Magnolia - Plant Encyclopedia Results (Page 4)

Yellow-poplar has a singly occurring, perfect flower 2-3" wide, with six petals varying in color from a light yellowish green at the margin to a deep orange band at the center. Flowers are tulip-shaped, upright blossoms. Yellow-poplars are long-lived plants, producing flowers for 200 years. Open-grown trees have a pyramidal crown when young, becoming oval in shape with time.

Schisandra is a woody vine which bears numerous clusters of tiny, bright red berries.Schisandra chinensis is a plant which bears fruit containing one or more naturally-occurring adaptogens, which have been shown to maintain the body

This interesting genus originates from the temperate to subtropical regions of East Asia and the Americas. It contains about 40 frost-hardy evergreen shrubs and small trees, grown for their handsome foliage and fragrant flowers. In older publications you may see the Illicium genus placed in the Magnoliaceae family. This is no longer correct as they are now placed in their own family Illiciaceae.

Star-anise (I. verum) from China and Vietnam is the source of a culinary spice and reportedly has medicinal uses. Illicium verum has a foliage and stems with a delightful anise odor that reminds of root beer with hints of licorice. The other species are toxic and are not a substitute for the culinary spice and flavorings obtained from Illicium verum, although they also have pleasant anise smell. Prefers partial shade or partial sun; soil should be moist.

See article about Illicium verum - Star Anise

Epidendrum is a diverse neotropical genus that has flowers characterized by a frilly or fringed lip. This feature is occasionally diagnostic to distinguish between species. These orchids are widely cultivated and may be hybridized with Sophronitis, another South American genus. The flowers are usually small and delicately colored, and borne on a dense inflorescence. Many species have a fragrance.

Epidendrum is one of the largest and most diverse orchid genera, containing more than 1,500 species native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. These orchids range from tiny epiphytes growing on tree branches to large terrestrial species that thrive in the ground. They are valued for their colorful flowers, adaptability, and ease of cultivation compared to many other orchid groups.

Among the most popular species are the Reed-Stem Epidendrums, including Epidendrum radicans and its hybrids. These orchids form upright cane-like stems topped by clusters of brightly colored flowers in shades of orange, red, pink, yellow, lavender, and purple. Individual stems may carry dozens of blooms, creating a long-lasting display above the foliage.

Unlike many orchids that require specialized potting media and greenhouse conditions, reed-stem Epidendrums are remarkably easy to grow. They tolerate heat, humidity, bright sunlight, and a wide range of garden conditions. In warm climates they often bloom repeatedly throughout the year and can be grown directly in the landscape.

One of the defining characteristics of many reed-stem Epidendrums is their ability to produce roots along their stems. These rooted stems can be divided and replanted, allowing plants to spread into large clumps over time. Because of this vigorous growth habit, many gardeners begin with a single plant and eventually develop colorful colonies.

Epidendrums are excellent plants for attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Their bright flowers stand out from a distance and provide color for extended periods when many other flowering plants are not in bloom.

In tropical and subtropical gardens, Epidendrums are commonly used along walkways, patios, borders, and mixed flower beds. Their upright habit allows them to add height and color without overwhelming neighboring plants.

Growing conditions:

USDA Zones: Generally 9b-11, depending on species

Light: Full sun to partial sun

Soil: Well-drained soil or orchid mix, depending on species

Water: Moderate moisture with good drainage

Growth habit: Clumping, reed-forming, terrestrial or epiphytic depending on species

Flower colors: Orange, red, pink, yellow, lavender, purple, and white

Bloom season: Often repeated throughout the year in warm climates

Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and pollinating insects

Fun facts:

The name Epidendrum comes from Greek words meaning "upon trees," reflecting the fact that many species grow naturally on tree branches.

Epidendrum is one of the largest orchid genera in the world, with more than 1,500 recognized species.

Reed-stem Epidendrums are among the easiest orchids for beginners to grow.

Many species naturally produce roots along their stems, making propagation simple.

Some species are known as Crucifix Orchids because of the tiny cross-shaped structure in the center of the flower.

In Florida, reed-stem Epidendrums are often grown as landscape plants rather than houseplants.

See Orchid page for pictures of different orchids and care info.

See video about Ground Orchids.

A small tree native to southwest Asia. Widely grown for its fruit and is commercially grown in the United States in California, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. The fig was one of the first plants ever to be cultivated by humans. Fossilized figs dating to 9400-9200 BC were found in an early Neolithic village in the Jordan Valley.

The lovely lobed green leaves make it valuable in the landscape even without its fruit. They are very large, prominently veined and deeply lobed and may be 8 to 10 inches long. Most figs are deciduous during the winter months and drop their leaves in late December and resume growth in February and early March.

The fig fruit is actually a hollow receptacle with hundreds of small fleshy flowers facing each other on the inside. In their native habitat, figs are pollinated by a tiny gall wasp that enters the flower cluster through a small opening in the apex. Each flower then produces a small fruit containing the seeds. The wasp is not present in most of North America, so seeds are not produced.

Figs are prized for their delicious fruit, which can be one to three inches in length, violet, brown or black. There are even varieties with yellow fruit. Most fruits are borne from early summer to late fall on new growth, and the fruits generally mature very quickly.

Figs grow nicely and will bear fruit when grown in containers where they can be artfully pruned to create a living sculpture to decorate deck or patio. The fig makes a splendid patio or indoor plant that grows with little attention, save for constantly moist soil and bright light. Prefers alkaline, well-drained soil, but can tolerate wet conditions (waterlogging). Drought tolerant, once established. Mulch heavily with organic materials to conserve moisture, improve soil structure and reduce root knot nematode levels. Responds well to pruning and can be espaliered or pruned heavily in the dormant season for size control and to increase the main crop.

Trees are very sensitive to frost when actively growing, but can withstand 10F when dormant. Young fig trees should be watered regularly until fully established.

Figs will shade out anything growing beneath. Repeated pruning to control size causes loss of crop. Roots are greedy, traveling far beyond the tree canopy. For container grown plants, replace most of the soil in the tub every three years and keep the sides of the tub shaded to prevent overheating in sunlight.

See article about Fig Tree.