a moderately branched, erect, heath l i ke shrub (3- 1 2 ft. h i g h ) with s mooth , everg reen leaves ( % in. long) and term i n a l c l usters of flowers i n s u m mer. Abo u n d s along strea m s and marshes.

fPimelea lerru­ ginea), a native of Western Aus­ tralia, i s a n erect, c o m pact shrub (2-4 ft.) with everg reen leaves ( % - % in. long), silky on the u n ­ derside. T h e flowers are pro­ d uced abu ndantly in spring. Very popular i n g reenhouses a n d outdoors in California. Slow g row i n g . Propagated by cutti ngs. Needs s u bacid soil a n d mois­ t u re, drastic cutting back after bloo m i n g . Var. coardica is pros­ trate; has w h i te fl owers. T h i s species l ives l o n g e r than others. R I C E FLOWER

L O O S E S T R I F E F A M I L Y I Lyth racea el C I GAR FLOWER (Cuphea platy­

QUEEN'S

centra), from Mexico, is a shrub­

native from I ndia to Austra l ia , is a broad-topped tree (to 50-80 ft.) with deciduous leaves (5-8 i n . long) a n d erect c lusters of p i n k or lavender flowers. Crape Myr­ tle (L. indica) i s a lovely, flow­ ering s h rub; less tropical.

by plant ( 1 2- 1 5 i n . high) with everg reen leaves ( 1 -3 in. long). The flowers have s h owy, tubular calyces but n o petals. Propa­ gated by seeds, cutti n g s a n d d ivision; n e e d s m o i s t s o i l . I n Ha­ wai i , flowers are used i n leis.

CRAPE

gerstroemia

MYRTLE

speciosa),

P O M E G R A N A T E F A M I L Y I P u n i ca c ea el POMEGRANATE

!Punica grana­

fum), from southern As ia, is a shrub or tree (to 20 ft.) with deciduous leaves ( 1 -3 % in. long), g rown for its brilliant flowers a n d for its fru its (red or yellow) w h i c h a re both dec­ orative and edible. Flowers of some varieties a re double; some red-and-yellow, o r wh ite. Prop­ agated by seed, cutti ngs, layers or g raft i n g . Needs f u l l s u n , dry soi l . May l ive for 200 years.

(La­

BRAZ I L NUT FAM I L Y (Lecyth i d a c ea el CANNONBALL TREE ICouroupita guianensisl, n ative from north­

ern Brazil Ia Trinidad, i s a tree (to 80- 1 00 ft.) with deciduous leaves (to 1 1 i n . lang) and beautiful flowers o n c u r l i n g stems ( t o 7 f t . long) festoo n i n g t h e tru n k fantastica lly a l l t h e w a y to t h e grou n d . The fruits, born e i n g reat n u m bers u n der favora ble conditions, a re un­ pleasantly odoriferous when ripe. (They may req u i re 1 8 mos. to mature.) G rown from seed. M E M B R I LLO IGustavia superbal,

c o m m o n in wet forests of Cen­ tra l America, is a tree (to 45 ft.) with few u p r i g h t bra n ches bear­ ing term i n a l c l u m ps of everg reen leaves (1 Y2 -4 ft. long). T h e flowers cluster near bra n c h e n d s. Fruits, large a n d edible. G rows from cuttings; needs rich soil.

T E R M I NALIA FAM I L Y (Com b r eta ceael S H OWY C O M B R E T U M ICombre­ tum grandiflorum), a native of

West Tropical Africa, is a c l i m bing s h r u b (to 20 ft.) with rou g h leaves (4-6 in. long), downy on t h e u n derside. New g rowth, vivid red in m id-wi nter, adds to the g lory of the flow­ ers. The b u n c hes of winged seeds, turning rosy i n early spring, are also ornamenta l . Fast-g rowi n g f r o m seed i n rich soi l , f u l l s u n . C h i ld re n suck nectar from the blooms.

RANGOON C RE E P E R (Quisqualis

indica), from southeast Asia a n d the E a s t I n d ies, is a l a r g e c l i m b ­ i n g s h r u b ( t o 25 ft.) w i t h decidu­ ous, somewhat h a i ry leaves. When the blades a re shed, their pers istent sta l ks becom e thorns. The fl owers, i n drooping c l u sters, are wh ite when fl rst o p e n , later turn pi n k and then deep red. Fragrant i n eve n i n g . Fast-g row­ i n g fro m cutti ngs, layers or root­ d ivision, in r i c h sail, f u l l s u n . Seeds toxic i n q u a ntity.

M Y R T L E FAM I L Y (Myrtaceae) covers from 75 to 90 g e n era a n d 2, 800 to 3,000 species, chiefly Austra l i a n a n d tropical Ameri ca n . P l a n t for m s r a n g e from pros­

trate s h rubs to lofty trees but are always woody. B a r k of the t r e e s m a y be shaggy or fl a k i n g o ff i n patches, l eavi n g the tru n k two-toned . Leaves are everg reen, usually o p posite, with aromatic oil g l a n d s and often h i g h ly fra g ra n t when crushed . The flowers feature tufts of sta m en s (white, yellow, laven der o r red) and many are h i g hly .attractive. The d ry or fleshy fruits have a s m a l l a pe rture at the a pex, enci rcled by persistent calyx- lobes. I n a d d ition to the classical myrtle (Myrtus communis) of the Mediterranean region, t h e fa m i ly boa sts spice a n d fruit trees l i k e the clove, a l lspice and g u ava, and many splendid o r n a m enta l s such a s t h e euca lypts, w h i c h also furnish val u a b l e ti m ber, g u m , a n d essenti a l oils. E U CALYPTUS i s a g e n u s of

500

or more species from Australia and Malaya, m a i n ly t i m ber trees. You n g leaves oppos ite; old, a lternate. The name refers to the bud-cap which drops off when the flowers open. Most a re non-showy in bloom; a few s pectacu lar. The Redcap Euca­ lyptus IE. erythrocorysJ, 1 5-20 ft. tal l , has cri m so n b ud-caps and golden sta mens. Flame Eucalyp­ tus IE. Rcifo/ia), atta i n i n g 45 ft., is the most orna m ental, with red, wh ite or p i n k flowers in clusters densely set on b ra n c h ends. Popular i n Ca l i fornia; stands salt and wind. The Marri IE. calophyl/o), ra n g i n g up to 1 00 ft. or more, blooms every 3 years . The fl owers are while, pale-yel low, or rose.

96

MYRTLE H EATH 18aeclcia vir· gataJ, fro m Austra l ia a n d New

Caledonia, is a n erect s h ru b (to 8 or 1 0 ft.) with wiry branches and needle- l i k e leaves (¥3-1 i n . long). II bears loose clusters of wh ite or p i n k flowers In spring and s u m mer. Sprays are sold for decoration. Grown from cuttings i n lig ht, sandy soil. SHOWY

BOTTLE B R U S H

(Callis·

lemon speciosusJ, from western

Australia, is a bushy tree (to 20 ft.) with stiff leaves (3-4 i n . long). The flowers a ppear severa l times a year i n dense, cyli n drical s p i kes (the largest among the bottlebru s h es). Seed l i n g s bloom i n 3-6 years; cutti n g s i n 1 year. The tree does best in moist soil. C . vimina/is i s s i mi lar.

IMe/a/euca quinque­ nervia), native fro m Austra l i a to Burma, is a n e rect, slender tree (to 80- 1 00 ft_) with whiti s h , pa­ pery, pee l i n g bark and a romatic leaves (2-8 in. long). Bloo m s m a i n l y i n f a l l a n d early s u m ­ mer. Grown fro m s e e d sown o n water or d a m p soi L Th rives in swa m ps o r o n high grou n d . CAJ E P U T

THYME H O N E Y MYRTLE IMe/a­

/euca thymifo/ia), of New South Wa les, is a dwa rf, much bra n ched s h r u b ( 1 -3 f t . h i g h ) w i t h soft, everg ree n leaves ( 'ti 5 / 8 i n . long) a n d fl uffy balls of red or purple flowers in late s u m mer. Prefers wet soil. M A N U K A TEA TREE llepfosper­

mum scoparium), of Austra l i a a n d N e w Zea l a n d , is a variable, bushy shrub (2-25 ft.) with stiff leaves {IJJ- % in. long) and with s i n g le or double fl owers ra n g i n g fro m w h i te to deep r e d . Grown from seeds or cutti n g s .

ZEALA N D C H R I STMAS NEW TREE (Metrosideros excelsa) is o

broad s h ru b or tree (30-70 ft.) with dark-green , g ray, or varie­ gated leaves ( 1 -4 in. lang). I t is covered with bloom i n s u m mer -Decem ber i n New Zealand. G rows from cuttings (or fro m aerial roots i n wet a reas); sta n ds salt s p ray a n d stro ng winds. DOWNY

MYRTLE

IRh odomyrtus

to mentosa), from Malaya a n d southern A s i a , is a s h ru b (3- 1 0 ft.) with leaves ( 1 % - 2 % i n . l o n g ) velvety w h ite beneath. Blooms p rofusely i n spring. Fruits a re made i nto preserves. Seed l i n g s th rive i n moist soil. MA LAY A P P L E ISyzygium mal­ accensel, of I nd i a and Ma laya,

i s a pyra m i d a l tree (to 30-50 ft.) with l ustrous leaves (9- 1 2 i n . long), widely acclaimed for the bea uty of its foliage, fl ow­ ers a n d edible fru its. Blooms in spring. Fast-grow i n g fro m seed.

99

M E L A S T O M A F A M I L Y IMela stom a c e a e l

SAN

M I G U E L 18/olceo

gracilis),

native to Cosio Rico, is a s h ru b or s mall tree (to 9- 1 3 ft.) with slender branches a n d leathery, 5- nerved leaves ( 2 % -4 i n . long), g lossy a bove a n d rusty- h a i ry on the u nderside. Flowers are born e s i n g ly or i n pairs i n late winter. Raised from cuttings i n peaty, moist soil. The Ja maica Rose 18. trinervio) i s a s i m i lar but c l i m b i n g shrub with 3-nerved leaves, bloo m i n g a l l year.

GLORY B U S H ITibouchino Urvil­ leonoJ, native to Brozil, i s natu­

ra l ized in Hawa i i a n d flourishes i n Central Florida. I t is a s h ru b (5- 25 f t . h i g h ) with 4-sided ste m s and 3- to 7- nerved leaves (3-6 in. long) coated with s i lvery hairs. I n bloom from late s u m ­ mer t o f a l l or all year i n some reg ions. Raised from cuttings or a i r-layers. Needs moist, acid soi l . Variety floribundo blooms very you n g . PINK GLORY B U S H ITibouchina

sellowionoJ, native to the Bra­ zilian stole of Sao Pau lo, is a lovely sight along the streets o n d i n the garde n s of the city of the same n a m e . It is a dense, low-bra nched shrub presenting a m u ltitude of flowers in February, l i g hte n i n g in ton e O S they age. The p urple-flowered T. granu­ losa ond its p i n k form (va riety roseo) bloom in April a n d a re locally called " Fl ower of Lent." Need a b u n dance of water.

OSBECKIA

IOsbeckio

stelloto),

nat ive to I nd i o a n d C h i n o , is a s h r u b (to 7 ft.) with quadra n g u ­ lar bro n c h lets a n d 5-nerved leaves (3-6 i n . long) covered with stiff hairs. The flowers a re borne a few tog ether at the bra n c h tips. This species is best­ known of the 60 or more fou nd from Africa Ia Austra l ia, though several ore g rown i n northern g ree n houses. Propagated by cut­ tings. Needs partial s hade.

M E D I N I LLA IMedin il/o magni­ fico) is a P h i l i p p i n e s h r u b (to 3

ft.) w h i c h has been declared one of the loveliest of tropical g reen house p l a nts. I t h a s 4a n g led ste m s and everg reen , g lossy leaves ( t o 1 ft. lang). The pink or caro l - re d fl owers, i n droo p i n g , term i n a l s prays, a re e n h a n ce d by showy p i n k bracts. G rown fro m seeds o r half-ripe cutti n g s . N e e d s mois­ ture and light but not f u l l s u n .

E V E N I N G P R I M R O S E F A M I L Y IOnag raceael FLAME

F U C H S I A !Fuchsia ful­ gensl, fou n d w i l d in Mexico, i s

a s h r u b (4-6 f t . ) w i t h reddish, succulent bra n c h lets a n d some­ what downy leaves (3-7 in. long). Flowers dongle from leafy bra n c h tips in s u m mer. G rawn from cutti ngs; needs moisture a n d s hade. T h i s s pecies is a paren t of some of the te nder varieties. Mast fuchsias are hardy pla nts, u nsu ited far c u l ­ tivation i n tropical a n d sub­ tropica l c l i mates. 1 01

GI N S E N G FAMILY (Araliaceae) Q U E E N S LA N D

....---•

U M BRE LLA

TREE

from Austra l ia, is a s i ng le- o r m u l ­ ti ple-tru n ked tree (to 5 0 ft.). The g lossy leaves (20-30 i n . w i d e o n sta l k s t o 2 'h ft. long) are com­ posed of 7 to 1 8 oblong leaflets form i n g a paraso l - l i ke roselle. From the top of the tree arises a spectacular whorl of flora l bra n c hes (to 4 ft. long) clothed with small fl owers. Fast- g row i n g f r o m s e e d s or cutti n g s . ISchefflera

actinophyl/a),

R I CE-PAPER PLANT ITetrapanax

fro m southern C h i n a and Formosa, i s a s l e n der­ stem med s h ru b (usually 6-9 ft.) widely a d m i red for its ornate leaves ( 1 - 2 ft. wide), downy­ w h ite beneath . In w i n ter, the s m a l l , w h itish flowers a re d i s ­ played i n a g reat topnotch of sprays, 2-3 ft. long. T h e stem pith is mode i n to rice paper used by Oriental art ists and fashioned i nto artificial flowers. Fast-g rowi n g from suckers . papyriferum),

HE ATH F A M I L Y (Ericaceae) BLACK-EYED H EATH (Erica can­

aliculataJ, from South Africa, is

a n erect s h ru b (3-5 ft.) with ever­ green leaves ( lfa - 'h i n . long), bloo m i n g a l l w i n te r. Grown from seed or cutti ngs i n sun or s hade. Often m i s n a m e d E. melanthera. There are m a n y other species c u ltivated i n cool c l i mates . RHODODE N D R O N is a g e n u s that e m braces a bout 600 species of rhodode n d ro n s and azaleas, the former u s u a l ly evergreen with bel l - l i k e fl owers; the latter deciduous with f u n n elform fl ow­ ers. T h ey o re propagated by cuttings or a i r-layers; need acid soil. R . javanicum, t h e Java Rhod .)d e n d ro n of Malaya , is a n epiphytic s h r u b (to 6 ft.) with leaves (to 7 in. long), scaly be­ low. The fl owers va ry i n color; pale to deep p i n k i s h-cora l . R. japonicum, the Japanese Azalea (to 8 ft.) s h e d s its leaves (2-4 i n .) in wi nter. Flowers may be rose, scarlet

H I LO H OLLY IA rdisia crispa), n ative to southern Asia a n d the East I n d ies, a n d widely c u lti­ vated, is a shrub (Ia 10 ft.) with evergree n , leathery leaves (Ia 3 i n . long) a n d fra g rant, white or p i n k flowers i n term i n a l clus­ ters followed by vivid, waxy fruits w h i c h are sh owy a l l win­ ter. Slow-growi ng from seed; needs partia l sun. Popular a s a potted plant. A. c re n u /ata, often treated a s a d istinct species, is synonymous.

L E A D W O R T F A M I L Y !Pl u m baginaceae) CAPE LEADWORT IP/u mbogo ca­ pensisJ is a South African s h r u b w i t h s l e n d e r s te m s c l i m b i n g t o 1 5 f t . but usually k e p t l o w b y c l i p p i n g . The leaves ( t o 2 i n . l o n g ) a re w h ite-scurfy beneath. O n t h e calyx af the pale-blue or white flowers a re sticky hairs w h i c h a i d seed d i s persal by a d heri ng to coats of a n i ma l s . B e s t propagated b y suckers a r

R E D LEADWORT IP/umbago in­ dica), a native of southern Asia, is a n erect s h r u b (2-4 ft.) with zigzag bra n ches a n d red-tinged leaves (to 8 i n . long). The fl ow­ ers, in term i n a l s p i kes (to 2 ft. in length) vary f ro m purplish­ red to sca rlet. Var. coccineo, with large, vivid blooms, is the most c o m m o n form. Bra n c hes which tou c h g ro u n d ta ke

OLIVE FAM I L Y ARABIAN JASM I N E Uosmin um sambacJ, a native of I n d io , is a semi-c l i m b i n g s h r u b (to 5 ft.) with t h i n , everg reen leaves (1 % 3 i n . long). T h e h i g h ly frag ra nt flowers o re wh ite w h e n first open; gradually turn purplish. Blooms conti n u o u sly i n s u m mer and fa l l . H i n d u people regard the flowers a s sacred; the C h i · n e s e u s e t h e m to flavor tea . Grown from cutti n g s ; prefers d ry soil and full s u n . Gra n d D u ke is pop u l a r double variety. P R I MROSE JASMINE Uosminum m esn y il from we& tern C h i n a , is a ra m b l i n g s h ru b that co n be tra i n ed as a vine (up to 1 5 ft.). It has a rch i n g , 4-sided bra n ches a n d everg ree n , trifoliate leaves, the g lossy leaflets 1 -3 in. long. Slig htly fragrant fl owers o re borne s i n g l y in g reat a b u n d a n ce from w i n ter to s p r i n g . Cut sprays keep well. Raised from cuttings or a i r-layers i n port shade. Tol­ erates d rought. Formerly known as J. primu/i n u m . ,

S T R Y C H N I N E F A M I L Y (Loga n i a c ea el CARO L I NA YE LLOW J ESSAM I NE sempervirens), na­ tive to the southern U n i ted States from V i rg i n ia to Texas and centra l Florida, is a slender, twi n i n g vine (to 20-35 ft.) with everg reen, g lossy leaves ( 1 -4 i n . long). Flowers sweet-scented; midwinter-s p r i n g . G rown fro m cutti ngs i n s u n or semi-shade. Entire plant toxic. IGe/se mium

IFagraea

cochinchi­

n e nsisl, native to Malaya a n d the East I n d ies, is a h a n dsome, conical free (to 1 00 ft.) with leathery leaves (4-6 in. long). I t bears a n abundance of fra­ g ra nt, long-lasting fl owers (up to 1 00 i n a c l u ster) twice a year. Th e s ma l l , b i tter, red ber­ ries are eagerly s o u g h t by flocks of flying foxes (bats). T h e free is prized a s a n ornamenta l a n d f e r its woo d . Of s low g rowth , fro m s e e d s o r cutti ngs. da­

B U TT E R FLY B U S H IB uddl e ia mad­

C h i n a , is a s h r u b ( t o 1 5 f ' - ) with d e c i d u o u s leaves (4- 1 0 i n . long), velvety w h ite beneat h . Fragrant flowers appear from late s u m m e r t h roug h fa ll. G rown from seeds or cutti n g s . V a r . magn ifica is m o s t popular.

agascariensisl, from Madagas­ car, a s h ru b (to 8- 1 0 fl.), has s l i m , w h i te, arc h i n g b ranches a n d eve rgreen leaves (to 6 in. long), d o w n y - w h i t e below. Blooms Janu ary-May. fast - g row­ i n g fro m cutti n g s , in s u n .

S UMMER

L I LAC

vidiil, from

IB uddleia

DOGBAN E FAM I L Y (Apocynaceae) is re ported to i n c l u d e from 1 8 0 to 3 0 0 g e nera a n d 1 ,000 to 1 , 500 species, mostly tropical, a few tem perate . T h ey a re herbs, s h ru b s , vines (often e n o r m ous), a n d trees, h av­ ing mil ky o r c l e a r, g u m my s a p that i n som e is pota b l e , i n o t h e r s m o r e o r less toxic . The l eaves a r e sim ple, e n ­ tire, o pposite o r a ltern ate a n d may be i n whorls of t h ree. The flowers a re 5- or 4 -pa rted; sa lver- or fu n n e l ­ s h a ped . Fruits, fl e s h y or d ry, a re often borne i n pairs . Me m b ers of this family a re ric h i n a l k a loids; the g e n u s Rauwolfia is fa m e d f o r its tra n q uiliz i n g d ru g s; Funtumia is a source of rubber; Dye r a p rovides a chewy s u b ­ sta nce fo r b u b b l e g u m , asbestos a n d linol e u m ; Carissa is u n us u a l in yielding edib l e , pop u l a r fru i t s . Amon g the s h owy species a re some of the most a d mired o r n a ­ m entals o f w a r m a r e a s . WI NTE R S W E ET spectabi/is), from

IAcokanthera

South Africa, is a shrub or s ma l l tree (to 1 5 ft.) with leathery leaves (3-5 i n . long) a n d fra g ra n t flowers i n spri n g . S l ow- g row i n g . Cultivated as an orna mental but all parts, i n c l u d i n g fruits, toxic.

CONFEDERATE JASMINE ITrach­ ;asminoides), from southern C h i n a , is a woody, twi n i n g vine (to 1 0-20 ft.) wili1 everg ree n , thick, g lossy leaves (2-3 in. long). Very fragra nt flowers ore borne i n s u m mer. Slow- g rowing fro m cutti ngs.

elospermum

Y E LLOW

A LLAMANDA (AI/a­ manda cathartica) is a tropical

PURPLE ALLAMANDA (AI/aman­ da violaceaJ, fro m Brazi l , is a

American c l i m b i n g s h r u b (to 40 ft.) with everg reen leaves (to 6 i n . long), b l oo m i n g m ost of year. Variety Hendersoni has large fl owers a n d g lossy, brown buds. G rows fast from cuttings; i n s u n .

slender s h r u b (to 1 0 ft.) with h a i ry leaves (4-6 in. long). Blooms i n fa l l . Slow - g rowi ng, from cuttings. Stro nger if g raft­ ed on Henderson A llamanda. Can be g rown a s com pact vine. H E RALD'S TRUMPET (Beaumontia from I nd i a , is a heavy, woody, twi n i n g v i n e (to 40 ft.) with m i l ky sap a n d con­ s p icuously veined, e v e r g r e e n leaves (6- 1 2 i n . long). The huge flower c l usters a re s pectacular i n spring; popu l a r far c h urch decoration. Propagation easiest by root-cuttings. Fast - g rowing with a m p le water and fee d i n g . N e e d s fu l l s u n . grandiflora),

grondifloro},

MADAGASC A R PER I W I N KLE

a native of South Africa, is a h a n dsome s h ru b (Ia 1 5 ft.) with s h a rp thorns a n d leathery, ever­ green leaves (1 % - 2 i n . long). I t bears fra g ra n t flowers a n d s h owy fru its all year. The cut fruits exude m i l ky sop even when ripe but are edible a n d ag reea ble raw or m a d e i nto preserves. Propagated by seeds, cutti ngs, layers o r g ra ft i n g . Seed l i n g s m a y nat b e a r f r u i t . A n ideal plant for seaside hedges; sta n d s salt s p ray a n d w i n d . Dwarf forms p l a n ted as g ro u n d covers.

(Cothoronthus rose us}, native to

C A R I SSA

(Corissa

C RAPE JASM I N E (frvato mio di­ voricoto}, from I nd i a , is o s h r u b

(4-8 ft.) w i t h g lassy, everg reen leaves (3-6 in. long) and m i l ky sop. The fl owers (all s u m mer), s i n g l e or double, o re fragrant at n i g ht. Seedpods ( 1 -3 i n . lang) i n pairs, a re g reen outside, scarlet with i n ; s p l i t open when ripe; rarely p rod uced i n culti- · votion . Propagation is by lay­ ers or cutti ngs. Prefers full s u n .

t ropical America, is a pere n n i a l h e r b (to 2 - 3 ft.) w i t h s mooth leaves ( 1 -3 in. long), bloo m i n g a l l year. The fl owers a r e w h ite or p i n k, some with a dark red eye. Widely c u ltivated and nat­ uralized. Long used i n folk med­ icine, it has recently become of i m portance as source of drug for treat i n g l e u k e m ia .

O LEANDER

(Neri u m oleander), from the Med i terranean reg ion i s a n erect, m a ny-ste m m e d shrub (to 20 ft.) with stiff, evergreen leaves (4-8 in. long). The fra­ g rant, s i n g l e o r dou ble, wh ite, pink o r red flowers, are contin· uaus fro m spring through fa l l . Grown fro m cutti ngs. T h o u g h the oleander is the m o s t popu lar ornamental of all warm areas, a l l pa rts are h i g h ly poisonous .

YELLOW

OLEA NDER (Thevetia peruviana), a tropical A m erican shrub or s m a l l tree ( 1 2-20 ft.) has evergreen leaves (to 6 i n . long), s h i n i n g a bove , d u l l below. Bloo ms all yea r. The 4-sided fruit conta i n s a s mooth, b rown stone, often cal led " l u cky n ut," stru n g i n n e c klaces or carried as a charm. Grown fro m seeds or cutti ngs. May be c l i p pe d a s a hedge. Al l parts tox ic.

NOSEGAY FRANGIPANI (P/um erio rubraJ, native from Mexico to the G u i a n a s , is a tree (to 25 ft.) with copious m i l ky sap, stubby bra n c hes, a n d h a n d ­ some leaves ( t o 1 8 i n .) s h e d i n a reas w i t h d ry winters. Flowers ore p i n k , red or yel low; i n vari­ ety acutifolia, com mon i n I n dia a n d Hawa i i , wh ite with yel low eye. After d ry i n g , large cutti ngs root easi ly, bloom soon .

WH ITE FRANGIPANI (P/ u m e ria obtusa}, n a t i v e to the W e s t I n ­ dies, is a m a ny-ste m m ed s h r u b or tree (to 1 8 f t . ) w i t h ever­ green leaves (6-8 in. long) a n d flowers a l l year. Another w h i te­ flowered West I n d ia n s pecies is P. alba, a tree (to 20 ft.), its leaves (to 1 5 i n . long) having recurved m a rg i n s a n d whitish down o n the u n ders i d e . Both flourish i n very d ry reg ions.

M I L K W E E D FAMI L Y (Asclepia d a ceae) e m b races about

3 20 g en e r a and from 1 , 700 to 2,000 species, a few tem perate, the m a jority tropical a n d pri m a rily from South Africa . I n the m ain, they a re climbing s h ru b s or vin es, but t h e r e a re a l so peren nial h erbs, so m e succulent a n d leafless, resem bling ca cti; a n d m ost have m u c h milky latex. Typical l eaves a re sim p l e , entire, op posite. The flowers a re t u b u l a r o r fu n n el - like and 5 - pa rted . General ly, the fruit is a d ry seed pod (bo r n e sin g l y or in pairs), s p littin g and releasing seeds usually tip ped with s i l ky h airs . So m e mil kwe e d s h ave useful pro d u cts but the best k n own a re o r n a m enta l s . BU TTE R F LY WEED (Asclepias curassavica!, native to tropical America, is widely natura l i zed and cu lt ivated . I t is an e rect, peren n i a l herb (2-5 ft. h ig h ) with s m ooth leaves (2-6 i n . long) a n d conspicuous fl owers (sum­ mer-fa l l i n Ca lifornia; all year i n Gulf States). Its seed pods conta i n floss used for stuffi n g . The plant is a host to the mon­ arch bu tterfly but tox i c to l i ve­ stock. I t is m uc h used in tropical fo l k medicine. May be g rown from seeds or cutt i n g s . W H I TE BLADDER-FLOWER IArau· ;;a sericofera), from southern Bra z i l a n d Peru, is a woody, twi n i n g vine (to 20-30 ft.) with downy ste m s and everg reen leaves (2-4 in. long) downy­ wh ite beneath. The waxy, fra­ grant fl owers a p pear co n t i n u ­ o u s l y f r o m s p r i n g t h rou g h fa l l . Fast- g rowi n g fro m seeds i n part shade. Needs s pace. Escapes fro m c u l tivation i n Cal iforn ia. U n pleasant odor w h e n crushed .

GIANT

M I LKWEED ICo lo tr op is proceroJ, native from West Trop­ ical Africa to I n d i o , is o pole,

conspicuous shrub or tree (to 1 8 ft.) with m i l ky so p o n d t h i c k , rubbery ste m s a n d leaves ( t o 1 2 i n . long). I t is everbloo m i n g , th rives o n a r i d coasts, w h o l ly i m pervious to salt s pray o n d w i n d . G rown f r o m seeds or c ut­ tings. c. giganteo is s i m i l a r b u t hos poi n ted leaves. Bath yield seedpod floss a n d bark fiber. All p o rts of the plants variously used i n fol k medicine. GOLDEN H O R N ITavoresio gra n ­ difl o roJ, from southwest Africa, is a leafless plant with s u c c u l e n t ste m s ( t o 8 i n . h i g h ), h a v i n g 1 01 4 verti cal ribs bearing bris­ tled teeth. H a ndsome, dow n ­ word-poi nting flowers (3 % -5 % i n . long) ore borne ot the bose of young ste m s or bra n c hes i n s u m mer. Grown from seed o n d sometimes g rafted o n to t h e Car­ rion Flower. Needs f u l l sun a n d d ry s o i l ; rots q u ickly if da m p .

MADAGASCAR ICryp to ste gio

RUBBER

VINE

modogoscoriensis)

is a c l i m b i n g s h r u b from Mada­ gascar with m uc h m i l ky latex and g lossy, leathery leaves (25 in. long). Blooms all year in Florida. The very s i m i l a r Palay Rubbervi ne (C. gran difloro), com mon in Mexico, California a n d dry i s l a n ds of the tro p i cs, hos leaves that are h a i ry when you n g , a n d larger o n d paler fl owers. Bath o r n a m ental

BRIDAL BOUQUET (Stephanotis florib u n dal, from Madagascar, is a twi n i n g vine (to 1 2 ft.) with e v e rg re e n , g lossy, leathery leaves (to 4 i n . long) a n d a n abundance o f fragrant, waxy fl owers a l l s u m mer. They a re prized for wed d i n g s a n d cor­ sages. Propagated by seed (fro m pod to 4 in. long) or cuttings. Slow - g rowing; needs acid soi l , s o m e shade when young. CARRION FLOWE R IStapelia giganteal, from southern Africa, i s o leafless plant with mony erect, succulent, a n g led ste m s (6-8 i n . ta l l o n d l !h i n . thick) which m u ltiply a n d cover a large plot of g rou n d . T h e h a i ry flow­ ers occur severa l ti mes a yea r a n d e m i l on u n pleasant odor. Propagated by division; g rows in rich soil but may even be fou nd on roc k.

C H R I STMAS V I NE !Parana pan­ iculataJ, a native of I n d ia, is a woody, twi n i n g vine (to 40 ft.), the you ng ste m s and the leaves (3-6 in. long) m i n utely h a i ry. I t festoo n s ta l l trees a n d is a mass of fl owers in early w i n ter. S p rays are used for c h u rch dec­ oration. Fast-g rowing from seeds or cutti ngs. WOO LLY M O R N I N G - G L O R Y I n d ia, i s a heavy, twi n i n g vine (to 25 ft.) with downy wh ite s te m s a n d everg ree n leaves (4- 1 2 i n . long) conspicuously velvety w h ite o n the u n derside. Bloo m s i n late s u m mer. The attractive seed capsule, ca l l e d " baby wood­ rose," is used for corsages a n d f o r earri n g s i n Hawa i i .

!Argyreia nervosa), from

MOONFLOWER !Calonyction ac­ fou n d wild i n the tropics a n d South Florida, i s a herbaceous, ofte n prickly, vine (to 30 ft.) with s i l ky leaves (3-8 in. long). Fra g ra n t fl owers open at n i g ht, all s u m mer. Very fast­ g rowi ng from seeds. u/eatumJ,

1 15

WOOD ROSE (ip o m oea tube­ rosa), of tropical A m erica, i s a slender, aggressive v i n e with s mooth leaves (3-8 i n . wide). Flowers a p pear i n fa l l and the handsome seedpods i n spring. Grows fast from seed i n full sun, s h ro u d i n g bushes and trees. Pods, papular for decora­ tion, ore long - lasti n g . T h e large tuber is edible.

P R I N C E ' S VINE Opomoea h o r s ­ falliaeJ, native to the West I n ­ d ies, is a sem i-woody v i n e (to 40 ft.) rising from a large tuber. The leaves (3-4 in. long) ore dark and g l ossy; the fl owers lus­ tro u s and a b u n d a n t in fa l l a n d w i n ter. Variety Briggsii is most prized. Seeds someti mes lac king; cutti ngs h a rd to root.

1 16

BUSH

M O R N I NG-GLORY llpo­ moea crassicau /is) is fou n d w i l d

TREE

a n d c u ltivated from Mexico t o Peru a n d i s c o m mon i n West I n d i a n gardens. It is o n erect s h r u b (6-8 ft.) with everg reen leaves (5- 1 0 i n . long). Delicate flowers open in morn i n g , close i n afternoon, a l l yea r. Long cuttings root q u i ckly.

m oea wolcottianaJ, native to southern Mexico, i s a tree (to 30 ft.) with intertwi n i n g bra n c h ­ es a n d d e c i d u o u s leaves (3-5 i n . long). Flowers o p e n i n s u cces­ sion for severa l weeks i n m i d ­ wi nter. N e w foliage emerges i n spri n g . Propagated b y seeds . Cuttings relucta nt t o root.

L I TTLE BLUE HAT Uacquemontia pentanth aJ, of tropical America

a n d the Florida Keys, i s a slender, herbaceous, twi n i n g vine ( t o 1 0 fl.) w i t h everg reen leaves (2 i n . long). The fl owers (rare ly wh ite) sta n d out in loose cl usters i n s p r i n g and s u m m e r. In variety canescens, the plant is coated with m i n ute brown hairs . Grown from seeds or cuttings i n part i a l shade.

M O R N I NG-GLORY

(Ipo­

P H L O X F A M I L Y ! P o l em o n i a c e a el V I OLET IVY (Cobaea scandens},

from Mexico, is a woody vine (to 25 fl.) with compou nd leaves t i p ped with bra n ched tendrils (leaflets to 4 in. long). Flowers l i g h t or d a r k p u rple or wh ite, fro m s u m mer to fa l l . Fast- g row­ ing fro m seeds in moist soil, s u n , or s h a d e . Often ca lled

WA T E R L E A F F A M I L Y ! Hydro p h yl l a c ea el BORRAJ O N

IWigandia

caras­

native fro m Mexico Ia Col o m b i a , is a h a i ry s h ru b ( 1 01 5 ft.) with h a n d so m e leaves (to 1 8 in. long) bea ring g l isten­ i n g hairs that may i rritate the s k i n . T h e one-sided, curv i n g flower-spikes a p p e a r i n s u m ­ m e r . Sprea d i n g by s u c kers, the plant forms c l u m ps i n moist or d ry soil.

cana},

H E L I O T R O P E F A M I L Y !Borag inaceael G E I G E R TREE (Cordia sebestenaJ,

n ative to the West I n dies a n d Florida Keys, is a tree (to 3 0 ft.) with rou g h l eaves (4-8 i n . l o n g ) a n d ora n g e or d a r k red fl owers all year. Seed e n c losed i n fleshy, w h ite, edible calyx. Slow - g rowi n g from seeds or cut­ tings. Named by A u d u bo n for John Geiger, his host, a Key West p i l ot and "wrecker." TEXAS OLIVE (Cordia boissieriJ,

from Mexico a n d western Texas, is a bushy s h ru b o r tree (to 25 ft.) with rou g h , a romatic leaves (3-5 in. long). Flowers in spring a n d s u m m e r or nearly all year. Red d ish-brown fruit ( 1 - 1 'A i n . long), sweet a n d edible whe n cooked. Grown from seeds; blooms when very you n g .

ANAQUA (Ehretia elliptical, n a ­ tive t o Mexico a n d western Tex­ as, is a bushy tree (to 45 ft.) with a r c h i n g bra n ches and rou g h leaves ( 1 -2 112 i n . long). T h e fl ow­ ers cover the tree like s now, m a i n l y i n fa l l o r early w i nter, and are succeeded by an e q u a l p rofusion of sweet, e d i b l e ber­ ries. Ea sily g rown from seed.

V E R B ENA

FAM I L Y (Verb e n a ceae) conta i n s 75- 1 00 g enera a n d over 1 , 300 species of herbs, s h r u b s a n d trees, m a i n ly su btropical o r tropical i n orig i n . Leaves, often hig h ly a romatic, are u s u a l ly opposite, sometimes whorled o r a lternate. Flowers a re s m a l l , 4 - to 5-lobed, in clusters. Fruit i s a drupe, berry, o r c a p s u l e . Aside fro m tea k, few m e m bers a re of outsta nding econo m i c the m a j o rity a re orn a m enta l . ·

BLUE

G LORYBOWER (C/eroden ­ drum myricoides), f r o m tropical

Africa, i s a c o m pact s h ru b (Ia 8 fl.) with everg reen leaves (to 5 i n . lang), h a i ry beneath. Flowers in term i n a l s p rays in fa l l , fal­ lowed by black berries. Fast­ rowing in full s u n ; best on moist soi l . So-ca lled C. ugan· dense is probably a variety. PAGODA

FLOWE R (C/eroden­ drum pan icu/atum), n ative fro m

Malaya t o C h i n a , is a s h r u b (56 ft.) with long-stal ked l eaves (8· 1 2 in. long). The s e n sational, e rect fl ower c l u sters (to 1 8 i n . tal l ) a p pear t h roughout s u m ­ m e r . G rown from mature ste m c utti n g s or root s u c kers. T h rives in full sun or partia l shade.

thomsoniae), from tropical West

indicu m), a n ative of the East

Africa, is a c l i m b i n g , twi n i n g s h r u b (to 1 5 ft.) w i t h everg ree n leaves (to 6 i n . long). Blooms i n s u m mer. Crimson fl owers p ro­ trude from i n fl ated calyces, at first w h ite, later p u r p l i s h . Fro m seed or cuttings i n moist soil, partial shade.

I nd ies, is a s l e n d e r s h ru b (to 9 ft.) with erect, 4-s ided ste m s a n d evergreen leaves (to 6 i n . long). T h e flowers (late s u m m e r a n d fall) a r e s u cceeded b y blue fruits seated o n waxy, red ca· lyces. Fast - g rowing from seeds i n part shade; forms patches.

S H O W E R-OF-O RCH I D S

fCongea

tomentosoJ, from southern Asia,

i s a m a ssive, downy, c l i m b i n g s h r u b w i t h roug h leaves (to 7 i n . long). T i n y fl owers nest i n velvety bracts, i n charming sprays (winter t h r o u g h spring). Grows fro m c uttings, i n f u l l s u n .

1 21

GOLDEN DEWDROP IDuranta re ­ pen s) a native of tropical Amer­ ica, is a bushy s h rub or s m a l l tree (to 1 8 f'-) w i t h s l i m d roop­ ing, ofte n thorny, b ranches a n d evergreen leaves ( 1 -4 i n . long). The blue (or white) fl owers (spring a n d s u m m er) a re fol­ lowed by long-lasti n g , showy fruits, u n wholesom e for h u ma ns but eaten by birds. Grows fast from seeds or cuttings, i n s u n . ,

C H I NESE H A T PLANT IHolmskiol­

di a sanguinea), fro m the H i ma­ laya n reg ion, i s a large s prawl­ ing or c l i m bi n g s h r u b (to 1 5-30 ft.) with slender, arc h i n g branches, droo p i n g to the g ro u n d , and everg reen leaves ( 1 -4 in. long). The slende r, tubu­ lar flower rises fro m a longer­ lived, saucerl i ke calyx. Massed on bra n c h e n d s ; conspicuous a l l wi nter. Grown f r o m cutti ngs, suckers, g ro u n d - or a i r- layers. Bloo m s in s hade; becom e s red­ der i n s u n .

TREE IGmelina arboreal, f ro m the East I n d ies, i s a tree (to 8 5 ft.) with decidu­ ous leaves (4- 1 0 i n . long), vel­ vety beneath. Blooms i n s u m mer. Fast - g rowi n g (6- 1 0 ft. a year) from cutti ngs, in moist soi l . Val­ ued for shade and t i m ber. SNAPDRAGON

QUEEN'S WREATH (Petrea volu­ bi/is), from tropical America, is a woody, twi n i n g vine (to 25 II.) with stiff, rou g h leaves (to 6 i n . long). Blooms through s p r i n g a n d s u m mer. T h e dark p u r p l e fl owers soon fa l l , but the lavender caly­ ces a re long - lasti n g . Grown from laye rs or suckers i n sun or par­ tja l shade. Tolerates d ryness but becomes much more s h owy o n

1 23

1 60 g enera a n d 3,000 species, m ost ori g i n a t i n g i n tem perate Asia a n d the Mediterra n e a n reg ion a n d h i g h elevati o n s of the subtropi cs. They a re nea rly all herbs ( a n n u a l or pere n n ia l ) or s h ru bs, typically with q u a d ra n g u l a r ste m s . leaves are o pposite o r i n whorls. Flowers s m a l l , tubular, usu a l ly 5-, seldom 4 - , lobed, a n d in e rect ter m i n a l

M I N T FAMILY (labiatae) enfolds at least

s p i k e s o r axillary clusters. Fruit 4-seeded . Many species a re i m porta nt fl avori n g a n d m e d i c i n a l herbs and g a r­ den flowers. W h i l e a n u m ber m a y be g rown as orna­ mentals i n the tropics or subtropics, o n ly a few a re best suited to warm a reas. L I O N ' S EAR ILeonotis leonurusJ,

OVAL-LEAVED MI NTBU S H IPro­

fro m South Africa, is a s h r u b by p l a n t (2-7 ft. h i g h ) with downy leaves (2-5 in. long), everg reen i n warm areas. The fl owe rs (ora nge or, in one variety, white) conti n u e for weeks in fa l l a n d e a r l y winter. They l a s t we l l i n bouquets if the ste m s a re crushed to ta ke up water. Grown fro m seed or division; in moist soil, full s u n .

stanthero ovalifo/ia), a n ative of Queensland a n d New South Wa les, is a sprea d i n g , sweetly aromatic s h ru b (6-8 ft. h i g h ) with fa irly t h i c k, g ray-green leaves (to % in. long). Blooms p rofusely i n s p r i n g . A very popular orna­ menta l i n its homela n d . Readily g rown from cutti ngs. Pru ned back after flowering for compact g rowt h .

•

MEXI CAN

BUSH

SAGE

(Salvia

leucanthaJ, from central Mexico, i s a s h r u b by p l a n t (Ia 2 ft. h i g h), wool ly-white on its you ng bra nches and u n derside of leaves (2-7 in. long). Flowers (i n 6- to 1 0- i n . s p i kes) borne in late s u m mer. From cuttings. S A G E (S a lvia sesseiJ, from Mexico, i s a s h r u b (8- 1 5 ft. hig h), its leaves (2-5 i n . long) dotted with yellow glands on the u n derside. The fl owers (su m m e r­ foil) a re downy; t h e equally col­ orfu l calyces, s m ooth . Fast g rower; pruned after bloom i n g .

DOWNY

I BOZA flboza ripariaJ, from South Africa, is a soft-wooded deciduous plant (to 1 2 fl. h i g h ) w i t h aromatic leaves ( 1 - 2 i n . l o n g ) , b l a n keted with fl owers i n fa l l . Ra pid - g rowi n g fro m cut­ tings. Bloo m i n g with i n a yea r. Needs post-bloom p r u n i n g .

1 25

TOMATO FAM I L Y (Solanaceae) e m b races about 75

g e n era and over 2,000 species scattered over the tropic a l a n d temperate zones. The plants range from low herbs to woody vines, s h rubs a n d s m a l l trees, m a ny h a i ry or spi ny. leaves, u s u a l ly a ltern ate, m ay be s i m ­ ple or compou n d . Flowers, often l a rg e a n d h a n d so m e, are m a i n ly tu b u l a r or fu n n el-shaped a n d typically 5 lobed w i t h 5 -lobed calyces. Fruits a re dry o r fleshy, conta i n i n g m a ny seed s . There are so m e notoriously poisonous p l ants in this fa m i ly, such as J i m sonweed and Belladon n a , a s well as toba cco a n d i m porta nt food c rops-principa l ly potato, tom ato, eggplant and peppers. The s howiest of the o rn a m entals a re tropical and subtropica l . LA DY-O F-TH E - N I G H T ! B r u n fe lsi a american a), a native of the West I n d ies, i s an erect s h r u b (to 8 ft.) with na rrow or broad leaves (2-4 i n . long). The flowers ap­ pear severa l t i m e s a yea r, in ra i n y periods, and a re enchant­ i n g ly fragrant at n i g ht. They c h a n g e from w h ite to yel low with age. Grown from seeds or cutt i n g s in semi-shade. Variety p ube sce n s bloo m s heavily. NIGHT

J E SSAM I N E

1 26

is

ICestrum

a West I n dian shrub (to 1 2 ft.) with slender, d roo p i n g bronchei a n d ever­ g reen leaves (4-8 i n . long). Blooms at n i g ht, several ti mes a year, e m itting a h eavy per­ f u m e . The scent and w h i te ber­ ries are narcotic, the p l a n t tox ic to g raz i n g a n i m a l s . Fast - g row­ i n g from seeds or cutti ngs. Day Jessa m i n e IC. d i u r n u m ), with dark purple fruits, is also tox ic. nocturnumJ

YE STERDAY, TODAY AND TO­ MORROW !Brunfelsia latifolia),

from tropical A merica, i s a s h r u b (2-5 ft. h i g h ) with s l i m bra nches a n d leaves (6-7 i n . long), s mooth a bove, slig htly downy below. Flowers (spri n g ­ s u m mer) a re fragrant in day­ t i m e . They a re lavender w h e n fi rst o p e n , f a d e to w h ite i n 3 doys. Slow-g row i n g from layers; i n full sun or partial shade. PU RPLE J E SSAM I NE ICestrum purpure um}, from Mexico, is a n

a l m ost ever- bloo m i n g , c l i m b i n g s h ru b (5- 1 2 f t . h i g h ) w i t h ve l ­ vety, d roop i n g b ra n c h es and downy leaves (2 % -5 i n . long). Fru its a re red d i s h - p u rple (to V. i n . wide) a n d devo u red by birds, as o re those of oth e r cestru ms desp ite their tox icity to m a n . Grown from s e e d s or cutti n g s i n partial shade. Variety Smithii has rase-col ored bloo ms.

lady-of-the-Night

Yesterday, Taday a n d Tomorrow

A N G E l ' S TRUMPET (Datura can ­

dida), native to s o u t h e r n Mexico

and Central A merica, i s a s h r u b (8- 1 5 f t . ) with somewhat downy leaves (to 16 in. long). F lowers (so m et i m es doub le), borne m ore than once a year, are stro n g ly sweet-scented . If fru it develops, it is s mooth and cyl i ndrical. Cuttings root easily. A popu lar but tox i c plant. Freq uently mis­ na m ed D . arborea. Also ofte n confused with t h e s i m ilar D. suaveolens. T h e pea c h-colored a n g e l ' s tru m pet ID. m ol /is) is fro m Ecuador. Bot h t h i s species a n d D . candida bloom at least t h ree or four ti mes each year. 1 28

(Datura san­ Per u , is a tree· l i ke s h r u b (8- 1 5 ft.) with ter­ m i n a l c l u sters of h a i ry leaves (to 7 i n . long). Flowers nea rly everbloo m i n g , are u nscented. T h e seed pod (to 3% in. long) is yellow a n d s moot h . Usually g rown from seeds as cutt i n g s n o t e a s y to root. Hard ier t h a n the A n g e l ' s Tru m pet; often see n in gardens in Mexico C ity a n d Cal ifor n i a . Does best i n sandy soi l . Seeds a re n a rcotic. T h ey ore used in Peru to make a n a r­ cotic d r i n k w h i c h causes m a n i a if t a k e n i n e x c e s s . A n ointment is mode from the leaves. SCA RLET DAT U RA

guinea}, from

DEVI L'S

TRUMPET

(Datura

me­

te/), from

I n dia, is a n herba­ ceous shrub (4-5 ft. ta l l ) with smooth leaves (7-8 in. long). The u pturned fl owers may be s i n g l e , double or triple, w h ite, wh ite- a n d - p u rple, or yellow. G rows from seeds (freely pro­ d u ced) or cuttings os a n a n n u a l i n northern gardens. Long u s e d i n Old W o r l d f o r i ntoxication a n d cri m i n a l paha n i n g . DOWNY

TOBACCO

tomentosaJ, a

(Nicotiana

native of Brazil, is a s e m i -woody, downy b u s h ( 1 0-20 f t . h i g h ) with e rect, red­ dish ste m s and h a ndsome leaves ( 1 %-3 ft. lang), red -purple when you ng; i n one variety, mottled yel low. The flowers, i n ter m i n a l s prays, open i n the eve n i n g a n d a re very fra g rant. Graws fast seed.

P U RPLE

TOBA C C O

1/ochromo

/anceo/atu mJ, from Ecuador, is a

soft-wooded s h r u b (4- 8 ft. h i g h ) w i t h h a i ry bra n c hes a n d ever­ g reen leaves (to 6 in. long), h a i ry on the u n derside. Bears a succession of downy fl owers a l l s u m mer. Grows ra p i d l y from seeds or cutt i n g s , with plentiful moisture. Prefers s u n .

1 29

C HA L I C E V I N E (Solandra nitidaJ,

native to tropica l Mexico, is a woody, h i g h-cl i m b i n g v i n e with aerial roots a n d g l ossy, ever­ green leaves ( 2 % -4 in. lang). Blooms from autu m n t h rou g h spri n g . Flowers very fragrant; are ivory wh i te at fl rst; turn rich yel low before fa l l i n g . Grown f r o m cutti n g s .

CUP FLOWER INierembergia h ipp o m a n ica) , from Argentina, is a pere n n i a l herb with stiff, erect, h a i ry ste ms (to 1 ft.) and hairy leaves (to % in. long). Flowers a re wh ite-a nd-pink, or i n most popular form, variety violacea (syn . N . caerulea), vio· let- b l u e . Grown from c utti n g s .

W H I T E C U P INiere mbergia r e ­ pens), fro m Argentina, C h i l e a n d Uruguay, is a creep i n g p l a n t (to 6 i n . h i g h ) . Stems root at j o i n ts, form dense mats. Leaves s m ooth ( 1 in. long). Flowers (sum mer) sometimes tinged rose or blue. Grown by ste m -division i n moist soil a n d f u l l s u n .

POTATO T R E E !Solan u m macran­ th um), native to B ra z i l , is a soft­

wood ed, brood-topped tree (to 30-40 ft.). leaves (to 1 5 i n . l o n g ) are everg ree n , downy, w i t h pro m i n e n t , prickly v e i n s be­ neath . Flowers (a l l year) i n ­ crease i n size a n d fade i n color as they age, various s h a d e s p r e s e n t at t h e s a m e t i m e . Fru its abundant (1 % - 2 in. wide). Grows ra pidly from seeds or cutt i n g s ; dies after 4 years. Needs partial shade.

MARRIAGE VINE !Solanum wen dlan diiJ, from Costa Rica, is

a woody, twi n i n g vine (to 50 fl.). leaves (to 10 i n . l o n g ) decid­ uous i n California, vary i n g from simple to c o m p o u n d with 1 to 7 lobes; m i drib a n d leafsta l k hove recu rved prickles on u n ders i d e . B l o o m s f r o m s u m m e r t h ro u g h fall or nearly a l l year i n tropics. Fruits ovo id (to 3 i n . wide). Fast-g row i n g (as much as 15 ft. in a season) i n full sun or part shade with m u c h moisture.

BRAZ I LIAN N I GHTSHADE (So­ lanu m seaforthianum), p roba bly native to Bra z i l , i s widely cul­ tivated i n wa r m a reas; r u n s wild i n Austra l i a . It is a t ra i l i n g or c l i m b i n g woody vine (to 1 0- 1 8 ft.) with s l e n der ste m s a n d s m ooth leaves (4- 8 i n . long), mostly d ivided i nto 3-9 deep a n d i rreg u l a r lobes or leaflets. The flowe rs (white i n va r. a/bum) a n d t h e g lossy fru its hang in a x i l lary cl usters from late win­ ter throu g h s p r i n g . V i n e i s fast­ g rowing from seeds or cuttings; beg i n s to bloom w h e n very you n g . Needs rich soil, f u l l s u n . The berries a r e devou red by birds but sometimes i n toxicate t h e m and have poisoned pou ltry a n d c h i l d re n . MARMALADE

BUSH (Strepto­ of Colo m bia a n d Ecuador, i s a hairy s h ru b w i t h a r c h i n g branches a n d ever­ green leaves (1 % - 2 i n . long). Flowers i n term i n a l clusters m a i n ly i n s u m mer. Grows fast from cuttings i n a moist soil and full s u n . Short - l ived.

solen

1 32

;amesonii,

F I G W O R T F A M I L Y CScro p h u l a ri a c ea el F I RECRACKER

P LANT

(R usselia

native to Mex­ ico, is a b u s h y plant (to 4 ft.) having n u m erous s l i m , 4-angled, g reen, arch ing bra n c h es. Leaves are few and m i n ute o r scale­ l i ke. Bloo m s continuously. G rown from cutt i n g s or by d ivision. Pla nted i n full s u n a s a soft hedge or deep g round cover, especia l l y on s l opes. Also used i n planters or baskets. Drought­ res ista nt but lusher i f watered m oderately. equisetiformisJ,

CAPE

FUCHSIA

(Phygelius ca­

from South Africa, is a bushy s h ru b (4- 1 0 ft. h i g h ) w i t h s mooth, h e rbaceous, q u a d ­ ra n g u l a r, purple bra n c h e s a n d everg reen leaves (2-3 i n . long). The flowers range fro m cora l to cri m son and a re present i n fa l l or nearly a l l year i n tropics. Grawn fro m seeds or cuttings i n f u l l s u n o r p a r t shade. Droug ht­ resista nt. African natives re­ gard it a s a m a g i c plant, af­ ford i n g protection fro m harm. pensisJ,

TEXAS

S I LV E R LE A F (Leucophyl­ lum frutescensJ, n ative to west­

ern Texas and n orthern Mexico, is a s h ru b (to 8 ft. h i g h), its ste m s and leaves (1 in. long) with w h itish coated down. Bloo m s i n spring a n d may con­ tinue all s u m mer. Propagated by cutti ngs and th rives i n f u l l s u n i n a rid reg ions, o r i n h u m i d c l i mates on l i mestone s o i l with good d ra i nage. Needs no care. May be l i g htly pruned. Mexican name is "Cenizo" (as hes).

BIGNONIA

FAMILY ( B i g n o n i aceae) i n cl u d e s about 1 00 g e n era and over 600 species ra n g i n g from tro p­ ical to tem p erate c l i m ates. They a re p ri m a ri l y trees, s h r u b s and woody vines, only a very few bei n g herba­ ceous plants. Leaves are usually opposite, occasionally a lternate, m ostly compou n d . Flowe rs a re tubular o r b e l l - s h a ped, generally l a rg e a n d colorfu l , i n cl usters . Seedpod n early a lways 2-celled, s p litti n g o p e n , re­

leasing flat, winged seeds (see Afri can Tulip, Spatho ­ dea, p . 1 3 8 ) . Nota ble exceptions are the ca n d l e trees (Parmentiera) with fleshy fruits, the wel l - k n own c a l a b a s h

trees (Crescentia) w i t h fl e s h y , h a rd - s h e l l e d fruits used for m a racas, and the Sausage Tree (Kigelia, p. 1 3 6) with curious woody fruits . CREEP E R

SEEM TREE ITecomel/a undulatal,

ICampsis grandiflora), from C h i ­

native from Arabia to I n dia, is a stiff s h r u b or ta ll-trun ked tree (to 30-40 ft.) with nearly ever­ g ree n , m i n utely h a i ry leaves (to 5 in. long). Bloo m s i n spring. Grown fro m seeds or cutti ngs. I t tolerates d rou g h t a n d is fi re­ resista nt. Handsome wood is prized for cabinetwork.

C H I NESE

TRUMPET

n a a n d Japa n , i s a woody, c l i m b i n g s h r u b (to 20-30 ft.) with deci duous, compound leaves (leaflets 1 % -3 in. long). Scarlet o r ora n g e fl owers, some red­ striped i n t h roat, a re borne a l l s u m mer. Propagated b y seeds, cuttings, or raots u c kers.

CAT'S CLAW IDoxantha unguis­ coli), native from Argentina to the West I ndies, is a slender­ ste m med vine (to 25-40 ft.) with everg ree n , co m p o u n d leaves (leaflets to 3 in. long) ti pped with clawlike tendrils. Flowers for 3-4 weeks i n spring. Fast­ g rowi ng from seeds, layers or cutti ngs. Th rives i n full s u n . M A N G R O V E TRUMPET TREE IDolicha n dron e spathaceaJ, na­ tive from I n d i a t h roug h the East I ndies to New G u i nea, is a tree (to 45-60 ft.) with decid­ uous, co mpound leaves (leaflets 3-6 in. long). Very frag ra nt flowers (in spring) open at n i g h t a n d fall i n e a r l y morn i n g , car­ peting the g rou n d . G rown from seeds (in s l e n d e r pods to 1 8 i n . long). T h rives o n seashores a n d i n coastal swa m p s . Wood used for fl oats a n d shoes. The bark yields tl be r. Bar k infusion used as preservative on fi s h i ng nets .

GARLIC V I N E IPseu doca/y m n a a//iaceu m ), n a t i v e to the Guianas a n d northern Brazil a n d Peru, is a h i g h-cl i m b i n g v i n e with g lossy leaflets (to 8 i n . long). Flowers a re borne profusely in fall a n d aga i n i n spring. V i n e e m its g a r l i c odor; l o n g e rrone­ ously known as Cydista aequi­ noctialis. Grown fro m cuttings.

BLOO D-RED

TRUMPET

IPhae·

from Mexico, is a c l i m bi n g s h r u b (to 30-40 ft.). leaves g lossy, ever­ g reen, compound ( leaflets 2-4 in. long); tendrils tipped with adhesive discs. Flowers s pectac­ ular from spring to fa ll or a l l year. Grown fro m cutti n g s i n f u l l s u n . Needs space. dranthus

buccinatorius),

SAUSAGE TREE IKige/ia pinnataJ,

from tropical Africa, is a wide­ topped tree (to 35 ft.) with evergreen leaves (to 15 in. long; leaflets 3-6 i n .). Flowers (late winter or s u m m e r) open in eve· n i n g , d ro p in morning ; fou l ­ s melling; velvety; m a y be orange with red s pots or dark wi ne-re d . Woody "sausages" (fruits, t o 2 ft. long), inedible, but abu ndant and curious. Tree g rows slowly from seed.

1 36

JACARANDA (Jacaranda mimo­ saelo/ia), fro m Bra z i l , i s a tree

(to 50 ft.) with deciduous, feath­ e ry leaves (to 1 8 in. lang). Lovely s p rays of fl owers on leaf­ less bra n c h es i n spring and a second bloom in August. Grown from seed; a l so g rafted. FLAME VINE IPy rost eg ia igneal,

n ative Ia Brazil, is a vine c l i m b­ ing by tendrils (to 40 ft.) u p trees a n d over b u i l d ings. Leaves a re everg ree n , compound lets 2-3 i n . long). Bri l l i a n t blan­ kets of flowers make a g lorious d isplay fro m late winte r to spring. Grown from c u tti ngs in f u l l s u n . Needs a n n u a l pruning. BOWER-PLANT IPandorea jas­ minoides), from Austra l i a , is a

woody, twi n i n g vine (20-30 ft.). Leaves evergreen, c o m pound, g lossy (leaflets 1 -2 i n . long). Flowers (su m m er-fa l l ) wh ite, wh ite with p i n k th roat, or p i n k . Grows f a s t f r o m cutti ngs i n s u n . S i m i l a r Podranea ricaso/iana has p i n k bloo m s striped with red, borne i n large c l u sters.

SA RITA (Saritaeo magnifica), na­ tive to Colo mbia, i s a handsome vine c l i m bing by tendrils (I 3040 ft.). The leaves (to 5 in. long) o re evergreen , g lossy, with re­ cessed veins. Bloom s mainly in fall-winter i n Florida; s u m m er i n Ca l iforn ia. G rows fast f r o m cut­ tings o r a i r- layers i n full s u n . L o n g k nown as A rr ob i do ea o r ,

Bignonia, magnifica. AFRI CAN

TULIP

TREE

(Spatho­

from West Tropical Africa, is on erect tree (to 70 fl.) with everg ree n , com­ pound leaves (to 1 8 in. long; leaflets 3-4 i n . long). Blooms spectacu larly i n late winter or early spring. Seedpods boat­ s h a ped (to 8 i n . long). Fast­ g rowi ng from seeds, root-suck­ ers or cuttings. Very susceptible to wind i n j u ry. dea

campanulata),

YELLOW ELDER (Stenolobium stans}, a native of tropical Amer­

ica a n d t h e West I nd ies, is a bushy tree (to 20 ft.) with com­ pound leaves (to 10 in. long; leaflets to 3 % in. long). The tree puts out o few blooms i n spring; covers itself w i t h s u n n y fl owers i n late fa l l . I n wi nter, it is rather shaggy with o multi­ tude of seedpods. Grows ra pidly from seeds or cutti ngs.

CAPE H O N E Y S U C KLE (Tecomaria capensisl, from South Africa is a

se m i -c l i m bi n g s h r u b (to 25 ft_) with long, tra i l i n g or arching bra n ches_ The leaves are ever­ g reen, compound (leaflets 1 -2 i n . long). Bloom s m a i n ly in fa l l a n d winter. Fast-g rowing from cutti ngs, layers or s u c kers in moist soil, f u l l s u n _ Serves as a vine, hedge shrub, or s m a l l tree. S I LV E R

TRUMPET TREE ITabe­ buia arge nteal, native to Para­

P I N K TRUMPET T R E E (Tabebuia pentaphyl/a), n ative to Central

g uay, i s a narrow, crooked tree (to 40 ft.). The si lver-green leaves have 5-7 leaflets (3-9 i n . l o n g ) a n d a re mostly s hed i n late winter_ I n spring the tree is rad i a n t with its masses of flowers. Seeds m ust be plante d w i t h o u t d e l a y . G rowth is slow, but g rafted trees bloom when only 3-4 fl. ta l l .

America and natura l i zed i n the West I n dies, i s a n erect tree (to 60-70 ft.). The deciduous leaves have 5-7 leaflets (to 6 in_ long)_ Greatly a d m i red for prof u se flowers in spri n g , it is the n a­ tional tree of El Salvador. Fairly last from seed; blooms when 2 or 3 years old_ T i m ber h i g h ly prized; rese mbles oak.

G L O X I N I A F A M I L Y I G e s n eri a c e a el COLUMNEA

GLOXI N I A (Sinningia speciosa),

c l i m b i n g , epip hytic plant with fles hy, ha iry b ranches (to 2 ft_ long). The everg ree n leaves (25 i n . long) are downy, thick and succulent, with i ndented rosy vei ns; they may be w i n e-red on th e u n derside_ Flowe rs a p pear from May Ia July. Grown from tip cutti ngs i n h a n g i n g baskets; not in d i rect s u n .

fro m Brazil, is a tuberous, n ear­ ly ste m less plant with a rosette of velvety l eaves (Ia 6 i n . long). Purple-fl owered i n the wild, but there are many c u l t ivated vari­ eties and hybrids-wh ite, or various shades of red , p i n k or violet; same double, some ruf­ fled. Bloo m s in s p r i n g . Propa­ gated by seeds, leaf cuttings or d ivision. Grown i n pots_

(Columnea schied­ eana), from eastern Mexico, is o

E P I S C I A (fpiscia cupreata), from Colombia, is a c reeping plant (to 6 in. h i g h), rooting at the joi nts a n d g rown more for its foliage than its blooms. The leaves (2-3 in. long) of m ost for m s are attractively e m bossed or " q u i lte d " and fu rry; general­ ly copper or bronze i n color with s i lver veins; rarely glossy­ g reen. Flowers (a l l year) bright red or sca rlet-a n d-yellow. G rown from cuttings, layers, or d ivision, i n hang i ng bas kets, i n shade.

AFRICAN

V I O LET

ISaintpaulia

native to tropical East Africa, i s a low herb with many downy leaves ( 1 % -3 in. long). Flowers, which a p pear conti nuously, are typically lav­ e n der; countless varieties and hybrids d isplay wide color ra nge -purple, blue, red, p i n k, or while. Some are double. G rown fro m seed, leaf c u tti ngs o r d ivis­ ion i n i n d irect l i g h t. ionantha),

DEVIL'S

BREECHES

IKohleria

from Colombia, is a n erect, h a i ry plant ( 1 - 2 ft. h i g h ) with scaly, creep i n g root­ stoc k. The leaves (2-4 in. long) handsome. are velvety and Propagated by seeds or leaf­ cutti ngs, it is q u i c k- g rowi n g . Of­ ten l isted a s lsoloma bogotense. A hybrid, recl i n i n g form has s l e nderer, bronze-green leaves a n d red-and-wh ite bloo m s . bogotensis),

TRUMPET A C H I ME N E S IAchim­ enes longiflora), native to Guote­

mala, is a h a i ry-ste m med plant ( 1 - 2 ft. ta l l ) with s ma l l , tuber­ ous r h izome. The furry leaves ( 1 % -3 in. long) are o p posite or in whorls of 3 or 4. Flowers (su m mer) vary fro m violet-blue to lave n d er-a nd-yel low, or w h ite with yel low-a n d - p u rple th roat. Propagated by stem-cuttings, off­ sets or division. Rh izomes are ta ken up a n d kept d ry a n d dor­ mant i n wi nter. 141

ACANT H U S FAM ILY (Aca nthaceae) e m braces 1 8 0 to

200 g e n era a n d more t h a n 2,000 species, m a i n ly of tropical a n d subtropical c l i m ates; a few rea c h i n g tem­ perate zones. Th ey a re l a rgely herbs, subshrubs, woody s h rubs, or vines; ra rely trees . Leaves a re o pposite a n d s i m p l e; enti re, toothed, o r lobed . Flowers are tub u l a r, usually 2-lipped, someti mes broa dly fl a r i n g a n d 5lobed; freq uently i n spi kes and often cupped by l eaf­ l i ke, s p i ny or h a i ry b racts. The bracts m ay be s howier than t h e flowers . Seedpod i s 2-celled, explod i n g when ripe. Many m e m bers of this fa m i ly a re cultivated as orn a m entals. S I N C LA I R ' S

A P H E LA N D R A

YE LLOWVE I N

B U S H IPseuder­ reticu/atum), fro m

IAphe/andra sinclairiana), fro m

anthemum

Pa nama, is a s h r u b (6- 1 5 ft. ta ll) with thin leaves (to 1 2 i n . long) h a i ry beneath. I n spring a few flowers at a t i m e e merge fro m the showy s p i kes of over­ lapping ora nge-red bracts. Grown from cutti ngs. Pruned after bloo m i n g , for best form.

Polynesia or New Hebrides, is a bush (3-5 ft. h i g h). leaves (5- 1 0 i n . long) turn fro m yel low to g reen-and-yellow and lastly dark green. Bloom s all year. P. atropurpureum has purple-a n d­ p i n k leaves; mauve-a n d-purple bloo ms. Grown from cutti ngs.

IMegaskepasma SAN G U I N EA erythrochlamysJ, from Venezuela,

PH I LI P P I N E V I O LET (Ba rleria crisfafa), from I ndia and C h ina,

is sem i-woody, somewhat h a i ry, and fast-g rowi ng (to 10 ft.). Prized far its handsome, ever­ g reen leaves (Ia 1 ft. long) a n d r e d bracts w h i c h a re the show­ iest features of the ter minal flower s p i kes. Bloo ms i n fal l . Grown fram cuttings.

is a shrub (3- 1 0 ft. ta ll) with slig htly hairy, everg ree n leaves (to 4 in. long). Flowers may be violet, pink, o r white. Fall­ bloo m i n g i n Florida; all year in tropics. Grown from cuttings; needs pru n i n g . White form i s natural ized i n Florida.

S H R I M P PLANT 18e1operone gut­ total, a native of Mexico, is a

slender-ste m med s h r u b (to 8 fl. ta ll; usually pruned to 2-3 ft.). Leaves ( 1 -3 i n . long) are ever­ green, softly hairy. Bloo m i n g beg i n s i n winter, continues for months. Bracts usually red dish; i n one form chartreuse. Grown in full or part s u n from cuttings. CROSSANDRA ICrossandra in­ fundibuliformisl, from I ndia, is

BLUE SAGE IEranthe m u m pul ­ chelluml, from I n dia, is a shrub

a s h r u b ( 1 -3 ft. h i g h) with very g l ossy, evergreen l eaves (3-5 i n . l o n g ) . Bloo m s a l l s u m mer, or continuously i n tropics. Grown from seeds or cutti ngs, often as a house p l a n t or outside u n der trees, since i t req u i res shade. Lasts wel l as a cut flower.

(2-6 ft. h i g h ) with square branch­ lets. Leaves (4-8 in. long) are everg ree n , with depressed veins. Bloo m s i n wi nter a n d spring. Grows fast fro m cutti n g s i n full or partial shade. Needs cutting back i n s u m m er. Long k n own as E. nervosum.

C A R I C A T U R E P L A N T I G ra p ­ tophyllum pictum), possibly from New G u i n ea, is an erect shrub (to 8 - 1 2 ft.). I t is prized for its showy leaves (4-8 i n . long), ma­ roon or bronze, or m ore often green m a rbled with white, ye l ­ low, or i n some forms, r e d . Flow­ ers may appear any t i m e of year. Grown fro m cutti ngs. KI NG'S CROWN IJacobinia cor­ neal, native to Braz i l , i s a soft­ ste m med s h r u b (3-5 ft. h i g h). Leaves (6- 1 0 in. long) a re ever­ g ree n , downy, sometimes p u r­ plish on u n derside. Bloom s i n su m mer a n d fa l l . Propagated by cuttings. Needs shade, rich soil a n d moisture, p ru n i n g after fl owering. May be espaliered.

F I RESPIKE IOdontonema stric­ tum), native to Central America, is a n erect, h erbaceous p l a n t (to 6-8 ft.) with evergreen leaves (3-6 in. long). Flowers open a few at a t i m e in s u m mer a n d fa l l ; a l s o i n wi nter i n some reg ions. G rows ra pidly fro m cutti ngs or division i n s e m i ­ s h a d e ; bloo m s b e s t i n f u l l s u n .

PRI MROSE (Asystasia gangefica), native to tropical Asia and Africa, is a tra i l i n g and c l i m bing herb ( t o 4 - 5 ft.) with evergreen leaves (to 2 % i n . long). Flowers (all year) lav­ en der, yel low or white. Grown from seeds o r cuttings. GANGES

SCARLET R U E LLIA IRuellia mac­ rophyllaJ, native to Colombia, is a handsome, soft-ste m med s h r u b ( t o 3 - 4 ft.) with long, downy leaves. Flowers (3 in. long) in axillary c l usters in s u m mer. Easily g rown from cutti ngs and prized a s a pot pla nt. SANCHEZIA ISanchezia nobilisJ,

from Ecuador, is a s h r u b (to 6- 1 2 fl.) with square branches. Ever­ green leaves (to 1 Y2 ft. long), usually variegated. Flowers (yel­ low with red bracts) in spring a n d s u m m er. Grown from cut­ tings, i n semi-shade.

1 46

BUSH CLOCKVI N E IThunbergio e recto), from tropical Africa, is a slen der-bra n c h ed shrub (to 6 ft.) with s m ooth leaves (to 2 % i n . long). Flowers ( a l l s u m mer) someti m e s wh ite or pole blue. Slow-growing fro m seeds or cut­ tings i n sun or partial shade. SKY V I N E ITh unbergia grandi· flora), from I n d ia , is a stout vine (to 50 ft.) with roug h leaves (to 8 i n . long). Blooms nearly a l l year. Variety alba has wh ite fl owers. Grows fast from hard­ Flowers wood cutti ngs; wilt q u i c kly

BLACK-EYED CLOCKV I N E ITh un­ bergio olota), from East Africa,

is a slender v i n e (to 8 ft.) with velvety leaves (2-3 in. long). Bloo ms i n late s u m m er. Some yellow or white varieties lack the dark "eye. " Grows q u i ckly from seeds or c utti ngs.

M A D D E R FAM I L Y (Rubiaceae) may enfold as m a ny

as 4 5 0 gen era a n d 5,500 species, p ri m a rily tropical . They a r e h e rbs, s h rubs, vi n es or trees . Leaves are s i m p l e, o pposite or i n whorls. Flowers, borne s i n g l y or i n c l u sters, u s u a l l y h a v e 4, 5 or 6 l o b e s a n d are m a i n ly white o r red, som eti m es hig h ly fragrant. Fruit m ay be a capsule, d ru p e o r berry. Many s p ecies are i m po rta n t food (coffee) or d rug ( q u i n i ne) p l a n ts . A l a rg e n u m be r are widely cultivated o rn a m entals. GARDE N I A (Gardenia jasmin­ oides), fro m C h i n a thoug h long known os Cape Jas m i n e , is a s h r u b (to 8 ft.) with waxy, ever­ g reen leaves (to 4 in. long). Bears fragrant, s i n g l e or double flowers i n spring or, i n green­ houses, i n w i n ter. Grows well from cuttings or layers i n acid soi l . In alkaline soil must be g rafted onto G . thu nbergia.

RE D-FLAG B U S H IMu ssaen da erythrophyllal, from West Tropi­ cal Africa, is a h a i ry shrub or vine (to 30 fl.; usually pruned to 6-8 ft.) with velvety leaves (3-6 in. long). Everbloo m i n g flowers not showy but fl a n ked b y a brilliant, e n larged sepal. Ra re; cuttings difficult to root and seeds not prod u ced in s o m e areas. Grows i n s u n or shade.

CRIMSON IXORA llxora mac­ rothyrsal, from the East I n d ies, is a s h r u b (to 1 0- 1 2 ft.) with glossy, everg reen l eaves (to 1 2 i n . long). Bloo ms severa l ti m es a year. Flowers used in leis i n Hawa i i . G rown from cuttings i n acid soil; part shade for best foliage; blooms more i n s u n . (Recently c i t e d as I . casei.J

NEE DLE-FLOWE R IPosoq ueria latifolia), from tropical America, is o s h ru b by tree or vine (to 1 8-25 ft.), the lower branches rooti n g where t h ey touch g rou n d . Leaves g lossy, leathery (4- 1 0 i n . long). Flowers fra g ra nt, abun­ dant i n spring. Yel low, rou n d fruit i s seedy but e d i ble. Grown from seeds or layers; rich soil.

SCARLET I XORA llxora coc­ cinea), from southern As ia, is a n erect s h r u b (to 8- 1 5 ft.) with leathery leaves (2-3 in. long). Bloo m s all year. Grown from seeds, cutti ngs, or root shoots, in f u l l s u n ; usually cli pped as a hedge. Variety lutea has yellow fl owers i n larger clus­ ters, a n d d rooping branches.

SWEET RONDELETIA IR.onde­ letia odorata), native to Cuba a n d Pa nama, i s a broad s h r u b (6- 1 0 ft.), with rou g h , leathery leaves (3-7 i n . long). Bloo m s con ti nuou sly, spring-fa l l . Flow­ ers not very f ra g rant. Propa­ gated by cuttings or by a i r­ layers w h i c h req u i re 3-4 months to root. S low-grow i n g .

1 48

Scarlet I xora

Sweet Rondeletia

1 49

CHACO N I A r Warscewiczia coc­ c i n ea), native to T r i n i dad and from Mexico to Peru, is a s l i m tree (to 20 ft.) with everg reen leaves (to 2 ft. long). Bloo m s a l l s u m mer. Prized for v i v i d s e ­ pals that e n h a n ce flower sprays. Grown from seeds in moist soil.

IVORY WOOD !Calycophyllum sp r uc e a n u mJ, from B razil, i s a slender tree (to 50-70 ft.) with flaking, red-brown bark and g lossy leaves (3 % -7 in. long). Bloo m s i n winter. The large w h i te sepa l s outs h i n e the s m a l l fl owers. G rown from seed.

HONEYSUCK LE FAMI L Y (Caprifoliaceae) HONEYSUCKLE

!Lon­

icera hildebrandiana), from Bur­

ma, is a woody, twi n i n g vine (to 80 ft.) with g lossy leaves (to 8 i n . long). Fra g ra n t flowers (sum mer, fall) a re ivory at fi rst, then change to ora n g e . Grows from seeds or cuttings, in some­ or-part shade. Soil should be moist but well-dra i ned. A heavy vine req u i r i n g strong s u p port.

DAIS Y

FAM I L Y (Com positae)

is the l a rg est a mong

flowering p l a nts a n d covers from 8 0 0 to 1 , 000 g e n era and 1 5, 0 0 0 to 20,000 species distri buted throug hout the worl d . The m a jority a re a n n u a l or peren n i a l herbs, so m e are v i n es and a few are woody s h rubs or trees. The sap m ay be m i l ky. leaves m ay be altern ate, o p ­ posite or in whorls a n d a re often p u n g ent. Typical of the fa m i ly is the clusteri n g of the flowers ( d i s k florets) i n co m pact heads ( s m a l l to large), the outer flowers (ray florets)

beco m i n g

flat,

stra p-shaped,

peta l - l i ke

rays . The com posite head with its e ncircli n g rays is popula rly rega rded as a single " flower." Seeds a re usually atta ched to white, hairlike floss, or pappus. Many m e m b ers (such as C h rysanthemums and Zinnias), h i g h ly developed, a re g a rden favorites. TREE DAH LIA (Dahlia excelsal, a native of Mexico, is

FLAT

a plant with several e rect, u n ­ branched, woody ste ms ( t o 2 0 ft.) a n d c o m p o u n d leaves ( t o 2 % f t . l o n g ) . B l o o m s in late fa l l . Flowers single o r double. Grown from seeds or cuttings.

IMontanoa hibis· from Costa Rica and Guate m a l a , i s a shrub o r tree (to 20 ft.). Leaves e ntire or lobed (2- 1 0 in. long); hairy in wi nter. Blooms beneath. Grown from seeds or cutti ngs. D ry fruits used for decoration.

TREE

DAISY

cifolial,

TREASURE F LO W E R IGozania rigens), of South Africa, i s a law pere n n i a l herb with leaves (4-5 i n . lang) wh ite-s i l ky beneath. Flowers (spring ar all year in some a reas) open i n sun, close i n shade or a n cloudy days. Grown from cutti n g s i n sandy soi l . Vivid g round cover i n Ca li­ fornia. G . sple n de ns a n d G . au· ra n ti a ca are varieties or hybrids. confususJ, native fro m centra l to

southern Mexico, i s a sle nder, twi n i n g v i n e (to 25 ft.) with leathery leaves ( 1 ·4 in. long). Blooms most of year. Fast·g row­ i n g f ro m seeds, cutti ngs or a ir­ layers. Does well in dry loca­ tions and f u l l s u n . May be used as a ground cover; ste ms root­ ing a t joints.

CREEPER (S en eci o CANARY tamoides), a native of South Africa , i s a c l i m b i n g shrub with s m ooth, g reen ste m s (to 1 5-20 ft.). Leaves a re everg ree n , fleshy (to 2 i n . long). Bloo m s profusely i n fa l l . Fast-g row­ ing from seed or c utti ngs. Flourishes i n partial shade but produces more flowers i n full s u n . D roug ht-resista nt.

MUTISIA (Mutisia c le m ati s), from Colom b ia and Ecuador, is c sem i-woody, c l i m b i n g shrub (to 20-30 fl.). leaves everg reen , compou n d ( t h e leaflets to 1 V2 i n . long), at fl rst downy, later s mooth. Flowers all s u m mer. Grown from seeds or cutti ngs in full sun. Copious necta r attracts h u m m i n g birds. Th rives i n warm locations in southern England. TRANSVAAL DAISY (Gerbera jamesonii), from South Africa, is a pere n n ia l herb (to 1 V2 ft. high). leaves (5- 1 0 i n . long) woolly on u n derside. Flowers (spring) may be single or double, white, yellow, pink, orange, red, mauve, or purple. Open i n morn­ ing; close at n i g ht. G rown from seed or by d ivision. Best i n par­ tial sun. W i l l sta nd moderate amount of foot traffic.

trilobata), from trop ical America, is a some­ what fleshy herb (to 1 ft. h i g h ) cree ping a n d rooting at t h e nodes, w i t h g l ossy leaves (2-3 i n . long). Bloo m s all yea r. Fast­ g rowi ng from cutti ngs i n sun or shade; is fairly salt-tolerant. A popular g rou nd cover; may be c l i p ped or mowed.

M O R E I N FORMATIO N Publications of especial interest to gardeners, plant lovers gener­ ally and travelers in warm areas: Alexander, Taylor R., et al. Botany. Western Publishing Co., I nc., New York. 1 970. Blatter, E. and W.S. Millard. Some Beautiful Indian Trees. Bombay Natural H istory Soc., Bombay. 2nd ed. 1 954. Bar. N.L and M.B. Raizada. Some Beautiful Indian Climbers and Shrubs. Bombay Natural History Soc., Bombay. 1 954. Bruggeman, L. Tropical Plants and Their Cuhivation. Thomas Y. C rowell Co., New York. 1 9.57. Camp, W.H., V.R. Boswel l and J . R. Mag ness. The World in Your Garden. National Geographic Soc., Washington, D.C. 1 957. Cowen, D.V. Flowering Trees and Shrubs in India. Thacker & Co., Ltd., Bombay. 4th ed. 1 965. Eliovson, S. Flowering Shrubs, Trees and Climbers from Southern Africa. Howard Timmins. Cape Town, S. A. 1 962. Fairchild, D. The World Was My Garden. Charles Scribner's Sons, New Y ark. 1 94 1 . Graf, A.B. Exotica 3 . Roehrs Company, Rutherford, N.J. 1 969. Greensill, T.M. Gardening in the Tropics. Evans Bros., Ltd., London. 1 964. Harris, T.Y. Australian Plants for the Garden. Angus and Robert­ son, Sydney. 1 953. Herbert, D.A. Gardening in Warm Climates. Angus and Robertson, Sydney. 1 952. Kuck, L.E. and R.C. Tongg. Hawaiian Flowers and Flowering Trees. Chas. E. Tuttle Co., Rutland, Vt. 1 960. McCurrach, J.C. Palms of the World. Harper & Row, New York. 1 960. Menninger, E. Flowering Trees of the World: from Tropics and Warm Climates. Hea rthside Press, New York. 1 962. Menninger, E. Flowering Vines of the World. Hearthside Press, New York. 1 970. Morley, B.D. Wild Flowers of the World. G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York. 1 970. Neal, M.C. In Gardens of Hawaii. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu. Rev'd ed. 1 965. O'Gorman, H. Mexican Flowering Trees and Plants. Ammex Asso­ ciados, Mexico City. 1 96 1 . Shuttleworth, Floyd S., e t a l . Orchids. Western Publishing Co., I nc., New Y ark. 1 970. van der Spuy, U . Ornamental Shrubs and Trees for Gardens in Southern Africa. Juta & Co., Ltd., Johan nesburg. 1 954. 1 54

I N DEX (See a l so L i st of Plant F a m i l ies, page Abutilon mega· pofamicum, 77 Acacia baileyana, 49 Acalypha hispido, 71 Acalypha wilkesiana, 71 Achimenes longiflora,

141

Acolconthero specfo· bilis, 1 07 Adansonia digitoto, 84 Aechmea chonHnH,

13

Aeonium glutinosum, 43 African l i l y , 1 5 African t u l i p tree,

1 38

African vio let, 1 4 1 Agapanthus africanus,

15

Agave americana, 20 Albizia julibrissin, 49 A/bizio /ebbeclc, 49 Al lomando, purple,

1 08

yel low, 1 08 A//omondo cothortico, 1 08 Allamanda violacea,

1 08

Aloe candelabrum, 1 5 Alpinia purpurata, 26 Alpinia speciosa, 26 Amazon l i l y , 2 1 Amazon vine, 67 Am herstio,flame, 48 Amhentio nobi/is, 48 Amorphophol/us lito· num, 1 1 Anaquo, 1 1 9 Angel's trumpet, 1 28 Annatto, 87 Anthurium andreanum,

12

Antigonon leptopus,

35

Aphelhondro sine/air· iana, 1 42 Arabian iasmine, 1 05 Araujia sericofera, 1 1 2 Ardisia crispa, 1 04 Argemone mexicana,

40

Argyreia nervosa, 1 1 5 Arum, giant, 1 1 Asclepias curassavico,

112

Asoka tree, 61 Asystasia gangefica,

1 46

Azalea, Japanese,

1 03

Babiana stricto, 22 Baboon - root, 22 Baeckea virgafa, 96 Banana, p i n k vel vet,

24

Ban gar nut, 82 Banksia coccinea, 33 Banksia ericifolia, 33 Baoba b, 84 Barbados l i l y, 1 9 Barbados pride, 52 Barleria cristata, 1 43 Barna, 41 Bot flower, 21 Bauhinia galpini, 50 Bauhinia purpurea, 50 Bauhinia tomentosa, 50 Beaumontia grancli· flora, 1 08 Belamcancla chinensis,

22

Be/operone guttoto, 1 44 Bi llbergia venezuelana,

13

Bird -of-paradise, 24 Bixo ore//ono, 87 B l ackberry l i l y, 22 Black-eyed c l ockvine,

1 47

B lock-eyed heath, 1 03 Bladder-flower, white,

1 12

8/o/ceo gracilis, 1 00 Blakea trinervia, 1 00 Bleeding hea rt, 1 21 B lood l i l y, 1 9 B lood - red trumpet, 1 36 B l u e glorybower, 1 20 Blue sage, 1 « Bombax ellipticum, 81 Bombax malabaricum,

B1

Borro ion, 1 1 8 Bottlebrush, Nota l , 75 showy, 96 Bougainvillea glabra,

36

Bougainvillea speda· bi/is, 36 Bowclichia virgilioi· des, 56 Bower-plant, 1 37 Brachychiton acari· folium, 82

8)

Braz i l ia n n i ghtshade,

1 32

Bra z i l ia n pepper, 74 Brea th-of-heaven, 65 Breynia nivosa, 71 Bridal bouquet, 1 1 4 Brodiaea coronaria, 1 5 Brownea grandiceps, SO Brunlelsia americana,

1 26

Brunfelsia latifolia,

1 26

Budd/eja dovidii, 1 06 Buddleja madagascar· iensis, 1 06 Bugle l i l y , 22 8ulnesia arborea, 64 B ursaria spinose, 44 Bush morn i n g - g l ory,

1 17

B uteo frondosa, SO Buttercup tree, 87 Butterfly bush, 1 06 Butterfly pea, 55 Butterfly tree, 88 Butterfly weed, 1 1 2 Caesalpinia sepiaria,

52

Cajeput, 98 Calabash nutmeg, 39 Caladium bicolor, 1 1 Calad i u m , fancyleaved, 1 1 C a l ifornia l i lac, 75 Calliandra haemafoce· photo, 53 Callisfemon speciosus,

96

Calonyction aculeafum,

1 25

Calotropis giganfea,

1 13

Calotropis procer J, 1 1 3 Calpurnia subdeca n · d r o , 53 Colycophyl/uM spruceo· num, 1 50 Camellia japonica, 86 Camellia sasanqua, 86 Campsis grandiflora,

1 34

Cononga odoroto, 39 Canary creeper, 1 52 Candelabra a loe, 1 5 C a n d lebush, 53 Canna indica, 28 C a n n o n b a l l tree, 94

1 55

Cope b l u e water l i l y ,

38

Cape fuchsia, 1 1 3 Cape honeysuck le, 1 39 Cape leadwort, 1 04 Cope mahogany, 66 C a r i b wood, 63 C a r i ca t u re p l a nt, 1 45

Corissa grondifloro, 1 09 Carpobrotus acinaciforme, 37 Carrion f l o w e r, 1 1 4 Caryota m itis, 1 0 Caryoto urens, 1 0 Cassia a lata, 53 Cassia listula, 54 Cassia jovonica, 54 Castanospermum oustra/e, 55 C a s t o r bean, 73 Cathoranthus roseus, 1 09 Cat' s c l a w , 1 35 Cattleya, 30 Ceanothus arboreus, 75 Cea nothus azureus, 75 Ceanothus cyoneus, 75 Century p l a nt, 20 Cera tope talum gummilerum, 45 Ceriman, 1 2 Cestrum nocturnum, 1 26 Cestrum purpureum, 1 26 C h a c o n i a , 1 50 C h a l ice v i ne, 1 30 C h e n i l l e p l a nt, 7 1 C herry red ochna, 85 C h i l e be l l s, 1 6 C h i n aberry, 66 C h i nese hat p l a nt, 1 22 C h i nese hawthorn, 46 C h i n ese h i b i scus, 78 C h i nese trumpet creeper, 1 34

Chiranthodendron pen­ tadactylon, 84 Chorisia speciosa, 81 C h r istmas bush, New South Wal es, 45 Tasma n ian, 44 C h r istmas tree, New Zea l a nd, 99 C h r i stmas vine, 1 1 5 C i g a r fl ower, 93

Cleome spinose, 4 1 Clerodendrum indicum, 121 Clerodendrum myricoi­ des, 1 20 Clerodendrum ponicu­ /atum, 1 20

1 56

Clerodenclrum thomsonice, 1 2 1 Clianthus dampieri, 55 Clitoric ternatea, 55 Clivia miniata, 1 9 C l oc k v i ne, b l a c k - eyed,

1 47

bush, 1 47

Clusio rosea, 86 Cobaea scondens, 1 1 8 Cochlosperm um vitilolium, 87 Coconut, golden, 1 0 Cocos nucilera, 1 0 Coclioeum voriegatum, 69 Columnea schiecleana, 1 40 Colvi llea racemose, 56 C o l v i l l e ' s g l ory, 56 Combretum grancliflorum, 95 C o n federate j a s m i ne,

1 07 Congea tomentosa , 1 2 1 Copperleaf, 7 1 Coppe rpod, 6 0 C o r a l p l a n t, 72 C o r a l tree, Ind i a n , 58 Coral v i ne, 35 Cordia boissieri, 1 1 9 Cerelia sebestena, 1 1 9 Corc/yline terminalis, 16 Cestus speciosus, 28 Cotoneaster, s i l ver­

leaf, 46 Cotoneaster ponnoso,

46

Cotyledon undulate, 43 Couroupita guionensis, 94 Crape g i nger, 28 C ra pe j a s m i n e , 1 09 C rape myrtle, 93 queen's, 93 Crossula fa leota, 42 Cratevo roxburgh ii, 41 C r i m s o n i x o ra, 1 48 Crinum augustum, 1 8 Crossandro inlundibulilormis, 1 44 C roton, 69 purging, 69 Croton tiglium, 69 C row n - of-thorns, 70 Cryptostegio grancliflora, 1 1 3 Cryptostegia modogos· cariensis, 1 1 3 C u p - a n d - saucer v i n e,

118

C u p f l ower, 1 30

Cuphea pla tycentra, 93

C y m b i d i u m , 30 C y p r i p ed i u m, 3 1

Dais cotinilolia, 92 Dai sy, Tra n s v a a l , 1 53 tree, 1 5 1 Da l m a i s m i l k w o rt, 68 Da r l i n g pea, 62 Datura conclicla, 1 28 Datura mete/, 1 29 Datura sanguineo, 1 28 Delonix regia, 57 Dendrob i u m, 3 1 Derris scandens, 57 De v i l ' s breeches, 1 4 1 Dev W s t r u m pet, 1 29 Dewflower, 37 Dieffenbachio macu/ata, 1 2 Dillenia indica, 85 D i n n e r plate tree, 83 Diosmo ericoides, 65 Dolichondrone spatho cea, 1 35 Dombeyo s p . , 83 Dombeya wallichii, 83 Downy myrtle, 99 Downy sage, 1 25 Downy tobacco, 1 29 Doxantha unguis-cati, 1 35 Drosanthemum 1/oribundum, 37 Dumb cane, 1 2 Duranta repens, 1 22 Dyckia a/tissima, 1 4 East African l a b u r n u m ,

53

Eosterflower, 68

Echeverio elegans, 42 Echeverio glauco, 42 Echinocereus engelmonii, 9 1 Ehretia elliptica, 1 1 9 Embothrium coccineum, 32 Epiphyllum ox ypetal­ um, 90 Episcia cupreota, 1 40 Eranthemum pulchel ­ lum, 1 44 Erblichia odorata, 88 Erica canaliculota, 1 03 Ervatamia divaricate, 1 09 Erythrino poeppigiana, 58

Erythrina variegate var. orienta/is, 58 Eucalyptus caloph yl­ la, 96 Eucalyptus erythro­ corys, 96 Eucalyptus licilolia, 96 Eucharis grandillora, 21 Euphorbia fulgens, 70 Euphorbia mi li i. 70 Euphorbia pulcherrima, 70

G i a n t m i l kweed, 1 1 3 Ginger, crape, 28 red, 26 s h e l l , 26 torch, 27 w h ite, 27 y e l l ow, 27

Fagraea cochinchinen­ sis, 1 06

Gmelino arboreo, 1 23 Gnidio oppositifolia, 92 Golden coconut, 1 0 Golden dewd rop, 1 22 Golden horn, 1 1 3 Golden ra i n tree, 74 Golden shower, 54 Gooseneck cactus, 90 Gout p l a n t, 73 Graptoph yllum pictum, 1 45 Grevi llea banksii, 32 Grewio occidental is, 76 Greyio sutherlondii, 75 Guaiacum officino/e, 64 G u a p i r u v u , 63 Gummy aeon i u m, 43 Gustovia superba, 94

Fa n c y - l eaved c a l a d i u m ,

11

f i g m a r i g o l d , p i n k, 37 Firebush, 32 F i recracker p l a n t, 1 33 Firespi ke, 1 45 Firethorn, narrow· leaved, 47 Firewheel tree, 34 Flame a m h erstia, 48 Flame fuchsia, 1 0 1 F l a m e - of-the - forest,

50

Flame tree, 82 Flame v i n e , 1 37 Mex ican, 1 52 F l a m i n g o f l o w e r, 1 2 Flaming vriesia, 1 4 Floss s i l k tree, 8 1 F l o w e r i n g m a p l e, 77 Flower of lent, 1 00 Fou r - o ' c l ock, 36 Fra n g i p a n i , n o seg a y ,

111

w h i te, 1 1 1 Fried egg tree, 88 Fringed h i b i scus, 78 Fuc h s i a , cape, 1 33 flame, 1 0 1 tree, 6 1

Fuchsia lulgens, 1 0 1

Galphimia glauco, 67 Ganges p r i m rose, 1 46 Gansies, 62 Gardenia jasminoides, 1 48 Ga r l i c v i n e , 1 35 Gazanio rigens, 1 52 Geiger tree, 1 1 9 Gelsemium sempervirens, 1 05 Gerbera iamesonii, 1 53 Giant arum, 1 1 G i a n t honeysuckle, 1 50

Gliricidia sepium, 59 Glorioso superba, 1 6

Gl orybower, b l ue, 1 20 Glory bush, 1 00 p i n k, 1 00 G lory l i ly, 1 6 Glory pea, 55 G l ox i n i a, 1 40

Hoemonthus multiflorus, 1 9 Hakeo Iaurino, 32 Ha n d - f l ower, 84

Ha n g i n g h e l i co n i a , 25 Hordenbergia violocea, 59 Harpullia pendula, 74 Harvest brod iaea, 1 5 Ha wthorn, C h i nese, 46 Ind i a n , 47 yedd o , 47 Heath, b l a c k - eyed, 1 03 Hedychium corona rium, 27 Hedych ium flavum, 27 Heliconia sp. 1 , 25 He l i conia, h a n g i ng, 25 Heliconio collinsiona, 25 Heliconia wagneriana, 25 Hera l d ' s t r u m pet, 1 08 Heteropteris chryso­ phylla, 67 H i b iscus, C h i n e se, 78 f r i n ged, 78

Hibiscus rosa -sinen­ sis, 78 Hibiscus schizopefa lus, 78 Hibiscus tiliaceus, 79 H i l o h o l l y, 1 04 Hippeosfrum puniceum, 19 Hoheria sexstyloso, 80 Holmskioldia sanguineo, 1 22 Honckenya licilolia, 76 Hondapara, 85 Hon eysuckle, cape, 1 39 g i a n t, 1 50 s c a r l et, 33 s p i k y , 33 Horsera d i s h tree, 4 1 Hunter's robe, 1 2 Hurricane l i ly, 20 Hylocereus undatus, 91 H ymenosporum fiavum, 45 /bozo riparia, 1 25 Ice rose, 42 l l a n g - i l a n g, 39 I l i ma, 79 l m morte l le, mounta i n ,

58

Ind i a n s h ot, 28 In d i a n strawberry, 9 1

lochroma lanceolatum, 1 29 Ipomoea crassica ulis, 117 Ipomoea horslalliae, 1 16 Ipomoea tuberosa, 1 1 6 Ipomoea wolcoffiana, 1 17 Iris, peacock, 22 w a l k i n g, 22 Ivory wood, 1 50 lxora coccinea, 1 48 /xora m a crothyrsa, 1 48

Jacaranda mimosaefolia, 1 37 Jacobean l i ly, 2 1 Jacobinia cornea, 1 45 J a c o b ' s coat, 7 1 Jacquemonfia penta n tha, 1 1 7 J a d e v i ne, 58 J a m a i c a rose, 1 00 J a s m i ne, A r a b i a n , 1 05 confederate, 1 07 crape, 1 09 orange, 65 p r i m rose, 1 05 Jasminum mesnyi, 1 05

1 57

Josminum .somhoc, 1 05 Jatropha integerrima, 72 Jatropha multifida, 72 Jatropha podagrica, 73 Jerusalem thorn, 60 Jessamine, Carolina y e l l o w , 1 05 n ight, 1 26 purple, 1 26 Jewel vine, 57

torch, 1 7 L i o n ' s ear, 1 24 l ittle b l u e hat, 1 1 7 lobster claw, 25 Lonchocarpus sericeus, 56 long John, 35 Lonicera hildebra n ­ diana, 1 50 L uehea speciosa, 76 L ycoris a urea, 20

Kaempferia roscoea na, 28 Kafi r l i l y, 19 Kah i l i fl ower, 32 Kalanchoe flammea, 43 Kigelia pinnate , 1 36 K i n g protea, 33 K i n g ' s crown, 1 45 Kniphofia uvario, 1 7 Koelreutario formo· sana, 74 Kohleria bogotensis, 1 41

Macleaya cordata, 40 Madagascar peri w i n k le, 1 09 Madagascar rubber vine, 1 1 3 Madre d e cacao, 59 Maga, 77 Magnolia grandiflora, 39 Mahoe, 79 Mahogany, cape, 66 Malay apple, 99 Malvaviscus arboreus, 80 Mangrove trumpet tree, 1 35 Manuka tea tree, 98 Maple, flowering, 77 Marice, 22 Marma lade bush, 1 32 Marriage vi ne, 1 3 1 Mati l i ja poppy, 40 Maypole, 65 Medinilla magn ifico, ' 101 Megaskepasma erythro­ chlam ys, 1 43 Melale uca quinquener­ via, 98 Melale uca thymifolia, 98 Melia azedarach, 66 Membri l l o , 94 Merr i l l pa l m , 1 0 Mesca l bea n, 6 1 Metrosideros excel sa, 99 Mexican bush sage, 1 25 Mexican flame vine, 1 52 Mexican snowba l l , 42 M i l k- a n d - w i n e l i l y, 1 8 M i l kweed, g iant, 1 1 3 M i l kwort, dalmais, 68 Mintbush, ova l leaf, 1 24 Mirabilis jalapa, 36 Monodora m yristica, 39 Monstera deliciosa, 1 2 Montanoa hibiscifolia, 1 51

Laburnum., East Afri­ can, 53 lad y - of-the-night, 1 26 Lagerstroemia indica, 93 lagerstroemia speciosa., 93 Lampranthus glomeraIus, 37 lan cepod , 56 Lapageria rosea, 1 6 Laurel, V i ctori a n , 44 leadwort, cape, 1 04 red, 1 04 Leonotis /eonurus, 1 24 Leptospermum scopari­ um, 98 Leucophyllum frutescens, 1 33 l ife p l a n t , 43 l i g n u m vitae, 64 L i lac, C a l i forn ia, 75 su mmer, 1 06 l i l y , African, 1 5 Amazon, 2 1 Barbados, 1 9 b lackberry, 22 blood, 1 9 bugle, 22 g l ory, 1 6 Guernsey, 1 8 h u rricane, 20 Jacobean, 21 Kafir, 1 9 m i l k-and-wine, 1 8 ra i n , 1 9

1 58

Montezuma speciosissimum, 77 Moonfl ower, 1 25 Moraea pavonia, 22 Moreton bay chestnut, 55 Moringa oleifera, 41 Morn i n g - g lory, bush, 117 tree, 1 1 7 woo l l y , 1 1 5 Moth orchid, 30 Mounta i n immorte l l e , 58 Mounta i n rose, 50 Murraya paniculata, 65 Musa velutina, 24 Mussaenda erythroph ylla, 1 48 Mutisia clematis, 1 53 Myrtle, downy, 99 thyme honey, 98 Myrtle heath, 96 Natal bottlebrush, 75 Need l e - flower, 1 48 Neomarica caerulea, 22 Nerine sarniensis, 1 8 Nerium oleander, 1 1 0 New South Wales Chri stmas bush, 45 New Zea land Christmas tree, 99 Nicolai e latior, 27 Nicotiana tomeotosa, 1 29 Nierembergia h ippoma ­ nica, 1 30 Nierembergia repens, 1 30 N i ght-bloom i n g cereus, 91 N i g h t jessamine, 1 26 N i g htshade, Bra z i l ia n , 1 32 N osegay fra n g i p a n i , 111 N utmeg, ca labash, 39 N ymphaea capensis, 38 N ymphaea rubra, 38 Ochna, cherry red , 85 Ochna mechowiana, 85 Odontog lossum, 31 Odontonema strictum , 1 45 O l ea nder, 1 1 0 yel l ow, 1 1 0 Oncoba spinosa, 88 Orange jasmine, 65 Orchid, moth, 30 Orchid tree, purple, 50

Osbeckia slellala, 1 0 1 Otago ri bbonwood, 80 Our Lord's cand le, 1 7 Ova l l eaf m i ntbush, 1 24 Pagoda flower, 1 20 Palay rubber vine, 1 1 3 Palm, fishta i l , 1 0 Merri l l , 1 0 wine, 1 0 Pondorea iasminoides, 1 37 Paphioped i l u m, 3 1 Parad ise poinciana, 5 2 Parkinsonia aculeata, 60 Passif/ora caerulea, 89 Passiflora coccinea, 89 Passil/ora racemose, 89 Passion fl ower, 89 Pavonia multiflora, 80 Peacock iris, 22 Peacock plant, 28 Peltophorum pferocarpum, 60 Pepper, Braz i l ia n , 74 Pepper tree, 74 Peregrina, 72 Pereskia grandiflora, 90 Periwinkle, Madagas­ car, 1 09 Petrea volubilis, 1 23 Phaeclranthus buccinatorius, 1 36 Phaius, 3 1 Phalaenopsis, 30 P h i l i p pine violet, 1 43 Photmia serrulata, 46 Phygelius capensis, 1 33 Pig's ear, 43 Pimelea ferrugineo, 92 P i n k-and-white shower, 54 P i n k ba l l , 83 Pink fig marigold, 37 P i n k g l ory bush, 1 00 Pink trumpet tree, 1 39 P i n k vel vet banana, 24 Pitcairnia ma idifolia, 13 P itch apple, 86 Pitchberry, 44 Pittosporum heterophyl/um, 44 Pittosporum unclulatum, 44 Plantain, w i l d , 25 Plumbago capensis, 1 04 Plumbago indica, 1 04 Plume poppy, 40 Plumeria alba, 1 1 1

Plumeria oblusa, 1 1 1 Plumeria rubra, 1 1 1 Poinciana gilliesii, 52 Poinciana, pa rad ise, 52 Poinciana pu/cherrima, 52 Poinciana, roya l , 57 Poinsettia, 70 Polianthes tuberosa, 20 Polygala dolmaisiana, 68 Pomegranate, 93 Pop p y, mati l i ja, 40 p l ume, 40 prickly, 40 Porana pan iculata, 1 1 5 Portea petropolitana, 14 Posoqueria /atifolia, 1 48 Potato tree, 1 3 1 Prickly poppy, 40 Primrose, Ganges, 1 46 Primrose jasmine, 1 05 Prince's vine, 1 1 6 Prostanthera ovalifolia, 1 24 Proteo cynaroicles, 33 Prolea mellifera, 33 Pseuderanthemum reficulatum, 1 42 Pseudocalymma allia­ ceum, 1 35 Pterospermum acerifolium, 83 Puncture vine, 64 Punica granatum, 93 Purple a l l a manda, 1 08 Purple jessamine, 1 26 Purple orchid tree, 50 Purple sarsapari l l a , 59 Purple simpoh, 85 Purple tobacco, 1 29 Pyracantha angustifolia, 47 P yroslegia ' ignea, 1 37 Queen's crape myrtle, 93 Queensland umbre l l a tree, 1 02 Queen's wreath, 1 23 Quisqualis indica, 95 Rain l i ly, 1 9 Rangoon creeper, 95 Raphidophoro a urea, 1 2 Raphiolepis indica, 47 Raphiolepis umbel/ala, 47

Red bauhinia, 50 Red Bengal water l i ly, 38 Red -flag bush, 1 48 Red g i n ger, 26 Red leadwort, 1 04 Red p owderpuff, 53 Rhododendron japonicum, 1 03 Rhoc/oclenclron iavani­ cum, 1 03 Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, 99 Ricefl ower, 92 Rice-paper p l a nt, 1 02 Ricinus communis, 73 Romneya coulteri, 40 Rondeletia odorala, 48 Rose cactus, 90 Rosemound, 83 Roya l p o i nciana, 57 Ro y a l water l i ly, 3 8 Ru b ber vine, Madagascar, 1 1 3 Ruellia macroph yl/a, 1 46 Ruprechtia coriacea, 35 Russelia equisetilor­ mis, 1 33 Sabinea carina/is, 63 Sage, blue, 1 44 downy, 1 25 Mexican bush, 1 25 Sage rose, 88 Saintpaulia ionantha, 1 41 St. Thomas tree, 50 Salvia leucantha, 1 25 Salvia sessei, 1 2 5 Sanchezia, 1 46 Sanchezia nobilis, 1 46 Sangre de toro, 35 Sa n g u i nea, 1 43 San Miguel, 1 00 Sap u p i ra, 56 Sara batucu, 67 Saraca indica, 6 1 Sarita, 1 38 Saritoeo magn ifica, 1 38 Sausage tree, 1 36 Scarlet datura, 1 28 Scarlet honeysuckle, 33 Sca rlet i x ora, 1 48 Scarlet paintbrush, 42 Scarlet plume, 70 Scarlet rue l l i a , 1 46 Schelflera actinophylla, 1 02 Schinus m olle, 74

1 59

Schinus terebinthi­ folius, 74 Schizolobium parahyba, 63

Schotia brachypeta/a, 61 Sea u r c h i n , 3 2

Securidaca diversi­ fo/ia, 68 Securidaca longepedunculata, 68 Seem tree, 1 34

Senecio confusus, 1 52 Senecio tamoides, 1 52 S h a v i n g b r u s h tree, 8 1 Shower-of- gold, 67 Shower-of- orch i d s , 1 2 1 Showy bott lebrush, 96 Showy combretu m , 95 S h r i m p p l a n t, 1 44 Sida fa /lax, 79 S i l k cotton, red, 8 1 S i l k tree, 49 S i l ve r l eaf, Texas, 1 33 S i l verleof cotoneaster, 46 S i n c l a i r ' s o p h e l a ndro, 1 42 Sinningia speciosa, 1 40 Sky v i ne, 1 47 Snapdragon tree, 1 23 Solandra n i tida, 1 30

So/anum macronfhvm, 131

Solanum seoforfhi­ a n u m , 1 32 Solanum wendlandii, 1 31

Sophora secuncliflora, 61 Sour fig, 37

Spafhelia simplex, 6 5 Spafhodea campanulata, 1 38 Spiderflower, 4 1

Sprekelia formosissima, 21 Stapelia giganfea, 1 1 4 Sta rflower, 76

Sfenocarpus sinuatus, 34

Stenolobium stans, 1 3 8 Stephanotis floribunda, 114

Sterculia foetida, 82 Stigmaphyllon cilia­ tum, 67 Strelitzia reginae, 24 Strepfosolen ;amesoni, 1 32

Strongy/odon macro­ botrys, 58

1 60

S u g a r b u s h , 33 S u m m e r l i lac, 1 06

Sutherlandia frufescens, 62 Swoinsonia golegifo/ia, 62 Sweet rond e l e t i a , 1 48 Sweetshade, 45

Syzygium malaccense, 99

Tabebuia argenfea, 1 39 Tabebuia pentaphyl/a, 1 39 Tocco chanfrieri, 2 1 Ta s m a n i a n C h r i s t m a s bush, 44

Tavaresia grondi­ flora, 1 1 3 Tecomoria capensis, 1 39

Tecomella undulafa, 1 34

Te lopea speciosissima, 34 Tembusu, 1 06

Tetropanox papyriferum, 1 02 Texas o l ive, 1 1 9

Thevefia peruviana, 1 1 0 Th unbergia a /ala, 1 47 Th unbergia erecfa, 1 47

Th unbergia grandif/ora, 1 47 T hym e honey myrtle, 98 Ti, 1 6

Tibouchina granulosa, 1 00

Tibouchina sellowiana, 1 00

Tibouch ina Urvilleana,

1 00 Tiger flower, 22

Tigridia pavonia, 22 TU/andsia cyaneo, 1 4

Tipa, 62

Tipuana fipu, 62 Tobacco, downy, 1 29 purple, 1 29

Trochelospermum ias-

m inoides, 1 07 Transvaal d a i sy, 1 53 Treasure f l ower, 1 52 Tree d a i s y , 1 5 1 Tree m o r n i n g - g lory, 1 1 7 Tribulus cisfoides, 64 T richilia emefica, 66 Trimezo martinicensis, 22

T riplaris melaenoden ­ dron , 35

T r u m pet o c h i m enes, 1 41 Trumpet tree, m a n ­ grove, 1 3 5 p i n k , 1 39 s i l ver, 1 39 Tube flower, 1 2 1 Tuberose, 20 T u l i p tree, Africa n , 1 38 Tu l i pwood , 74 Turkscap, 80 Turnera ulmifolia, 88 U m b r e l l a tree, Queens­ l a n d , 1 02 V a n d a , 30

Veitchia merrilli, 1 0

Vera, 64

Victoria amazon ica, 38 V i o l et, African, 1 4 1 P h i l i p p i n e , 1 43 tree, 68 V i o l e t ivy, 1 1 8 V riesia splendens, 1 4 W a i t - a - b i t , 52 W a l k i n g iris, 22 Waratah, 34

Warscewiczia coccinea,

1 50 Water l i l y , cape b l u e , 38 red Bengal, 38 roya l , 3 8

Wafsonia meriana, 22 Wedelia tri/obata, 1 53 W h i p tree, 76

W h i te b l a d d e r - f lower, 112 W h i te c u p , 1 30 W h i t e fra n g i p a n i , 1 1 1 White g i n ger, 27

Wigondia corascana,

118 Wild plantain, 25 W i n tersweet, 1 07 Woma n ' s tongue, 49 Wood rose, 1 1 6 Wormia exce/sa, 85 W r i n k l ed g n i d i a , 92 Yedda h a w t h or n , 47 Ye l l ow e l d e r , 1 3 8 Ye l l ow o l e a n d e r , 1 1 0 Ye l l ow v e i n b u s h , 1 42 Yesterda y , tod a y , a n d tomorrow, 1 26 Yucca whipplei, 1 7

Zephyranfhes grandi­ f/ora , 1 9

BCD

EXOT I C P LAN TS A GOLDEN NATURE GUIDE JULIA MORTON, Resea rch Scientist i n Biology a nd Di rector of

the Morton Collecta nea, U n iversity of Miami, Coral Gab les, Florida, is an i nte rnation a l ly k nown a u thority o n o r n a m e ntal a nd other economic pla nts. She has written books, n u m e rous a rticles i n horticu ltural a n d bota nical journals, a nd weekly ga r· d e n i n g col u m n s for the Miami News. I n he r field work a n d t ravels, s h e has p hotog ra phed h u n d reds o f pla nts i n t h e wild as well as i n the world ' s lead i n g bota nical gardens. Ma ny of her color slides have a ided the a rtists i n i l l u strati n g this book. RI CHARD EVANS YOUNGER, an internationally known wi l d l ife

a rtist, p rovided t h e i l l u stratio ns for approxi mately t h ree· qua rters of this book. His i l l ustrations have appeared in many nationa l magazines a n d other pu blications. Sy and Dorothea Barlowe a re responsible for the i l l ustratio ns o n the fol lowi n g pages: 42, 43, 4 4 , 4 5 , 4 6 , 4 7 , 5 2 , 5 3 , 5 6 , 5 7 , 60, 6 1 , 62, 6 3 , 6 4 , 6 5 , 6 8 , 6 9 , 74, 7 5 , 7 6 , 7 7 , 8 4, 8 5 , 1 04, 1 05, 1 1 2 , 1 1 3, 1 24, 1 25, 1 36, 1 37, 1 52, 1 53. Elmer Smith illustrated the orchids on pages 30 and 3 1 , and Edith Singer provided i l l ustrations for a n u mber of i n d ivid ua l species identified by t h e letter "S" next to the i l lustration. HERBERT S. Z I M , P h .D., Sc.D., a n originator a n d farmer editor of the Gold e n Guide Se ries, was a lso an a uthor far m a n y yea rs. A u t h o r of some n i n ety books a n d editor of a bo u t as ma ny, he is now Ad j u nct Professor a t the U n ive rsity of Mia mi a n d Ed ucational Consulta n t Ia the America n Friends Se rvice Committee a n d other orga nizations. He works on ed ucational, population a nd environme ntal problems. VERA R. WEBSTER, m a n a g i n g editor of scie nce pub lications for

Golde n Press, has ta u g h t science a t a l l educational l evels. Prior to her association with Gold en Press she wa s Head of t h e Ele· m e n ta ry Scie nce Depa rtment a nd National Science Consultant for Ha rcou rt Brace Jova novich, I nc.

GOLDEN PRESS

N E W YO R K

EXOTIC PLANTS is a guide to the s h owy o r n a m enta l p l a nts found i n g a rdens i n tropica l a n d s u btropica l regions, or in greenhouses in cooler zones. Here a re the outsta n d i n g p l a nts that attra ct attention because of t h e i r col orful flowers, conspicuous foliage, or decorative fru it. More than 380 species, prized mem­ bers of 83 fa m i lies, are i l l u strated i n fu l l color.