Encyclo - Botany - Flower terms

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Botany - Flower terms
Category: Animals and Nature > Botany
Date & country: 09/09/2007, USA.
Words: 2228

Lavatera
(Rose Mallow, Tree Mallow) These are shrubs, perennials and annuals that are natives of southern Europe, California, the Himalayas and other places. The most popular kind is the Rose Mallow, Lavatera trimestris, from southern Europe. It grows 2-3 feet high and produces large, rose-colored flowers. There are improved varieties of the annual Lavatera trimestris that are wonderful plants for growing in cool greenhouses for decoration and for providing cut flowers. They bloom in late winter and spriâ€¦

Lavender
(Lavandula) These perennials are found wild in the Mediterranean region and there are many varieties. Lavender has been used for hundreds of years in sachets, potpourris and linens and to give a light flavor to fruit dishes, sauces, cordials, and confections. The different varieties of this plant range in height from 9 inches to 3 feet, although some may grow taller with age. They have thin leaves and many long spikes of lavender or purple flowers that grow up from the leaf axils. L. angustifoliâ€¦

Lawyer'S Tongue
(Gasteria) This group of succulent plants is native to South Africa. These plants are commonly known as Ox Tongues, Cow Tongue Cactus and Lawyer's Tongues because of the shape of their leaves. Their long, slender, fleshy leaves form two facing, erect rows when young, with some varieties spiraling into a rosette with age. Their dark green leaves are often spotted, mottled, or striped with white. The name Gasteria is derived from gaster, belly, and refers to the swollen middle of the flowerâ€¦

Lead Plant
(Amorpha) These hardy, deciduous shrubs are natives of North America and Mexico. They have feathery-looking, pinnate leaves and dense spikes of small, pea-like flowers that are ordinarily blue or violet. The flowers are borne at the ends of the shoots in July or August. A. fruticosa (False Indigo) is a medium-sized to large shrub with slender racemes of purplish-blue flowers. A. canescens (Lead Plant) has grayish foliage and purple flowers with yellow stamens.â€¦

Leaf Beet
(Beta) B. vulgaris is the botanical name for two varieties of vegetables. The Beet and Swiss Chard, also known as Leaf Beet or Spinach Beet. Both of these biennials are grown as annuals. The Beet belongs to a group of plants, which were selected from an ancient European species. This group includes Sugar Beets, grown for sugar extraction and mangel-wurzels, grown for livestock feed. Garden Beets are mainly grown for their edible, swollen roots, which come in a wide range of shapes and colors incâ€¦

Leaf Celery
(Apium) This is the botanical name for Celery, Leaf Celery (also called French Celery or Chinese Celery) and Celeriac (also called Knob Celery, Celery Root, or Turnip-rooted Celery).â€¦

Leaf Lettuce
(Lactuca) This is a large group of hardy annuals and perennials found wild in various parts of Europe. They are very popular salad plants commonly known as Lettuce. The most commonly grown kinds of Lettuce are derived from L. sativa. These varieties fall into 4 classes, based on their shape and growth. Minor's Lettuce is a different species (see Montia perfoliata), but is also used as a salad green or potherb.â€¦

Leather Fern
(Rumohra) This handsome, frost-tender Fern, commonly known as Leather Fern or Leatherleaf Fern, is epiphytic. This fern will grow from 30 to 36 inches high and wide. It has glossy dark green fronds, growing up to 2 feet long. They are oval, diamond- or lance-shaped and leathery, with pairs of stalked segments.â€¦

Leatherleaf
(Chamaedaphne) This group contains only one hardy, evergreen shrub. C. calyculata, commonly known as Leatherleaf, is found wild in bogs throughout the Northern Hemisphere. It's height ranges from 1 to 4 feet, depending on the conditions in which it is grown. The Leatherleaf forms a wiry shrub covered with oblong- or lanceolate-shaped leaves. In the spring, white, heath-like flowers are produced along the arching branches.â€¦

Leatherleaf Fern
(Rumohra) This handsome, frost-tender Fern, commonly known as Leather Fern or Leatherleaf Fern, is epiphytic. This fern will grow from 30 to 36 inches high and wide. It has glossy dark green fronds, growing up to 2 feet long. They are oval, diamond- or lance-shaped and leathery, with pairs of stalked segments.â€¦

Leatherwood
(Eucryphia) This group consists of five tender, evergreen and deciduous trees or shrubsnative of South America and Australia. These plants produce attractive white flowers with noticeable yellow stamens, from mid-summer to early fall, once they are a few years old. The flowers have four petals and grow up to 21/2 inches long. E. cordifolia is a large, evergreen shrub or, in good conditions, a broad, columnar tree up to 40 feet high. Its oblong leaves have wavy edges and are usually heart-shaped â€¦

Leathery Polypodium
(Polypodium) These are leaf-losing (deciduous) and hardy evergreen Ferns that are found in many parts of the world including tropical, semitropical and temperate areas. Some may be cultivated in hothouses and some in cool greenhouses. The bright green leaves are thin and tough and may vary from only a few inches to 6 feet long. They may be pinnate (feathery-divided once), bipinnate (divided twice), or simple (undivided).â€¦

Leeks
(Allium) These hardy bulbs grow wild in many parts of the world. Many of the varieties are commonly known vegetables such as the Chives, Garlic, Leek, Onion, Ramp and Shallot. Many kinds are grown for their pretty clusters of flowers, which come in an array of colors during the spring and summer. Some of the smaller kinds are great for the rock garden and some in the flower border. A. Rosenbachianum is one of the prettiest grown for its flowers. It produces rose-purple flowers on 2Â½- to 3-foot sâ€¦

Lemna
(Duckweed, Ivy-Leaved Duckweed, Star Duckweed) These aquatic plants are found all over the world. L. minor, known as Duckweed, is a tiny plant that floats on top of the water. It produces light green leaves, which have only a single root. Duckweed spreads rapidly and if not controlled will become a nuisance. This plant is eaten by fish and waterfowl, which help to keep its rapid growth in check. Duckweed prefers cooler temperatures and may disappear over hot summer months, but return when temperâ€¦

Lemon
(Citrus) These plants are native to the southern and southeastern mainland of Asia and the bordering Malayan islands. They are small, spiny shrubs or trees with alternate, usually evergreen, leaves, which are shiny and leathery and dotted with oil glands. The stems are mostly winged and jointed with the leaves and there is usually a spine on the twigs at the attachment of each stem. Their flowers smell sweet and they have five petals that are white and some kinds have purple staining the oâ€¦

Lemon Balm
(Melissa) M. officinalis, Balm or Lemon Balm, is a half hardy perennial that originates from the Mediterranean region and Asia and has become naturalized in the moist, lightly shaded meadows of North America. When mowed, it penetrates the air with the scent of lemons. Lemon Balm grows in clumps 2 to 22 feet high. The soft shoots are covered with wide, toothed, dark green leaves, which are used in meat sauces, fruit dishes and drinks.â€¦

Lemon Grass
(Cymbopogon) C. citratus is a tender, ornamental grass that has a fragrance resembling the scent of lemons. It grows in clumps from 4 to 6 feet high and has slender leaves and grass-like flowers in terminal spikes or racemes. Lemongrass belongs to the Grass family, Gramineae and is native of India. The related C. nardus is the source of citronella, a popular, old-fashioned insect repellent.â€¦

Lemon Mint
(Monarda) These are erect clumps of annual and perennial herbaceous plants that grow wild in North America. These plants can grow up to 3 feet high and are usually sold for the beauty of their striking blossoms. M. pectinata (the Lemon Mint) has thin leaves that are lanceolate to oblong and have the scent of lemons. It bears whorls of flowers that are up to 2 inches across and may be white to pink and purplish. The most popular kind is M. didyma (Oswego Tea, Bee Balm, or Bergamot), which has spiâ€¦

Lemon Verbena
(Lippia) These are a group of shrubby and herbaceous plants mostly natives of North and South America. The only kind commonly cultivated is the Lemon Verbena, Lippia triphylla (sometimes known as Aloysia triphylla). The Lemon Verbena is a leaf-losing shrub from Latin America that is valued for its apple-green, stiff, willowy leaves, which have a wonderful, strong fragrance resembling the scent of lemons. It bears small, pale, lilac flowers in August. In warm climates this plant will grow from 3 â€¦

Lenten Rose
(Helleborus) Helleborus is a group of very beautiful and interesting, evergreen or deciduous (leaf-losing) perennials that are native to southern Europe and Asia. These plants belong to the Buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. They grow upright from 12 to 18 inches high. These plants have several common names such as Hellebore, Christmas Rose, and Lenten Rose. H. purpurascens has deciduous, dark green leaves that are divided into 2 to 6, lance-shaped segments. In early spring, clusters of large, nodâ€¦

Lepidium
(Curled Cress, Garden Cress, Peppergrass) This vegetable is commonly known as Peppergrass, Curled Cress and Garden Cress. The Curled Cress grows quickly and produces medium green leaves, which are cut deeply giving them a lacy look. They have a pungent taste and are used in small amounts in salads or cold stuffings, or as a garnish. It makes a suitable substitute for watercress in the spring and autumn.â€¦

Leuchtenbergia
(Agave Cactus, Prism Cactus) There is only one species in this group. L. principis (Agave Cactus; Prism Cactus) is a very slow-growing cactus from Mexico. This plant has a large, tuberous taproot and a cylindrical shaped stem that becomes bare and corky at the base with age. It has long, slender, grayish-green tubercles, which look like a rosette of leaves. The tubercles have puplish-red blotches at their tips and are topped with papery spines giving it the appearance of a miniature Agave, thus â€¦

Leverwood
(Ostrya) These hardy, deciduous trees are natives of Europe, North America and Asia. These slow growing, pest-resistant trees grow up to 40 feet high with a spread to match. Their trunks are short and are covered with scaling bark. They are topped by a dense crown of ovate or oblong-ovate leaves that taper into a point. The leaves are marked with conspicuous parallel veins and have deeply serrated edges. O. virginiana, the American Hop Hornbeam, is an attractive tree that has simple, alternatelyâ€¦

Levisticum
(Lovage, Love Parsley) This perennial, known as Lovage or Love Parsley, is a native of southern Europe. Lovage was once thought of as an aphrodisiac, but has settled down to the more simple and honest application as a culinary flavoring. Lovage resembles a tall, much-branched Celery with thin stems. They will grow from 4 to 6 feet high. They bear large, flat clusters of yellow flowers and make a lovely background in the garden. These robust herbs are adaptable and have escaped in some areas. Theâ€¦

Leyland Cypress
(Cupressocyparis) This small group consists of hybrids of Cupressus (the common Cypress) and Chamaecyparis (the False Cypress).These fast-growing trees are very popular trees and need much the same care as Chamaecyparis. C. leylandii (Leyland Cypress) is a very fast-growing, large tree that forms a thick column. The green foliage is in flattened or irregular, slightly drooping sprays. The Leyland Cypress can tolerate many different conditions, except very dry, alkaline, or waterlogged soil. Thisâ€¦

Liatris
These perennials are natives of eastern North America. Also known as Blazing Star, Button Snakeroot and Gay Feathers, these plants produce spikes of small, colorful flowers. L. spicata forms tufts of grass-like, mid-green foliage. Dense, cylindrical spikes of brilliant purplish-pink flowers are borne in late summer. The cut flowers will last well in water. This plant will grow up to 2 feet high.â€¦

Licorice Fern
(Polypodium) These are leaf-losing (deciduous) and hardy evergreen Ferns that are found in many parts of the world including tropical, semitropical and temperate areas. Some may be cultivated in hothouses and some in cool greenhouses. The bright green leaves are thin and tough and may vary from only a few inches to 6 feet long. They may be pinnate (feathery-divided once), bipinnate (divided twice), or simple (undivided).â€¦

Lilac
(Syringa) The hardy, deciduous trees and shrubs belonging to this very popular group are commonly known as Lilacs. They are gorgeous, woody plants that produce clusters of extremely fragrant blossoms in an array of colors. Their heart-shaped leaves are arranged opposite each other on the branches. Lilacs are originally from southeastern Europe and Asia. The wood of the Lilacs is close-grained, hard and yellowish-colored marked with reddish and brown. S. amurensis japonica (Japanese Tree Lilac) iâ€¦

Lilac Hibiscus
(Alyogyne) This hibiscus like shrubs has four species, all native to Australia.â€¦

Lilium
(Lily) This group consists of 80 to 90 perennial bulbs, of which most are hardy. True Lilies come from the group, Lilium. Many plants that have Lily as part of their common name are not true Lilies (i.e. Daylily comes from the group, Hermerocallis). Lilies come mainly from the temperate woodlands of the Northern Hemisphere; therefore, they do not like dry heat.They are usually found growing near shrubs and other plants that shade their roots and keep the bulbs cool and moist. Lilieâ€¦

Lily
(Lilium) This group consists of 80 to 90 perennial bulbs, of which most are hardy. True Lilies come from the group, Lilium. Many plants that have Lily as part of their common name are not true Lilies (i.e. Daylily comes from the group, Hermerocallis). Lilies come mainly from the temperate woodlands of the Northern Hemisphere; therefore, they do not like dry heat.They are usually found growing near shrubs and other plants that shade their roots and keep the bulbs cool and moist. Lilâ€¦

Lily Of The Incas
(Alstroemeria) This group consists of 60 species of perennials, which grow from tuberous roots or rhizomes to a height of 2 to 4 feet. They are natives of tropical America. These perennials (known as Lilies-of-the-Incas, Parrot Lilies, and Peruvian Lilies) produce long stems of handsome foliage, which ramble about, and gorgeous, sometimes variegated, azalea-like flowers from late spring to early or mid-summer. The 2-inch flowers are borne in clusters and come in an array of colors such as white,â€¦

Lily Of The Nile
(Agapanthus) This group consists of tender, evergreen or deciduous plants, which are natives of South Africa and belong to the Lily family, Liliaceae. Most African Lilies are evergreen in mild-winter climates. The fleshy rhizomes of these plants spread over the soil's surface and support a short, more or less tuberous rootstock. Agapanthus, also known as African Lilies and Lilies-of-the-Nile, produce clumps of long, shiny, strap-like leaves, which look attractive even when the plantâ€¦

Lily Of The Valley Tree
(Clethra) This group consists of about sixty evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees found wild in the southern U.S., Central and South America, Madeira, and Southeast Asia. Clethra, commonly known as White Alders, produces clusters of tiny, fragrant, white or pale pink flowers, in the summer. Some varieties have attractive, peeling bark. C. alnifolia (commonly known as Summersweet and Sweet Pepper Bush) is a hardy, deciduous shrub that rarely grows over 6 feet high. Its dark green, ovate-shapeâ€¦

Lily Tree
(Magnolia) These evergreen and deciduous (leaf-losing) trees and shrubs have beautiful, large flowers. Some kinds bloom very early in the spring before the leaves, some bloom later in the spring and still others during the summer and early fall. Some kinds produce pretty fruits, which are usually shaped like a cone and brightly colored. When the seeds are ripe, they are expelled from the fruit, but are held for a few days by short silky strands before falling to the ground. The hardy kinds grow â€¦

Lily-Of-The-Valley Tree
(Oxydendrum) This beautiful, deciduous tree is native to North America. O. arboreum, commonly known as the Sorrel Tree or Sourwood, is a small, slow growing tree that ultimately reaches a height of only 25 feet. The Sorrel Tree is covered with tough, shiny dark green leaves that open with a reddish hue in the spring. The oblong lance-shaped leaves are alternately arranged on the branches and grow from 4 to 7 inches long and 11/2 to 21/2 inches wide. In autumn, the foliage turns vivid shades of râ€¦

Lime
(Citrus) These plants are native to the southern and southeastern mainland of Asia and the bordering Malayan islands. They are small, spiny shrubs or trees with alternate, usually evergreen, leaves, which are shiny and leathery and dotted with oil glands. The stems are mostly winged and jointed with the leaves and there is usually a spine on the twigs at the attachment of each stem. Their flowers smell sweet and they have five petals that are white and some kinds have purple staining the oâ€¦

Limnobium
(American Frogbit) L. spongia, the American Frogbit, is an aquatic perennial found from Lake Ontario to the southern United States. It produces small, glossy green, heart-shaped, floating leaves that have a spongy underside tinged with purple. Its trailing roots also have a purplish tint to them. Unnoticeable white flowers are produced.â€¦

Limonium
(Sea Lavender, Statice) These annuals or perennials are found wild on the seacoasts and in salt marshes and are widely distributed over the Northern Hemisphere. The Limoniums, along with the Armerias (Thrifts), were once included in the group Statice and are still often known by that name in gardens. They form upright clumps, 1 to 3 feet high. The coarse foliage grows mainly from the base and is 4 to 6 inches long. They resemble the foliage of the Dandelion. The flowers of many kinds are in loosâ€¦

Linaria
(Butter And Eggs, Genista-Leaved Toadflax, Three Birds Toadflax, Toadflax) Linaria (Toadflax) is a large group of annuals, biennials and perennials belonging to the Snapdragon family, Scrophulariaceae. Toadflaxes are useful for growing in the flower border, the rock and wall garden, for growing in the crevices of flagged or paved paths, and for cutting. Some varieties can even be cultivated in a greenhouse. L. triornithophora (Three Birds Toadflax) is an erect-growing perennial from 2 to 3 feet â€¦

Linum
(Flax) The Linums or Flaxes form a large group of biennial, annual and perennial herbs and sub-shrubs. They form thick, upright tufts up to 2 feet high. The bluish-green foliage is linear to lanceolate and 1 to 2 inches long. The flowers are 1 to 2 inches across and come in shades of red, violet-blue, white with carmine eye, or rose pink. Each flower lasts a short time, but there are so many and they replace each other continually, over a long period. L. alpinum, the Alpine Flax, is a native of â€¦

Lippia
(Lemon Verbena) These are a group of shrubby and herbaceous plants mostly natives of North and South America. The only kind commonly cultivated is the Lemon Verbena, Lippia triphylla (sometimes known as Aloysia triphylla). The Lemon Verbena is a leaf-losing shrub from Latin America that is valued for its apple-green, stiff, willowy leaves, which have a wonderful, strong fragrance resembling the scent of lemons. It bears small, pale, lilac flowers in August. In warm climates this plant will grow â€¦

Liquidambar
(Alligator-Wood, Bilsted, Liquidambar, Redgum, Star-Leaved Gum, Sweet Gum) Liquidambar is the botanical name for the Sweet Gum trees. L. styraciflua is a native of eastern North America. It can grow up to a height of 100 to 130 feet. The leaves of this tree are arranged alternately on the branches. They are star-shaped with usually five (sometimes seven), pointed lobes, which are finely toothed. When crushed, the leaves emit a pleasant scent. The tops of the leaves are bright green and smooth anâ€¦

Liriodendron
(Tulip Magnolia, Tulip Poplar, Tulip Tree, Whitewood) Liriodendron consists of two deciduous (leaf-losing) trees called Tulip Trees. One, L. Tulipifera, is a native of the eastern U.S. and the other, L. chinense, is from China. The American Tulip Tree is a very attractive tree that can grow up to 100 feet high. The leaves have an interesting square shape; they usually have 4 lobes and look as if they've suddenly been cut off instead of continuing to a point. They are 3 to 8 incâ€¦

Liriope
Liriope (Lily Turf) is a small group of perennials found wild in China, Japan and the Philippines. The most popular is L. muscari. This variety forms clumps of strap-shaped, shiny dark green leaves. In the fall, compact, erect spikes of small, rounded bell-shaped, lavender or purple-blue flowers are borne. This plant grows up to a foot high.â€¦

Lisianthus
(Eustoma) This is an erect plant that grows 1 to 2Â½ feet high. Its waxy, blue-green foliage is ovate or oblong and grows up to 3 inches long. The mainly grow toward the base of the plant. The beautiful flowers may be single or double and they resemble Canterbury bells and tulips. They grow 2 to 3 inches across and are colored blue, white, pink, lavender or rose and are often bicolored.â€¦

Little Candles
(Mammillaria) This group consists of about 250 species of cacti that are natives of Mexico, Columbia, Guatemala, Honduras, the southern US, Venezuela, and the West Indies. They range from small plants, Â¾-inch in size to huge clusters over 3 feet across. They have cylindrical or globular shapes, which may clump or remain solitary. The tubercles are spirally arranged along the body and from these grow many spines. The spines come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes and really add to the plantâ€¦

Lizard'S Tail
(Saururus) These hardy, aquatic perennials are natives of North America and Asia. S. cernuus, Lizard's Tail, produces heart-shaped, bright green leaves and long (4 to 6 inches), arching, slender spikes of fragrant, white or yellowish-white flowers. This plant grows up to 2 feet in height. Lizard's Tails will bloom even when grown in heavy shade.â€¦

Lobelia
(Cardinal Flower, Indian Pink, Lobelia) These are hardy and tender, annuals and perennials that grow wild in various parts of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. There are over 200 species, but comparatively few are grown in the garden. Those mainly grown range in size from the dwarf, compact annuals, which only grow a few inches high, to the perennials, which grow 3 feet or more high. The popular Lobelias that are used for summer bedding, have been raised from L. Erinus, a blue-flowered variâ€¦

Lobivia
This group of cacti is native to Bolivia. These small, globular or cylindrical cacti produce an abundance of colorful flowers that seem as large as the plant. L. argentea forms large clumps of stems up to 4 inches high with a diameter of 6 inches. They are shiny or grayish-green and have 24 ribs that curve and diverge with age. The tuberculate ribs have sharp edges and are armed with 14 radial spines and a 3-inch central spine. The downy areoles grow in the depressions between the tubercles. Itsâ€¦

Lobster Claw
(Clianthus) This group consists of two tender, semi-evergreen shrubs from New Zealand. Their height ranges from 3-6 feet and they produce beautifully colored flowers in May and June. These plants are commonly known as Parrot's Bill, Parrotbeak, Lobster-claw and Glory Pea because of the interesting shape of their gorgeous blossoms. C. puniceus is a vigorous-growing, climbing shrub. It is medium-sized with pretty pinnate leaves, 3 to 6 inches long, consisting of 11 to 25, oblong leaflets. The largâ€¦

Lobster-Claw
(Clianthus) This group consists of two tender, semi-evergreen shrubs from New Zealand. Their height ranges from 3-6 feet and they produce beautifully colored flowers in May and June. These plants are commonly known as Parrot's Bill, Parrotbeak, Lobster-claw and Glory Pea because of the interesting shape of their gorgeous blossoms. C. puniceus is a vigorous-growing, climbing shrub. It is medium-sized with pretty pinnate leaves, 3 to 6 inches long, consisting of 11 to 25, oblong leaflets. The largâ€¦

Lobularia
(Sweet Alyssum) Lobularia, Sweet Alyssum, is a pretty annual. It grows mounded or trailing, from 4 to 12 inches. The foliage is linear or lanceolate, gray green and grows up to an inch long. The flowers are tiny, growing only Â¼- to Â½-inch across. They are formed on thin stalks and are so profuse they hide the leaves. They may be white, rose, purple or violet. Light shearing will increase the blooms.â€¦

Locust Tree
(Robinia) This group of deciduous trees and shrubs is native to the U.S. and Mexico. They are commonly known as Locust Trees or False Acacias. These trees will grow well in poor, dry soil and in salty, sandy soil near the sea. They are suitable for growing along roads and in cities. R. Pseudoacacia (Black Locust, Yellow Locust or False Acacia) is a tree that can grow from 70 to 80 feet high. It has a wide-spreading head of scraggly branches that are clothed with pretty, green leaves 6 to 12 inchâ€¦

Loganberry
(Rubus) Rubus belongs to the Rose family. This group consists of erect, arching or trailing, deciduous and evergreen shrubs found wild in Europe, North America and Asia. Some are very ornamental, while most are grown for their edible fruits. Of the varieties, the most popular are R. idaeus vulgatus, commonly known as the European Raspberry, R. idaeus var. strigosus, the American Raspberry, R. occidentalis, the Black Raspberry, Blackcap, or Thimbleberry, and the Raspberry's cousin, the Blackberryâ€¦

Lolium
(Rye Grass) This is a group, commonly known as Rye Grass, of annual and perennial Grasses that are used as 'nurse' grasses in lawn seed mixtures and as cover crops. L. perenne (English Rye Grass) is a perennial that can grow up to 2 feet high. The stem of this grass curves in and out and the flower clusters rest inside each curve.â€¦

Lonicera
(Honeysuckle, Twinberry, Woodbine) This group consists of about 180, evergreen and deciduous, woody climbers and shrubs, commonly known as Honeysuckle. They are valued for their pretty flowers, which are sweetly scented, and their decorative fruits, which birds find delectable. The climbing Honeysuckles are suitable for growing over a trellis, arch, or pergola, while the shrubby kind are great for growing in borders and rock gardens, and as hedges. Their trumpet-shaped flowers are borne from latâ€¦

Loosestrife
(Lythrum) These hardy perennials are natives to North America, Asia, Africa and Europe. Lythrums grow up to 3 feet high and are great for planting near the water, in bog gardens and anywhere the soil remains fairly moist. L. salicaria variety Feuerkerze, Purple Loosestrife, is an erect-growing plant with oval to narrowly lance-shaped, mid-green leaves, which are arranged opposite each other or in whorls. From mid- to late summer, thick spikes of small, 4-petaled, rose-pink flowers are produced. â€¦

Lophocereus
(Totem Pole, Whisker Cactus) These cacti are natives of southern Arizona and Mexico. They form tall, columnar stems, which branch at the base to form a short trunk. L. schottii (Whisker Cactus) forms stems that can grow up to 23 feet high. They have five to nine ribs bearing white woolly areoles out of which grow about five conical spines. When the plant is ready to blossom, the upper part develops larger areoles with about twenty sharp, brush-like bristles. More than one nocturnal flower grows â€¦

Loquat
(Eriobotrya) This is an evergreen tree, known as the Loquat, valued for its fruit and decorative foliage and flowers. A native of China and Japan, it will grow at least 20 feet high. Their leaves are 9 to 12 inches long and 3-5 inches wide. They are green on top and grayish or brown underneath. When they are young they are covered with gray fuzz. They bear small, white flowers followed by an edible, yellow fruit. Loquats flower in autumn or early winter and their fruits ripen in late winter or sâ€¦

Lord Anson'S Pea
(Lathyrus) These hardy annuals and perennials may be climbing or bushy. The climbing vines grow up to 6 feet high and the dwarf bushy kinds, 1 to 2 feet high. They are mostly from southern and eastern Europe. These plants are clothed with medium- or blue-green, paired leaflets that grow up to 2 inches. The flowers grow up to 2 inches across, 1 to 4 per stem. They may be rose, red, maroon, pink, white, yellow or blue and some are bicolored; they are also fragrant. The Perennial or Everlasting Peaâ€¦

Lotus
(Bird's-Foot Trefoil, Coral Gem, Parrot's Beak, Winged Bean, Winged Pea) These are pretty ornamental plants, one of which is used as a vegetable. These tender and hardy perennials belong to the Pea family, Leguminosae. Some are found growing wild in the Canary Isles, Cape Verde Islands, the Mediterranean region, other parts of Europe and Asia, and some in North America.â€¦

Lovage
(Levisticum) This perennial, known as Lovage or Love Parsley, is a native of southern Europe. Lovage was once thought of as an aphrodisiac, but has settled down to the more simple and honest application as a culinary flavoring. Lovage resembles a tall, much-branched Celery with thin stems. They will grow from 4 to 6 feet high. They bear large, flat clusters of yellow flowers and make a lovely background in the garden. These robust herbs are adaptable and have escaped in some areas. The strong, Câ€¦

Love Apple
(Lycopersicon) Lycopersicon is the botanical name for the Tomato plant. The fruits of these plants are international favorites and there are more varieties sold of it than of any other vegetable. They may be eaten cooked or raw and are a good source of vitamins. The Tomato loves sunshine and is grown as a warm-weather annual, although it is actually a tender perennial. It is grown in greenhouses where summers are too cool for pollination and fruit to set in gardens. The garden varieties of Tomatâ€¦

Love Parsley
(Levisticum) This perennial, known as Lovage or Love Parsley, is a native of southern Europe. Lovage was once thought of as an aphrodisiac, but has settled down to the more simple and honest application as a culinary flavoring. Lovage resembles a tall, much-branched Celery with thin stems. They will grow from 4 to 6 feet high. They bear large, flat clusters of yellow flowers and make a lovely background in the garden. These robust herbs are adaptable and have escaped in some areas. The strong, Câ€¦

Love-In-A-Mist
(Nigella) These annuals are found wild in southern Europe, northern Africa and Asia Minor. They are bushy, self-branching plants that may grow upright or sprawling, 1Â½ to 2 feet. Their foliage is finely divided, resembling dill and fennel, and grows up to 3 inches long. The beautiful flowers are finely laced and up to 2 inches across. They may be white or pale to dark blue. Picking off the dead flowers will increase blooming, but prevents the seed capsules, which are valued for drying. N. sativaâ€¦

Love-Lies-Bleeding
(Amaranthus) These are tender annuals that are natives of India, the Philippines and other warm countries. They are erect-growing plants; their height ranges from 2 to 8 feet high. Their leaves are long or oval, from 2 to 4 inches long and they start out green or dark red and change to bright yellow, orange or florescent pink at the tops. They produce pretty tassels of flowers that may be wine red or chartreuse. The flowers last a long time. Those with colorful leaves don't produce as lovely floâ€¦

Ludwigia
(Primrose Creeper, Primrose Willow) These tropical, aquatic plants are found wild in South America. L. palustris, the Primrose Creeper, carpets the edges of ponds with creeping or floating, branching stems, which grow up to a foot high, covered with glossy, oval leaves, which grow up to an inch in length. The leaves are light green on top and creamy green beneath. The foliage that grows above the water may be darker green tinted with red. It produces cup-shaped, yellow flowers. This plant is exâ€¦

Lunaria
(Honesty, Money Plant, Moonwort, Satin Flower, Silver Dollars) These annuals and perennials are found naturally from Europe to eastern Siberia. They are grown for their pretty flowers and decorative seedpods, called silicles. Lunaria (commonly called Honesty, Money Plant, Moonwort, Satin Flower and Silver Dollars) is derived from luna, the moon, and refers to the shape of the seedpods. L. rediviva is a perennial that grows 24 to 30 inches high. Its oval-lance-shaped leaves are fineâ€¦

Lupine
(Lupinus) This group consists of handsome annuals, perennials and shrubs grown for their attractive spikes of pea-like flowers that come in an array of colors. Lupines (as they are popularly called) belong to the Pea family, Leguminosae, and are natives mainly of North America, though some are found in Europe. These plants will grow up to 4 feet high. L. The Chatelaine forms clumps of dark bluish-green palmate leaves, which are divided into oval-lance-shaped segments. The small, pink and white fâ€¦

Lupinus
(Lupine) This group consists of handsome annuals, perennials and shrubs grown for their attractive spikes of pea-like flowers that come in an array of colors. Lupines (as they are popularly called) belong to the Pea family, Leguminosae, and are natives mainly of North America, though some are found in Europe. These plants will grow up to 4 feet high. L. The Chatelaine forms clumps of dark bluish-green palmate leaves, which are divided into oval-lance-shaped segments. The small, pink and white flâ€¦

Lychnis
(Alpine Catchfly, Arctic Catchfly, Cuckoo Flower, Flower Of Jove, Jerusalem Cross, Maltese Cross, Ragged Robin, Rose Campion) This group of perennials, annuals and biennials are found wild in the North Temperate and Arctic zones. These plants are grown for their pretty flowers. The height ranges from 1 to 4 feet among the different varieties. L. viscaria, the Alpine Catchfly, is an erect growing perennial found on dry, rocky hills and cliffs from Europe to western Asia. The green, oval- to lanceâ€¦

Lycopersicon
(Garden Apple, Gold Apple, Love Apple, Pomo D'oro, Tomato) Lycopersicon is the botanical name for the Tomato plant. The fruits of these plants are international favorites and there are more varieties sold of it than of any other vegetable. They may be eaten cooked or raw and are a good source of vitamins. The Tomato loves sunshine and is grown as a warm-weather annual, although it is actually a tender perennial. It is grown in greenhouses where summers are too cool for pollination and fruit to sâ€¦

Lysimachia
(Creeping Charlie, Creeping Jennie, Garden Loosestrife, Gooseneck Loosestrife, Loosestrife, Moneywort) Golden Globes.These hardy and tender perennials and annuals are found throughout the temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. A few grow wild in Australia, South Africa and South America. Few of the Loosestrifes have value in the garden. L. clethroides (Gooseneck Loosestrife) is a vigorous growing perennial from Japan that forms clumps of lance-shaped, mid-green leaves â€¦

Lythrum
(Loosestrife) These hardy perennials are natives to North America, Asia, Africa and Europe. Lythrums grow up to 3 feet high and are great for planting near the water, in bog gardens and anywhere the soil remains fairly moist. L. salicaria variety Feuerkerze, Purple Loosestrife, is an erect-growing plant with oval to narrowly lance-shaped, mid-green leaves, which are arranged opposite each other or in whorls. From mid- to late summer, thick spikes of small, 4-petaled, rose-pink flowers are producâ€¦

Maclura
(Bois D'arc, Bow-Wood, Osage Orange) Maclura is the botanical name for a medium sized, spiny tree called the Osage Orange. This tree can grow up to 60 feet in height and was originally found growing from Arkansas to Texas. This tree is mainly grown for interest as it isn't a particularly beautiful tree. It grows well in other parts of the country besides its native range. It is valued as a hedge plant and as a tree for windbreaks and poor soil. The leaves are simple and alternately arranged on tâ€¦

Madrone
(Arbutus) This group consists of beautiful, evergreen trees or shrubs. They grow wild in North, South and Central America, Mexico, Asia Minor, southern Europe and the Canary Islands. They only grow from 10 to 20 feet high. A. andrachnoides is a hybrid small tree with attractive cinnamon-red branches that are covered with green leaves slightly edged with red. In late fall and early winter, waxy white, bell-shaped flowers are produced. A. menziesii (Madrone or Oregon Laurel) is a medium-sized treeâ€¦

Magic Flower
(Cantua) This group consists of six tender, evergreen shrubs and trees from the northern Andes of South America. C. buxifolia (Magic Flower) is an unfamiliar, but very beautiful, small shrub that can be grown in tropical climates. This plant can grow from 4 to 10 feet high. It's clothed with ovate shaped leaves and it produces bunches of pendulous, funnel-shaped, cherry red flowers, in mid-spring.â€¦

Magnolia
(Bull Bay, Cucumber Tree, Lily Tree, Sweet Bay, Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Tree, Yulan) These evergreen and deciduous (leaf-losing) trees and shrubs have beautiful, large flowers. Some kinds bloom very early in the spring before the leaves, some bloom later in the spring and still others during the summer and early fall. Some kinds produce pretty fruits, which are usually shaped like a cone and brightly colored. When the seeds are ripe, they are expelled from the fruit, but are held for a few daysâ€¦

Maguey
(Agave) This large group consists of rosette-forming succulents, which are usually short-stemmed, although some varieties will form stems up to 3 feet high. Agaves are mostly natives of Mexico, though some are found wild in the West Indies and a few in the United States. They may be planted outdoors in mild climates, especially those that are desert and semi-desert; otherwise, they may be grown in a greenhouse and when small, as houseplants. In regions with harsh winters, Agaves may be plaâ€¦

Maidenhair Fern
(Adiantum) There are many kinds of Adiantum, commonly called Maidenhair Ferns. Most of them are natives of tropical countries, but two are hardy and can be grown outside in the North. One hardy kind is A. pedatum, native of North America. Its graceful fronds grow 18 to 24 inches long. They flourish in shade and woodsy soil made by adding leaf mold and sand. This plant is great for clumping in cool, shady spots in the wild garden and rock garden. A. Capillus-Veneris is another fern that's hâ€¦

Maidenhair Tree
(Ginkgo) G. biloba, also called the Maidenhair Tree because its leaves closely resemble those of the Maidenhair Fern, is a deciduous (leaf-losing) tree that is hardy in the North. The Ginkgo hasn't been found growing in the wild, but it is thought to have originated in China. In the Orient, this tree may grow up to 100 feet high with a circumference of 18 to 20 feet. The leaves of this tree are interesting and unique from any other tree. They are fan-shaped, sometimes having 2 lobes, leathery anâ€¦

Malabar Nightshade
(Basella) B. alba is known by many common names. These are Malabar Spinach, Indian Spinach, Malabar Nightshade, Pasali and Pu-tin-choi. Malabar Spinach is one of the best hot-weather greens for cooking. This plant is a regular food item in tropical Africa and southeast Asia, where it originated. Its glutinous texture when cooked takes some getting use to, but the strong flavor is pleasant. These plants are low growing and send out runners, which are clothed with good sized, tasty, thick, dark grâ€¦

Malabar Spinach
(Basella) B. alba is known by many common names. These are Malabar Spinach, Indian Spinach, Malabar Nightshade, Pasali and Pu-tin-choi. Malabar Spinach is one of the best hot-weather greens for cooking. This plant is a regular food item in tropical Africa and southeast Asia, where it originated. Its glutinous texture when cooked takes some getting use to, but the strong flavor is pleasant. These plants are low growing and send out runners, which are clothed with good sized, tasty, thick, dark grâ€¦

Male Fern
(Dryopteris) This is a large group of ferns, which are all pretty easy to cultivate, whether they are hardy or tender. D. Filix-mas (the Male fern) has fronds up to 2 feet long and a foot wide. They are great for placing in open woodland or for shady spots. D. erythrosora, a native of Japan, grows fronds up to 18 inches long. It makes a very lovely houseplant. D. Linnaeana (the Oak Fern) has broad fronds, 6 to 10 inches long.â€¦

Mallow
(Malva) Malva is the botanical name for a group of perennials, annuals and biennials, which are commonly called Mallow. Some species look lovely in wild gardens and some look nice in a perennial border. They originate in European countries and some kinds have been naturalized in North America. M. moschata (Musk Mallow, Musk Rose) is a perennial that grows 2 or 3 feet high. This plant is found wild from Europe to northwest Africa and Turkey. It is a bushy plant with finely divided, fragrant leavâ€¦

Maltese Cross
(Lychnis) This group of perennials, annuals and biennials are found wild in the North Temperate and Arctic zones. These plants are grown for their pretty flowers. The height ranges from 1 to 4 feet among the different varieties. L. viscaria, the Alpine Catchfly, is an erect growing perennial found on dry, rocky hills and cliffs from Europe to western Asia. The green, oval- to lance-shaped leaves are sticky-hairy beneath. In early summer, a profusion of small, sticky, star-shaped flowers are bornâ€¦

Malus
(Apple Tree, Crab Apple Tree) Malus is the botanical name for a group of popular trees commonly known as Apple trees and Crab Apple Trees. These small, deciduous trees and shrubs are suitable for growing in the temperate zones. Their lovely, fragrant blossoms are a welcome sight in the spring and the arrival of their delicious and ornamental fruits is anticipated. Below, Crab Apples and Apples will be described separately.â€¦

Malva
(Mallow, Musk Mallow, Musk Rose) Malva is the botanical name for a group of perennials, annuals and biennials, which are commonly called Mallow. Some species look lovely in wild gardens and some look nice in a perennial border. They originate in European countries and some kinds have been naturalized in North America. M. moschata (Musk Mallow, Musk Rose) is a perennial that grows 2 or 3 feet high. This plant is found wild from Europe to northwest Africa and Turkey. It is a bushy plant with fineâ€¦

Mammillaria
(Feather Cactus, Pincushion, Snowball, Golden Star, Lace Cactus, Little Candles, Nipple Cactus, Powder Puff Cactus, Silver Cluster Cactus, Thimble Cactus) This group consists of about 250 species of cacti that are natives of Mexico, Columbia, Guatemala, Honduras, the southern US, Venezuela, and the West Indies. They range from small plants, Â¾-inch in size to huge clusters over 3 feet across. They have cylindrical or globular shapes, which may clump or remain solitary. The tubercles are spirally â€¦

Man Fern
(Dicksonia) These Ferns, commonly called Man Fern, Soft Tree Fern and Tree Fern, are found in tropical America, New Zealand and Australia. These Ferns can reach a height of 40 feet with a spread of 12 feet. D. antarctica is a trunk-forming Fern that grows up to 30 feet high. It has evergreen or semi-evergreen, long, arching fronds that are divided into linear segments. They are pale green when young and turn dark green as they age. The fronds grow up to 10 feet long. This plant is great for a coâ€¦

Manchurian Pineapple
(Actinidia) This group consists of about 30 species of hardy and tender, deciduous, climbing plants that are natives of eastern Asia. These plants are great for growing on trellises, along fences, covering walls, or tall stumps. They are grown for their beauty as well as their fruits and are commonly known as Kiwi or Chinese Gooseberry. A. chinensis (also known as A. deliciosa) is a tender, large vine that can reach a height of 28 feet. Its shoots are thickly covered with reddish hairs andâ€¦

Mandevilla
This group consists of about 100 species of tropical, flowering vines belonging to the Periwinkle family, Apocynaceae. Commonly known as Chilean Jasmine, these plants are natives of Argentina. These vines can grow 20 feet or more by means of curling tendrils and are covered in attractive, glossy green leaves, which are arranged opposite each other or whorled on the vine. They bear spikes of 21/2 to 3-inch, trumpet-shaped flowers, which resemble Morning Glories. Chilean Jasmines wiâ€¦

Mangifera
(Mango) This is a group of tropical trees native to North India, Burma, and Malaya. M. indica is commonly known in the United States as the Mango. This tree can grow up to 90 feet and have a spread of 120 feet or more. It is widely grown in the tropics for its delicious fruit. In the U.S. it's grown outdoors in southern Florida and the warmest parts of California. Young plants can be grown indoors as houseplants. Their foliage is dark green and shiny. When new leaves unfold, they are a rich browâ€¦

Mango
(Mangifera) This is a group of tropical trees native to North India, Burma, and Malaya. M. indica is commonly known in the United States as the Mango. This tree can grow up to 90 feet and have a spread of 120 feet or more. It is widely grown in the tropics for its delicious fruit. In the U.S. it's grown outdoors in southern Florida and the warmest parts of California. Young plants can be grown indoors as houseplants. Their foliage is dark green and shiny. When new leaves unfold, they are a rich â€¦

Manna Grass
(Glyceria) This ornamental grass is great for planting near water. G. maxima var. variegata forms clumps of broadly linear, flat, green leaves striped with cream. They are tinged with pink when young. It grows up to 32 inches high and spreads indefinitely. In the summer, open heads of tiny green flowers flushed with purple are produced.â€¦

Manzanita
(Arbutus) This group consists of beautiful, evergreen trees or shrubs. They grow wild in North, South and Central America, Mexico, Asia Minor, southern Europe and the Canary Islands. They only grow from 10 to 20 feet high. A. andrachnoides is a hybrid small tree with attractive cinnamon-red branches that are covered with green leaves slightly edged with red. In late fall and early winter, waxy white, bell-shaped flowers are produced. A. menziesii (Madrone or Oregon Laurel) is a medium-sized treeâ€¦

Maple Tree
(Acer) These are hardy, ornamental trees that vary in height. The dwarf, Japanese Maples are only 2-3 feet high and some of the North American kinds may grow 100 or more feet. These trees are natives of various parts of Europe, North America and Asia. The word acer, is the Latin name for Maple. The Maples that are commonly grown are deciduous (leaf losing) and most are hardy in the North. Most Maples have clusters of small, greenish-white or yellow flowers; in some kinds, they are râ€¦

Maranta
(Arrowroot Plant, Herringbone Plant, Prayer Plant, Rabbit Tracks) These frost tender perennials are native to tropical America and are grown for their beautiful foliage. They can be grown outside in frost-free climates only. Their leaves rise straight out of the soil and vary in size and shape. They are often marked with streaks or blotches of contrasting colors. M. leuconeura variety erythroneura (Herringbone Plant) has oblong, velvety, black green leaves veined with red and having a lime-greenâ€¦

Marble Leaf
(Peristrophe) These frost-tender perennials are natives to India. They can grow 2 feet or more in height with a spread of 4 feet. P. Hyssopifolia 'Aureovariegata' (Marble Leaf) is a bushy plant with evergreen, lance shaped, pointed leaves that are dark green with a central creamy yellow splotch. In the winter, clusters of small, 2-lipped, long-tubed, rose pink flowers are borne. P. speciosa has smooth green stems covered with ovate leaves, 2 inches long. Small clusters of violet-purple flowers aâ€¦

Copy of `Botany - Flower terms`

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