Ornamental foliage - Plant Encyclopedia Results (Page 2)

Acer palmatum includes thousands of named cultivars with a variety of forms, colors, leaf types, sizes, and preferred growing conditions. Heights of mature specimens range from 0.5 to 25 m (1.5 to 82 ft), depending on type.

Maple is a widespread deciduous tree popular in eastern North America.

Many of its features, especially its leaves, are quite variable in form. Among these features it is best known for its brilliant deep scarlet foliage in autumn. Red Maple is adaptable to a very wide range of site conditions. It can be found growing in swamps, on poor dry soils, and most anywhere in between. Elevation is also not a limiting factor in its range. Due to its attractive fall foliage and pleasing form, it is often used as a shade tree for landscapes. It is used commercially on a small scale for maple syrup production as well as for its medium to high quality lumber. It is the State Tree of Rhode Island. It is very cold hardy.

Maple is a very popular plant in Japan and a subject for bonsai. Autumn in Japan is celebrated with colorful autumn leaves known as momijigari. The foliage of trees light up the Japanese landscape. Scarlet Japanese maples flash against emerald conifers, this is the beauty of momijigari as you view the spectacular colors of changing leaves.

The maples have long been known to be closely related to the family Sapindaceae.

Different Aconitum species (and their varieties) scattered across temperate regions of globe.

These are handsome plants, the tall, erect stem being crowned by racemes of large and eye-catching blue, purple, white, yellow or pink zygomorphic flowers. Aconitum is grown in gardens for its attractive spike like inflorescences and showy flowers.

All Aconitum plants contain poisonous alkaloids that can, in sufficient quantity, be deadly. Man has used Aconitum as a medicine and poison for thousands of years. Outside Europe it was widely used for its medical properties.

The plants are evergreen in warmer climates, but they will die back to ground level in colder climates. Although they are water lovers, this species can take quite a bit of drought. I have seen this plant used as an accent in dry rock gardens.

It has a relatively wide range of soil tolerances, but appreciate a fertile, organic-rich soil with regular water, but can tolerate some drought. It is best grown in USDA Zones 9-11 and is quite adaptable to most soil types and climates. For gardens in cold regions, it can be grown in a large container, brought indoors or planted in a protected location in winter. In general, it will require very little care and should be free from pests and diseases. Prune as needed to shape or remove dead or damaged branches, otherwise it does not require regular pruning.

Acrocarpus fraxinifolius (Pink Cedar) is a big tree that can grow taller than 20 feet, but can also be pruned to create a small tree of up to 10-20 feet. It is native to South Asia, including countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, and Thailand. It thrives when planted in full sun and given regular water, and its soil requirements are relatively tolerant, but it enjoys being grown in a fertile, organic-rich soil. It is adorned with ornamental foliage in various shades from deep pink to a bright lime green, and in the early spring brings forth red, crimson, and vinous flowers in small racemes.

This plant is cold hardy up to a minimum of 28°F for short periods of time, so it can be grown in USDA Zones 9-11 with minimal care and protection from pests and diseases. Pruning should be done as needed only, to remove dead or damaged branches or to shape. For gardens in colder regions, it can be grown in a large container and brought indoors in winter, or planted in a sheltered location. In terms of plant care, it is important to water deeply and occasionally and to provide adequate protection from frost.

Acrostichum aureum, also known as Piai Raya, is a small plant that grows to a height of between 2 and 5 feet tall. Native to Pantropical, it grows in USDA Zone 9-11 and is a great plant for adding ornamental foliage to gardens and yards. It is a flood and seaside tolerant plant and can even tolerate salt.

This plant prefers full sun to semi-shade, and can also be grown in boggy or aquatic soil. It needs regular water to keep it looking its best, so make sure to water it every few days during dry spells. Additionally, Piai Raya has ethnomedical properties, and has been known to be used for medicinal purposes.

Growers in cold regions should take special care when growing this plant in a pot. It is best to select a pot with several drainage holes, and the soil mix should be one that readily drains. Additionally, ensure that the pot is well insulated, as the roots are vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Ensure that the soil is also kept moist and fertilize every couple of weeks. With a bit of extra care, Acrostichum aureum can thrive in colder climates.

Actinidia kolomikta is a vine or creeper from the Actinidiaceae family, originating from East Asia. It has decorative foliage, with leaves turning red, pink and white in the fall. The leaves are green and creamy white and can be up to 4 inches long. It is a deciduous plant, which means it loses its leaves in the winter.

Actinidia kolomikta prefers semi-shade and regular water, but can tolerate moderate water. It is a fast growing plant, reaching up to 30 ft. It requires support to grow and climb, however it will not produce fruit without both a male and female plant. It is grown in USDA Zone 4-9.

The fruit of the Actinidia kolomikta is sweet and grape-sized, with a yellow or light orange skin. The green, juicy flesh has a light, sour flavor. It can be eaten fresh or cooked, and is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and dietary fibers. The fruit can also be used to make jams and jellies. A mature plant can produce up to 100 fruits per season, depending on the care and conditions.

Actinidia kolomikta is an edible, ornamental plant that is easy to care for and can provide a good harvest of sweet, juicy fruit.

Regarded as the largest succulent in the world, the baobab tree is steeped in a wealth of mystique, legend and superstition wherever it occurs in Africa. It is a tree that can provide food, water, shelter, and relief from sickness. During drought, elephants obtain moisture by chewing on the wood. The stem is covered with a bark layer, which may be 50-100 mm thick. The leaves are hand-sized and divided into 5-7 finger-like leaflets. The baobab is a deciduous, meaning that in winter, it sheds all of its leaves and grows new ones in spring. The large, pendulous flowers (up to 200 mm in diameter) are white and sweetly scented ,that are pollinated by bats. They are followed by velvety fruits full of edible acidic pulp sought by both monkeys and people. In the dryer, temperate regions of Africa, Baobabs are a tree of myth and legend. Baobabs are carefully tended by rural peoples and are particularly useful: the hollow trunks of baobabs are used as dwellings and storehouses, traditional medicines are obtained from its bark, leaves, and fruit. Its bark can be pounded to produce fibers that are used to make baskets, cloth, hats, mats, nets, rope, and strings (interestingly, after the bark is stripped away, the baobab grows new bark). Its leaves are cooked and eaten as greens, and are dried for use as a seasoning and a sauce and stew thickener. Its fruit is rich in vitamin C, calcium, and iron, and is called pain de singe or monkey bread. It can be roasted, ground, and boiled to make a coffee-substitute; it is also soaked in water to make a refreshing drink, and is used as a flavoring. They will make a handsome addition to a large garden, estate, or large parkland providing the soil is not waterlogged. Baobabs cannot tolerate even mild frost. When they are young, baobabs do not resemble their adult counterparts, the stems are thin and inconspicuous, and their leaves are simple and not divided into the five to seven lobes of the adult trees. Saplings can be effectively grown in containers or tubs for many years before becoming too large and requiring to be planted into the ground.

See article about Adansonia.

See how to grow Baobab bonsai

Article about endangered Baobabs.

Aroid Adelonema pallidinervium is a rare member of the Araceae family. Adelonema are very similar to Homalomena, but are found in South America instead of Southeast Asia.

Because it poses a risk of burning the foliage, they cannot endure direct sunshine. However, bright diffused light is required for variegated forms in order to preserve the ornamental pattern of the leaves. High humidity is required for this species. However, they dislike being sprayed because doing so will cause fungal infections on the foliage.

It has an underground stem that grows approx. 10cm deep into the ground and then spreads laterally. These lateral shoots emerge from the soil at a relatively short distance from the mother plant and form new plants. It forms small, dense stands of plants.

Adelonema does best in a moist, warm terrarium and prefers a humidity of 60% or more. If you can offer it these conditions indoors, it can also be cultivated as a fairly problem-free houseplant.

A. sericeus is an ornamental shrub, with soft grey foliage, and red flowers that bloom in spring. It is an excellent choice for coastal planting, as it tolerates both salt and wind tolerant. However, this plant will not withstand heavy clay or wet soil.