Vanilla pompona

Vanilla sp.

They come in white, yellow, and orange hues, and may have a length up to 50 cm.

Vanilla sp. requires a warm and humid location; it does best in semi-shade and will appreciate a sheltered spot away from the wind. The plant needs regular watering and fertilizing, but taking care not to over-water it in the winter, when growth is slower. Occasional misting of the leaves is beneficial. It can be grown both as an epiphyte in well-aerated soil, and as a terrestrial in a sandy, well-draining soil with organic material. Vanilla sp. is known to be hardy to USDA Zones 9 to 11. In colder regions, it is best grown in a greenhouse or container that can be brought inside during the cold months. For potted plants, make sure to use a potting mix with excellent drainage. Water them thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Fertilizing should be done monthly from spring to autumn.

Overall, Vanilla sp. is an easy-care tropical native prized for its fragrant and showy white and off-white, yellow, and orange flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

The flowers are pollinated by bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, and after pollination, the plant produces green seed pods, also known as vanilla beans.

To produce vanilla extract, the beans are harvested and cured by a process that involves drying, sweating, and fermentation. The cured beans are then soaked in alcohol to extract the flavorful compounds and create the characteristic vanilla flavor that we know and love.

Vanilla is widely used in the food industry as a flavor and fragrance, and it is also used in cosmetics, perfumes, and other products. It is considered one of the most popular flavors in the world and is used in a wide range of dishes, including ice cream, cakes, and other baked goods, as well as savory dishes like sauces and marinades.

This dainty yet resilient climber is an excellent choice for an exotic touch to your garden.

Vernonia sp.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Vernonia sp., also known as the Tropical Aster or Bitterleaf, is a small shrub native to Africa. It is commonly used as a spice or herb in traditional medicines and is known for its attractive purple flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The plant is easy to grow in USDA Zones 8-10 and prefers full sun and moderate water. It is recommended to water regularly during blooming season, but keep the soil a little dryer during winter. If grown in a pot, it should be kept in a sheltered spot in colder weather and should be protected from harsh winds.

Vernonia sp. is not only known for its beauty, but also for its edible fruit that is high in vitamin A and other nutrients. The fruit can be used to make jams, sauces, and jellies and can be eaten raw. It is known to have numerous health benefits including improving vision, reducing cholesterol, aiding in weight loss, boosting the immune system, and acting as an anti-inflammatory. A mature plant can typically produce 2-3 pounds of fruit, although with proper care it can produce more.

Vernonia sp. is an excellent choice for any garden due to its beautiful flowers and nutritious fruit. With proper care, you can enjoy all the benefits this plant has to offer.

In general Vernonia is a genus of plants that includes around 1000 plant species. Many of these species are known for their purple flowers. Some species are edible. The genus was named after the English botanist William Vernon. In West and Central Africa, these plants are commonly known as Bitterleaf, Ewuro, Ndole, and Onugbu. They are popularly consumed as leaf vegetables in Cameroon. The leaves have a sweet and bitter taste. Vernonia calvoana is a key ingredient in the Cameroonian national dish of Ndole.

Vernonia has medicinal properties as well. It has been used to treat diabetes and reduce fever. These leaves are exported from several African countries and can be found in grocery stores that serve African clients. Vernonia galamensis is also used as an oilseed in East Africa. In Brazil, Vernonia condensata is traditionally used for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and other medicinal properties.

Vernonia species are also used as food plants by the larvae of certain Lepidoptera butterflies, including Coleophora vernoniaeella and Schinia regia.

Vitex agnus castus

Chaste tree carries several 'sacred' names, which more or less directly refer to its reputation as an anaphrodisiac. In ancient Greece, the tree was called hagnos 'chaste', which apparently the early Christians confused with Latin agnus 'lamb', the Christian symbol of purity. Under the name agnus castus 'chaste lamb', the plants was often used among Christian monks as a help against the evils of the more fleshy desires. The chaste tree is a beautiful little deciduous tree or large shrub with a showy summertime flower display. When it's blooming, due to the similarity of the flowers, the chaste tree is sometimes mistaken for Butterfly Bush (Buddleja). The chaste tree is a sprawling plant that grows 10-20 ft and about as wide. Branched flower clusters are produced on new wood in late spring and early summer in a great flush that makes the tree look like a hazy purple cloud. Flowers are followed by a fleshy fruit that contains four seeds that are sometimes used as seasoning, similar to black pepper. Easy to grow in almost any soil that has good drainage! Even tolerant of salt drift. The chaste tree can take care of itself, but can be pushed to faster growth with light applications of fertilizer in spring and early summer and by mulching around the plant. If pruning is desired to control the size, it should be done in winter, since blooms form on new wood. It is hardly ever disturbed by pests or disease but is susceptible to mushroom root, rot and nematodes.

Zingiber officinale

This ginger has tall, erect stems with narrow leaves, this basal bloomer produces green cones that turn red when mature. It is a herbaceous perennial with upright stems and narrow medium green leaves arranged in two ranks on each stem. Ginger grows from an aromatic tuberlike rhizome (underground stem) which is warty and branched. The inflorescence grows on a separate stem from the foliage stem, and forms a dense spike. The bracts are green with translucent margins and the small flowers are yellow green with purple lips and cream colored blotches. Most of edible gingers in cultivation are sterile cultivars grown for the edible rhizome, and the flower is rarely seen. Ginger is often grown in a container and brought indoors in winter when water and light are reduced and the plant is allowed to "rest." Common cooking gingers are rarely found in garden centers as potted plants because they do not have much ornamental value. Plant this ginger in the garden to produce your own fresh ginger.