Ornamental Plants

A Aglaonema spp. Plants for partial shade. The simple rule to follow for these slow-growing plants is this: the lighter the variegation, the more light it needs. They have large oval leaves on short stems. Do not expose the Aglaonema to direct sun. It should be planted in a humid area and watered often. A slow-release fertilizer should be given regularly. Aglaonema can be divided during repotting. Small shoots can be potted as individual plants. Aglaonema plants are poisonous due to calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested they cause irritation of the mucous membranes, and the juice can cause skin irritation and painful rash. A. commutatum is native to the Philippines.

Aglaonema commutatum ‘Pink Petiole’

Plant for partial shade. This Aglaonema has pinkish leaf stems (leaf stems). It has oblong-elliptical leaves and bears flowers that resemble small greenish-white callas followed by yellow to red berries. It is grown primarily for its foliage. Endemic to the Philippines.

Aglaonema commutatum ‘Red Gold’

Plant for partial shade.

Aglaonema commutatum ‘Silver Queen’

Plant for partial shade.

Aglaonema ‘Snow White’

Plant for partial shade.

Aglaonema commutatum. Variety unknown

Plant for partial shade. The green of the leaves of this plant is much darker than that of the other Aglaonema I have. The plant itself is rounded in shape and is more compact than my other Aglaonemas.

Adenium obesum.

Desert Rose. According to Warren, this succulent plant, a native of arid Arabia and East Africa, grows to 1 meter. It has a swollen, pale grey trunk. Its leaves are glossy and clubshaped. It bears trumpet-shaped flowers almost continuously. It has a highly toxic sap. As can be expected from a native of dry Arabia, it does not like too much water and should not be grown in moist places. It is often used as a decorative pot plant.

Adiantum raddianum.

Delta maidenhair. Origin: tropical and subtropical South America. The maidenhair likes full shade in a humid area and moist but well-drained soil. Despite its fragile looks, this is a hardy plant under proper growing conditions. Dead and damaged fronds should be removed to enable new ones to grow.

Aglaia odorata. Aglaia pinnata. Cinamomo, sinamomong sunsong (Tagalog).

Chinese perfume plant. Mock lemon. Cultivated as an ornamental tree or shrub and for its fragrant flowers. Introduced to the Philippines from south-eastern Asia. If allowed to, it can grow to a height of 6 meters. Its upright and bushy growth makes it suitable for use as a hedging plant. It is easy to grow; likes rich, well-drained moist soils, and warmth and humidity. It is tolerant of partial shade but prefers the full sun. Propagated from semi-ripe stem cuttings. Even with little maintenance, this is the kind of plant that becomes an enduring friend. Very easy-to-grow. Propagation is by cuttings or air layering. It flowers several times during the year. The tiny yellow flower balls are fragrant in the evening; dried, they are used to perfume clothes and cigarettes, and to scent teas. In Asia, Infusions of the roots and leaves are used to treat fever, convulsive illnesses and menopausal problems. The leaves last long in flower arrangements, though they are perhaps better suited to looser, more ‘natural’ arrangements than to the more formal ones sold by

flower shops. (Photo source: www.parks. gov.sg)

Allamanda violacea

Purple allamanda. Vine or climbing shrub with year-round 8 cm funnel-shaped flowers that are reddish-purple fading to pink. While it can cover a trellis or clamber over a wall, it can also be pruned into a free-standing specimen. Regular pinching will keep it in bounds, but too much pinching removes flower buds which form on new growth. All parts of the plant are toxic. The allamanda grows in full sun. It is propagated by woody cuttings, but grows best when grafted on A. cathartica (Yellow Allamanda). I have two varieties: one is more vigorous than the other, has bigger flowers and is more floriferous (photo on top).

Althernanthera ficoidea

Cucharita (green and white). After nearly two years, my cucharita grew leggy and was fading away under the shade of the palmeras where they had been planted. My gardener took some cuttings, put them aside overnight and stuck them in the soil the next day. They have now taken root and were doing well in mid-December 2004. They are still thriving.

Alpinia purpurata

Red ginger. According to Madulid, the red ginger, native to the Pacific Islands, is a recent introduction to the Philippines. Its bright red bracts cover small white flowers. It likes full sun or partial shade, moist but welldrained soil and requires protection from strong winds. Propagated by root division. By December 2004, my plant has disappeared completely: probably defeated by the strongly-growing raphis among which it had been planted

Alpinia vittata

Plant for moderate light conditions. A member of the ginger family, A. vittata is native to the Bismarck Archipelago in the Solomon Islands. It is a plant of the forest understory which is hot and moist climate all year round. A clumping plant, it can rise to 1.5 meters in height outdoors and has 20 cm long lance-shaped leaves edged and banded from the centre to the margin with cream or white stripes. It can bear pendulous pink flowers but rarely does so in cultivation. Alpinia vittata thrives in medium light or filtered direct sunlight. Keeping it in too dark a position will reduce variegation and make the leaves greener. Prolonged direct sunlight can cause foliage to scald, brown or bleach. High humidity is essential. The plant should be watered regularly but should be allowed to dry out between waterings. It is moderately drought tolerant when established. This Alpinia grows vigorously and where they outgrow their allotted space, rhizomes should be dug up, split and replanted. The tallest stalks can be trimmed off to keep this plant to a lower size. The rhizomes should be planted as soon as possible. It is recommended to establish the plant in a pot before planting it in garden. The rhizome should be planted with the top up, no more than 3-4cm under the soil. Avoid planting them too deep to prevent them from rotting. Also, freshly planted rhizomes need oxygen to grow new roots and will die if the planting medium is too dense or too wet. Companion plants: Alpinia vittata makes a striking contrast when planted in along with: Cordyline species, Schefflera arboricola (Green Arboricola), Nephrolepis biserrata cv.’Macho Fern’ (Macho Fern), Brugmansia species (Angel’s Trumpet), Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird of Paradise), Tibouchina heteromalla (Silverleafed Princess Flower) and Agapanthus species. (Source: http://www.plantsrescue.com/alpinia-vittata/)

American rose

Plant vendors in the Philippines have no idea what the scientific names of these roses are and sell them under the all-enveloping term “American rose”

Antidesma bunius. Bignay Have you got a bignay in your garden? Let us know what birds come round to feed on it. Description (Madulid; Fernando). This is a small to medium-sized tree, growing to 10 m tall. Its glossy 20 cm long leaves are oblong with an acuminate tip and a rounded base; their petioles are stout, up to 1 cm long. The small flowers, in drooping racemes about 10 cm long, are yellowish-white, male flowers sessile, female flowers with a small stalk. The edible fruit, about 1 cm in diameter, is deep red to bluish-violet when ripe. Seedlings are occasionally sold at garden centres and garden shows; I have also seen them at a UPLB (University of the Philippines Los Baños) nursery. Photo: www.filipinoheritage.com Attractive to many birds which eat the fruit and the insects living off it. Among the birds that have been observed feeding on the tree are: common garden birds like Pied Fantail (Maria Capra), Yellow-vented Bulbul (Malipago), Black-Naped Oriole (Kiyaw; Kilyawan); Redkeeled Flowerpecker; and forest birds such as Philippine Bulbul, Yellow-Wattled Bulbul and the spectacular Luzon Hornbill (Tarictic).

Aptenia cordifolia

Baby Sun Rose. A native of the coastal plains of South Africa, this plant makes an excellent ground cover. It reaches a spread of 2 feet or more and a height of 4 to 6 in. It blooms throughout the year and its flowers are 1 in across, purplish red and resemble daisies. Its leaves are small and thick. Aptenia cordifolia needs full sun and well-drained soil. A drought-tolerant (and salt-tolerant) plant, it should be watered only when it is thoroughly dry. An internet source does not recommend the use of fertilizer with this plant. Stringy stems should be removed to promote growth. In addition to its use as ground cover, it makes a good pot plant and can be used at the foot of taller plants in pots and allowed to climb over the pot rims. (Info sources: various interset sites)

Artabotrys hexapetalus (L.f.) Bhand

Climbing ylang-ylang. Described by internet sources as a woody climber with a spiny trunk. Bears fragrant six-petal fleshy flowers that are greeny yellow at first, turning yellow-green as they age. The leaves, up to 15 cm in length, are dull green. Also said to bear fleshy yellow berry-like fruit in clusters of up to 25. Synonym: Artabotrys odoratissimus.

Ylang-ylang climber; hara-champa. Described by the Web as a 2-3.5 metre woody climber which climbs with a curved hook developed from flower stamens. Can be allowed to become a dense evergreen shrub bearing fragrant light green flowers which turn yellow with age. Main flowering season: summer and the rains. Needs the full sun to flourish. Propagated by seed or ripe cuttings.

Asplenium musifolium

Giant bird’s nest; dapong babae, pakpak lawin babae. Epiphytic fern similar to A. nidus but with much longer and much wider leaves. (My plant has leaves that are about 170 cm long and 23 cm at their widest point.) Will adjust to full sun but prefers light shade. Tolerates a dry spell but does best with frequent watering. Propagation is by spores, which often sprout in moist areas around the parent plant.

Asplenium nidus L

Bird’s nest fern, dapong lalaki, pugad lawin. Epiphytic fern. Requires abundant moisture and shade for optimum growth. Propagated by spores. Garden centres say that they can get used to the sun.

Atriplex halimus

Silver dust; Mediterranean saltbush. The variety that is known as ‘Silver Dust’ in the Philippines has attractive silver-grey leaves and small light purple flowers. It is drought resistant and can be pruned quite closely.

B Bauhinia blakeana. Hongkong Orchid Tree.

There is apparently strong circumstantial evidence suggesting that all trees of this Bauhinia cultivated today originate from a single ancestor grown in the Hong Kong Botanic Gardens. It has large deep rose-red, orchidshaped blooms with a touch of white. The flowers can be cut and brought indoors. It is exceptionally longblooming. Some sources say it is semi-evergreen, others state that it is evergreen . Another feature of this tree are the twin-lobed leaves, which are typical of the Bauhinia genus. It is a deeprooted plant so it does not like to be transplanted. It will tolerate hot, exposed positions and dry soils. Some sources say it requires full sun and regular watering. Others say that it is an excellent choice for sites that have dry soil or require drought tolerance. It also grows well in acidic soils. My supplier told me that this would be a small tree, no more than 5 feet high, but internet sources say it grows to a height of 9 meters and a width of 4.5 meters. Certainly too big for the space I had in mind. However,as the flowers are so beguiling, I am keeping the two plants I bought. Perhaps in the tropics it doesn’t grow quite as tall as in subtropics? We’ll find out soon enough. The Blakeana is completely sterile and thus requires artificial propagation . It can be grown from softwood and semi-hard cuttings, and by air-layering. It should be pruned regularly when it is young to help create a stronger structure. The branches can be brittle and may break off.

Bauhinia kockiana

Climbing Bauhinia. 1 at P 1,500 from Anihan. A native of the Malaysian jungle, this vine produces a frequent display of orange and red-orange flowers that can be up to 3.5 cm across in long racemes of up to 40 cm. Flowers age to orange-yellow or golden-yellow before they fade. Requires a stout support on which to grow. Likes rich, well-drained soil; prefers roots to be in the shade. Propagated by means of woody cuttings or seeds.

Bougainvillea

Sources of plant: the national road that goes through Bae, Laguna is lined with bougainvillea garden centres. They offer young plants as well as old, shaped ones with trunks the size of fists. Prices can drop to a third during the non-flowering (rainy) season, and may begin at Pesos 25 for new plants. I have seen a magnificent specimen selling for P10,000.

Beaumontia grandiflora

Easter lily vine, herald’s trumpet, Nepal trumpet flower. Woody vine from the Himalayan tropics. Has large fragrant white flowers resembling lilies. A strong growing climber, it can reach 6 m in full sun. The flowers appear on mature plants (about two years old) on year-old wood in trusses particularly during the cool season. The large leaves are glossy and dark green on the upper surface, pale and hairy underneath. Requires copious watering and well-drained soil. Propagation: take cuttings from firm new growth, apply rooting hormone, stick in welldrained soil and mist. May take 25-50 days to root.

Brugmansia versicolor ‘Peach’

1 at P150. In time, this can become a small tree. It has oblong smooth-edged leaves and pendulous flowers which are fragrant at night. The corollas are pale yellow at first, turning white and then peach as the flowers age; the teeth are long, flaring and recurved. Propagated from seed and by stem cuttings (these root quite easily and will do so even in water).

Brugmansia x candida ‘Double White’, ‘Flore Pleno’

Double Angel’s Trumpet. From a small nursery in Barangay Maharlika, Tagaytay. P15. A double-flowered brugmansia, with large velvety leaves and pendant hosein-hose white ruffled flowers with a sweet musky scent. The foliage is easily distinguished from those of the other varieties by its soft grey hairs. Thought to be a hybrid between Brugmansia aurea and B. versicolor. Attractive to bees, birds and butterflies. It likes the sun, but will grow in partial shade. It should be watered regularly but not over-watered. It can be propagated from seeds and from stem cuttings; the latter will also root in water.

Bromeliads

3 plants; tolerates the sun. I am told that bromeliads that do not flower will tolerate some sun and that those that bear flowers have to be put in the shade. The ororojo does not flower.

Brunfelsia americana

Lady of the night. This native of the West Indies can develop into a small tree, up to 5 metres tall, but is generally grown as a shrub. It has upright, thin woody stems and dark green, leathery leaves. It has solitary, creamy-white five-petal flowers (which turn yellow as they age) with tubes up to 5 cm long. Flowers are borne on and off throughout the year. Fragrant only after dark, they have a smell reminiscent of jasmine with spicy undertones. The fruit is a marble-sized capsule with 2-10 black seeds.

Brunfelsia panciflora

Yesterday, today and tomorrow. Medium-sized shrub from South America. Fragrant tubular flowers open a rich lavender blue, and turn pale lavender and then white as they age. Grows to 1 metre. Likes some shade, rich wellcomposted soil and a warm, wind-sheltered position. Should be watered regularly. It is propagated from semihardwood cuttings. Flowers well in December and AprilMay.

Bucida spinosa, Bucida molinetii

Spiny black olive. Bought tree-sized specimen at P1,800. The bucida can grow to 3 m. Its major appeal lies in the growth of its leaves, which form in a horizontal zigzag pattern with almost no bottom growth. Once the branches are formed, the clip-and-grow method is all that it requires. Its leaves are tiny and while it is a prolific bloomer, its flowers are so small as to be insignificant. Its bark is rough and its trunk has a twisting movement. Suitable for bonsai cultivation. It likes the full sun and a moist soil. Possible sources: Josie’s Gardens at RBR Laguna Gardens, Bagong Kalsada, Calamba City, Laguna and the numerous other garden centres that line the Calamba national road (and side roads: Bacnotan Drive). Had tiny white flowers in April 2004.

C Caladium humboldtii

Plant for the shade (but see also below). Graceful herb to 20 cm. tall. Leaves are heart-shaped, green with dominant white patches. Native to Brazil. A perennial that can be used as ground cover, it can grow in partial to full shade as well as in the sun. Another one of those rare plants that can grow anywhere. It should be watered regularly but should not be overwatered. It is propagated by dividing rhizones, tubers, corms or bulbs.

Calathea zebrina

Calathea Zebra Plant. Plant for the shade. The Calathea zebrina’s bright green leaves grow on the tips of their stems, are boldly striped in a striking feather-like pattern and are red-purple underneath. They can reach a length of 2 feet. The plant itself can grow to 1 meter. It bears insignificant flowers. The plant should be kept moist, not wet, and it should be fertilized occasionally with a half-strength solution of liquid fertilizer. Too much and the plant will grow leggy. These plants grow in the shaded understory of tropical forests of the Americas and don’t need strong light. Good light is nevertheless required for the leaves to attain their best colour. The plant should be divided when there are several rosettes at the base. A sharp blade should be used to separate the rosettes which should then be planted each in its own pot. (Info from several internet sources.)

Calotropis gigantea

Ivory plant, kapal-kapal, crown flower. Shrub, to 4 m tall, with waxy stems which produce a milky sap when cut. The leaves are obovate, are about 18 cm long and 12 cm wide; they are grey-green above and have a whitish powder below. The white flowers grow from the leaf axils, are star shaped, and are surrounded by a crown of 5 flesh lobes.

Canarium ovatum Engl.

Pili. Marcotted. Obtained from Legazpi City. Indigenous to the Philippines. This tree grows to a height of 35 m. The leaves are usually three- to four-paired, ending in a terminal leaflet. The small flowers grow in clusters and the fruit is ovoid, up to 5 cm long, and is smooth and black when ripe. The tree is long-lived (the owners of one tree in the Bicol region claim it is 200 years old) and can bear up to 24,000 fruit at a time. When freshly picked, the ripe whole fruit can be boiled and the soft thick pulp eaten as a vegetable or salad. The hard-shelled kernel is the well-known pili nut. The resin extracted from the bark is an export product and has both pharmaceutical and industrial uses. It is an ingredient in the manufacture of plasters, ointments, paints, varnish, sealants, lacquers, asphalt, water and fire proofing, linoleum, plastics and printing inks. The oil from both kernel and pulp is considered equal to olive oil

in quality and is suitable for culinary uses.

Catharanthus roseus, Vinca rosea, Madagascar periwinkle

Chichirica. I started out with 60 of these. Perennial shrub. Height: 30-60 cm, tends to flop. Produces almost continuous display of five-lobed flowers that are dark pink, pink, white or white with red rings. Poisonous. Prefers a sunny, well-drained location. Easily propagated from seeds; self-seeds freely. Dislikes too much water. Attracts butterflies. The vinca’s flowering life can be prolonged by pruning when the stems grow too lanky and bear fewer flowers.

Cassia alata L.

Akapulco, bikas-bikas. Candle bush. This attractive but short-lived shrub is named for its flower buds which grow in a column and look like fat yellow candles each complete with a flame. It was introduced to other tropical areas from the Americas and is now widely considered a weed. The leaves and sap contain a fungicide (an acid) which is effective against fungal infections such as ringworm, and is useful in soaps, shampoos and lotions. The plant’s other chemical contents enable it to act as a laxative and to expel intestinal parasites. In Africa, the boiled leaves are used to treat high-blood pressure. In South America, the cassia is utilized to treat a wide range of ailments from stomach problems, fever, asthma to snake bite and venereal diseases. It is the food plant of some butterfly caterpillars. The plant recruits bodyguards against these caterpillars in the form of ants, which are attracted to the nectar produced by the “extrafloral nectarines” found near the base of the leaves. As a short-lived plant which grows commonly in damp wastelands, it helps to colonize these areas and pave the way for the regeneration of growth. All in all, an extremely valuable plant.

Cestrum nocturnum

Dama de noche; Queen of the Night. This not very pretty shrub grows quite quickly. It should not be planted near drains or filters as these can get blocked by the slender flowers which fall profusely. It blooms several times a year. In my garden it has flowered in January, March, May, June. The small greenish flowers have a powerful fragrance which is released at night, hence the plant’s name. Pruning to keep its size within bounds seems to encourage it to flower again. Propagation is by cuttings.

Chamaedorea seifrizii

Seifrizii. Reed palm. I started with nine of these in pots. An elegant clump-forming palm with cane-like stems, this is an ideal pot plant and houseplant. It has been said to grow quickly to a mature height of 2 m and to seed early. It likes shade and can be easily propagated by division. The black seeds on dark orange stems make a striking contrast. The books say that it should be grown in a shaded, sheltered courtyard or border.

Chrysalidocarpus lutescens

Palmera. I started with 6 of these planted along the garden wall.

Citrus aurantiifolia

Dayap; lime: variegated cultivar. From India to the Malay Peninsula to the Philippines. Propagated from seeds or from cuttings. It is known as a host plant for several species of butterflies: its leaves provide food for caterpillars.

Citrus maxima

Lukban, pomelo, suha. My suha is still only about 50 cm tall and has not fruited, but it already plays host to the lime butterfly.

Citrus microcarpa

Kalamansi. In mid-January 2005, this was populated by about 15 caterpillars. It sprung a full coat of leaves in April-May.

Citrus microcarpa

Kalamansi, variegated form. It fruited fairly well for some months since then; by December 2004 there were only a few tiny fruit. The fruit is larger than the common kalamansi and, like the leaves, it is variegated. This plant always keeps its full complement of leaves and is obviously not a favourite of caterpillars. Flowering timidly by mid-January 2005, the plant was fruiting quite well by April-May.

Clerodendrum macrosiphon

Do-re-mi plant; musical note shrub. I started with 6 of these. Shrub to 2-3 feet. Indigenous to New Guinea and the Philippines. Grows in primary forests at low and medium altitudes. The short-lived (they fall in two to three days) white flowers resemble musical notes in the bud and open to small flowers with red stamens. The plant blooms intermittently throughout the year, though January-February seems to be a dormant period. Slowly coming into flower in early March 2004.

Clerodendrum philippinum, C. chinense

Shrub, 1.2-2.4 metres tall, with dense terminal heads of fragrant (often sterile) white-pink-mauve flowers which look like tight nosegays. The leaves are large (6-10 cm long), opposite and simple with variable margins. Thrives in moist and fertile soil. While it tolerates shade, it prefers sunny locations. It can be invasive and is considered a potential environmental weed in some countries. Propagated by root suckers.

Clerodendrum quadriloculare

Bagawak. I started with 2 of these. This tall shrub or small tree, growing to a height of 5 m, is a Philippine native. The large paired oval leaves are dark green above, reddish purple underneath. The flowers are produced in large showy clusters around 25 cm in diameter, each with a narrow pink tube about 7 cm long, ending in five white spreading petal lobes. Nectarbearing, they are attractive to butterflies. The plant produces numerous seeds and suckers profusely from the roots. The fruit is ellipsoid and is up to 1.5 cm in length. Considered an invasive weed in some countries.

Clerodendrum thomsonae

Known as Bleeding Heart in the Philippines. Glorybower. A native of West Africa, this slender woody vine is one of the few flowering vines for the shade. It has clusters of brilliant red flowers surrounded by white inflated calyxes, which are its most distinctive ornamental feature. The flowers are nectar-bearing and are attractive to butterlifes. It has dark green ovate leaves 7-10 cm long and soft, slightly wooden stems. It likes somewhat dry conditions and at least partial shade. The flowers should be picked off when faded, and the vine should be pruned as needed. It is propagated from suckers or green wood cuttings.

Clerodendrum ugandense

Blue butterfly. This scandent shrub with pale and dark blue flowers grows tall quite rapidly. It is propagated by air-layering or from woody cuttings. It blooms on and off throughout the year. It was not too floriferous in the rainy month of July 2003, but came into its own in the drier month of November.

Clitoria ternatea L.

Blue pea vine, pukinggan. I bought 2 plants for P40 from one of the nurseries in Barangay Maharlika, Tagaytay. The leaves consist of five leaflets with short petioles. The flowers are described as solitary bright blue flowers with yellow markings on white centres. They are borne in great numbers throughout the year. The pod is flat, linear, green and up to 10 cm long.

Cordyline fruticosa; Cordyline terminalis

It has a single, unbranched stem, with the leaves crowded at the end of stem. It bears flowers in panicles from the leaf cluster, which are followed by berry-like fruit. Several cultivars of varied leaf sizes, shapes and colours have recently been introduced to the Philippines. Most need the sun to develop their full leaf colours, though some prefer the shade. The colours become more intense during the drier, cooler months that follow the rainy season.

Crossandra infundibuliformis

Common crossandra. Shrub to 90 cm tall. Native to India, tropical Africa and Madagascar. Recently introduced to the Philippines. The yellow-orange flowers are nectar-bearing and are attractive to butterflies. Propagated by stem cuttings.

Cymbidium Enzan Delight 'Fluorish'

Tentative ID: Cymbidium Enzan Delight 'Fluorish'. A hybrid orchid with all-yellow flowers patented in Korea. I was encouraged to buy several pots of this Cymbidium by an enthusiast who said it blooms frequently, multiplies rapidly and is very easy to care for. I was looking for flowering plants to brighten up my garden and what she said sounded good to me. Five months after purchase, my plants continue to look healthy, though they haven’t quite lived up to the promise of frequent blooms. The one in the photograph was the most mature of the lot when I bought them and had the biggest clump. Perhaps this is the reason why it has bloomed at least 3 times since its purchase, and this month’s flowers are particularly large. I have them planted in a border under direct sun and they are fertilized either with urea (to encourage leaf growth) and Osmocote or Complete (to encourage flowering).

Cymbopogon citratus

Lemon grass, tanglad. I have both the Philippine and the Thai varieties. To me the Thai variety has the more delicate scent and flavour. Madulid and internet sources give both varieties the same scientific name. Both are clump-forming grasses that grow to 1.8 m. Their flowers are large, compound panicles with loose slender branches. They are propagated by division and are said to be native to Sri Lanka and southern India.

Cyrtostachy renda

Red palm; sealing wax palm. This is a medium-sized tufted palm, which means that it produces offshoots and grows as a clump of slender trunks, each with its own crown of leaves. It has bright red leaf sheaths, which appear down nearly the full length of the trunks as well as along the leaf stalk. The leaves are stiff and feathershaped, and a fully grown clump is not too large for a small garden. Rises to about 6 m. The red palm is said to be easy to grow provided it gets a lot of water and the full sun. Propagation by offshoots. (Idea for planting: combine with bromeliads with a touch of red in their leaves)

D Danella tasmanica ‘Variegata’

Variegated Flax Lily. Tentative ID. This is a variegated evergreen with strappy leaves that are yellow-edged with green central panels. It bears small blue flowers which give rise to blue berries. It grows from 1 to 3 feet tall with equal spread. Although it grows well when planted in shady locations, it does best when it receives full or partial sun for most of the day. It is drought-tolerant but it needs consistently moist soil during its first growing season. This helps it establish the strong, deep root system that allows it to tolerate drought conditions later in its life. In its second

and subsequent seasons, water it only during periods of extreme drought. Too much water will make it susceptible to scale and other pests. If other plants in the garden are experiencing drought stress, the flax lily probably is as well, so water it slowly to a depth of 10 inches. It should be fertilized montly during the growing season. It is propagated by dividing up established plants. It should be dug up, and a shovel driven through its root ball. The plant is native to Tasmania, Australia. (Info from various internet sources.)

Dendrobium

According to the American Orchid Society (AOS), these are the most common orchids in the retail trade. They are epiphytes or air plants with well-developed water-storage organs (pseudobulbs), often referred to as canes because they are upright and leafy. AOS says they should be potted in porus, free-draining media. There are many types of denrobiums, but Dendrobium phalaenopsis varieties are the most frequently encountered. The flowers of these varieties resemble those of the Phalaenopsis or moth orchids.

Canarium ovatum Engl.

Pili. Marcotted. Obtained from Legazpi City. Indigenous to the Philippines. This tree grows to a height of 35 m. The leaves are usually three- to four-paired, ending in a terminal leaflet. The small flowers grow in clusters and the fruit is ovoid, up to 5 cm long, and is smooth and black when ripe. The tree is long-lived (the owners of one tree in the Bicol region claim it is 200 years old) and can bear up to 24,000 fruit at a time. When freshly picked, the ripe whole fruit can be boiled and the soft thick pulp eaten as a vegetable or salad. The hard-shelled kernel is the well-known pili nut. The resin extracted from the bark is an export product and has both pharmaceutical and industrial uses. It is an ingredient in the manufacture of plasters, ointments, paints, varnish, sealants, lacquers, asphalt, water and fire proofing, linoleum, plastics and printing inks. The oil from both kernel and pulp is considered equal to olive oil in quality and is suitable for culinary uses.

Dianthera candicans

Pink candy justicia. This native of Mexico is a climbing shrub with lanceolate, dark green leaves. Its bilabiate flowers are pale red to crimson, with the lower lip divided into three segments. Propagated from cuttings. I have lost this plant.

Dipladenia sanderi; Mandevilla sanderi. Dipladenia (Mandevilla) splendens, M. boliviensis

Family: Apocynaceae. Origin: south-eastern Brazil. A tender woody vine which provides a non-stop bounty of huge white (also pink) trumpet-shaped flowers in clusters. The flowers have gold throats and are up to 10 cm across. Blooms heaviest in the hottest months and sporadically throughout the rest of the year. Fuzzy young stems twine around supports eventually scrambling to heights up to 3.5 meters. The handsome leathery leaves are dark green, up to 20 cm long and 7 to 10 cm wide. Given adequate care, the Dipladenia is pest free (except for aphids, which can multiply to alarming proportions if left unchecked) and fast growing. Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested.

Dischorisandra thrysiflora

Blue ginger. According to Warren, this is not a ginger but a spiderwort. It has cane-like, jointed stalks rising to about 1.5 metres from underground stems. Its leaves are dark green, lightly banded with silver and with a purplishblue wash underneath. Its large terminal clusters of flowers are dark blue-mauve with white and yellow centres. It likes filtered light and moist-well drained soil. It is propagated from tip cuttings or by root division. Origin: tropical America.

Dracaena australis. Cordyline australis

Yucca. False yucca. 1 at P2,000. Palm-like tree to 8 m, unlike palms, however, it has many branches high up on the trunk. The leaves are sword-shaped, leathery, up to 90 cm long and 5 cm wide, and are borne in tufts at the ends of branches. It bears numerous panicles of small white fragrant flowers, which are followed by berries. This native of New Zealand was given the name “cabbage tree” by early settlers who used its inner leaves and stems as a cooked or raw vegetable. Propagated from stem cuttings or from seeds.

Dracaena reflexa ‘Song of India´

1 at P700. This is a multi-trunk or clumping shrub. It has narrow dark green leaves with bright yellow margins. Can become a small tree, although its stems are weak and may require support to keep the plant from sprawling. The Reflexa bears white flowers once annually. It prefers lightly shady to shady conditions. Needs to be watered regularly as the soil must be kept moist. Propagated from stem cuttings and by division.

Dracaena reflexa Lam. ‘Song of Thailand’

Similar to Song of India, but the leaves have light cream to white stripes. A recent introduction to the Philippines. 7 given by Belle.

Dracaena marginata ‘Tricolor’

6 at P100. Native to Madagascar. Recently introduced to the Philippines. Unbranched or rarely branched plant, with a slender trunk and 60 cm long narrow leaves which taper to a point. Its predominantly green leaves have a red-purple stripe running along the outer edges, hence its name. The ‘Tricolor’ has in addition white or yellowish stripes along the green centre, giving the plant an overall greenish-gold colour. Thrives in sunlight and welldrained soil. Slow growing. Propagated from stem cuttings.

Duranta repens

Golden dewdrop (the name comes from the bright orange-yellow berries that follow the flowers); Sky flowers; Pigeon berry. The duranta can be grown as a shrub which can arch to 25 feet; it can also be grown as a tree. Either way, it requires frequent pruning to keep in shape. It likes the full sun and frequent deep watering. It is easy to root from cuttings, and can be propagated from seeds. It flowers continuously throughout the year. Nectar-filled, the flowers are attractive to butterflies.

Dypsis madagascariensis lucubensis. Chrysalidocarpus madagascariensis

Becc. Madagascar palm. 1 at P200. A handsome, medium-sized solitary palm (there is also a clumping form), to about 15m, with a thick, closely ringed grey trunk. It has a tristichous leaf arrangement, long thin leaflets, and slightly plumose leaves. Needs full sun and regular watering.

E Ervatamia divaricata; Tabernaemontana divaricata

Pandacaqui (in the Philippines). Pinwheel flower. Crape jasmine. Native to India. 10 at P75. Beautifully shaped shrub which forms mounds that can be 2 m high. The branches tend to grow almost parallel to the ground, giving the shrub an attractive horizontal aspect. Its large shiny leaves are deep green and are 15 cm or more in length and about 5 cm wide. The waxy blossoms are white five-petal pinwheels which are borne profusely throughout the year. They have a gentle perfume which is best enjoyed in the evening – the heat vaporizes the scent during the day. Not particular about soil, the crape jasmine nevertheless responds well to the application of fertilizer. It should be pruned lightly to maintain its form. It grows in sun or partial shade and tends to be more compact in the sun. It should be watered during dry periods and requires good drainage. Propagated from

seeds and cuttings. Once started, it grows fairly rapidly.

Ervatamia divaricata ‘Flore Pleno’

Butterfly gardenia. 1 large at P600; 3 small at P80. This cultivar has white, double flowers. It blooms frequently but not as profusely as the crape jasmine. The ‘Flore Pleno’ has the same cultural requirements as the crape jasmine. Both can be grown as potted plants as they respond well to pruning.

Erythrina crista-galli

Cockspur coral tree. My plant cost P1,000. A mediumsized tree (to 4 m) native to Brazil, the Erythrina has long drooping sprays of coral red flowers at branch ends, and trifoliate leaves with backward-pointing prickles along the stem. It bears flowers in waves throughout the year, and it is said to bloom best after a period of drought. All plant parts are poisonous. It likes the full sun and rich, welldrained soil. It should be pruned hard immediately after flowering to produce flowering stems for the following season. In some countries it develops galls, but these do not seem to harm the tree. More troublesome is a boring insect which enters at branch tips; the branch should be cut below the borer as soon as an infestation becomes visible. The Erythrina will eventually develop a gnarled trunk. It self-seeds freely, and is propagated easily from seeds, semi-hard wood cuttings and by marcotting.

Etlingera elatior

Torch ginger. Belonging to family of the Zingeberaceae and a native of tropical Asia, E. elatior is one of the most beautiful of flowering tropical plants. Growing from underground rhizomes, its tall leafstalks can reach a height of 4-5 m. The flower torches, rising to about 1 m, also emerge from the ground on long stalks. The most common form has bright red flowers; there is a form with pink flowers. The flower heads are eaten raw in Malaysia, before the bracts begin to open, as are the young shoots and fruits. The torch ginger likes full sun or light shade and rich, well drained soil, with plenty of water and protection from strong winds. It produces high yields of shoots with low levels of fertilizer. The Etlingera is a perennial and can be harvested continuously with low labour input.

Euphorbia milii

Euphorbia milii and hybrids. Euphorbia milii is a slowgrowing evergreen succulent shrub which can attain a height of two feet. It has green leaves and either yellow, red or pink flowers. Various hybrids of the plant have been produced offering larger, different color bracts, whether yellow or pink. Brightly coloured bracts (modified leaves) resemble petals and give the crown of thorns its colourful appeal, while the true flowers of the plant are small and unobtrusive. The plant has a high drought tolerance. It is also salttolerant. It can be propagated by cuttings. Some advise that the cutting should be allowed to dry for three to four days until the cut end has callused over. A dip in rooting compound containing a fungicide is also recommended before placing the cutting in a slightly moist, very well draining potting mix. I have not followed this advice where I live and manage to grow new plants from cuttings nonetheless. The sap of this plant can be a skin irritant. The plant has thorns. The Chinese grow E. millii as a plant of fortune. It is said that they believe that when the plant produces 8 flowers in an inflorescence, they will be lucky. The hybridization of E. millii started in Thailand and China around 1990. (Info obtained from internet sources.)

Evolvulus glomeratus ‘Blue Daze’

The ‘Blue Daze’ belongs to the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae). It is a ground cover with clear blue flowers on the tips of trailing stems, and attractive soft grey-green leaves. Flowering is usually prolific and showy, with the individual flowers lasting only one day and closing in the early evening hours as well as on overcast days. The ‘Blue Daze’ persists for many years in sunny locations, but it will also grow in light shade. Although it needs moist soil for best growth, overwatering can cause fungal problems. It is deep-rooted and, once established, it will tend to be somewhat drought tolerant, but it will die if it is kept too dry. As it is tolerant of salt, it can grow well in coastal gardens. The ‘Blue Daze’ is a moderate to heavy feeder. It is propagated from softwood stem cuttings or from seeds. Its stems take root where they touch the ground, and rooted stems can be separated from the main plant.

Excoecaria cochinchinensis

Chinese croton. Called Picara in the Philippines. I started out with 6 of these. According to Madulid, this is a native of China and Japan. It is a low-growing shrub (to 1 m) with arching stems. My plants have leaves that are variegated pale green and off-white on top and bright lacquer red underneath. Like other members of the Euphorbia family, the sap of the Chinese croton is poisonous. It prefers open, sunny places and rich soil, and requires constant watering. It is propagated from stem cuttings.

F Ficus Burt Davyii ‘Nana’

This cultivar from Africa has stiff oblong leaves about 3.5 cm long. It bears small round fruit, about 3 mm in diameter, at the axils of leaves. I am growing it in a rectangular pan about 8 cm deep. It thrives in the sun, likes a lot of water and can take heavy pruning. It is a favourite of bonsai hobbyists.

Ficus Ulmifolia ‘Is-is’

When it is fruiting, the Is-is is a banqueting table for birds! I understand humans can eat the fruit too - the addition of a little cream and sugar will do the trick. (But I suggest you leave the fruit for the birds.) If anyone has spent part of their childhoods in a barrio, they might remember the rough leaves people used to clean plates and cooking utensils. Or to polish or scrub wood. It is a good-looking tree when grown. This part of our heritage is now a threatened species; it appears in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species of 2004. If we find it in our backyards, let's leave it alone, and allow it to grow and generate new plants and thus enable our children's children's children to enjoy it and the animals that feed off it in their time.

G H Hedychium coronarium

Kamia, white ginger, ginger lily. 1 at P100. This native of India has green stalks which grow to 1.5 m. Its beautiful rich green foliage makes a great background for smaller plants. Its flowers are white, spicily fragrant: a treat on warm evenings and through most of the day. Nectarbearing, the flowers are attractive to butterflies. Stems that have flowered will remain green for a year or more, but they can be removed when the flowers have faded to promote new growth. Easy to propagate, it should be dug up, divided, with the roots cut into 20 cm pieces, and replanted.

Hedychiumflavescence

Yellow ginger. A native to the eastern Himalayas, this was once thought to be a form of H. coronarium but is now recognized as a species in its own right. A tall plant growing to about 2 m, it produces a cone-like spike of large, creamy yellow flowers that are reddish yellow at the base. The flowers have a spicy, citrus-flower scent.

Heliconia rostrata

Hanging lobster’s claw. I started out with three of these. This native of the American tropics needs rich soil (which should be manured frequently according to the books), plenty of water (but good drainage) and sunlight. Each plant stalk flowers once and should be cut to the ground when the bloom fades. The Heliconia is propagated from rhizomes, which spread rapidly. It has striking pendent inflorescences, which may be up to 30 cm long, with yellow-and-green-tipped red-orange bracts.

Heliconia stricta 'Dwarf Jamaican Red'

Plant for the shade (but see also below). This heliconia only grows to about 50 cm high with bright red lobsterclaw flowers. Both my supplier and internet sources say that this plant can grow in the full sun and in partial to full shade. It has large red, dark-green lipped “flowers” that are attractive to bees, butterflies and birds. They are also good as cuttings. The leaves have reddish central ribs. The plants requires consistently moist soil and should not be allowed to dry out between waterings. Heliconias have South American origins.

Heliconia wagneriana

Lobster’s claw. The inflorescences of H. wagneriana are borne upright. As with all Heliconias, the bracts carry the fairly insignificant flowers. Mostly native to the Americas, Warren says that the Heliconias are pollinated exclusively by hummingbirds. They bear fruit inside the bract and carry seeds when this happens. Propagation is by germination of seeds, or from rhizomes.

Hibiscus moscheutos, dwarf hybrid

H. moscheutos, a native to the wetlands of eastern United States, is extensively hybridized. Depending on the variety, the specimens can range in height from 50 cm to 2 meters. I understand that the specimen I have is a dwarf; at less than a foot high, it is already flowering very well. However, although internet sources say that the flowers even of the dwarf varieties can be huge, my plant has small magenta flowers only about 3 inches across. I love its unopened flower buds (see photo). The plant may tolerate light shade for part of the day but it really prefers full sun. It can make do with average garden soil, but it will benefit from fertile soil with lots of organic matter and responds positively to yearly top dressings of compost as well as an organic mulch. While it likes moderately moist to wet soil, it can put up with a bit of drought and does not necessarily need more water than most other garden flowers. It should be fertilized every two months or so. The H. moscheutos can be propagated from seed or from tip cuttings. The cuttings should be misted regularly. (Source: http://journeysandjonquils.blogspot.com/2010/08/plantcare-profile-swamp-rose-mallow.html.)

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Snow Queen'

Variegated gumamela. A vigorous shrub with marbled or mottled green and white leaves. Flowers are single and rose-pink.

Hibiscus

Gumamela. I started out with 5 local and 5 imported varieties in 2003. These include types with a single row of petals: white; pink with pink-red centre; dark orange with red orange centre and yellow stamens (single); light peach with dark peach-pink centre; yellow-orange with light yellow-orange centre, dark orange stamens; light yellow with pink veins and pink wash towards centre, yellow stamens. The hibiscus likes the full sun and should be protected from strong winds. It should be watered regularly (and certainly when the foliage begins to flag a little) but should not be allowed to waterlog. Regular use of soluble complete fertilizers and with chelated trace elements will ensure healthy growth. The hibiscus can be propaged by seeds, tip cuttings, eyebud cuttings, marcotting (about a foot and a half from the tip of a branch when the rains start) and grafting. Cuttings root in six weeks and flower in nine months. Buds appearing on cuttings should be removed to promote healthy growth.

Hyophorbe lagenicaulis, Mascarena lagenicaulis

Champagne palm. Bottle palm. 3 at P3,000; 1 at P1,500. This small palm will grow slowly to a height of 3.5 m. The trunk is a rounded bulge in young specimens and gradually elongates and flattens somewhat as the palm matures. It bears cream male and female flowers on the same inflorescence, with the flower stalk coming from below the crown shaft. The flowers are followed by black oval fruit of about 4 cm. My plants have leaves that are yellowing.

I

Impatiens walleriana

Busy Lizzies. I began with 100 of the Busy Lizzie. Provides a brilliant splash of colour in partially shaded, moist areas. Tolerates the morning sun but definitely dislikes being in the full sun all day.

Ixora javanicaSantan.

2 at P75. Native to India and tropical Africa, this is a biggish shrub with large pointed leaves and red-orange or pure red flowers. As many as 60 of these make up the rounded flower clusters that appear at the ends of branches. Flowers frequently in full sun or light shade. The santan is doubly useful for butterflies: its flowers contain nectar for the butterflies themselves and, as a host plant, its leaves provide food for their caterpillars. The Ixora needs little pruning except to give it some shape.

J Jasminum sambac. Kampuput, Arabian jasmine, Persian jasmine, sampaguita.

Busy Lizzies. I began with 100 of the Busy Lizzie. Provides a brilliant splash of colour in partially shaded, moist areas. Tolerates the morning sun but definitely dislikes being in the full sun all day.

Jasminum bifarium

Malaysian jasmine; melati. A climber with elongated heart-shaped leaves 5-8 cm long and 3-5 cm wide, and semi-hard stems. Bears clusters of fragrant white flowers with 7-9 petals. (There are numerous varieties of white jasmines and it is not always easy for a plant amateur like me to tell one from the other.

Jatropha pandurifolia

Shanghai Beauty, Fiddlehead Jatropha. Plant for full sun, as well as partial or light shade. This is a branching shrub growing to a height of 3 meters, but it can also be pruned to grow as a small tree. Bears branching red flowers allyear round. This Jatropha is native to the West Indies, and was introduced to the Philippines in the 1960s. This plant can grow in the full sun or in partial or light shade . A rarity indeed! It is also drought tolerant. It can be propagated from woody stem cuttings as well as from seed. The seeds should be allowed to dry on the plant before they are removed. All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.

Jatropha podragrica

Gout plant, Buddha belly, Guatemala rhubarb. Plant for full sun or dappled shade. This is a sparingly branched succulent shrub that can grow to 1.5 m in height. Its stem is thickened and fleshy and it has a rounded base. Its five-lobed leaves can grow to a foot across in the shade. Bears small bright red flowers with yellow antlers at the end of a stem the year-round; the flowers are attractive to butterflies. A native of Central America, this plant came to the Philippines in the early 1900s. A good potted plant, it can also be used in a small garden. Easy to take care of, it requires well-drained soil, very little water and a sunny to filtered light location. It grows well with at least a few hours of sun, but the less sun, the bigger the leaves will grow. Fertilize once a month. Propagation is by seeds, which are produced freely and germinate easily. When the seeds ripen, they burst open, so watch them to turn brown before you miss them jumping away! Seed pods will explode, launching the

seeds several feet away. As with many other plants of of the Euphorbia family, Jatropha plant parts can be toxic, especially the seeds. Keep your eye on small kids and don't let them play with Jatropha seeds. (Info sources: toptropicals.com; www.louistheplantgeek.com.)

K L Lantana camara

20 at P20. Native to tropical America, it has since become a weed in the tropical world to which it has been introduced. Growing to about 1 m in height, it has pungent leaves and has almost continuous displays of flower clusters. These are made up of tiny florets and are commonly orange or red-orange. Some cultivars have larger white, pink or lemon yellow flowers. The lantana likes the full sun and well-drained soil. It is propagated by air-layering or from woody cuttings. The nectar-bearing flowers are attractive to butterflies.

Leea rubra Bl

Shrub to 3 m tall with maroon stem and leaves. The flowers are red on branched cymes; the fruit is a berry. Attractive ornamental. Seems to like partial shade. Grows quite easily from cuttings. Beloved of the sunbirds in my garden. Fruits fully formed by 15 November 2004.

Licuala grandis

Ruffled fan palm. A rainforest understory palm from South-east Asia, this plant will grow to a mature height of 1.5-2 m on a solitary trunk. It has large fan-like, regularly pleated leaves with notched edges growing at the end of long, spiny stems. It bears tiny asexual flowers on a long inflorescence and small, round red berries. Slow-growing, the palm is excellent for container/tub culture. It grows in the shade and dislikes exposure to strong winds. It needs to be watered well and frequently. Some sources recommend treatment with fertilizer every three weeks. Browned-out fronts should be removed. Propagated from seeds (it will take about 12 months for these to sprout); also from offshoots.

M Maranta group. Plants for the shade. Marantas, Calatheas, Ctenanthes and Stromanthes are members of the Marantaceae (arrowroot) family. They are considered some of the most attractive and spectacular species of foliage plants. During the day these beautiful plants display their colourful leaves with in all their glory and then when night falls they folds up their leaves showing their contrasting undersides. This is why these plants are called “prayer plants”, a wonderful adaptation to make the most from the sunlight in the deep and luxuriant rain-forests from which they originate. (Info source: www.olaladirectory.com.au).

Magnolia coco

Chinese magnolia. Shrub to 3 m tall. Produces 5-cm white, round, cup-shaped fragrant flowers. Leaves are dark green, oblong and glossy. Native to China. Propagated by seeds or by marcotting. Flowering again 4 June 2003, and again by 18 June (but not profusely) and 12 July. After some months without flowering, it started to bud in February 2004.

Magnolia grandiflora?

Tree to 30 m tall. The leathery leaves are up to 20 cm long, shining dark green above, dusty tomentose underneath. The flowers are white, fragrant. Native to the United States, not common in the Philippines. A single bud in February 2004, fully formed (length of petals: 9 cm) by early March; starting to fade by 10 March. New flower buds appearing by 24 March; fully opened by May.

Medinilla magnifica

Kapa-kapa. 1 at P1,300 from Ming’s Garden, Tagaytay. An impressive shrub native to the Philippines. Grows up to 2 metres in height. It has large leathery leaves with ivorycoloured midribs and periodic masses of pink-red flowers surrounded by showy pink bracts. The flower stems may be up to 30 cm long. Does not do well at lower altitudes. While it likes light, the Medinilla must be protected from direct sunlight. It prefers to be a little dry rather than too wet, and it should be fertilized once a month. Faded flowers should be removed to encourage new growth, from which new flowers will be produced. If necessary, the plant can be cut back a little. It is propagated from woody cuttings or by air-layering.

Medinilla speciosa

4 for P1,500. Native to Java, recently introduced to the Philippines. Small shrub with smooth, 4 angled branches. Leaves are opposite 5-nerved, bright glossy green above, tinged red beneath. Flowering branch is small and compact. Pale rose flowers, flower stems becoming deep pink as fruiting begins; fruit also deep pink.

Melanolepsis multiglandulosa (Alim)

This well-known wild tree and its varieties grow in thickets and secondary growth forests at low to medium altitudes; it is also often found on sandy shores by the sea. It has ovalshaped leaves with incised margins, sometimes with three lobes. It carries panicles of offwhite to light green florets at ends of branches. It bears small green fruit capsules in long clusters. As the alim is drought-tolerant, it is recommended for rainforestration in dry arid areas.

Many birds of varying sizes (such as Lowland White-Eye, Asian Glossy Starling, Whiteeared Brown Dove) feed on its small fruit. The alim also plays host to insects which in turn attract insect-eating birds such as the Golden-bellied Flycatcher.

Michelia alba

Tsampakang-puti. I have 2 plants. Can grow up to 20 metres (some say 10), has creamy white blooms with a powerful fragrance (the essential oil derived from these blooms is used in the production of the perfume Joy). Native to Java. Propagated by air-layering. Flowered in June 2003 over a period of several weeks; no flowers by the third week of July. Flower buds appearing by 24 March 2004; blooming in early June 2005. The tsampaka is a host plant for some species of butterflies.

Mucuna bennettii

New Guinea Creeper. 1 at P1,500 from Anihan Botanical Gardens, Governor Leviste Road, Barangay Bulacnin, Lipa City. Tel. 043 312 6607. This climber belongs to the same botanical family as the jade vine. Similar pea-type flowers hung in 3-4 foot racemes from the woody stems, but they are a vivid red-orange. Trifoliate leaves made up of ovate dark green leaflets. Introduced to cultivation only in 1940 when seeds collected in the New Guinea jungle were successfully germinated at the Singapore Botanic Garden. Prefers its roots to be in the shade; likes well-drained soil. Tends to sulk a bit after transplanting, but makes up for time lost after a while.

Muntingia calabura (Datiles. Aratiles. Philippine Cherry)

I am sure everyone knows this tree and its fruit. When it is fruiting, it provides the Red-keeled Flowerpecker with its daily bread. I have seen a Red-Crested Malkoha perched on it. The Lowland White-Eye loves it, as does the Yellow-Vented Bulbul. The Bee-eaters fly to it because it attracts bees when in flower, and I have observed a Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker foraging for insects on it.

Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack

Kamuning. Mock orange. Orange-jasmine. 1 at P75. A few flowers 3 June 2003. I have seen this as a very attractive small tree which had obviously been pruned as it grew to show off the attractive bark on trunk and branches. Member of the orange family. Has attractive, glossy green foliage, tolerates most conditions and regularly produces clusters of small, scented white flowers followed by small bright red fruit. Can be clipped into a topiary, though this will curtail flowering. Blooms most profusely during the rainy season.

Mussaenda 'Clara L. Davide'

This Mussaenda hybrid, released in 2009, was developed by the Institute of Plant Breeding of the University of the Philippines Los Baños. UPLB describes it as having cream “petals” with a Neyron Rose tinge, edge and vein color. It has one larger bract surrounded by 4-5 small elliptic lanceolate bracts, which twist and turn and surround the tiny yellow true flowers. Mussaendas bloom almost throughout the year, except from January to March when they are less proliferous. They love the sun and should be planted in the open. They appreciate a good mulching and plenty of feeding when new growth is starting. Some gardeners recommend pruning to a convenient size after flowering to encourage new shoots and subsequent blooms. Mussaenda can produce seed (in a small fruit), but production is poor and unreliable. Cuttings can be also be difficult to strike, although this varies among cultivars. Alternative means of propagation include grafting, layering and marcotting.

Mussaenda philippica ‘Doña Aurora’

White bracts. Shrub to 4 m tall. Native to the Philippines. Flowered continuously between April 2003 and February 2004. Stopped flowering for a while, then lost most of its leaves. Flowering profusely again by early May; still ‘flowering’ magnificently by October; most ‘flowers’ gone by end-December 2004: in short, my plant gave different flowering performances in 2003 and 2004. Full complement of flowers by May 2005.

Mussaenda philippica ‘Doña Luz’

Hybrid. Deep-rose multiple bracts. According to Warren, the Mussaenda needs full sun to flower continuously and regular pruning to make a bushy plant. It is propagated from semi-hard cuttings.

N Neomarica gracilis

Walking Iris. The Walking Iris has graceful sword-like foliage and striking white and blue flowers with brownish centers. The flowers last only a day, but with proper care numerous blooms follow over extended periods. It got its name from its habit of propagating itself, appearing to “walk” through the garden as it fills the area with additional plantlets. When a new plantlet is formed at the tip of the flower stalk, it bends to the ground and takes root. Its leaves spread like a fan from its base. In addition to propagating itself, the Iris can be propagated by division of offsets. The rhizomes can be planted in the ground or in pots just beneath the soil.

It is low-maintenance but it requires plenty of moisture. It should be watered and fertilized regularly. Mulching will help retain moisture. The Walking Iris tolerates a wide range of soil and light conditions. It looks great when massed together and can be used as a taller ground cover in the shade. It can also be planted in pots. (Info source: Nikki Phipps, through the internet.)

Nephrolepis biserrata ‘Furcans’

Fishtail fern. Bought 1 at P125, 2 at P40; 3 at P15. A fern with 90 cm long leathery, arching and yellow-green leaves. The leaflets are forked at the end. Grows horizontal stems which root on the ground, producing plantlets.

Normambya normanbyi. Black palm

Native of north-eastern Australia; it is referred to as the “black palm” because of the density of its dark timber. This is a tall, handsome palm, growing about 20 metres tall, with a 4 metre leaf read. The trunk is smooth, slender, and closely ringed, and becomes almost black as the palm gets older. There is a pale green crown shaft, topped with a small head of leaves. These are pinnate, plumose (feathery) and consist of many rather wide leaflets, arranged circularly around the leaf stalk, which gives it a very bushy appearance when the palm is mature, very similar to the foxtail palm. In fact, the two palms are difficult to tell apart, the main difference being that N. normanbyi has a silvery tinge to the underside of the leaves. The green inflorescence comes from below the crown shaft, and gives rise to 5cm long pear-shaped, light-brown coloured fruit. Like many palms which come from rainforests, N. normanbyi seedlings prefer shade when younger, growing into full sun as they get taller.

Nymphaea

Tropical water lilies. These are either day-bloomers or night-bloomers. Day-bloomers. I have two varieties of day-blooming tropical water lilies: one has blue flowers (see photo) and the other has pink ones. The blue water lily has plain green circular pads (leaves) with slightly wavy edges. In the small basin that holds it, the leaves rise just slightly over the water. My plant is just getting established, but it has been producing lovely blue flowers continuously for the past two weeks. I understand that the lily has a long flowering season so I can expect to be delighted by them for several months. The flowers last three days, opening up in the midmorning and closing down in the mid-afternoon or thereabouts. When they’re spent, the flower head sinks slowly back into the water from whence it came. Water lilies are heavy feeders. The gardener who sold me my lilies recommended a tablespoon and a half every two weeks of equal amounts of ammonium sulphate and the fertilizer Complete. She cut 2-3 layers of a strip of newspaper, rolled them into a small cone and inserted the combined fertilizer into it, sealing the top edge well before she inserted the cone into the soil in the lily basin. The lilies require at least 6 hours of sun a day to do well. They should be planted into the soil so that only their crown is showing. They need between 6 to 18 inches of still water above the crown. The lily grows from a central crown. All leaves and flowers radiate from this point and growth is vertical. It produces a tuber from which plantlets develop. I understand that to propagate the lily, rooted plantlets should be separated from the tuber and planted in their own small pots for growing on. Night-bloomers. I have one night-bloomer bearing white flowers which open in the late afternoon and close in the morning. Much like the day-bloomers, night bloomers grow from a single central crown but multiply easily. Though multiple crowns can be desirable in large pots, too many "pups" will prevent the main crowns from attaining good size and bloom. Night-bloomer pads have very toothy edges and show more venation than the day-bloomers. They can be propagated from tubers, and by division. They often make runners from the tubers and produce new plants. (Information from internet sources.)

Nymphoides indica. Water Snowflake

I consider this the loveliest new addition to my garden. It is not a water lily but resembles it, hence its name. A tiny aquatic plant, it has submerged roots and floating small heart-shaped leaves. It has enchanting elfin white flowers whose five petals are covered in small hairs, giving them a feathery look. The flowers open in the morning and close at night. The Water Snowflake can be propagated from the plantlets or runners growing from the main plant.

O Osmoxylon 'Miagos'

I have an attractive variegated foliage plant that is known to vendors here only as ‘Miagos’. It seems it is one of the 20 species of Osmoxylon recorded in the Philippines. It is said that most of these species are endemic to the country. In the Web, Osmoxylon linnare is referred to as the ‘Miagos bush’. A small bush, it has fine-cut palmate compound leaves with a leathery surface. The leaves rise in a spiral around the stem; the leaflets are up to 12 cm long and are about 1 cm wide. The small white flowers are produced in a dense head at the end of the stem; the fruit, also forming a head, turns black as it ages. This plant is tolerant of drought and wide range of light conditions, from full sun to deep shade. It is easy to grow, and is suitable for indoor use.

P

Philodendron mellinonii

Plant for the shade. A magnificent self-heading plant, this can reach a spread of 2 meters, with leaves attaining 28 inches in length and 20 inches in width. The petioles are 28 inches long. The petioles have a reddish tint toward the leaf and so do the back main rib of the leaf. The mellinonii is a native of the rain forests of French Guiana, Suriname, Venezuela and Northern Brazil. It is naturally an epiphyte but it can be grown as a terrestial. It pups easily. As the stems are covered with a dense fiber, the pups are best separated when the plants are small. One must dig down through the fiber to find the point of origin of the pups. The plant is easy as long as the light levels are not too low. Large plants can easily weigh 75 pounds or more, but the rosettes are compact and the plants are well worth the space. Growth rate is moderate in strong, but not burning, sun. The petioles get a deeper color as light levels increase." (Text taken from www.exoticrainforest.com/Philodendron %20melinonii%20%20pc.html).

Plumeria pudica

Plumeria pudica, a species of the Kalachuchi, is native to Panama, Colombia and Venezuela. It blooms profusely and over a long period lasting as much as 185 days. It bears clusters of white flowers with yellow centres; it has unusual leaves which have been variously described as spoon- or fiddle-shaped. It is not a fastidious plant, but it requires direct sun and drier conditions most of the year. It doesn’t like wet soil and good drainage is therefore important. Some authors say it can be watered as little as every 4 weeks or so. This Plumeria bears leaves along its slender stems and at the stem tips. Broken stems produce a white sap. In the early stages of its growth, the Plumeria can be pruned three or more inches from the top to increase branching, canopy density and showiness. It is easily grown from cuttings. Some sources suggest burying the cutting to a depth of about 4 inches. Flowers can be expected in the first year of planting.

Portulaca grandiflora. Moss Rose.

The Portulaca, a low-growing native of South America, has fleshy leaves and colorful cactus-like flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, purple and white (see photo). They open on sunny days and close at night or when it is cloudy. They are eye-catching to both humans and butterflies. They can be grown in containers and hanging baskets, where the plants will go over the edges of the containers, making a grand display of their cylindrical somewhat moss-like foliage and vibrant-colored blooms. I have them planted in a fairly dry mixed flower bed and I hope they will cover all the exposed soil there, which tends to turn a dead grey when it is dry. The Portulaca quickly forms dense mats. It prefers sunny, hot, dry, almost desert-like conditions. As they have shallow roots, light watering is all that they require when they have to be watered – and they have to be watered to flower well. Remember, however, that over-watering will lead to root rot. It self-seeds very readily. Seeds can be gathered and scattered where you want them. Internet sources say: do not cover the seeds as light aids germination. Also, the Portulaca does not like to be transplanted: if you do have to transplant the seedlings, handle them with care. Stem cuttings can likewise be used for propagation. Just stick them into the ground, and away they should go. Pluck and plant is the advice given by an afficionado on the Net. Aphids and root-rot nematodes are common problems. For aphids, use a stream of water or soapy spray to wash off the pests. If the problem is root-rot, there is not much to do except to give the infected plant a good send-off and plant a new one instead.

Q Quisqualis indica L.

Rangoon creeper; Drunken sailor; Niyog-niyogan. 1 at P200 from Anihan Botanical Gardens. Governor Leviste Road, Barangay Bulacnin, Lipa City, 043 312 6607; and one from a friend. This fast-growing climbing shrub with woody stems has soft, light-green, oblong, and slightly hairy leaves that are 7-15 cm long and 3-7 cm wide. It grows spiny as it ages. The flowers (deliciously fragrant at night) are borne frequently throughout the year in pendulous clusters and have slender, green tubes and five-lobed petals which are at first white, changing to pink and crimson over a three-day period. They produce nectar and are therefore attractive to butterflies. The creeper may need occasional hard pruning to keep within the desired limits. It needs full sun and moist but well-

drained soil. It is propagated from stem cuttings or root suckers, which are produced freely.

R Rhapis humilis

Lady palm. 6 at P200. Native of southern China. Popular for indoor use and in gardens, especially in shady areas where other specimens are difficult to grow. Grows in clumps of many slender trunks, each covered with dark fibres, and has fan-shaped leaves divided into a number of leaflets. Can reach about 2 metres in height but is more often lower. Will grow in dense shade as well as in sun but prefers moist soil. Propagated by means of rooted offshoots. (IDEA: plant at the base of a taller palm, to give two-tier effect. In February 2004, a yellowvented bulbul nested among my rhapis.

Rondeletia leucophylla

Panama Rose. 'Bush Penta' is another commonly used name for this plant because the pink blossoms look like those of pentas, and there are lots of them. The flowers have a light daytime scent which grows stronger in the evening, so they're especially nice planted near a patio or other area where you can enjoy the fragrance after the sun goes down. Thriving in hot sunny spots, this is a good lowmaintenance plant. A fast grower, it can be kept 3 feet tall with regular trimming. It grows almost anywhere - in full to part shade - and prefers well-drained soil. It is moderately drought tolerant once established, but regular watering will keep it at its best. Fertilize about three times a year. (Info source: http://www.south-floridaplant-guide.com/panama-rose.html)

Rosa Generosa 'Claudia Cardinale'

I love roses, especially the fragrant ones that resemble any of the extravagantly petalled, heartbreakingly romantic group called the “old roses”. I received a gift in late December of a Generosa ‘Claudia Cardinale’, and saw it put out canes swiftly. Here is its very first flower, photographed in mid-February, just a month-and-a-half or so after planting. 'Claudia Cardinale' is an upright shrub with long, arching canes and fragrant, bright-yellow quartered flowers that turn copper-red as they age. At the moment, it bears flowers only at the end of its canes, but I am told that eventually the roses will grow all along the canes, creating a “fountain of flowers”. Internet sources say that, like other Generosa roses, 'Claudia Cardinale' is disease resistant and a reliable rebloomer. I have followed instructions about growing roses in the tropics. The soil should drain quickly—the addition of sand to the soil mix is advised for that reason. The plant should not be overwatered and the roots should not be allowed to stand in water. That being said, the plant should not get too dry either, with some authors recommending watering every two days. The full sun is good, and my ‘Claudia’ is in a pot that is in full sun about two-thirds of the day. I placed a few pellets of Osmocote around the rose at planting and, though I read now that I should have left the new plant unfertilized, the Osmocote does not seem to have done any harm. The plant is now also sprayed with a blossom booster and a leaf-growth booster in alternate weeks. Regular dead-heading and regular pruning throughout the year will be essential, I am told, to encourage new growth. How long will ‘Claudia’ live? For a long time I wish, but we shall see what we shall see. While I have grown wonderful rose gardens abroad, I have not succeeded with one rose plant in the Philippines. But I am better advised this time, and hope springs eternal.

Roseraie de l’Hay

A modern hybrid Rugosa that bears clusters of large open crimson-purple flowers with cream-yellow stamens and the scent of cloves and honey. It is repeat-flowering. It has vigorous thorny stems densely clothed with diseasefree tough foliage. It will grow in poor soil, salt-laden air and in exposed sites. It bears no hips.

Rubia ornamentale

Rubia. An internet source says that the Rubia ornamentale was introduced to the Philippines from Madagascar in 1957. A Philippine writer mentions the “common rubia” and ascribes to it the scientific name Carphalea kirondon. The plants associated with these two scientific names are described very similarly on the Net. The photographs, too, show very similar plants. The only difference I note is that the Rubia ornamentale seems to have more reddish leaf stems. My plant vendor swears that what she sold me is the Rubia ornamentale and, that for the moment, clinches the ID for me. The Rubia is a prolific bloomer, carrying showy globular clusters of red “flowers” throughout the year. These are in fact four-lobed, green-tipped linear calyxes, with one longer and wider than the other three. The real flowers are tiny, white and likewise four-lobed (not showing yet on the photo). The calyxes start their months-long life bright red, they then turn dull red and then brown. These have to be snipped off as they don’t fall off on their own. A spreading shrub, the Rubia grows to about 2 m. Its 612 cm leaves are glossy green with reddish petioles. It likes well-drained soil, full sun and should be watered moderately. It is claimed to be fuss-free. It is propagated from cuttings, though not always easily. (Info sources from the Internet.)

Ruellia britoniana

Ruellia. Dwarf Mexican petunia; Mexican blue bell. 44 at P3. Dwarf version (up to 20-30 cm in height) of taller plant. Native to the West Indies and northern South America. Has strong semi-woody stalks and attractive dark green lance-shaped leaves which grow opposite at the nodes. Under hot sunny conditions, the foliage assumes a metallic bluish cast that creates the perfect backdrop for the blue, pink or white flowers that appear profusely with the onslaught of hot weather. The blossoms are trumpet shaped and about 4-5 cm in diameter, borne at the tips of the stems. Attracts butterflies.

Ruella tuberosa

Meadow weed; Cracker plant. (A gift from Anihan.) Lowgrowing undershrub (to 30 cm) from tropical America. It has tuberous roots, opposite ovate to oblong leaves, and showy tubular, five-lobed purplish mauve flowers. Its cylindrical fruit capsule turns black with age. When ripe a drop of rain will break it open with an audible report (hence the name “cracker plant”), dispersing the seeds away from the mother plant. Flowers during the rainy months; prefers semi-shady moist conditions.

S Schefflera arboricola ‘Hong Kong Variegata’

Schefflera. 7 at P100. Branching shrub to 3 m or taller. Native to Taiwan, recently introduced to the Philippines. Prefers partial shade. The glossy leaves are variegated yellowy-cream and dark green. Propagated by tip cuttings. It is said that this plant bears seeds, from which it can also be propagated; however, my plants have not borne any fruit so far.

Sedum

The Sedum is a perennial with thick, succulent leaves, fleshy stems, and clusters of star-shaped flowers. There are many types of sedums, which all have different uses: use low–growing varieties for ground covers and rock gardens and tall varieties for back borders. Sedums are easy to care for and the taller varieties are good as cut flowers. They are attractive to butterflies and bees. I think I have a variety of Sedum spectabile. It has purplish leaves and stems and four-petalled red flowers borne in the usual Sedum cluster. A drought-tolerant plant, it needs very little care. While internet sources say it requires well-drained soil and the full sun, I have seen the variety I have flowering well under shady shrubs. The Sedum can be propagated in various ways. Apparently it can be grown from leaves placed directly on soil. It grows roots and forms plantlets from stems lying on the ground; the part of the stem with the plantlets can be snipped off for planting. The usual way is, of course, possible - separating rooted stems from main clumps and planting them on their own. The Sedum can also be propagated from unrooted stem cuttings.

Selaginella willdenowii

Plant for the shade. Also called the Peacock Fern, the Selaginella is not a true fern but a club moss though its delicate leaves are frond-like. “It is quite astonishing to think that members of the genus Sellaginella still in existence today resemble plants that first developed about 350 million years ago,” says an Internet source. It is native to Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. The iridescent leaves of this “fern” look blue when the light strikes them from certain angles. The plant needs shade and plenty of water. It can die back when left dry. Give low doses of fertilizer each month. Spray frequently. It can be propagated from branch tips that can be pinned down to compost or from division. Some species can be propagated from young plantlets that form on the leaves. Some authors suggest that it can make a decorative cover in shady, moist garden areas. Plant for the shade. (Source: mainly http://www.gardeninginfozone.com).

Solandra grandiflora

Cup of gold, chalice vine. 1 at P150. This is a large woody climbing shrub from South America. It has a woody base from which 2.5 to 3 m straight stems grow. The leaves are glossy and broadly elliptical. The chalice-shaped flowers are up to 15 cm deep, with long and tubular calyces that are as long as the flowers. Almost white at first, the flowers turn yellow-gold as they age; they have 10 purple stripes on the inside. They appear several times a year, usually in profusion, and are fragrant at night. This Solandra likes well-drained fertile soil and the full sun for good flowering though it will also grow in partial shade. It is easily propagated from young-growth cuttings. Flowering again in May 2004 and has not stopped flowering prolifically since then (it is now November). Only one or two flowers in December. Cuttings planted in November growing quite well in December.

Solanum macranthum. Giant Potato Tree.

This shrub (which can be trimmed to grow into a small tree) bears clusters throughout the year of showy large flowers that change from deep purple to lavender to white. Its velvety green leaves are large and deeply lobed with undulating edges. Some internet sources say this plant is also known as Solanum wrightii. A native of Brazil, the Potato Tree belongs to the nightshade, potato, eggplant and tomato family. It is probably the only species of the family that grows into a tree-like stature, with a woody trunk and several major branches. Each flower, about 8 cm across, has five fused petals and prominent orange-yellow anthers in the center, just like the potato flowers. The sweet-scented blooms are large, about 8 cm across, cover the whole shrub, and develop into roundish yellow berries, bearing seeds that can be used for propagation when ripened. The flowers are magnets for birds and pollinating insects like butterflies and bees. The Brazilian Potato Tree is an easy plant to grow and maintain. Besides being grown on the ground, it can also be planted in containers and will flower well in them. It prefers the full sun, but can tolerate light shade. Some sources say it should be watered regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy; others say it tolerates some dryness. A humus-enriched and well-draining soil will do it good. It benefits from regular feeding. As the shrub can be unkempt or top-heavy, it should be pruned regularly to maintain its shape.

It is easily propagated from seeds and stem cuttings. It will bloom when it is still quite young.

Spathiphyllum wallisii

Spathiphyllum. 30 at P35. This plant has broad, dark green leaves and snow-white spathes. It makes an attractive ground cover for shady areas or those which receive filtered sunlight. It requires moist but welldrained soil. Once established, it multiplies rapidly.

Spathiphyllum wallisii 'Mauna Loa'

Plant for the shade. This a vigorous variety that grows to 3 feet tall. Like other Spaths, it has pure white blooms. When caring for Peace Lily plants, remember that their leaves will indicate any problems. Brown leaf tips are likely caused by overwatering. Water thoroughly, but don't allow the soil to get soggy. It could also be caused by direct sun. Move it to a shadier spot and be careful not to overwater. Spathiphyllum is mildly toxic to humans and animals when ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause skin irritation, a burning sensation in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and nausea. Keep it away from children and pets who may play with or chew on it, and wash hands thoroughly after handling it.

Spathypyllum wallisii ‘Sensation’

Plant for the shade. This is the biggest of the Peace Lilies. It can grow to 5 or 6 feet tall and, while it seldom blooms, the flower is quite impressive. The Peace lily is not at all demanding. It will thrive in almost any light situation other than full hot sun or deep shade. It does like to be moist at all times and will droop if it gets too dry but is quite forgiving and will perk right up after it gets a drink. A planting suggestion: I have seen ‘Sensation’ in a grouping with a giant Bird’s Nest (Dapong babae), a giant-leaved Alocasia and the long-leaved (up to 90 cm) Nephrolepis exaltata. Really striking grouping and hugely attractive.

Spathoglottis plicata

Philippine Ground Orchid. Has underground corms and plicated leaves. Native to South-east Asia. This easily grown herb has pretty, arching broad leaves with prominent parallel veins and clusters of small flowers at the end of a metre-long stalk arising from a basal leaf axil. Flowers may be magenta, pale violet, white (all three of which I have in my garden), yellow, peach and pink. Leaves emerge from round pseudo bulbs that become increasingly multiple and larger as the orchid matures. Ground orchids can be grown as potted plants and also do well in beds and borders. They are extremely adaptable, and flower the year round. Propagation is by division of clumps.

Stephanotis floribunda

Stephanotis. Madagascar jasmine. 1 at P400. From the Flower Box in Barangay Bucal, Calamba. Has thick oblong dark green leaves and clusters of waxy white fragrant flowers. Should be watered and fertilized regularly. The vigorous climbing stems should be cut back once flowering has finished. Some sources say the Stephanotis likes bright light but not direct sunlight; others state that it likes to be in the full sun. It is propagated from 8-10 cm stem cuttings taken from non-flowering lateral shoots; the potting soil should be kept just moist.

Stromanthe sanguinea

Stromanthe Triostar. Plant for the shade. This is a wonderful plant to grow either outdoors or indoors as a houseplant. It is native to the Brazilian rain-forests. Being a member of the prayer plant family, the leaves fold up at night as if in prayer. The oval-oblong dark green leaves with a small pointed tail are variegated in shades of pink, red, white, or green. Indoors, it can grow to a height of 60 to 90cm (2-3 feet), but grown outdoors, this plant can easily reach 1.5m (5 feet). It produces reddish-pink flowers. The Stromanthe should be kept out out of direct sunlight and be placed in partial to full shade. It should be watered thoroughly, taking care not to overwater. It should be fertilized regularly. To propagate, divide any overcrowded clumps of leaves just as plants begin to make new growth. (Info source: http://www.plantsrescue.com/stromanthe-sanguinea/).

Strongylodon macrobotrys

Jade vine. Bayu. Tayabak. 1 at P1,000; 2 at P 400. Native of the Philippine jungle. Grows naturally along streams at low and medium altitudes. Does not flower readily in hot dry places. Rampant climber, grows high into trees or densely covers a trellis with its three-parted leaves, which are purplish or pale green when they first appear and harden into darker green. The flowers emerge from wooden stems. It likes moist but well-drained soil and, especially when young, its roots should be shaded. It is thought that in nature, the flowers of the jade vine are pollinated by bats. The sensational blue-green colour of the flowers shines in the dusk and is clearly visible to the night-flying mammals, which are attracted by the enormous amounts of nectar that each flower produces.

Strophanthus gratus

Scandent shrub from Africa. It produces long stems that can be trained over a support, or it can be pruned into a bush. It has purplish stems, large and leathery leaves, and trumpet shaped flowers which appear as purple-red buds and turn pink when they open. The flowers are long-lasting and can be used as cut flowers. The plant must be in the full sun to flower well. Propagated from woody cuttings.

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