Spice or herb plant - Plant Encyclopedia Results (Page 4)

Boesenbergia rotunda, or Chinese Keys, is a small shrub native to Southeast Asia and grows to a height of 2-5 feet. It has large, glossy leaves, and its pink to off-white flowers are tubular and aromatic, and appear in terminal inflorescences. It is often planted for ornamental purposes, and its rhizomes are typically used as a vegetable in main dishes, or eaten raw when young.

When grown in USDA Zone 9-11, the plant should be placed in semi-shade and be given regular, but moderate watering. It is also important to give Boesenbergia rotunda an adequate amount of nitrogen to ensure its continued vitality. In colder regions, it can be grown in a pot, and should be transferred indoors during the winter.

Boesenbergia rotunda bears interesting, edible fruits, and has an impressive ethnomedical history. The small, hard fruits are often used as a spice or herb, and have a slightly sweet and sour taste. In traditional medicine, the plant is touted for its medicinal uses, and believed to have antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Eating the fruit can also directly benefit health, as it is said to improve circulation, ease stomach pain, and relieve menstrual cramps. In addition, it is thought to help improve digestion and reduce inflammation. One mature plant can produce up to sixty fruits per season.

Calendula officinalis is an aromatic annual plant, widely cultivated for its showy, yellow or orange, rayed flower heads used in medicine, coloring, and flavoring of food. There are numerous cultivars of calendula with double flowers in colors ranging from cream to deep orange-red.

It is used for the treatment of skin disorders and pain, and as a bactericide, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.

Calycanthus floridus are large shrubs, growing 5-10 ft tall, with bright red petals that form a vinous flowers with a sensational and delicate fragrance. Sweetshrub is a native plant to Southeast USA and does best in full sun to semi-shade and regular to moderate water with mature plants being cold hardy in USDA Zone 4-9. Caring for Calycanthus floridus in a pot can be done in cold regions. It is best to use a humus-rich soil that is moist, but not soggy, and in full sun to semi-shade. The fragrant blossoms are a great showy feature and will reward you with an exceptional scent. Calycanthus floridus is easy to grow and care for, adding a tropical feel to any garden, as well as a delightful sensory experience with its sweet aroma.

The shrub is a large one, reaching up to 5-10 feet in height and grows best in semi-shade. It can be grown in USDA zones 9-11 and as a native to tropical America, it has adapted to warm climates.

Calyptranthes pallens, or Spicewood, is a popular plant choice for those lucky enough to live in tropical America. Not only is this large shrub (5-10 feet in height) a beautiful addition to any landscape, but its white and off-white flowers have the most wonderful fragrance. The Spicewood blooms in the beginning of the rainy season, from late spring through the early summer, when the tiny blossoms fill the air with a sweet, spicy aroma. This aromatic bush will please the senses and attract both butterflies and hummingbirds.

Though adapted to warm climates, Spicewood can survive in colder regions as well, provided it is given the right care. While planting it outdoors in the ground is ideal, those that live in colder climates will have to keep it in a pot and bring it indoors during colder times of year. Spicewood prefers semi-shady areas and regular watering, but it is resilient and can survive with moderate watering. It does benefit from fertilizing, but care should be taken not to over-fertilize.

Spicewood is a notable plant for those looking for a beautiful and fragrant bush for their garden. With the right care and maintenance, this large shrub will bring texture, color and delightful fragrance to your garden for many years to come.

During the growing season, regular watering and full sun exposure will help Canella winterana reach its full potential.

In areas with a USDA Hardiness Zone of at least 9, Canella winterana is a showy ornamental with its eye-catching foliage and clusters of fragrant flowers and fruits. The large shrub typically grows up to 5-10 feet in height, while it can reach up to 20 feet if a small tree. Mature trees can withstand temperatures into the 30s F for a short time, and so are suitable for cold winter regions where temperatures stay above the freezing mark.

Canella winterana can also be grown near the sea since it is salt tolerant. This particular species does best in moist soils but does not withstand flooding. If planting in a container or pot, ensure it has plenty of drainage holes, as well as a soil mix that retains some moisture. Additional fertilizer may also be necessary for optimal foliage growth and flowers. Pruning should also be done to ensure it remains in the desired shape and size.

In addition to its ornamental uses, Canella winterana is also an ethnomedical plant with historically used as a spice and herb to treat certain ailments. In modern times it may still be used as an aromatic, fragrant spice and herb in teas and food.