Seaside, salt tolerant plant - Plant Encyclopedia Results (Page 4)

Irregularly shaped tree with a bent and twisting, angular trunk. Simple, alternate ovoid leaves, thick and stiff. Waxy, glossy, and dark green, they contrast markedly with the lighter bark of the branches and twigs. Solitary flowers may be found growing amid the foliage or directly from the sides of the bare sections of the larger limbs and even the trunk. They are large, white, and composed of four thick petals fused into a bent and angular corolla tube that flares distally into a trumpet. The green calyx that covers and protects the developing flower during its early development is also fused into one piece, and it splits irregularly when the blossom finally emerges. Five long, black-anthered stamens and a central pistil are found within the perianth. Flowers are nearly present throughout the entire year. Fruits are large (4"in diameter), ovoid, indehiscent green pods with a smooth, glossy texture and an appearance similar to the fruits of the Jicaro (Crescentia alata ) tree. Inside the thin, woody skin of the pod is a white fleshy pulp that surrounds several black seeds. The white pulp and seeds of the fruit are edible. Jicarillo wood is reportedly hard and rot resistant.

Pollination: "Members of this genus are not bee pollinated - the flowers have peak nectar production at night, and you'll notice that they produce quite a lot of nectar. Bees are generally after the pollen, they would probably drown in all the nectar this species produces. The flowers are also pretty big - these are bat pollinated. The bees will certainly visit, but they are not effective transferrers of the pollen to the stigma". (By Susan Grose)

The actual fruit is the nut, the apple is a swollen stem. Cashew apple is eaten fresh or stewed. Has a sweet-astringent taste. Nut itself is caustic until roasted. Must be roasted outdoors because fumes are irritating. Very fast growing under favorable conditions, it may fruit in container, within 2 years from seed. Tolerates very poor soil and drought, as well as salty wind.

Atemoyas are small-to-medium-size trees growing to about twenty-five to thirty feet at maturity with about the same spread. Flowers are produced along with new growth in the spring following a winter dormancy period, and the fruit usually begin maturing in late August through the end of October. Atemoyas look very similar in some cases to sugar apples, except they have a smoother skin and the individual segments aren't quite as obvious. Most atemoyas have fewer seeds, too, than sugar apples, which makes them a lot easier to eat as a fresh fruit.

Antigonon leptopus is an attractive ornamental plant that easily climbs with its tendrils, over arbors, walls, or tree branches to a height of up to 40 feet. The succulent vine or creeper native to Mexico and Central America produces an abundance of small, lantern-shaped flowers in shades of white, off-white and pink that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It has very dense glossy green foliage, which is perfect for use as a ground cover or screening plants.

Growing Antigonon leptopus requires ground that is well-drained, slightly acidic and moisture retentive. The plant prefers full sun to semi-shade, and thrives in hot, dry climates. When planting in cold areas, it is best to keep the plant in a pot and bring it indoors during the cold season. The plant requires regular watering and dormant season irrigation to ensure continued growth. However, it does not favour very wet soil and there should be plenty of air circulating around its roots. To ensure bright and frequent blooms, it is best to avoid excess fertilizer, as this can cause excessive vegetative growth which suppresses flowering.

Antigonon leptopus is also known to be a tough and resilient plant, able to withstand even salty, seaside environments and mature plants can survive short periods of cold temperatures down to 30s F. An important point to note is that the Mexican Coral Vine is somewhat invasive, so it is worth keeping an eye on to make sure it does not take over other parts of the garden! Overall, with adequate light and the right moisture levels, Antigonon leptopus can be a wonderful addition to any garden.

Among the most spectacular are forests of pure Araucaria Araucaria araucana, the hardiest of the genus, is a large, bizarre-looking evergreen, 60-70ft. tall and 30 to 35 feet wide, though the tallest specimens in its native haunts have been measured at over 150 ft. It forms a loose, symmetrical, see-through crown, pyramidal in youth, eventually with a rounded or flattish top. The scale-like leaves are dark green, stiff, sharp-pointed and densely arranged on upwardly-sweeping branches, looking more reptilian than coniferous in character. Because of this it comes to know surprise to most people that this species is estimated to be around 60 million years old, based upon fossil record known today.

Preferring well-drained, volcanic soil, this species is surprisingly tolerant of many soil types. It is very tolerant of maritime exposures, salt-laden winds, and thrives in cool, mild climates. It dislikes hot-dry soils and atmospheric pollution.

See article about Araucaria.

Propagated by cuttings of the half-ripened wood taken from the side shoots of the plant any time from March to September; but as the points of these side shoots bear the blossoms and fruit, they are not well adapted for making good plants. To obtain the best plants, the largest, ripest, and best-colored berries they should be sown early in spring; as soon as gathered, in a wide-mouthed pot or seed pan; well drained and filled with loam and peat in equal parts and adding some sand, and plunged in bottom heat, the soil being kept moderately moist. The seeds will germinate in a few weeks after sowing, and when about 2in. high, the strongest seedlings should be selected and placed in 3in. pots, the same mixture of soil being used, with the addition of a fourth part well decomposed manure.

Argusia gnaphalodes produces white and off-white flowers that last the whole year on and off, making it a great source of nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds. The large shrub can reach up to 5 or 10 feet in height, while the small shrub has a maximum size of 2 to 5 feet tall. It has an ornamental foliage that is both elegant and eye-catching and makes it a great addition to any garden, both in seaside and inland regions.

This plant, being native to the West Indies, thrives best in warm climates and is only appropriate for USDA Zones 9 through 11. It requires full sun and moderate amounts of water, making it both drought and salt tolerant. In cold regions, it can be grown in a container, preferably one made from a breathable material to let moisture evaporate. It should be planted shallowly, no more than two to three inches deep, and its soil should sit in a tray of water to keep the plant sufficiently moist.

When grown indoors or in a pot, Argusia gnaphalodes should be given plenty of sunlight, preferably at least 6 hours a day, and watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. In cold weather, it should be moved to a warmer area or sheltered from frost. Fertilizing once in the early spring and perhaps once in the fall should be enough to provide it with the necessary nutrients.

Overall, Argusia gnaphalodes is a great plant for any garden, as it provides nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds, can tolerate drought and salt, and offers an ornamental foliage to liven up any space. Its low-maintenance care makes it an ideal option for any gardener, whether at home or in a commercial setting.

A native of eastern India and Bangladesh, this vigorous twiner will grow 30 ft (9 m) or more into the treetops, but can be trained over a post or stump and kept trimmed to a moundlike form. A dense white down covers both young stems and leaf undersides. The leaves are ovate-cordate, to 1 foot across, white tomentose beneath with lateral veins conspicuous on the undersides. Tight clusters of trumpet-shaped bright pink flowers about 2 in (5 cm) across on pedicels to 6 inches long appear among the foliage in spring and summer. In a tropical climate cultivation is simple, the plants making very vigorous growth in a sunny position in moist soil. In cooler climates they can be grown in a sunny conservatory, but due to their rampant growth will need frequent cutting back. Propagate from seed or cuttings. Used medicinally in India. The roots and seeds of Elephant Creeper have been used as a support of the nervous system, a geriatric tonic and mild aphrodisiac. The whole plant is reported to have purifying properties. It is also taken to help maintain healthy joints.

Artabotrys hexapetalus (Ylang Ylang Vine) is a native of tropical Asia and has the appearance of a large shrub or creeper, growing to a mature height of 30 feet tall. It requires full sun to semi-shade and regular water to maintain its lush, evergreen foliage. The blooms appear in abundance and are a sight to behold; with yellow, orange flowers with a strong, sweet aroma, they truly are a treat for the eyes and nose. Not only that, they attract butterflies and hummingbirds who are delighted by the nectar they produce.

This plant is grown in USDA Zone 9-11, being able to withstand temperatures of at least 30°F for a short time. It is also a very seaside and salt tolerant plant, meaning it can survive in areas with higher humidity or intense exposure to salt water.

When it comes to growing and caring for Artabotrys hexapetalus, it is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It requires little pruning and only needs occasional fertilization. It makes a great houseplant, if trimmed. Also, it is a perfect choice for use as border plants and containers. If you are growing it in a pot in a cold region, make sure to bring the plant inside during winter and keep it in a bright, warm place. Ensure it is kept moist, as dry air can cause the leaves to curl or wilt.

Artabotrys hexapetalus is a delightful addition to any garden, providing stunning, fragrant blossoms that bring an enhanced sense of beauty. This low-maintenance, salt-tolerant plant is a dream come true for gardeners looking for a unique and delightful showpiece that will bring years of joy and delight.