Cyathea medullaris – Mamaku or Black Tree Fern

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Alastair Culham

This native of New Zealand and adjacent islands grows to  20 m tall with fronds up to 6m long.  It’s name seems to link to the very dark appearance of the trunk caused by dark brown/black scales cover it and spread over the leaf stalks.  Our young specimen, just arrived from Bowden Hostas, has a long way to go before it reaches that size. Continue reading →

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Cyathea brownii – Norfolk Island Tree Fern

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Alastair Culham

This is reputed to be the fastest growing tree fern and can reach a height of More than 20 metres in its native Norfolk Island. In the wild the species has lost much of its native habitat And only about 5km square of suitable forest remains. Continue reading →

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Curcuma longa – Turmeric

Posted on September 4, 2012 by bassmansam

Turmeric is well known as a food additive that gives a yellow colour as well as a spicy flavour to curries.  It is a member of the Ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Continue reading →

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Cuphea llavea – Tiny mice

Posted on September 4, 2012 by bassmansam

This Cuphea llaveacultivar is named for the mouse ear like upper petals of the flowers.  Cuphea are sometime known as Mexican cigar plants and are members of the Lythraceae. Continue reading →

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Colocasia esculenta – Taro

Posted on September 4, 2012 by bassmansam

Taro is a starch crop with stem tubers that forms impressive ‘elephant ear’ leaves.  It is readily recognisable as a member of the Araceae based on growth form and leaf venation. Continue reading →

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Persea americana – Avocado

Posted on September 4, 2012 by bassmansam

The Avocado is native to Mexico but cultivation has spread to many countries around the world.  This large tree is a member of the Lauraceae. Continue reading →

Posted in Americas, Crops, Species | 1 Comment

Ficus pumila – Creeping fig

Posted on September 1, 2012 by bassmansam

The creeping fig, Ficus pumila, is a commonly grown houseplant but has no tolerance of drying out of the soil.  If given space and time it will not only creep, but climb, and this is when the true nature of the species becomes evident.  Allowed to climb it forms much larger, thicker leaves and the stems can become very woody. Continue reading →

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Piper apiculatum

Posted on September 1, 2012 by bassmansam

I’m somewhat mystified as to why we have been growing Piper apiculatum and there is very little published on it.  However the discovery of a chromosome count for the species by Rosabelle Samuel in Kew Bulletin citing her address as Department of Agricultural Botany, Plant Science Laboratories, University of Reading suggests it was grown here for chromosome counting purposes.  Continue reading →

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Plumeria rubra – Frangipani tree

Posted on September 1, 2012 by bassmansam

Plumeria rubra is a fast growing and soft stemmed tropical tree with highly scented flowers.  It loses its leaves each year exposing the plump green stems.  The flowers, when formed, are highly fragrant as well as very colourful. Continue reading →

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Coffea arabica – Coffee

Posted on September 1, 2012 by bassmansam

Our coffee plant is one of the few individuals we did not uproot and move during the greenhouse renovation.  The plant happened to be in just the right place. Continue reading →

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