Acokanthera oppositifolia

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Acokanthera oppositifolia (Bushman's Poison) is a large shrub, typically growing 5-10 feet tall. It has glossy dark green leaves that are opposite and grow up to 3-4 inches long. In the spring and summer months, the Bushman's Poison flowering shrub is adorned with white, off-white flowers which have a strong, sweet, perfume-like scent.

In its native habitat, the Acokanthera oppositifolia is mainly used for its ethnomedical applications, such as treatment for headaches, inflammations, fever and even malaria. However, it should be noted that the milky sap is considered to be poisonous or toxic and should not be ingested.

As an ornamental plant, the Bushman's Poison works well in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade and requires moderate amounts of water. It is suitable for growing in regions with USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11 and a mature plant can tolerate short periods of time in temperatures as low as 30°F. When growing in a pot, it is advisable to move the container to a protected area during cold winters and to protect the roots from the frost.

Aconitum sp.

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.

Actinidia arguta

The fast-growing, climbing vine is very hardy, and is capable of surviving slow temperature drops to -34 C (-30 F), although young shoots can be vulnerable to frost in the spring. This vine needs a strong (vines are heavy) support structure on which to grow such as a trellis, arbor, patio overhead, fence or wall.

Actinidia deliciosa

Actinidia deliciosa (Kiwi Fruit) can grow in full sun and requires regular water. The vine or creeper is deciduous, dropping its leaves in winter. The mature plant is cold hardy in the USDA Zones 7-9. The flowers are white or off-white, and the plant attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. The flowers are fragrant, dioecious or bisexual. Male and female flowers appear on different plants and both sexes have to be planted in close proximity for fruit set.

The fruits can be eaten fresh, juiced, dried, or preserved. The health benefits of Kiwifruit are immense. It is a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium and copper. It also contains vitamins A and E, folate, and some omega-3 fatty acids. One kiwifruit contains about 46 calories and provides 13 percent of the daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin C and, 9 percent of the RDA of dietary fiber. Actinidia deliciosa has the potential to produce hundreds of fruit if planted with another compatible and cross-pollinated variety. The plants may take 3-4 years to bear fruit, but when it matures it can produce great quantities of kiwifruit. The fruit can be harvested when the fruit turns a golden-brown color, and when it is easily plucked from the vine.

Actinidia sp.

Actinidia sp. (Actinidia) is an attractive and fast-growing perennial plant native to eastern Asia. It typically will reach a mature size of 5-10 feet tall, either as a large shrub or as a vine or creeper. This plant is well-suited for full sun and semi-shade areas, and requires regular water for good growth. Actinidia sp. produces white and off-white flowers, which are especially attractive in spring and summer.

Ethnomedical uses of Actinidia include edible Kiwi fruits; the fruits are high in vitamin C and other healthy elements. Depending on the species, a mature plant can produce a range of up to a few hundred fruits per season. The fruits can be tart or sweet, and are usually eaten fresh or canned as juices or jams.

Actinidia is a hardy plant, able to withstand cold temperatures at least to 30s F for a short time. It is optimally grown in USDA Zone 8-10 and is an excellent choice for gardeners in cold climates who would like to try growing the plant in a pot. To do this successfully, it is important to make sure the container is of an appropriate size and is stored in an area free from harsh winter winds. Potting soil should be kept moist and watered as needed, and if temperatures are expected to drop far below freezing, the pot should be covered.

Overall, Actinidia is a beautiful and versatile plant that is easy to care for and produce a bounty of edible fruits which are high in vitamins and other essential nutrients. While it is hardy to moderately cold temperatures, careful precautions should be taken if grown in a pot to ensure the Actinidia is able to survive the winter and produce healthful fruit for many seasons to come.