White, off-white flowers - Plant Encyclopedia Results

A genus of tropical trees noted for their extremely hard wood. Several species have become rare due to logging and other forms of habitat destruction.

Sideroxylon inerme (White Milkwood)is a protected species in South Africa. Three specimens have been proclaimed National Monuments. One of these is situated in Mossel Bay and is called the 'Post Office Tree'. Portuguese soldiers in 1500 tied a shoe containing a letter on the tree, describing the drowning at sea of the famous Bartholomew Dias. This tree is said to be 600 years old. Another renowned specimen is the Treaty Tree in Woodstock, Cape Town. Next to this tree stood a small house where the commander of local defences handed over the Cape to the British in 1806. The third National Monument is a tree called Fingo Milkwood Tree near Peddie in the Eastern Cape. The Fingo people affirmed their loyalty to God and the British king under the tree after English soldiers led them to safety when Chief Hintza and his warriors pursued them.

Bark and roots have medicinal value and are used to cure broken bones, to treat fevers, to dispel bad dreams, and to treat gall sickness in stock. The wood of the White Milkwood is said to very hard and fine-grained and is used as timber for building boats, bridges and mills. Ripe purple-black berries are said to be edible, with purple, juicy flesh and sticky white juice.

In 1973, it was thought that endemic to Mauritius, Sideroxylon grandiflorum (Tambalacoque, Dodo Tree) was dying out. There were supposedly only 13 specimens left, all estimated to be about 300 years old. It was hypothesized that the Dodo, which became extinct in the 17th century, ate tambalacoque fruits, and only by passing through the digestive tract of the Dodo could the seeds germinate. However, further research proved that the situation is not as bad as it seemed. The scientists tried to force-feed Tambalacoque fruit to other animals, such as wild turkeys, and did get some seeds germinated. The Tambalacoque seeds, passed through digestive systems of Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Geochelone gigantea) had pretty good gemination rate, and yet the seedlings appeared to be more vigorous and disease-resistant. To aid the seed in germination, botanists now use turkeys and gem polishers to erode the endocarp to allow germination. Tambalacoque is highly valued for its wood in Mauritius, which has led some foresters to scrape the pits by hand to make them sprout and grow. So the species seems to be out of danger now; besides, young trees are not distinct in appearance and may easily be confused with similar species.

Filicium decipiens, commonly known as the Japanese Fern Tree, is a striking and elegant ornamental tree known for its dense, rounded crown and unusual foliage. With a medium growth rate, the Japanese Fern Tree produces compound leaves and small off-white to white flowers when in season.

The Japanese Fern Tree thrives when placed in full sun or semi-shade and given regular water. Even in dryer climates, moderate water needs are adequate to ensure prolonged health and longevity. Grown in USDA Zone 10-11, the tree typically reaches a height of 10 to 20 feet and is easily recognizable by its mature foliage.

When placed in warm climates, the Japanese Fern Tree is tolerably cold hardy and reach a temperature of up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. In colder climates, the plant needs protection against frost and should be grown in a pot or planter that can be brought indoors or away from harsh temperatures during the winter season.

The Japanese Fern Tree is ideal for luxury landscapes and can be kept in small gardens, yards, or on balconies. As a symbol of grace and tranquility, it makes a perfect accent to any landscape and is sure to captivate admirers from the nearby streets and sidewalks.

To ensure that its full beauty is realized and that the Japanese Fern Tree is kept in optimal health, it is recommended to add a thick layer of mulch around the root systems to hold soil moisture and prevent weeds from sprouting. Additionally, it is important to prune the award-winning tree every few years in order to maintain its shape and keep it looking beautiful.

Dialium cochinchinense is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that can grow 25 - 35 metres tall. The sweet pulp of the fruit is edible.

Adenium 'White Angel' has pure white semi-double flowers with a soft green throat.

Kumquats have been called "the little gems of the citrus family".

The kumquat tree is slow-growing, shrubby, compact, 8 to 15ft tall, the branches light-green and angled when young, thornless or with a few spines. The apparently simple leaves are alternate, lanceolate, 1 1/4 to 3 3/8in long, finely toothed from the apex to the middle, dark-green, glossy above, lighter beneath. Sweetly fragrant, 5-parted, white flowers are borne singly or 1 to 4 together in the leaf axils. The fruit is oval-oblong or round, 5/8 to 1 1/2in wide; peel is golden-yellow to reddish-orange, with large, conspicuous oil glands, fleshy, thick, tightly clinging, edible, the outer layer spicy, the inner layer sweet; the pulp is scant, in 3 to 6 segments, not very juicy, acid to subacid; contains small, pointed seeds or sometimes none; they are green within.

Kumquats are believed native to China. They have been grown in Europe and North America since the mid-19th Century, mainly as ornamental dooryard trees and as potted specimens in patios and greenhouses. They are grown mainly in California, Florida and Texas; to a lesser extent in Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Surinam, Colombia and Brazil. In South India, they can be grown only at high elevations. There is limited cultivation in Australia and South Africa.

A tropical foliage plant from Mexico, that looks like a ginger but is related to Rheo. The broad wide leaves have a strong white variegation.

A small to medium deciduous tree or large shrub that is native to forest areas in Japan. As a tree, it is pyramidal when young, maturing to a spreading, dense, rounded form. It typically grows slowly to as much as 25-30' over time with a similar to slightly larger spread. It is noted for its late winter to early spring bloom of goblet-shaped to cup-shaped, fragrant, often pink-tinged, white flowers (each to 4" across) which open in March before the foliage emerges. Obovate, aromatic, dark green leaves (3-6" long) are attractive throughout the growing season but produce little yellowish-brown fall color. Trees flower poorly when young, and may need as much as 25 years before reaching best flowering status. Red seeds form in pods (to 3" long) that split open in fall. Seeds are attractive to birds. Kobus magnolia is similar to Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) except larger. Specific epithet comes from the Japanese word "kobushi" meaning fist, in reference to flower bud shape resembling a small fist.

Best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained loams in full sun to part shade. Generally intolerant of soil extremes (dry or wet). Best sited in a location protected from high winds, but generally avoid southern exposures in full sun where the buds may be induced to open too early in late winter. Among magnolias, this species is one of the earliest to bloom in spring.

Magnolia kobus var. borealis is the hardiest of all magnolias.

Propagate from cuttings.

Anemone sp. is a beautiful and hardy plant that is suitable for zones 3-10. It requires full sun to semi-shade, depending on the climate. This a small shrub usually growing up to a height of 2 to 5 feet.

With the right conditions, the Windflower produces beautiful and vibrant blooms in various colors. It produces single or double flowers in colors of pink, white, off-white, blue, lavender, purple, red, crimson and vinous and also yellow and orange.

Most windflowers require regular watering, however some species will tolerate extremely dry conditions. Generally, water once or twice a week, so that the soil stays moist but not soggy. To help conserve water, you can mulch the area around the plant to reduce evaporation. Additionally, to keep your Windflower blooming throughout the season, make sure to deadhead spent blooms.

Windflowers are not only attractive but also they attract a variety of butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard, making it a truly appealing area. These plants are cold hardy and can usually survive temperatures of 30F (or lower) for a short period, so they are great for gardeners in cooler climates.

Growing Anemone sp. in a container in a cooler climate can be a great option. As the flower prefers moist, well-drained soil, the container will help to keep it contained, while allowing air to circulate without the risk of it becoming waterlogged. Make sure to water more frequently and recheck moisture levels when temperatures begin to drop to keep your Windflower thriving. Additionally, if in a cold climate, you may also want to bring the container inside during the winter months to provide it extra protection.

Ozoroa engleri is a large shrub native to South Africa, growing from 5 to 10 feet tall. This hardy and versatile shrub is popular for its white or off-white flowers. It is easy to care for, disliking only excessive water and shade.

Ozoroa loves full sun and excels in dry, well-drained soils. To grow Ozoroa, you can start from seed or from cuttings. For successful propagation, the cutting should be taken from the mature wood.

Once planted, Ozoroa can be grown in a variety of soil types, needing moderate water in the summer and remaining drought tolerant in the wintertime. If grown in a pot, you will need to water more often, but make sure not to overwater. However, in cold regions, it may require some extra protection in the winter; it is best grown in a pot so you can move it indoors if necessary.

Ozoroa engleri's ease of maintenance and attractive ornamental value make this large shrub a great addition to any garden. With its hardy nature and year-round appeal, it's no wonder why Ozoroa is a popular choice for many gardeners.