Uncategorized

Cuckoo birds, part of a diverse family, are known for their unique behaviors and wide distribution across temperate and tropical regions. Found in forests, grasslands, and wetlands, they adapt to varied environments with remarkable versatility. Their distinctive calls and striking appearances make them a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts, though some species remain elusive due to … Read more

Botanical Classification The Jujube, scientifically known as Ziziphus jujuba, belongs to the Rhamnaceae family, which includes buckthorns and other shrubs and trees. It is part of the genus Ziziphus, comprising about 40 species of spiny trees and shrubs, many of which produce edible fruits. Commonly called Chinese date, red date, or simply jujube, Ziziphus jujuba … Read more

Botanical Classification The European Alder, scientifically known as Alnus glutinosa, belongs to the Betulaceae family, which includes birches, hazels, and hornbeams. It is part of the genus Alnus, encompassing alder species known for their nitrogen-fixing capabilities and affinity for wet habitats. Commonly called black alder, common alder, or European black alder, Alnus glutinosa is a … Read more

Kaffir lime, scientifically known as Citrus hystrix, belongs to the Rutaceae family, which includes all citrus plants like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. The genus Citrus encompasses a wide range of fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, and hystrix—from the Greek for “hedgehog”—refers to its thorny nature and bumpy fruit skin. Native to Southeast Asia, it’s also called … Read more

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a woodland flowering plant with sweetly scented, pendent, bell-shaped white flowers borne in sprays in spring. It is native throughout the cool temperate Northern Hemisphere in Asia and Europe, and its French name, muguet, sometimes appears in the names of perfumes imitating the flower’s scent. The plant has been … Read more

The potato is a starchy root vegetable native to the Americas that is consumed as a staple food in many parts of the world. Potatoes are tubers of the plant Solanum tuberosum, a perennial in the nightshade family Solanaceae. Wild potato species can be found from the southern United States to southern Chile.  Potatoes originated … Read more

Mandevilla Mandevilla and Bougainvillea are both beloved for their vibrant blooms and ability to transform any garden space with their lush, colorful presence, yet they differ in several notable ways, starting from their origins to their care requirements. Both mandevilla (Mandevilla spp.), known as Chilean jasmine, and bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis) are tropical vines. They are … Read more

The Japanese Snowbell, or Styrax japonicus is a species of flowering plant in the family Styracaceae, native to Korea, Japan, and Southern China. Its beautiful flowers, pleasant fragrance and overall shape make it an excellent choice for gardens as a specimen tree, near patios, or in small groupings. Japanese Snowbell grows to a height of … Read more

Catalpa (Catalpa spp.) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Bignoniaceae, native to warm temperate and subtropical regions of North America, the Caribbean, and East Asia. Also known as southern catalpa, hardy catalpa, western catalpa, northern catalpa, catawba, cigar tree and caterpillar tree, it is native to a wide-ranging area including North America, the … Read more

The fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) also called old man’s beard is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the savannas and lowlands of the northeastern and southeastern United States, from Massachusetts south to Florida, and west to Oklahoma and Texas. A fringe tree grows to a height of 12 to 20 feet, though in … Read more