30 Fun Facts About Plants

By Deb Wiley

Fact 1:

Torenia, a shade-loving annual, is called the wishbone flower. Look for tiny wishbone-shape stamens inside the purple, blue or burgundy petals.

Fact 2

The world's tallest-growing tree is the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), which grows along the Pacific Coast of the United States, mainly in California. Interestingly enough, it's not the world's oldest-growing tree; that award goes to a bristlecone pine (Pinus aristata).

Fact 3

Bamboo is the fastest-growing woody plant in the world; it can grow 35 inches in a single day.

Fact 4

Tomato juice is the official state beverage of Ohio, honoring the part A. W. Livingston of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, played in popularizing the tomato in the late 1800s.

Fact 5

Archaeologists have uncovered evidence that grapes were grown to make wine about 8,000 years ago in Mesopotamia (today's Iraq), although the ancient Egyptians were the first to record the process of making wine about 5,000 years ago.

Fact 6

During the 1600s, tulips were so valuable in Holland that their bulbs were worth more than gold. The craze was called tulip mania, or tulipomania, and caused the crash of the Dutch economy. Tulips can continue to grow as much as an inch per day after being cut.

Fact 7

Vanilla flavoring comes from the pod of an orchid, Vanilla planifolia. Though the pods are called vanilla beans, they're more closely related to corn than green beans.

Fact 8

The word pineapple.comes from European explorers who thought the fruit combined the look of a pinecone with flesh like that of an apple. Pineapples are the only edible members of the bromeliad family.

Fact 9

From a botanical standpoint, avocados and pumpkins are fruits, not vegetables, because they bear the plants' seeds. Rhubarb, on the other hand, is a vegetable.

Fact 10

Saffron, used as a flavoring in Mediterranean cooking, is harvested from the stigmas of a type of fall-blooming crocus, Crocus sativus.

Fact 11

Poinsettias, natives of Mexico, were brought to the United States in 1825 by the first U.S. minister to Mexico, Joel Poinsett, for whom the plant is named.

Fact 12

Small pockets of air inside cranberries cause them to bounce and float in water.

Fact 13

The flower of the titan arum (Amorphophallus titanium) is the largest unbranched flower in the world and can reach up to 15 feet tall. The bloom produces a smell like that of rotting meat, giving it the common name of corpse flower. A similar smell comes from Rafflesia, another plant that hails from the rain forests of Sumatra. Both plants developed their scent so they could be pollinated by flies; they don't compete with other blooms for butterflies and hummingbirds.

Fact 14

All parts of the oleander (Nerium oleander), a beautiful Mediterranean-native flowering shrub, are poisonous. Ingesting oleander leaves can cause gastrointestinal, cardiac, and central nervous system problems and possible death.

Fact 15

Iris means "rainbow" in Greek, and Iris was goddess of the rainbow in Greek mythology. Wormwood (Artemisia) was named after the goddess Artemis, milkweed (Asclepias) after the god Asclepius, and Hebe after the Greek goddess Hebe.

Fact 16

In France, May 1 is La Fete du Muguet, the festival of the lily-of-the-valley. The celebration includes giving bouquets of lily-of-the-valley to loved ones, wishing them health and happiness.

Fact 17

Angiosperm is the scientific name for flowering plants and refers to the seeds being borne in capsules or fruits. Nonflowering plants— pines, spruces, firs, junipers, larches, cycads, and ginkgoes— are called gymnosperms.

Fact 18

Snapdragon flowers resemble a dragon, and if you squeeze the sides, the dragon's mouth will appear to open and close.

Fact 19

A sunflower looks like one large flower, but each head is composed of hundreds of tiny flowers called florets, which ripen to become the seeds. This is the case for all plants in the sunflower family, including daisies, yarrow, goldenrod, asters, coreopsis, and bachelor's buttons.

Fact 20

The first potatoes were cultivated in Peru about 7,000 years ago.

Fact 21

Peaches, Pears, apricots, quinces, strawberries, and apples are members of the rose family. So are ornamental species such as spirea, mountain ash, goatsbeard, and ninebark.

Fact 22

Cranberries, Concord grapes, and blueberries are three popular fruits native to North America.

Fact 23

The difference between nectarines and peaches is that nectarines don't have fuzzy skins. You can graft peach branches onto a nectarine tree or nectarine branches onto a peach tree so you have both types of fruits.

Fact 24

The average strawberry has 200 seeds. It's the only fruit that bears its seeds on the outside.

Fact 25

Sulfuric compounds are to blame for cut onions bringing tears to your eyes. According to the National Onion Association, chilling the onion and cutting the root end last reduces the problem.

Fact 26

Garlic mustard is a member of the mustard family, not garlic. This invasive herb outcompetes native plants in the Eastern and Midwestern United States, posing a threat to other native plants and the species that depend on them.

Fact 27

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is one of the oldest living tree species; it dates back to about 250 million years ago. Dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) is another ancient species; it dates back about 150 million years. Both were known in the fossil record before they were found alive.

Fact 28

Trees are the longest-living organisms on earth.

Fact 29

Peanuts are not nuts, but legumes related to beans and lentils. They have more protein, niacin, folate, and phytosterols than any nut, according to the National Peanut Board.

Fact 30

The title for the world's hottest chili pepper remains contested. ‘Bhut Jolokia', 401.5 times hotter than bottled hot pepper sauce, earned the Guinness World Records title in 2007, but several hotter chilis claimed the title in 2011.

Source:

Why Do Plants Need Light?

Friday, July 19, 2013 Stephen E. Doyle

Plants are beneficial to humans and other animals in a myriad ways. The most commonly thought of benefit, that plants provide, is that they give off oxygen while taking in carbon dioxide. They, namely trees, also provide shade and cooler temperatures.

Plants are also used in manufacturing products such as paper, lighting, adhesives, medicine, clothing, cosmetics, fuel, charcoal as well as many other products. Additionally, plants provide food for people everywhere. But without light, plants- and life as we know it-  would cease to exist. All plants and animals are fully dependent on photosynthesis for their energy. While some carnivores do not eat plants, directly, the vast majority consume animals that subsist on plants. But why exactly do plants need light? How does this miracle process work?

“Plants need light for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process of the plant making its own food,” said Matt Kostelnick, senior horticulturalist, at Ambius. Photosynthesis occurs within the chlorophyll inside the chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are the sites of photosynthesis. This is a two-step process: the light reactions and then the Calvin cycle.

The photosystems involved in the light reactions are: the ‘water-splitting photosystem’ in which electrons are extracted from water and oxygen is released onto the atmosphere. The second photosystem that takes place is what is referred to as the NADPH Photosystem, in which electrons are moved from the chlorophyll to NADP-producing NADPH. Together the two photosystems release energy to the chloroplast, which then uses it to drive cellular processes crucial for plant survival.

Inside the thick double-membraned layer of the chloroplast is a thick fluid called stroma and inside is an apparatus of stacked green sacs known as ‘grana.’ This is where the chloroplast molecules capture light energy. The energy from the light is utilized to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) as well as NADPH.

ATP is the cellular molecule that supplies cells with the energy to do work. NADPH is an electron carrier used in the calvin cycle where it transforms carbon dioxide into high energy sugar which, in turn, is used by cells to make glucose and other needed organic molecules. Alas, memories of high school biology class come flooding in while attempting to accurately recall all that was taught.

Kostelnick went on to explain that, “Plant leaves function a lot like ‘solar-panels,’ instead of creating energy, they are creating food for the plant by harnessing light energy from the sun (or another light source).”  Kostelnick’s easy to understand interpretation clearly defines the importance of the process utilized by plants and other organisms to convert light energy mainly from the sun, into chemical energy that will be used to fuel the organisms’ life-defining activities.

What other ways do plants benefit us? Share below in the comments.
Source: Ambius

Mineral Deficiencies in Plants

Mineral deficiencies can cause plants to fail and show symptoms of “disease” (technically disorder), but in a well-ordered organic garden they are seldom a problem. When managed organically, most garden soils will provide all the nutrients plants require. Occasionally, especially in alkaline soil, trace elements, although present, may not be soluble due to the high ph, and are therefore unavailable to the plant. On these occasions, additional supplies might be needed. Mineral deficiencies can also be caused by too much of another element; overdo potassium-rich fertilizers, for example, and you may “lock up” magnesium so that plants develop symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Mottling, marking, and even crisping of leaves can all be the result of mineral deficiencies. fruits may also spoil and wither. however, mineral deficiencies are often difficult to confirm from symptoms alone and can easily be confused with diseases, especially viruses.  If a problem persists, it may be necessary to have the soil analyzed professionally	1 Iron deficiency is one of the most common plant disorders and almost always presents as a yellowing of leaves, especially between the veins. It is particularly common in alkaline soil, when it is known as lime-induced chlorosis. 2 Manganese deficiency (on potato leaves), common in poorly drained soil. 3 Phosphorus deficiency (on tomato leaves), often seen in acidic soil. 4 Potassium deficiency (on string beans), often seen in light or sandy soil. 5 Bitter pit in apples, caused by calcium deficiency, also common in light, sandy soil. 6 Boron deficiency on sweet corn; over liming can disrupt the uptake by plants of this trace element

February gardening tips

Continue to dig over existing beds and borders, again incorporating as much organic matter as you can. Forking over not only helps prepare the soil for spring, it helps reduce pests by exposing them to hungry birds.
	Although temperatures should start to rise this month, there is still a risk of frost and even snow. Protect vulnerable plants, pots and taps from frost by wrapping insulation such as garden fleece around them and check pots and containers are raised off the ground if possible. Tender trees and shrubs will thank you for a generous application of dry mulch to protect their roots from freezing conditions.
Once the ground isn’t frozen, make new beds and borders - mark the shape with sand trickled from a bottle, remove the top layer of growing vegetation and dig the ground over, incorporating as much organic matter as possible. If you are making a bed in the lawn, remove the turf and stack it upside down somewhere out of the way - after a year or two it will rot down into fantastic compost. Alternatively chop it up and bury upside down in the planting hole a good spade’s depth down. Beware - if you just dig it in the buried grass will regrow and regrow and regrow and...
		Remember not to let leaves accumulate around alpines - they will die if left damp for long. Cover bare patches around clumps with gritty compost to encourage regrowth. When the weather allows, carry on clearing paths, check walls (but avoid concreting until there is no chance of frost), clean and insulate greenhouses and ensure heaters are working properly. Even a little insulation will make a huge difference to your heating bill.
Clean and repair your garden tools, book the lawn mower in for a service and check garden furniture for any rot. When it is warm enough, treat sheds, fences and trellis with wood preservative; brushes and rollers are fine for most things, however a sprayer is well worth buying for tricky projects such as woven panels!

Source of Article: http://www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk/

How Does a New Plant Grow?

 

If a seed is lucky, it will land on good soil. When the conditions are right, it may grow into a new plant. This is called germination. Seeds contain their own energy store.

They do not need light at first. But they do need  water, warm temperatures, and oxygen. If a seed has the right conditions, it grows a root. The root pushes down  into the soil. Then it grows a shoot. The shoot pushes up  through the soil. When it reaches the air, its new leaves uncurl. At this point, the seed can use its leaves to trap energy from the Sun. It does not need its own energy store any more. Now, it carries out photosynthesis. This will help it grow into a strong, full-grown plant.

Hydroponics - a quick overview

Hydroponics - a quick overview

Truly a wonder of modern science - hydroponic gardens produce bountiful harvests of fruit, vegetables, grains, herbs and flowers in places never before able to sustain growth. Hydroponic gardens produce the healthiest crops with the highest yields and vitamin content thanks to their perfectly balanced nutrient solutions. Modern hydroponic methods provide food for millions of people worldwide and supply you, me and the food service industry with superior produce. In fact, hydroponic cultivation is so effective, NASA has devised an advanced method of hydroponics for use in outer space. The science of hydroponics began with experimentation into deter-mining the elementary composition of plants. These experiments have been dated as early as 1600 A.D., however, records show that plants have been cultivated in soil free mixtures of sand and gravel even earlier. The hanging gardens of Babylon and the floating gardens of the Mexican Aztecs are perfect examples of early hydroponic gardening. Egyptian hieroglyphics have even been found depicting the cultivation of plants in water as far back as several hundred years BC.

The word "Hydroponics" was coined by Dr. W.F. Gericke in 1936 to describe the cultivation of both edible and ornamental plants in a solution of water and dissolved nutrients.

The simple meaning is derived from the Greek "Hydro"- meaning water, and "Ponos"- meaning labor.

In this method of cultivation, plants are provided with the nutrients required for growth by a “nutrient” solution which is basically nutrient enriched mineral water. This nutrient solution can be circulated around the roots by either the passive force of gravity or the active force of an electromechanical pump. Some systems simply bath the roots in nutrient solution and use an air pump to oxygenate the solution from below to prevent stagnation and provide the roots with important oxygen.

Plants grown hydroponically are healthier than their soil grown counterparts since they receive a perfectly balanced diet and do not come in contact with soilborne pests and diseases. Super efficient hydroponic systems like the ones we show you how to build conserve water and nutrients by preventing evaporation and runoff. Arid regions where water is scarce can now grow crops with hydroponics. Since hydroponic systems deliver water and nutrients directly to the plant, crops can be grown closer together without starving each other and healthier plants add to a higher yield. By growing crops in a sterile environment, under ideal conditions, hydroponics saves the costs of soil preparation, insecticides, fungicides and losses due to drought and ground flooding.

In soil, plants waste a tremendous amount of energy developing a large root system to search for moisture and nutrients. When grown hydroponically, the roots are bathed or sprayed with nutrients dissolved in water. This way their energy can be redirected into the production of more foliage, flowers, fruits and vegetables.

Plants grown hydroponically are healthier because they receive a well balanced 'DIET'. They are more vigorous because little energy is wasted searching for water and nutrients. As a result, hydroponically grown produce is generally larger, tastier, and more nutritious than the same produce grown in soil. In order to give the physical support soil would normally provide, a sterile medium such as sand, gravel, rocks, cocofiber or rockwool (or combi-nation of each) may be used. In the case of aeroponics, no medium is used and the plants receive physical support from baskets and in this case, wires suspended from the roof. These plants are rotated through a chamber that supplies their roots with a fine spray of water and hydroponic nutrients.

Oxygen to the roots increases a plant’s metabolism substantially. Some advantages of replacing soil with a sterile medium are:

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1. Elimination of soil borne pests, funguses and diseases.

2. Elimination of troublesome weeds and stray seedlings.

3. Reduction of health risks and labor costs associated with pest management and soil care.

At the Environmental Research Laboratory (ERL) at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Dr. Carl Hodges and Dr. Merle Jensen in conjunction with Walt Disney Productions, have developed new concepts for presenting hydroponic technologies to the public in an entertaining way. The ERL helped create two attractions called "Listen to The Land" and "Tomorrow’s Harvest" - both major facilities at Epcot Center near Orlando, Florida. Hydroponics is NASA's solution to provide a self sufficient food source for future space stations and proposed visitors to mars. The administration has sponsored a research program titled Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) in order to further develop the technology and carry it into the future. The picture below is of Epcot/ NASA’s Space Agriculture expo as seen from a tour of the Epcot Center attraction. The lighting used in these ex-amples is high pressure sodium or HPS, which delivers an excellent spectrum of color and output in lumens. High Intensity Discharge (H.I.D.) lighting, which includes the HPS and metal halide type lamps, is the best lighting to use when gardening indoors or supplementing natural lighting outdoors due to its efficiency and close representation of the sun’s natural light color and intensity.

A. M. Awan (Author)

About Admin Author:

A M Awan Currently working as Marketing Executive at Oasis Agro Industries Pakistan, and hobbies to read about agriculture, share latest information with others

Six Air Purifying House Plants

1. Bamboo Palm: According to NASA, it removes formaldahyde and is also said to act as a natural humidifier.

2. Snake Plant: Found by NASA to absorb nitrogen oxides and formaldahyde.

3. Areca Palm: One of the best air purifying plants for general air cleanliness.

4. Spider Plant: Great indoor plant for removing carbon monoxide and other toxins or impurities. Spider plants are one of three plants NASA deems best at removing formaldahyde from the air.

5. Peace Lily: Peace lilies could be called the “clean-all.” They’re often placed in bathrooms or laundry rooms because they’re known for removing mold spores. Also know to remove formaldahyde and trichloroethylene.

6. Gerbera Daisy: Not only do these gorgeous flowers remove benzene from the air, they’re known to improve sleep by absorbing carbon dioxide and giving off more oxygen over night.

If you can't even put a plant in your living room because you say it is too much trouble, then you need to die and wait for the other life to bring sense in your spirits!!!

Just do it. Random people like our whole team here are trying to put you back on your feet.. we arent doing that because we've got nothing else to do. We have families, too. We have ALL OF YOUR EXCUSES but yet, we're here, with you.

Flowers: Adding Rainbow Colors To Landscape

By Adnan Younis, Dr. Atif Riaz and Dr. Muhammad Nadeem, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad Pakistan

Annual flowers are non-woody plants that complete their life cycle in one season, ending with seed production. Annual flowering plants can be propagated through seeds, unlike many biennials and perennials. They are thus best suited to environments that have a short growing season. Annual flowers can play an imperative role in a well-designed landscape and are an excellent way to draw attention to building and home entrances, walkways and outdoor living spaces and to provide homeowners and visitors with pleasing welcome.

Selection of flowers for garden needs a careful attention and should be carried out on the basis of plant height, color of flowers, nature of growth, and type of environment they need. Typically, a flower border has the tallest plants in the back, medium height plants in the middle and short plants in the front. The style of the annual bed should be compatible with the overall style of your landscape design. Plantation can be done either in a formal or informal design, depending on the arrangement of the planting. In formal designs are made up of geometric lines and symmetry, with strong focal points that attract the eye. In contrast, informal designs have curved, flowing lines and natural forms, follow natural terrain and create an asymmetrical balance within the planting.

Before planting flowers, the physical characteristics of the site must be evaluated. Check the site's soil type, fertility status, drainage and its exposure to sun and wind. Compare site characteristics with specific plant requirements. An annual plant adapted to site conditions grows and flowers more vigorously and has fewer pest problems. Some plants intolerant of heat and sun may perform adequately when planted in part shade. Annual flowers offer flexibility in landscape design and planting can be changed each growing season, creating an entirely new design. As a part of their quick change potential, annuals are called “Temporary Visitors” of Garden.

Designing a garden with plants exhibiting many different colors requires some coordination and color schemes. Consider the color of the house and any other fixed structures such as fences or utility buildings. Pink flowers can be used against a brick walls with orange tones would not produce a pleasant combination. Mostly it is more recommended to use masses of a single color instead of mixing colors in flowering beds because a mass planting of a single color or planting in bands of colors will produce a stronger impact.

It is important to look location and how the flowers will be viewed from different angles. Bright colors stand out, while dark colors fade into the background. Bright colors catch attention to an area, so do not use red and yellow flowers near an eyesore or unattractive area. Bright colors seem closer, while dark colors make the area appear further away. White is the last color to fade from sight as darkness falls and thus is good for areas used at night.

About author: Dr. Adnan Younis is Assistant Professor in Floriculture & Landscape Horticulture at Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad Pakistan. He got his Ph.D degree frm UAF Pakistan and Post Doc from USA. He is very active in teaching, research, seminars, writing, landscaping and a lot of other activities at national and international level.

Contact: adnanyounis1976@yahoo.com