Category Archives: Countries

Chaenostoma cordatum

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Alastair Culham

Today, while Sam was investigating pests in the tropical glasshouse he noted that the plant of Chaenostoma cordatum ‘Copia Great Purple’ was suffering from both whitefly and thrips while plants around it were free of both. 

Posted in Africa, Integrated Pest Management, Species, Students | Leave a comment

Angiopteris evecta – Giant Elephant Fern

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Alastair Culham

The King Fern or Giant Elephant fern is a native of the palaeotropics famous for the large size of the individual fronds it produces.  Over much of the natural range the species is sporadic but not rare but in tropical … Continue reading →

Posted in Asia, Australia, Ferns, Madagascar, Palaeotropics, Species | Leave a comment

The Royal Horticultural Society – Tropical Glasshouse

Posted on July 7, 2012 by Alastair Culham

Thanks to several collaborative projects I visit the Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley on a regular basis.  The big display greenhouse is maintained by Peter Jones, seen here in front of the waterfall display, and his team who work tirelessly to … Continue reading →

Posted in Collaborators, Palaeotropics, People, Species | 1 Comment

The furry pink banana – Musa dasycarpa

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Alastair Culham

Not so long ago I listed Musa velutina among the plants we are growing in the tropical glasshouse, now I know better!  This curious furry and pink fruited banana from Northeast India and Myanmar grows on a short (<2m) plant … Continue reading →

Posted in Crops, Palaeotropics, Species | 4 Comments

Cyperus papyrus – Papyrus

Posted on April 22, 2012 by Alastair Culham

We have been growing Cyperus papyrus for many years at Reading University and while the individual shoots grow tall the plants never seem very vigorous.  The opportunity gained by digging the plant up and dividing it has allowed the option of … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Annual Fund, Species | 5 Comments