Botanical family: Asteraceae

Gynura procumbens

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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The plant is well known in South East Asia, with folklore uses in Thailand, Indonesia and China, and leaves of the plant are eaten as a vegetable. This is a very low maintenance, fast growing herb/vegetable that can be grown indoor and outdoor. The leaves are picked for salads, soups, or sauteed them to make a dish. They are also be made as tea and extract.

The plant is often referred to as Sambung Nyawa which means Continuation of Life. The purpose of this plant is to incorporate it into your diet for a healthy life, as many generations of African and Asians have done traditionally. This plant is used as an herbal dietary supplement to help decrease cholesterol, blood glucose, hypertension, rheumatism, viral ailments, and other illnesses. The herb has anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-allergy properties. Some of its uses include - migraines, constipation rheumatism, diabetes, dysentery, fevers, kidney ailments, cardiovascular conditions, cancers, leukemia, and as a skin care elixir.

See article about this plant: Longevity Spinach Super-food Recipes.

Watch Video about Gynura.

Helenium sp.

Helenium sp. (Sneezeweed), a large shrub that grows 5-10 ft tall, is native to Tropical America. These deciduous plants require full sun or semi-shade, with moderate water. There are numerous cultivars, typically from H. autumnale and H. bigelovii, which produce a range of eye-catching flowers. Most have pink or red/crimson/vinous blooms, with some yellow or orange varieties also available. These flowers will attract a number of butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators to your garden.

When it comes to growing, the mature plant is cold hardy and can be grown in USDA Zone 3-9. Forming a large shrub, they require some space, with a small shrub variety (2-5 ft tall) also available. They can still be grown in a pot and given shelter during the harsh weather. A light mulch may also help offer extra protection.

Overall, Helenium sp. (Sneezeweed) offers a range of beautiful blooms that will bring much-needed late summer and fall color to your garden.

Helianthus annuus

Helianthus debilis

It is an excellent salt-tolerant groundcover with very nice flowers that provides pollinating sources for some insects. Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping.

Helianthus maximiliani

A branching perennial herb, growing from a stout rhizome and reaches heights. The slender, tall, erect stems and alternately-arranged leaves are covered in rough hairs. Large, showy, yellow blooms occur throughout the full 5-7 feet height of the plant in great abundance during late summer and fall. During this period, the plant adds a brilliant splash of color and texture to range sites, natural areas, and landscapes.

The thick rhizome is edible and provided a food similar to the Jerusalem artichoke.

It may be used as a natural hedge or tall screen to block out harsh areas. It also makes a colorful, attractive landscape plant.

It has the potential of being an excellent filter strip plant due to its seemingly great ability to uptake and use excess water and nutrients.

Helichrysum sp.

This is a large group that includes annuals, herbaceous perennials and shrubs. These plants love the sun and soil that is well drained.

Species:

Helichrysum italicum (Curry Plant) looks very similar to a Lavender in its leaf stage. Helichrysum oil has recently been reinvestigated as a medicinal herb. It is reputed to be good for bruises and varicose veins. The fragrance is warm, slightly honey like, rich and buttery, with green notes of wood, spices, herb.

Helichrysum litoreum

Helichrysum petiolare (Trailing Dusty Miller)- it makes an attractive addition as a trailing plant or hanging pot. Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping.

Helichrysum retortoides

Helichrysum sanguineum (Red everlasting)- drought-tolerant.

Kleinia neriifolia, Senecio kleinia

Kleinia pendula, Senecio pendulus

Kleinia pendula has prostrate marbled succulent stems that arch over and touch the soil where they root, sending out more stems. The inflorescence is a showy red pom-pom of many tiny flowers.

Kleinia stapeliiformis, Senecio stapeliiformis

Koanophyllon villosum, Eupatorium villosum

Native to the Caribbean and grown in USDA Zone 9-11, Koanophyllon villosum, commonly known as Jack-Ma-Da, is an ethnomedical plant that is used in the Caribbean region. It is a large shrub, typically 5-10 ft in height, and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. The shrub'âs leaves are a bright green hue and its white, off-white flowers bloom in the summer.

Growing Koanophyllon villosum is relatively easy and it prefers full sun exposure with moderate water. It can also thrive in semi-shade making it a good choice for shady gardens.

In colder regions, Koanophyllon villosum can be grown in a pot in a sheltered spot, such as near a wall or fence. When choosing a pot for the shrub, make sure that the pot and the soil are well-drained. To ensure the shrub thrives, use high quality compost to nourish the soil, making sure not to over water as it can cause root rot.

Koanophyllon villosum is a beautiful addition to any garden. Its hardy nature makes it a great choice for novice gardeners or for those with little time to devote to gardening.