Encyclo - Botany - Flower terms

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

Musa
(Banana) These are treelike, herbaceous plants that live in warm countries and are suitable for outdoor cultivation in the United States only in the warmer parts of Florida and other frost-free climates. They may be grown a bit further in the north if fruit is not the aim. They can be grown in hothouses in colder areas, or outside during the summer months for the tropical beauty of their large, paddle-shaped leaves. The 'stems' of these plants are made of overlapping leaf sheaths that die â€¦

Musk
(Mimulus) These hardy and tender herbs are natives of the Americas, Australia, Africa and Asia. They form clumps, 8 to 10 inches high and have heart-shaped to oblong-lanceolate leaves, 3 to 6 inches long. Their flowers are pouched, 1 to 2 inches across and may be cream, red, rose, yellow, or wine and are often marked with a contrasting color. M. cupreus is a perennial that grows 6 to 9 inches tall. In the regions where it is hardy, it is great for the cooler, moister parts of the rock garden or â€¦

Musk 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€¦

Musk Rose
(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€¦

Muskmelon
(Cucumis) Cucumis is a large group comprised of Melons and Cucumbers. They are climbing plants found wild in Asia. Just below are some descriptions of the Cucumber family (cucurbitaceae); following will be descriptions of Melonsâ€¦

Mustard
(Brassica) This is a group of plants belonging to the Mustard family, Cruciferae. It includes vegetables that are commonly grown and known as Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Mustard, Rape, Rutabaga and Turnip. Many can be grown for their ornamental leaves.â€¦

Myosotidium
(Chatham Island, Forget-Me-Not) This perennial grows wild in the Chatham Island (New Zealand) and resembles Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis), thus the common names 'Chatham Islands or Forget-Me-Not'. This beautiful plant is not commonly grown because it isn't easily managed and only survives outdoors in mild climates where there are fairly cool summers. Chatham Islands forms clumps of lustrous, bright green, succulent leaves that are kidney- to heart-shaped and deeply ribbed. Its small, blue flowers arâ€¦

Myosotis
(Forget-Me-Not) These plants, commonly known as Forget-me-nots, are found wild in North America, Europe and New Zealand. The Forget-me-nots that are so popular in gardens are varieties of M. sylvatica, a plant that grows wild in Asia and Europe. The plant's height varies from 8 to 24 inches and the thin stems rise above the foliage, which is mostly basal. The leaves are oblong to linear or oblong to lanceolate and 2 to 3 inches long. The tiny flowers are Â¼-inch across, but they grow in abuâ€¦

Myrica
(Bayberry, Sweet Gale, Tallow Shrub, Wax Myrtle) This group consists of fifty deciduous or evergreen, shrubs and trees that grow throughout the Northern Hemisphere, some of which are natives of North America. These aromatic plants range in height from five to sixty feet. They have simple, shiny, dark green leaves and unnoticeable flowers, which are followed by sometimes edible, waxy, gray or purple fruits. M. gale (Sweet Gale) is a small, compact, deciduous shrub. In mid- to late spring, golden â€¦

Myrrhis
(British Myrrh, Sweet Chervil, Sweet Cicely) Common names for M. odorata include Sweet Cicely, British Myrrh and Sweet Chervil. This lovely perennial has fernlike foliage and produces many bunches of white flowers atop 2- to 3-foot, hollow stems. The flowers and leaves smell and taste like Anise. This plant grows wild in many parts of Europe.â€¦

Myrtillocactus
(Blue Candle, Blue Flame, Dinosaur Back Plant) This group only consists of about three, tree-like cacti from Mexico. Young plants are excellent grown in containers in a window garden or greenhouse; older plants make spectacular landscape specimens. In their native habitats, these cacti can grow up to 20 feet high with a trunk-like stem. However, plants grown from cuttings don't form a trunk, rather they branch at their base. In the summer, two or three, white flowers are produced per areole. Theâ€¦

Naked Lady Lily
(Amaryllis) This group consists of one deciduous plant, A. belladonna (Belladonna Lily; Naked Lady Lily), which is native to southern Africa and has been naturalized in some areas of the U.S. This plant grows from a true bulb to 2 or 3 feet high. It produces long, slender leaves in the spring, which die back in early summer. Then, in late summer, 2- to 3-foot, red tinged stalks arise each bearing up to a dozen, aromatic blossoms. The 4- to 6-inch, trumpet-shaped flowers may be white, red, rosy râ€¦

Narcissi
(Angel's Tears, Chinese Sacred Lily, Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus) This is a large group of mostly hardy bulbs. Narcissus will bloom outside in March and April and in greenhouses from December to March. There are many species or wild types and innumerable named varieties, which increase every year. Most of the species or wild types are natives of southern Europe. The name Daffodil is commonly given to the Narcissus with large trumpets, but may be used for all types. The name Jonquil most properlâ€¦

Narcissus
(Narcissi) This is a large group of mostly hardy bulbs. Narcissus will bloom outside in March and April and in greenhouses from December to March. There are many species or wild types and innumerable named varieties, which increase every year. Most of the species or wild types are natives of southern Europe. The name Daffodil is commonly given to the Narcissus with large trumpets, but may be used for all types. The name Jonquil most properly belongs to the rush-leaved Narcissus jonquilla and itsâ€¦

Nasturtium
(Watercress) These hardy, aquatic perennials are natives of Asia and Europe and are naturalized in North America. They are found growing in cool, flowing streams. N. officinale, the Watercress, forms mats of glossy green leaves that are divided into many leaflets and rounded clusters of white, four-petaled flowers from March to November. The leaves of this plant have a peppery taste and are used in salads and as garnishes. Nasturtiums can be grown on the edges of ponds, in streams or waterfalls.â€¦

Natal Plum
(Carissa) These are tropical shrubs, natives of Africa, Australia and Asia. Some of them are grown outdoors in Florida and California. They have dark green, shiny leaves and bear fragrant white or pink flowers that are sometimes followed by edible fruits resembling plums. These plants are spiny and are great hedge plants.â€¦

Native Holly
(Alyxia) 80 species, of which nine are native to Australia.They are bushy shrubs or climbersâ€¦

Nautilocalyx
These frost-tender perennials are natives of South America. They are mainly grown for the beauty of their leaves. N. lynchii is an erect-growing, bushy plant, which grows up to 2 feet high and wide. Its oval lance-shaped, crinkled leaves are shiny, dark greenish-red on top tinted with red beneath. Small, tubular flowers are borne in axillary clusters, in the summer. They are light yellow with red-hairs and purple speckles inside. M. bullatus has olive-green or bronze-green, wrinkled leaves and pâ€¦

Nectarine
(Prunus) Prunus is the botanical name for a large group of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. These popular plants are greatly valued for their delicious, edible fruits, gorgeous spring blossoms and some, for their colorful foliage; some varieties are grown for decoration alone, since all do not produce edible fruits. Numerous varieties have been developed from the wild forms; some were bred for maximum fruit production and better quality fruit while others were bred for larger and more aâ€¦

Needle Furze
(Genista) This group consists of about eighty evergreen and deciduous, hardy and tender shrubs or small trees that are natives of Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. These plants, commonly known as Brooms, have whip-like branches and green branchlets that are sparsely covered with foliage. The masses of pea-like flowers are produced from late spring to late summer, depending on the variety. Brooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes that are suitable for many uses, such as in a small rock â€¦

Neem Tree
(Melia) These tender, deciduous trees are natives of Asia and Australia and are grown for their pretty foliage and flowers. M. azedarach, the most popular kind, has several common names including Chinaberry, Bead Tree, Indian Lilac and Pride of India. This quick-growing tree reaches an ultimate height ranging from 35 to 50 feet. The Chinaberry has thick, feathery, dark green leaves. They grow up to 3 feet long and 1 foot wide and contain numerous 1- to 3-inch leaflets. In the spring, 5- to 8-incâ€¦

Nelumbo
(Lotus) This large group of beautiful, aquatic perennials is commonly known as Lotus. These plants are suited for growing over most parts of the United States. They need enough summer warmth (two or three months of 75Âº - 85Âº F. temps.) to cause them to bloom. Lotuses won't do as well in the Deep South and Southwestern regions because there is too much heat and humidity. There are only two wild species of Lotuses; the rest are hybrids. N. lutea is native to the U.S. and N. nucifera is native to tâ€¦

Nemesia
(Cape Jewels) These are self-branching annuals and tender perennials that are found wild in South Africa. They grow 1 to 2 feet high and have lanceolate to linear leaves that grow up to 4 inches long. The flowers grow in 4-inch panicles. They are an inch across and pouched; they may be white, orange, yellow, rose-pink, scarlet, or crimson and they are often marked on the outside with a darker color. These plants are great for flower beds and for pots in the greenhouse for spring blooming.â€¦

Neoporteria
This group consists of about thirty cacti from western South America. These cacti form mostly small, variably shaped, gray to brown bodies covered with attractive spines and large flowers in the spring, summer, or fall. They will flower profusely and at an early age when grown in a greenhouse, although they will rarely flower in a home. The bicolored blossoms are followed by red or green seedpods. N. clavata is a pretty variety that grows up to 12 inches high. The spherical body of this plant evâ€¦

Nepenthes
(Pitcher Plant) These are interesting, frost-tender, insectivorous perennials that are mostly epiphytic (A plant that grows on trees or some other support without harming them and obtains nutrients and moisture from the air without rooting into the soil are epiphytes.). They are natives of the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, Malaya, Borneo, China and India. Some of the leaves form dangling, lidded, colored pitchers to trap and digest insects. N. hookeriana has evergreen, lance-shaped, dark gâ€¦

Nepeta
(Catmint, Catnip, Gill-Over-The-Ground, Ground Ivy) This is a large group of hardy herbaceous plants, of which few are in cultivation. They are found wild in parts of Europe and Asia and some are naturalized in North America. N. Faassenii, the Mauve Catmint, is a popular kind that has somewhat spreading growth. Their thin stems are covered with gray leaves and it produces a lot of small lavender-blue or pale mauve flowers mainly in June. When in full bloom, Catmint reaches a height of 18 inches.â€¦

Nephrolepis
(Boston Fern, Ladder Fern) These are Ferns that are found wild in many tropical areas, including Africa, America, Malaya and the West Indies. Nephrolepis is a small group, but contains many beautiful kinds that are well adapted for growing in pots in the greenhouse or home. The most popular are the varieties of N. exaltata, a plant that grows wild from Florida southward into Brazil and in Africa and eastern Asia. This Fern produces fronds, 3-5 feet in length and 2-6 inches wide. They have stiff â€¦

Neptunia
(Sensitive Plant) These are tropical, aquatic plants that can float on the surface of your water. These plants are commonly known as Sensitive Plants because the foliage is touch sensitive. They produce white, spongy, floating stems along the surface of the water and these are clothed in finely pinnate leaves. Occasionally, in mid-summer, fringed, female flowers are produced; these are held above unnoticeable, brown male flowers.â€¦

Nerium
(Oleander) These are evergreen flowering shrubs that are found wild in the Orient. They can grow up to 20 feet tall. All parts of this plant are poisonous if eaten. They are great for cultivating outdoors in the far South. The leaves are dark green, leathery and lance-shaped; they average 6 inches in length and 1 inch wide. The flowers bloom in clusters at the ends of the shoots in the summer. They have a tubular base, but open out at the tips. They may be single, semi-double or double, and comeâ€¦

Nettle-Tree
(Celtis) Celtis is the botanical name for the Hackberry tree, also known as the Sugarberry, Nettle tree and Hoop Ash. This group includes mostly hardy and deciduous trees (sometimes bushes) mainly from the Northern Hemisphere. The Hackberries resemble the Elms, but are smaller trees. C. occidentalis is a medium-sized tree, growing from 25 to 40 feet high. It forms a round head of branches. The leaves are arranged alternately on the branches. They are simple and ovate with long-pointed tips. Theyâ€¦

Never-Never Plant
(Ctenanthe) These attractive perennials are from tropical Brazil. They are related to the Calathea and Maranta and are mainly grown for the beauty of their foliage. These plants are sometimes known by the name Phrynium in gardens. C. Kummeriana grows 24 inches high and has green leaves veined with white on top and purple underneath. C. Lubbersiana grows 18 inches tall and its leaves are dark green and yellow above and pale green beneath. C. Oppenheimiana grows up to 3 feet high. Its leathery, laâ€¦

New Zealand Flax
(Phormium) This is a group of tender perennials mainly grown for their handsome, colorful leaves. These plants, commonly known as New Zealand Flax, are natives of New Zealand. The word Phormium is derived from phormos, a basket, and refers to the use of the leaf fiber for basket making; this fiber is also used in the commercial manufacture of ropes and twine. P. tenax 'Purpureum Group' grows 6 to 8 feet high with a spread of 3 feet. It forms basal clumps of rigid, evergreen, sword-shaped â€¦

New Zealand Sophora
(Sophora) This is a group of tender and hardy, evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. S. japonica, the Chinese Scholar Tree or Japanese Pagoda Tree, is a native of China. This handsome, deciduous plant makes a wonderful shade tree and can even tolerate the polluted atmosphere of the city. When grown in a yard, the Japanese Pagoda Tree can reach a height ranging from 50 to 75 feet; however, when grown along the road in compact soil, it only grows to 30 or 40 feet. The 6- to 10-inch, bright-greâ€¦

New Zealand Spinach
(Tetragonia) New Zealand Spinach, T. tetragonioides, is a half-hardy, short-lived perennial that makes a good substitute for Spinach, during the hot days of summer. These plants have interesting triangle-shaped leaves that are dark green on top and glistening underneath. Their short runners grow about 2 to 3 feet long in the North, but will grow longer and can be trained up trellises in warm climates.â€¦

New Zealand Wineberry
(Aristotelia) This group consists of tender, evergreen trees and shrubs that are mostly natives of South America and Australasia. A. chilensis var. Variegata is a medium-sized to large shrub with 5-inch leaves that are mottled with yellow. Male and female flowers usually grow on separate plants. The berries of these plants are edible.â€¦

Nicotiana
(Flowering Tobacco, Indian Tobacco, Tobacco Plant) These are annual, perennial and tender shrubby plants that are mainly natives of America; a few are found on the islands of the Pacific Ocean. This is a large group of plants and one, which is N. Tabacum, is grown commercially as a source of tobacco. These plants form tidy bunches, 1 to 2 feet high. N. alata, N. rustica and N. sylvestris are taller, at 3 to 5 feet high. Their leaves are oval to heart-shaped to elliptic; more grow toward the baseâ€¦

Nierembergia
(Cup Flower) These are hardy and tender, perennial plants that may be dwarf or trailing and are good for the rock garden, or are taller and erect and make good plants for the flower bed or border. All can be grown in pots. These plants come from South America. They form tidy mounds, up to 12 inches high/wide. Their leaves are linear and up to an inch long. The flowers are shaped like shallow cups, 1 to 2 inches across. They may be blue, violet, lilac, or white. They are produced singly on the enâ€¦

Nigella
(Black Cumin, Devil-In-A-Bush, Fennel Flower, Love-In-A-Mist, Love-Lies-Bleeding, Nutmeg Flower, Roman Coriander) 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 deaâ€¦

Nile Grass
(Cyperus) These tender, aquatic perennials are grown for their decorative foliage. They are natives of Palestine, Brazil, S. Africa, Europe and North America. C. alternifolius (Umbrella Plant; Nile Grass) produces clumps of long stems, 1 to 3 feet normally, but up to 5 feet in excellent conditions; these are crowned with long, slender, radiating, dark green leaves like an umbrella, thus the common name. Its variety, variegatus, has green and white leaves. Small, brown or green, fuzzy flowers areâ€¦

Nipple Cactus
(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€¦

Nolana
(Chilean Bellflower) These annuals are found wild in Chile and Peru. They form low, spreading clumps, 6 to 12 inches in height. Their leaves are ovate, up to 2 inches long. Their 5-lobed, bell shaped flowers are light or dark blue with a white throat; they grow up to 2 inches across. These plants are well suited for cultivation near the sea, since in their native environment they are found in maritime districts.â€¦

Norfolk Island Pine
(Araucaria) These evergreen trees are natives of Australia, South America, New Guinea, New Caledonia and Norfolk Island. A. araucana (Monkey Puzzle Tree or Chilean Pine) is native of southern Chile and Tierra del Fuego. In the U.S., it is hardy in mild climates and on the Pacific Coast, though it does better in cooler, coastal regions. In Great Britain and the milder climates of Europe it is a common sight in the landscape. The Monkey Puzzle Tree has spidery branches, which are entirely surroundâ€¦

Northern White Cedar
(Thuja) These evergreen trees are found wild in North America, Korea, Japan and China. They are very pretty trees and are hardy in most parts of North America where the soil is suitable and atmospheric conditions are fairly clean. The leaves of this tree, also known as Arborvitae, Northern White Cedar, and Swamp Cedar, are scale-like and overlap each other tightly against the twig. They are yellowish-green, one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch long and ovate with a pointed or blunt tip. The brancâ€¦

Nuphar
(Brandy Bottle, Spatterdock, Yellow Cow Lily, Yellow Pond Lily) These hardy, aquatic perennials are natives of Japan, Europe and North America. These floating plants have several popular names; they are called Spatterdock, Brandy Bottle, Yellow Pond Lily and Yellow Cow Lily. Spatterdocks produce large leaves growing 141/2' by10'. With a spread of up to 8 feet, these plants are mainly used in large water gardens. The flowers, in comparison with the leaves, are rather small; they are 2 to 21/2 incâ€¦

Nutmeg Flower
(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€¦

Nymphaea
(Water Lily) This group is commonly known as Water Lilies. These are hardy and tropical, aquatic perennials native to Australia, South Africa and the Northern Hemisphere. There are many hybrids, which have been developed from the wild species. Water Lilies produce handsome, floating foliage and gorgeous blossoms.â€¦

Nymphoides
(Banana Lily, Floating Hearts, Snowflakes, Water Fringe, Water Snowflake, Yellow Fringe) These hardy and tender, aquatic perennials are originally from Asia, Europe, North America and the tropics. N. aquatica, commonly known as Banana Lily, is hardy only in warm climates. Its floating leaves are 4 inches long and have rough undersides. It produces white flowers. N. cristatum, the Variegated Water Snowflake, has round, floating leaves edged with red. It produces a profusion of white flowers. Thisâ€¦

Nyssa
This group of deciduous trees is native to North America and Asia. These trees are valued for their pretty leaves, which turn to gorgeous shades of red and orange in the fall, and for the fact that they can be grown in swampy ground where most other trees can not survive. N. sylvatica, commonly known as the Pepperidge Tree, Sour or Black Gum and Tupelo, is a native of eastern North America. The Pepperidge grows from 30 to 50 feet high and has interesting horizontal branches, which dip downâ€¦

Oak 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€¦

Oak Tree
(Quercus) This is a large group of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs that are found wild throughout Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and North and South America. Some require tropical or sub-tropical conditions to survive, while the majority are hardy in the North. The Oaks are varied in their appearance; it is hard to believe that some kinds can be classified with the same species. They do, however, have one characteristic in common, which is the fact that their seeds are carried in littleâ€¦

Oak-Leaved 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€¦

Okra
(Hibiscis) This is a group of hardy and tender shrubs and annual and perennial plants that come from Asia and tropical East Africa. These plants flourish in sunny positions. Tropical Hibiscus can only grow in climates that are frostless, such as Hawaii, southern California and southern Florida. They can form shrubs up to 30 feet tall. They have evergreen leaves, sometimes marked with cream or rose and bear large, trumpet-shaped flowers that are pink, yellow, scarlet, or crimson in the spring andâ€¦

Old Man
(Artemisia) These hardy, shrubby or herbaceous plants are from Asia, Europe and North America. They belong to the Daisy family, Compositae. Some Artemisias are grown for their ornamental or fragrant leaves and others, for their flowers. A. tridentata (Sage Brush) is a shrubby native of desert and semi-desert regions in the West. A. vulgaris (Common Mugwort) is a perennial, herbaceous kind that is often a pestiferous weed. A. Abrotanum (Southernwood, Lad's Love or Old Man) grows 2 to3 feet â€¦

Old Man Cactus
(Cephalocereus) This small group of cacti is native to Mexico. These slow-growing, columnar-shaped, blue-green plants can reach a height of up to 50 feet in the wild. However, in cultivation they rarely exceed a height of 3 feet. The spines of these cacti vary in length, but are sometimes long and silky. Trumpet-shaped, pink, white, or yellow flowers open at night on plants that are at least 20 years old. The blossoms are followed by seedpods that split open when ripe. C. senilis (Old Man Cactusâ€¦

Old Man Of The Andes
(Oreocereus) This group consists of eleven, mostly columnar-shaped cacti found in high altitudes from Peru to Bolivia and Argentina. These attractive cacti are covered in long, white, hair-like spines (which becomes more dense in strong light) to protect them from the mountain cold and hot sun. Hidden in this white down are long, needle-like spines, which may be white, red, or straw-colored. These cacti may form prostrate clusters or erect plants over 10 feet high. After many years, flowers are â€¦

Old Man Of The Mountains
(Oreocereus) This group consists of eleven, mostly columnar-shaped cacti found in high altitudes from Peru to Bolivia and Argentina. These attractive cacti are covered in long, white, hair-like spines (which becomes more dense in strong light) to protect them from the mountain cold and hot sun. Hidden in this white down are long, needle-like spines, which may be white, red, or straw-colored. These cacti may form prostrate clusters or erect plants over 10 feet high. After many years, flowers are â€¦

Old Man'S Beard
(Clematis) This is a large group of hardy and tender, climbing perennials that grow wild mainly throughout the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They are available in a wide variety of shapes and colors. They differ in their habit of growth and the period in which they bloom. They are suitable for climbing over a trellis, tree, or shrubs or for being trained against a wall or porch. The leaves of these vines may be whole, or divided into pointed, oval-lance-shaped segments. They mayâ€¦

Old Woman
(Artemisia) These hardy, shrubby or herbaceous plants are from Asia, Europe and North America. They belong to the Daisy family, Compositae. Some Artemisias are grown for their ornamental or fragrant leaves and others, for their flowers. A. tridentata (Sage Brush) is a shrubby native of desert and semi-desert regions in the West. A. vulgaris (Common Mugwort) is a perennial, herbaceous kind that is often a pestiferous weed. A. Abrotanum (Southernwood, Lad's Love or Old Man) grows 2 to3 feet â€¦

Old-Man'S-Beard
(Chionanthus) This group consists of about 120 deciduous trees or shrubs, of which two are often grown. The most popular is C. virginicus, a native of the eastern U.S. and commonly known as Fringe Tree and Old-Man's-Beard. It is usually a shrub growing 8 to 12 feet high, but in good conditions can grow into a tree 20 to 30 feet high. The Fringe Tree doesn't open its large, 3- to 8-inch, obovate-oblong leaves until late spring or early summer. Fringe trees grow slowly, but begin to blossom when tâ€¦

Oleander
(Nerium) These are evergreen flowering shrubs that are found wild in the Orient. They can grow up to 20 feet tall. All parts of this plant are poisonous if eaten. They are great for cultivating outdoors in the far South. The leaves are dark green, leathery and lance-shaped; they average 6 inches in length and 1 inch wide. The flowers bloom in clusters at the ends of the shoots in the summer. They have a tubular base, but open out at the tips. They may be single, semi-double or double, and come iâ€¦

Oleaster
(Elaegnus) This is a group of evergreen and deciduous trees or large shrubs commonly known as Oleasters. Oleasters make gorgeous lawn ornaments and are able to withstand city living. E. angustifolia, the Russian Olive, is a vigorous growing tree native to Asia and Europe. This tree usually has more than one trunk that eventually becomes gnarled and covered with dark brown, shaggy bark. This variety, when grown as a single-trunked tree, can grow up to 25 feet high. It can also be grown with multiâ€¦

Olympic St. John'S Wort
(Hypericum) This large group consists of about 370 perennials and evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs that grow throughout the temperate regions of the world. These plants are great for the rock garden, herbaceous border and shrubbery. The shrubby kinds are especially pretty as they produce a profusion of bright or golden yellow flowers in the summer and autumn. The blossoms have five petals and numerous, prominent stamens. E. calycinum (Aaronsbeard; St. John's Wort) is a dwarf, evergreen sâ€¦

Onion
(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€¦

Onoclea
This hardy, decidous (leaf-losing) Fern is a native of the North Temperate Zone, including North America. The Sensitive Fern or Bead Fern, as it is commonly called, is a creeping, fern that loves wet soil. It has broad, triangular fronds, which are finely divided into segments. It is pale green, stained with pink when young. There are two types of fronds on this Fern; infertile (don't produce spores) and fertile (produce spores). The fertile fronds are constricted in growth and densely covered wâ€¦

Oplismenus
(Variegated Grass) These tender perennials are grown for their ornamental foliage. These trailing plants grow wild in tropical countries and belong to the Grass family, Gramineae. O. africanus variety Variegatus, the Variegated Grass, is a creeping plant that grows up to 8 inches high or more and will spread indefinately. The narrowly lance-shaped to oval leaves have wavy edges. They are green, striped with white and usually stained with pink. The inconspicuous flowers are produced intermittentlâ€¦

Opuntia
(Barbary Fig, Beaver's Tails, Bunny Ears, Cholla, Indian Fig, Prickly Pear, Riverina Pear, Tuna) Opuntia is the largest group of Cacti with over 360 species ranging from Canada to Chile and Argentina. This group also includes several edible kinds. These plants are commonly known as Bunny Ears, Cholla, Prickly Pear, Barbary Fig, Tuna and Indian Fig. Opuntia is usually separated into two groups. The first group is Platyopuntia; those belonging to this group have round flattened joints, called padsâ€¦

Orach
(Atriplex) These plants form handsome, annual or tender perennial shrubs that are grown for ornament or as a vegetable. Those grown for decoration are only hardy in mild climates. A. Halimus forms a shrub, 3 to 4 feet high with silvery-gray foliage. It grows well by the seaside in mild climates. A. Breweri and A. canescens also have gray leaves. These plants should be pruned in March to maintain a shapely appearance. A. hortensis, Mountain Spinach or Orach, is a tall, frost-hardy annual that is â€¦

Orange
(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€¦

Orange Ball Tree
(Buddleia) This group consists of about one hundred evergreen and deciduous, hardy and tender, flowering shrubs. They are originally from Asia, South Africa, North and South America. They are excellent plants for the garden and most blossom from mid-summer to early autumn. Their beauty is best seen when grown in a shrub or mixed border, rather than by themselves. Buddleias, commonly known as Butterfly Bushes, are valued mainly for their clusters of beautiful, fragrant, tubular-shaped flowers. Thâ€¦

Orchid
(Orchidaceae) This group consists of 25,000 to 30,000 different species or wild types that are found throughout the world including tropical forests, semi-desert regions, near the seashore and the tundra. Although most Orchids are found in tropical regions, some such as Cypripedium passerinum and guttatum and Coeloglossum virdie, bloom within the Arctic Circle. Some Orchid groups are pantropical, meaning they grow in many different countries, while some are endemic, which is to say they are restâ€¦

Orchid Tree
(Bauhinia) These beautiful, tender trees and shrubs are natives of India, Malaya, China and tropical Africa. These plants are popular in warm regions for their gorgeous, Orchid-like blossoms. The flowers are 2 to 3 inches across, may be white, pink or purple, and are borne in the winter and early spring; they are followed by 6- to 8-inch, flat, brown seedpods. The young foliage and blossoms are stewed and eaten as vegetables in their native countries. B. monandra, commonly known as Butterfly Floâ€¦

Orchidaceae
(Orchid) This group consists of 25,000 to 30,000 different species or wild types that are found throughout the world including tropical forests, semi-desert regions, near the seashore and the tundra. Although most Orchids are found in tropical regions, some such as Cypripedium passerinum and guttatum and Coeloglossum virdie, bloom within the Arctic Circle. Some Orchid groups are pantropical, meaning they grow in many different countries, while some are endemic, which is to say they are restricteâ€¦

Oregon Laurel
(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€¦

Oreocereus
(Old Man Of The Andes, Old Man Of The Mountains) This group consists of eleven, mostly columnar-shaped cacti found in high altitudes from Peru to Bolivia and Argentina. These attractive cacti are covered in long, white, hair-like spines (which becomes more dense in strong light) to protect them from the mountain cold and hot sun. Hidden in this white down are long, needle-like spines, which may be white, red, or straw-colored. These cacti may form prostrate clusters or erect plants over 10 feet â€¦

Origanum
This group consists of 15 to 20 species of annual, perennial, and shrubby herbs, which are commonly used in tomato-based sauces for pizza and pasta. They are natives of Africa and southern Europe. These fragrant, sprawling plants look lovely when grown in window boxes and containers as long as they are trimmed periodically. Their tiny flowers can be dried and used in arrangements. Those grown for ornament can be used as herbs, although they don't have as much of a flavor.â€¦

Oromo
(Azara) This group consists of tender, evergreen shrubs or small trees that are natives of Argentina and Chile. A. microphylla is a small tree with sprays of small, lustrous, dark green leaves. In early spring, tiny, yellow, vanilla-scented flowers are produced on the undersides of the twigs. The twigs of foliage are suitable for indoor decoration and last well in water. A. serrata is a large shrub with upright growth. It has oval, glossy, serrated leaves and clusters of pretty orange-yellow floâ€¦

Orontium
(Golden Club) This hardy, aquatic perennial is a native to eastern North America. It is great for planting in shallow pools and at the edges of ponds or lakes. The leaves grow directly from the roots on smooth, round petioles up to 9 inches in length. They are dark bluish-green and lance-shaped, growing up to 18 inches long. In the beginning, they grow erectly, but when mature, float on the water's surface. Long, slender flowers (resembling the spadix of an Arum Lily) emerge from the water in eaâ€¦

Osage Orange
(Maclura) 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 the twigs. They are ovate wiâ€¦

Osmunda
These are evergreen or deciduous (leaf-losing) Ferns native to North America, the West Indies, Japan, northern Asia and Europe. Those grown in North America are hardy. The most popular kind is O. regalis, the Royal Fern. It can reach a height of 6 feet with a 3-foot spread. This deciduous Fern has broadly oval to oblong, bright green fronds. At the ends of mature fronds, rusty-brown, fertile segments are produced. This Fern is great for planting near the water.â€¦

Osteospermum
These tender perennials are grown for their pretty, Daisy-like flowers. They are natives to South Africa and can be grown outdoors in mild climates only. O. Whirligig is a very pretty plant that grows up to 2 feet high. The evergreen, fragrant, dark gray-green leaves are long, narrow and toothed. Its large, single flowers have interesting spoon-shaped petals. They are borne atop slender stems during the summer. They are white above and powder blue to chalky gray beneath with dark blue-gray centrâ€¦

Ostrya
(Deerwood, Hop Hornbeam, Ironwood, Leverwood) 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 attractâ€¦

Oswego Tea
(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€¦

Ox Tongues
(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€¦

Oxalis
(Bermuda Buttercup, Firefern, Wood Sorrel) These are hardy and tender plants that are mostly found wild in south Africa and tropical and subtropical America, but can be found in many parts of the world, including North America. Several hardy kinds are gorgeous for the rock garden, a few are showy enough for flower borders and many are great for windows and greenhouses. Oxalis montana (the American Wood Sorrel) is a lovely plant that has green 'Shamrock' leaves and white flowers veined with lilacâ€¦

Oxydendrum
(Lily-Of-The-Valley Tree, Sorrel Tree, Sourwood) 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,â€¦

Oyster Plant
(Rhoeo) This is a native of the West Indies and Mexico. It is naturalized in southern Florida. It is grown as a house and greenhouse plant. R. discolor has tough, waxy, dark green leaves that are purple underneath. In the axils of the leaves, they produce small white flowers that are surrounded with two purple bracts making it look like a miniature boat, hence the name Moses-in-a-Boat. The flowers aren't really conspicuous and they stay open for only a few hours, but they bloom daily over a longâ€¦

Pachycereus
(Elephant Cactus, Hairbrush Cactus, Indian Comb, Mexican Giant, Senita Cereus, Totem Pole, Whisker Cactus) This group consists of twelve, columnar-shaped cacti native to parts of the southern United States and Mexico. This group contains some of the largest-growing cacti; they range in height from 13 to 42 feet. Some have solitary stems but many branch to form clumps or even trees. Mature plants that are 6 to 15 years old bear flowers. The blossoms are funnel-shaped and tinged with white or pinkâ€¦

Pachyphragma
This spreading perennial is found in the moist, deciduous woodlands of the Caucasus and northeastern Turkey. It forms rosettes of large, oval leaves that are heart-shaped at the base. The shiny, dark green leaves grow on long stalks. In the spring, thick, terminal clusters of small, 4-petaled, white flowers are produced. This plant grows up to a foot high and has a limitless spread. It is an excellent ground cover.â€¦

Pachyrhizus
(Jicama, Mexican Potato, Mexican Turnip, Sakula, Xiquima, Yam Bean) This group consists of two tuberous-rooted, perennial, tropical vines belonging to the Pea or Bean family, Leguminosae. They are natives of South America and Mexico. These vines can climb up to 20 feet and have 3-parted leaves. They produce pretty sprays of green, blue, purple, white, or mauve flowers, which are followed by poisonous seedpods, 6 to 8 inches long. P. erosus is grown for its edible root known as Jicamâ€¦

Paeonia
These popular, gorgeous hardy perennials are commonly called Peony. The herbaceous Peonies are the most popular. They are mostly natives to Asia Minor and Europe. They are valued for their beautiful flowers, usually colorful foliage, and decorative seedpods. The blossoms are ordinarily very fragrant and may be single, double or anemone form (with broad, outer petals and a pincushion-like mound of central petals or flowers - modified stamens). The foliage is often tinted bronze when new and takesâ€¦

Painted Fern
(Athyrium) This is a large group of hardy ferns. They are found throughout the temperate and tropical regions. A. Filix-femina, the Lady Fern, grows wild throughout Europe, Asia and North America. It has rich green fronds, from 1 to 3 feet in length. A. niponicum, the Painted Fern, has deciduous, oval leaves that are divided into many segments. The fronds are grayish-green, tinted with purple, with dark purple stalks and midribs.â€¦

Painted Net-Leaf
(Fittonia) These tropical, creeping perennials are natives of Peru. They are grown for their ornamental foliage. They have fleshy, trailing stems and oval, brightly colored leaves. F. Verschaffeltii has olive green leaves veined with scarlet or ruby red. Insignificant flowers grow on this plant and if they are pinched off the plant will be less straggly. Its variety argyroneura has dark, emerald green leaves netted with white; its flowers also need to be pinched off regularly. These plants grow â€¦

Painted Tongue
(Salpiglossis) This annual is a native of Chile. It forms neat bunches that grow 1 to 2 feet high. The mostly basal, elliptic, thin or oblong leaves grow up to 4 inches. There are many varieties of this plant that may be colored purple, crimson, yellow, violet, blue, or rose. Some are veined/netted with a contrasting color. The flowers resemble a single petunia, growing 2 to 3 inches across.â€¦

Painted-Net Leaf
(Fittonia) These tropical, creeping perennials are natives of Peru. They are grown for their ornamental foliage. They have fleshy, trailing stems and oval, brightly colored leaves. F. Verschaffeltii has olive green leaves veined with scarlet or ruby red. Insignificant flowers grow on this plant and if they are pinched off the plant will be less straggly. Its variety argyroneura has dark, emerald green leaves netted with white; its flowers also need to be pinched off regularly. These plants grow â€¦

Panda Plant
(Kalanchoe) This large group consisting of succulent plants is found in subtropical and tropical countries throughout the world. These plants vary greatly; they range from leafy succulents to huge tree-like plants. The shapes, sizes and colors of the leaves are as equally diverse; some have whole or toothed edges, and some may be smooth or very fuzzy. Some species make excellent houseplants. In early spring or fall, bell-shaped flowers that may be white, red, purple, yellow, orange, or broâ€¦

Pandanus
(Screw Pine) This tropical plant comes from Africa, Polynesia, Australia, and India. In their native lands they can reach a height of 60 feet. Their trunks are ringed with horizontal leaf scars, and roots, which act like props, grow from miscellaneous spots on the trunk and main stems into the ground and reduce the danger of the tree being blown over during storms. The leaves grow in clusters right out of the ends of the branches. They are shaped like long, thin swords, 2-3 feet in length. They â€¦

Pansy
(Viola) This is a large group of annuals and perennials. They are found wild in the mild Northern regions, South and eastern Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand. These plants belong to the Violet family, Violaceae. Viola contains a wide range of pretty woodland and rock garden plants along with the more developed Bedding Violas, Sweet Violets and Pansies, as they are commonly called. Pansies are descended from the European wild Violas, V. tricolor and V. lutea. Bedding Violas are hyâ€¦

Papaver
(Poppy) These hardy perennial, annual and biennial plants are native of eastern Asia, North America and Europe. They are commonly known as Poppies. Their foliage is mostly basal; the leaves are coarsely toothed and grow up to 6 inches long. Their height ranges from 1 to 4 feet and they produce pretty single or double flowers atop long, thin stems. The flowers have glistening petals and they grow from 2 to 6 inches across. They come in all colors except blue. P. nudicaule, the Iceland Poppy, comeâ€¦

Papaw
(Asimina) Asiminas are mostly deciduous shrubs or small trees native to North America. A. angustifolia and A. speciosa are shrubs that grow 3 or 4 feet high; they aren't hardy in the North. A. triloba, the Papaw, is a hardy tree that grows from 30 to 35 feet high in the wild, but in gardens it is usually grown as a multi-stemmed shrub. This tree is the only Asimina hardy in the northern U.S. It is also hardy in parts of Canada. The Papaw produces many suckers from the roots, which tend to make aâ€¦

Papaya
(Carica) This group consists of about 25 species of semi-succulent trees native to tropical America. These trees have straight trunks and are topped with palmate leaves.The most popularly grown species is C. papaya, commonly known as the Papaya, Melon Tree (though technically it is a large herb) or Pawpaw (Note: Pawpaw is also the common name of an entirely different fruit called Asimina.) The Papaya is a short-lived, evergreen plant that can grow up to 25 feet high. Its hollow, fleshy, gâ€¦

Copy of `Botany - Flower terms`

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