AMERICAN GARDENER

The Reed avocado is a cultivar of Persea americana, classified within the Lauraceae family alongside plants like bay laurel and camphor. Botanically, it’s a berry, defined by its single large seed and fleshy pulp, though it’s culinarily treated as a vegetable. Reed is primarily of Guatemalan ancestry (around 80-90%), with a minor Mexican influence, giving … Read more

The Bacon avocado is a cultivar of Persea americana, part of the Lauraceae family, which encompasses other notable plants like laurel and cinnamon. Botanically, it’s a berry, featuring a single large seed encased in fleshy pulp, though it’s treated as a vegetable in culinary contexts. Bacon is predominantly of Mexican ancestry (around 70-80%), with a … Read more

Fuerte avocados belong to the species Persea americana within the Lauraceae family, a botanical group that includes aromatic plants like cinnamon and bay laurel. Classified as a berry due to its single-seeded, fleshy fruit, Fuerte is a hybrid cultivar with a mix of Mexican and Guatemalan ancestry. The Mexican lineage (about 60-70%) lends it cold … Read more

Hass avocados belong to the species Persea americana, a member of the Lauraceae family, which also includes laurel, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Botanically, the avocado is classified as a berry, featuring a single large seed surrounded by fleshy pulp, though its culinary use often aligns more with vegetables. The Hass cultivar is a hybrid, with … Read more

Prayer plants belong to the Marantaceae family, a group of herbaceous perennials known for their ornamental foliage and unique leaf movements. Botanically, they are classified under several genera, with Maranta being the most iconic, though related genera like Stromanthe and Ctenanthe also fall under this common name. These plants are monocots, characterized by parallel-veined leaves, … Read more

Lizards are reptiles within the order Squamata, with over 7,000 species spread across every continent except Antarctica. Characterized by scaly skin, four legs (or none in legless species), and external ear openings, they vary from tiny geckos to massive Komodo dragons. Their adaptability has led to a wide range of habitats, from deserts to rainforests. … Read more

Crabs are crustaceans belonging to the order Decapoda, with over 6,700 species worldwide. They’re known for their hard exoskeleton, ten legs (including two claws), and side-walking gait. From oceans to forests, crabs have adapted to nearly every environment, showcasing incredible evolutionary variety. Marine crabs, like the blue crab and king crab, dominate coastal and deep-sea … Read more

Variegated shrubs bring a burst of color and pattern to outdoor spaces, featuring leaves that mix green with shades like white, yellow, or pink. These plants turn simple yards into lively displays, their foliage offering stripes, spots, or edges that contrast beautifully with surrounding greenery. Whether evergreen or deciduous, they provide seasonal or year-round appeal. … Read more

Plants with variegated leaves captivate with their multicolored foliage, blending green with shades like white, yellow, or pink due to genetic mutations or reduced chlorophyll. These variations create eye-catching patterns—stripes, spots, or marbling—possibly evolved to attract pollinators or repel pests. In cultivation, their stunning aesthetics transform spaces into vibrant showcases, delighting gardeners and plant enthusiasts. … Read more