Encyclo - Botany - Flower terms

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

Tansy
(Tanacetum) This hardy perennial, commonly called Tansy, has been used over the centuries for treating various medical ailments and was traditionally used as an insect repellent. The leaves and flowers were once added to Lenten pancakes to give a bitter flavor that was meant to remind diners of suffering and sacrifice. Tansy can be toxic. Never eat it in large amounts or drink strong tisanes made from it. This lanky plant grows wild throughout Europe and has escaped from cultivation in North Ameâ€¦

Tara Vine
(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€¦

Taraxacum
(Dandelion, Priest's Crown, Swine's Snout, Telltime) T. officinale is the common and sometimes pesky, perennial weed in northern yards known as the Dandelion. The Dandelion (Also known as Swine's Snout, Priest's Crown and Telltime.) develops a deep, thick taproot from which a rosette of long, narrow, serrated, shiny dark green or brownish leaves arise. The hollow flower stalks grow directly from the root and each leafless stalk produces a single, golden yellow blossom, which produces an abundancâ€¦

Taro Vine
(Scindapsus) This small group consists of twenty tropical, climbing plants native to Southeast Asia. These plants are valued for their large, attractively variegated leaves, which may be heart-shaped or ovate. These plants, commonly known as Amapallo Amarillo, Devil's Ivy, Hunter's Robe, Ivy Arum, Pothos Ivy, and Taro Vine, also produce arum-like flowers with greenish-colored spathes. These plants are excellent for growing in a hanging basket, training up a moss pole or wall, or for draping overâ€¦

Tarragon
(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€¦

Tasmanian Cypress Pine
(Callitris) These are evergreen trees, native to Australia and Tasmania. Their branches are divided greatly and they have small leaves resembling scales. They can be planted outdoors in warm climates such as in Florida and southern California. In some ways, they are similar to the Cypress or Cupressus.â€¦

Tassel Flower
(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€¦

Teaberry
(Gaultheria) This group consists of 150 fragrant, evergreen shrubs native to the Andes, North America, Australasia, and eastern Asia. These shrubs produce tufts of shiny or leathery, oval leaves and, in late spring or early summer, pendant, white, bell-shaped flowers. The flowers are followed by fleshy, red or black fruit. G. procumbens (Checkerberry; Teaberry; Wintergreen) is a hardy, creeping shrub that forms mats of dark green leaves that turn purple in the autumn. The white to pink-tinged flâ€¦

Telegraph Plant
(Desmodium) This large group consists of about three hundred hardy and tender, herbaceous perennials and deciduous shrubs from tropical countries and North America. These shrubs are commonly known as Tick Trefoil. D. tiliifolium is a small to medium-sized, semi-woody shrub. Its erect stems are clothed with leaves consisting of three leaflets. In the summer, large panicles of pale lilac flowers are borne. These are followed by flattened, lobed seedpods. D. motorium (Telegraph Plant) is an interesâ€¦

Telltime
(Taraxacum) T. officinale is the common and sometimes pesky, perennial weed in northern yards known as the Dandelion. The Dandelion (Also known as Swine's Snout, Priest's Crown and Telltime.) develops a deep, thick taproot from which a rosette of long, narrow, serrated, shiny dark green or brownish leaves arise. The hollow flower stalks grow directly from the root and each leafless stalk produces a single, golden yellow blossom, which produces an abundance of pollen and nectar. When the flower hâ€¦

Tetragonia
(New Zealand Spinach) 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€¦

Texas Sage
(Salvia) This is a large group of hardy and tender perennials, annuals and shrubs. They are found wild in South America, southern Europe, northern Africa and North America. Salvia belong to the Mint family, Labiatae. The name is derived from salveo, to save, and refers to the medicinal value the plants were thought to possess. These plants grow 1 to 3 feet high and form branched clumps. Their leaves are ovate or lanceolate, 2 to 4 inches long. The flowers form on spikes that grow above thâ€¦

Texas Umbrella 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€¦

Thalia
(Powdery Thalia, Red-Stemmed Thalia, Thalia) These are beautiful, hardy and tender, aquatic perennials. The long-stalked leaves grow directly from the ground and they produce branching spikes of flowers in the summer. T. dealbata, the Powdery Thalia, is a hardy kind found growing wild from South Carolina to Florida to Texas. In can be grown outdoors throughout the year except for in very cold climates; it should then be wintered doors. The Powdery Thalia can grow up to 6 feet high. It produces hâ€¦

Thatch Leaf Palm
(Howea) These plants are grown for their decorative foliage and they belong to the Palm family. They are natives of Lord Howe's Island, which is near Australia. The minimum winter temperature required for these plants is 55 degrees. The leaves are large and spreading, dark green, and leathery. They are divided deeply. These Palms can grow 30-60 feet tall outside. Smaller plants are often used for indoor decoration.â€¦

Thimble 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€¦

Thimbleberry
(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€¦

Thorn Apple
(Datura) These annual and tender, shrubby, perennial flowering plants are natives of tropical America, Europe and Mexico. The most familiar kind is Datura (Brugmansia) arborea, which produces large, white, fragrant blooms in the summer; it is a great plant for tubs. The perennial shrubby kinds can grow up to 10 feet tall, have woody stems, large ovate leaves and produce yellow, red, pink or white trumpet-shaped flowers in the summer. The annual kinds can grow about 3 feet tall, have large, ovateâ€¦

Thorn Tree
(Gleditsia) This group of mostly hardy, deciduous trees is native to North America, South America, tropical Africa and central and eastern Asia. These trees, commonly known as Honey Locusts, have pinnate or bi-pinnate leaves consisting of 18 or more, oblong lance-shaped leaflets. They are smooth and dark green above, paler beneath. The small, greenish flowers of these trees are inconspicuous and are followed by thin, purplish-brown pods growing from 10 to 18 inches long and 1 to 1Â½ inches wide. â€¦

Thorns
(Crataegus) This is a large group of hardy, deciduous trees and a few shrubs that are commonly known as Hawthorns or Thorns; other common names will be mentioned by its tree. Most of the Hawthorns are natives of North America; others are natives of Europe, Asia Minor, China, Japan, the Old World and the Himalayas. Hawthorns are beautiful, flowering trees suitable for shading patios, decorating lawns and lining streets. These hard-wooded trees can be grown in exposed locations as well as tolerateâ€¦

Thorntree
(Acacia) This group consists of about 1,000 species that are found in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Australia and Africa. These evergreens should not be confused with the trees and shrubs commonly known as acacia, which belong to the group Robinia. These tender evergreens are totally different and are commonly known as Mimosas and Wattles. The Australian types are called Wattles because their lumber was used by early settlers in the wattle-and-daub method of building homeâ€¦

Thoroughwort
(Eupatorium) These hardy and frost tender perennials and shrubs are found in North and South America, Europe and Asia and are grown mainly for their flowers, though some are valued for their ornamental foliage. The name commemorates Mithridates Eupator, King of Pontus, who is credited with discovering that one of the varieties could be used as a remedy for poison. E. purpureum (Joe Pye Weed) is a vigorous growing perennial that can reach a height of 7 feet. Its coarse, finely toothed, mid-green â€¦

Three-Thorned Acacia
(Gleditsia) This group of mostly hardy, deciduous trees is native to North America, South America, tropical Africa and central and eastern Asia. These trees, commonly known as Honey Locusts, have pinnate or bi-pinnate leaves consisting of 18 or more, oblong lance-shaped leaflets. They are smooth and dark green above, paler beneath. The small, greenish flowers of these trees are inconspicuous and are followed by thin, purplish-brown pods growing from 10 to 18 inches long and 1 to 1Â½ inches wide. â€¦

Thuja
(Arborvitae, Northern White Cedar, Swamp Cedar) 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 ovatâ€¦

Thunbergia
(Black-Eyed Susan Vine, Clock Vine, Sky Vine) These tender vines are natives of tropical Africa, South Africa, tropical Asia and India. These plants are usually treated as annuals, though they will behave as perennials in mild climates. They will grow 3 to 15 feet long. The ovate to triangular leaves grow up to 4 inches long and they produce flowers that may grow solitary or in clusters. They look like flaring tubes, 1 to 2 inches across. They may be orange, yellow, or white, with or without a bâ€¦

Thyme
(Thymus) This is a group of hardy sub-shrubs and herbaceous plants, which grow wild in the northern temperate regions and more so in the Mediterranean region. Thymus belongs to the Mint family, Labiateae. These plants look great in the rock and wall garden; there are several tiny kinds and the creeping varieties are wonderful for planting in the crevices of paved paths. Some Thymuses are valued as herbs and others are used as decoration.â€¦

Thymus
(Thyme) This is a group of hardy sub-shrubs and herbaceous plants, which grow wild in the northern temperate regions and more so in the Mediterranean region. Thymus belongs to the Mint family, Labiateae. These plants look great in the rock and wall garden; there are several tiny kinds and the creeping varieties are wonderful for planting in the crevices of paved paths. Some Thymuses are valued as herbs and others are used as decoration.â€¦

Tick Trefoil
(Desmodium) This large group consists of about three hundred hardy and tender, herbaceous perennials and deciduous shrubs from tropical countries and North America. These shrubs are commonly known as Tick Trefoil. D. tiliifolium is a small to medium-sized, semi-woody shrub. Its erect stems are clothed with leaves consisting of three leaflets. In the summer, large panicles of pale lilac flowers are borne. These are followed by flattened, lobed seedpods. D. motorium (Telegraph Plant) is an interesâ€¦

Tobacco Plant
(Nicotiana) 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 base. They are 5 to 12 inches long. The tubâ€¦

Tomatillo
(Physalis) This is a group of annuals and perennials, which are grown for their fruits and for decoration. They grow wild in Europe, America and Asia and belong to the Potato family, Solanaceae.â€¦

Tomato
(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€¦

Tomato Eggplant
(Solanum) This is a large group of tender and hardy, herbaceous, shrubby, or climbing plants. They are found wild in many countries, but mainly in Costa Rica, Chile, tropical Africa and Europe. Several kinds are found in North America. Many are grown for decoration, but two are grown as vegetables. These vegetables are S. melongena variety esculentum, the Eggplant, and S. tuberosum, the Potato. The Solanums can be distinguished by their flowers, which are rotate (wheel-shaped), five petaled, whiâ€¦

Torenia
(Wishbone Flower) This group of annuals and perennials are originally found in tropical Asia and Africa. Though some are perennials, they are usually grown as annuals. These bushy plants will grow up to a foot high. The ovate leaves are toothed and grow up to 2 inches long. They produce an abundance of pretty pouched flowers, which grow up to an inch across and may be colored white, pink, blue, mauve, lilac, or purple, with a yellow mark.â€¦

Totem Pole
(Lophocereus) 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 from each areolâ€¦

Touch-Me-Not
(Impatiens) These are hardy and tender annual and perennial herbs from Asia, North America, and South Africa. The name of these plants refers to the elasticity of the valves of the seedpods, which discharge the seeds when ripe. They are sometimes known as Touch-me-nots. These plants have thick stems and light green leaves. Their flowers come in a wide range of colors including rose, rose-red, rose-purple, white, pink, and salmon. A minimum winter temperature of 55 degrees is required. A beautifuâ€¦

Toy Cypress
(Crassula) This large group consists of succulent plants that are natives of South Africa and Madagascar. The succulents in this group vary greatly in shape and size. Some varieties only grow an inch high at maturity, while others become 15-foot trees. C. ovata (Jade Plant; Chinese Rubber Tree; Money Plant) is an evergreen succulent that forms a large bush or small tree. Its shiny green, fleshy leaves are round or lance shaped and sometimes edged with red. In the spring, its old leaves fall; at â€¦

Tragopogon
(Salsify, Vegetable Oyster) This vegetable (also known as Salsify and Vegetable Oyster) is grown for its edible roots. A slow growing biennial, this plant is grown as a long-season annual. Salsify grows wild in Europe and is naturalized in some parts of North America. It forms large tufts of wide, grass-like leaves and a heavy, deep taproot. On deep, friable soil roots can grow to 22 inches thick at the top and 16 inches long. The cooked roots have a taste reminiscent of oysters.â€¦

Transvaal Daisy
(Gerbera) These herbaceous plants are found in South Africa. The fuzzy leaves grow in a rosette close to the soil and are lance-shaped, deeply lobed and about 12 inches long. During the summer, these plants bear many orange-scarlet flowers that resemble daisies atop a long stalk. There are many hybrids that come in white, cream, yellow, orange-pink, crimson, purple or violet. These plants are usually grown in greenhouses and are used for cut flowers, but in mild climates, they can be cultivated â€¦

Travelers' Joy
(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€¦

Treasure Flower
(Gazania) These frost-tender perennials are usually grown as annuals; they are originally from South Africa. The leaves form basal rosettes of spoon-shaped or divided leaves, which are waxy, green above and silvery below. They are 3 to 5 inches long. They bear pretty, daisy-like flowers on single stems that are 6 to 8 inches long, in the summer. The flowers grow 3 inches across and may be yellow, orange, pink, mahogany or white, and are often bi-colored. The flowers close at night and in cloudy â€¦

Tree Anemone
(Carpenteria) This group consists of only one tender, evergreen shrub from California that is commonly known as Tree Anemone. C. californica is a medium-sized shrub with long, narrow, green leaves that are covered with a grayish down underneath. Large, white flowers with golden anthers are borne in mid-summer at the ends of the shoots. Each flower is 2 to 3 inches in diameter.â€¦

Tree Ivy
(Fatshedera) This tender, shrub is a hybrid between Fatsia japonica and Hedera helix (English Ivy) and it originated in France. It produces strong shoots, 8-10 feet high, which need support. Its dark green leaves are glossy, leathery and deeply lobed. The leaves vary in the size and shape between those of the Fatsia and the English Ivy. It bears greenish flowers in the fall, but doesn't produce fertile seeds. It isn't the most decorative plant for the garden, but it makes a great houseplant. It â€¦

Tree Mallow
(Lavatera) 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 spring. L. Olbia is â€¦

Tree Of Heaven
(Ailanthus) These deciduous, tall-growing trees are natives of China and India. They are commonly known as Trees of Heaven, Chinese Sumachs and Paradise Trees. These trees grow quickly and in many types of soil and climates. They are very resistant to diseases and pests and are suitable for growing in cities. The most popular kind is A. altissima. This variety can grow from 50 to 100 feet high. It has large, pinnate leaves, 1Â½ to 3 feet long, alternately arranged on the branches, which open a reâ€¦

Tree Poppy
(Dendromecon) This group consists of two tender, evergreen shrubs that grow wild on the rocky hills of California. These shrubs are commonly known as Blush Poppies or Tree Poppies. D. rigida is a large shrub with stiff, narrow, bloomy leaves and clusters of 2-inch, bright yellow, four-petaled flowers that resemble poppies. The blossoms are produced over a long period in the summer. This shrub is fairly rare, but worth growing in gardens where the climate is warm.â€¦

Tree Tomato
(Cyphomandra) This soft-wooded tree or bush is native of South America and belongs to the Potato family, Solanaceae. It is a frost-tender perennial that has large, heart-shaped, fuzzy leaves and fragrant purple flowers, which are followed by dangling orange-red, egg-shaped fruits that are high in pectin. Each fruit is 2 or 3 inches long and 1Â½ to 2 inches wide. The Tree Tomato, as it's commonly called, isn't really a Tomato; the fruits resemble Tomatoes in color and shape only and they are sweetâ€¦

Treebine
(Cissus) These climbing plants are natives of several tropical and subtropical countries. C. antarctica is shrubby and climbs along with tendrils. It has shiny, green leaves with brown veins and stems. C. rhombifolia is a vinelike plant with hairy brown branches and shiny green leaves that have fuzzy, white undersides, as in the new growth. It also climbs with the aid of tendrils. In the warmest parts of the U. S., several varieties can grow outside in regular soil with partial shade. All are goâ€¦

Trichosanthes
(Club Gourd, Serpent Gourd, Snake Gourd) This Gourd, as all other Gourds, belong to the Cucumber family, Cucurbitaceae. Unlike their edible relatives such as Melons, Squashes, Cucumbers and Pumpkins, Gourds are mainly grown for ornament. All are tendril-bearing vines that will sprawl if not supported. T. anguina, the Serpent, Snake, or Club Gourd, is an annual vine with angled, fuzzy, stems and branched tendrils. It is covered with broadly angled or lobed leaves and white flowers. The length of â€¦

Tropaeolum
(Anyu, Canary Creeper, Canary-Bird Flower, Flame Flower, Flameflower, Indian Cress, Nasturtium) This is a large group of tender annuals and perennials that are found wild from Mexico to Chile. Some are bushy, self-branching plants that grow 1 to 1Â½ feet high and some are climbing or trailing plants, growing 4 to 6 feet. The rounded, peltate leaves grow up to 2 inches across. They are waxy green and some varieties are splashed with white. The fragrant flowers are shaped irregularly and grow 2 to â€¦

Trumpet Creeper
(Campsis) This group consists of only two deciduous, climbing shrubs. Commonly known as Trumpet Creepers, these attractive plants produce beautiful, trumpet-shaped flowers and are suitable for growing up roofs and walls and over tree stumps, though they shouldn't be allowed to climb a live tree as it will most likely choke it. C. grandiflora (Chinese Trumpet Creeper) is a large plant found wild in China, which reaches a 20-foot height. It has pinnate leaves consisting of 7 to 9 leaflets. Its truâ€¦

Trumpet Flower
(Bignonia) This group consists of one evergreen or semi-evergreen, climbing plant. B. capreolata, commonly known as the Crossvine or Trumpet Flower, is a beautiful plant found wild from Virginia to Illinois to Florida and Louisiana. This vigorous growing vine climbs by means of twining leaf tendrils, which are tipped with small cups that allow them to climb masonry walls. The Crossvine is suitable for growing over fences, up trellises and trees. Each leaf consists of two slender leaflets up to 5â€¦

Trumpet Vine
(Campsis) This group consists of only two deciduous, climbing shrubs. Commonly known as Trumpet Creepers, these attractive plants produce beautiful, trumpet-shaped flowers and are suitable for growing up roofs and walls and over tree stumps, though they shouldn't be allowed to climb a live tree as it will most likely choke it. C. grandiflora (Chinese Trumpet Creeper) is a large plant found wild in China, which reaches a 20-foot height. It has pinnate leaves consisting of 7 to 9 leaflets. Its truâ€¦

Tsuga
(Hemlock) These evergreen trees are commonly known as Hemlock or Hemlock Spruce. Hemlocks are found wild in North America, the Himalayas, Japan and China. Most of these trees are hardy and as other Conifers (cone-bearing tree), need a fairly clean atmosphere to survive. Hemlock can be distinguished from other Conifers by its flat, linear, dark green leaves, which have two long, whitish lines on their lower surfaces. Each leaf is attached to a little woody stem that remains on the twig after the â€¦

Tulip
(Tulipa) These are an assortment of vigorous bulbs that bear some of the most attractive flowers in the spring and early summer. These plants are natives of Europe, western Asia and northern Africa. Tulips thrive in cooler climates; they can be grown in the South only if, after their purchase in the fall, the bulbs are stored at about 40 degrees several weeks before they are planted. The kinds of tulips that have multiple colored petals are called 'broken' tulips. The flowers of these bulbs haveâ€¦

Tulip Magnolia
(Liriodendron) 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 inches long and 4 to 9 inches wide, accordâ€¦

Tulip Poplar
(Liriodendron) 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 inches long and 4 to 9 inches wide, accordâ€¦

Tulip Tree
(Liriodendron) 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 inches long and 4 to 9 inches wide, accordâ€¦

Tulipa
(Tulip) These are an assortment of vigorous bulbs that bear some of the most attractive flowers in the spring and early summer. These plants are natives of Europe, western Asia and northern Africa. Tulips thrive in cooler climates; they can be grown in the South only if, after their purchase in the fall, the bulbs are stored at about 40 degrees several weeks before they are planted. The kinds of tulips that have multiple colored petals are called 'broken' tulips. The flowers of these bulbs have â€¦

Tuna
(Opuntia) 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 pads. They are commonly known as Prickly Pears because they produce the spiny, usually edibâ€¦

Turfing Daisy
(Matricaria) These hardy annuals and perennials are natives of the Mediterranean region, South Africa and the Orient, and are naturalized in North America. They grow from 1 to 2 feet high and have feathery foliage. They produce terminal clusters of small flowers, which resemble daisies. M. inodora is an annual that has white flowers. M. Tchihatchewii, the Turfing Daisy, is a mat-forming plant that grows 6 to 12 inches high. M. recutita, Sweet False Chamomile or German Chamomile, is an annual thaâ€¦

Turk'S Cap Cactus
(Melocactus) This group consists of about 40 cacti from the West Indies, Mexico, and northern South America. These slow-growing cacti can be difficult to grow, but are fascinating. They are endangered in the wild. These globular plants produce a colorful cephalium, or densely spined crown, which gives them their common names of Turk's Cap Cacti or Melon Cacti. The cephalium is produced once the plant reaches maturity, at which time the plant quits growing. The areoles at the crown of the plant mâ€¦

Turk'S Head
(Ferocactus) This group consists of about 35 cacti found across the southwest U.S. and northern Mexico. They are excellent for growing in containers on patios and in greenhouses or as landscape plants. When young, they are usually globular shaped, though they eventually become columnar with age, some species gradually reaching a height of up to 13 feet. In the summer, large, bell- or funnel-shaped flowers are produced at the plant's crown. These are usually followed by sticky, yellow berries. Thâ€¦

Turmeric
(Curcuma) These are tropical, herbaceous plants that can be grown in a warm, humid greenhouse having a minimum winter temperature of 60 degrees. The most important kind is C. longa, a native of India, but widely cultivated throughout India, Ceylon, the East Indies, Fiji and Queensland for its underground stems from which, when dried and ground, the Turmeric of commerce is manufactured. Turmeric is orange-yellow in color and has a very distinct aroma. It is in demand as a condiment in Indian cookâ€¦

Turnip
(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€¦

Turnip Fern
(Angiopteris) 100 species of a very large primitive ferns.â€¦

Turnip-Rooted 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€¦

Turnip-Rooted Chervil
(Chaerophyllum) This group of perennials and annuals are natives of Europe. C. bulbosum, the Turnip-rooted Chervil, should be treated as a biennial. It has fern-like, compound leaves and umbels of small white flowers. Its roots look like small, short Carrots and the flesh is yellowish-white. They can be eaten if they are boiled. C. hirsutum var. Roseum is a vigorous plant that can grow up to 4 feet high. It forms clumps of large, soft, divided leaves, which resemble those of the Fern. They grow â€¦

Tutsan
(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€¦

Twinberry
(Lonicera) 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 late winter or early springâ€¦

Two Leaf Clover
(Regnellidum) R. diphyllum is a tender, aquatic perennial commonly known as the Two Leaf Clover. It grows up to 6 inches high and has glossy green, double leaves. There is a small, heart-shaped, creamy green color at the center of the leaf and this is surrounded by a reddish hue that blends into the rest of the leaf.â€¦

Typha
(Cattail, Reed Mace) This group of aquatic plants is popularly known as Cattails. Cattails are found growing wild in rivers and ponds of temperate and tropical regions. They vary in height from 1 to 7 feet. T. latifolia, the Cattail that commonly grows in the wild, is too big to cultivate in the average water garden. Its size is overpowering and it spreads rapidly. T. latifolia var. variegata grows 3 or 4 feet high in containers, but up to 7 feet with fertile soil and regular feeding. It produceâ€¦

Ulmus
(Elm Tree) Ulmus is the botanical name for the Elm Tree. These trees are found in Europe, Asia, the Himalayas and northward, and North America, east of the Rocky Mountains and as far south as northern Mexico. Elms may form small trees or bushes, or very large trees growing from 90 to 200 feet high. They are widely used as shade trees. The small flowers of the Elms contain both stamens and pistils and are usually a purplish color. The seeds are centered in a flat, papery disk. They ripen during eâ€¦

Umbra
(Phytolacca) This group consists of hardy and tender perennials. They are found wild in North and South America, Asia and Africa. Very few kinds are in cultivation. P. dioica, the Umbra, is a quick growing tree that is grown for decoration in mild climates. It is an evergreen and grows up to 60 feet high. It produces white flowers. P. americana, Pokeweed or Poke Sallet, is found wild from Maine to Florida and Mexico. It is so abundant around old barns and feedlotsthat is usually gathered from thâ€¦

Umbrella Acacia
(Acacia) This group consists of about 1,000 species that are found in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Australia and Africa. These evergreens should not be confused with the trees and shrubs commonly known as acacia, which belong to the group Robinia. These tender evergreens are totally different and are commonly known as Mimosas and Wattles. The Australian types are called Wattles because their lumber was used by early settlers in the wattle-and-daub method of building homeâ€¦

Umbrella Plant
(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€¦

Umbrella Sedge
(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€¦

Umbrella 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€¦

Upland Cress
(Barbarea) This small vegetable is originally from Europe. It's a biennial that loves cool weather. If not watched, it could become a pesky weed. They grow quickly into dandelion like rosettes of dark green, deeply lobed foliage. B. verna, also known as Upland Cress, Early Winter Cress, American Cress, Belle Isle Cress and Scurvy Grass, is used in salads or to add a nippy taste to mixed greens for cooking.â€¦

Urtica
(Stinging Nettle) The Stinging Nettle has been popular in Europe for quite some time and are becoming more so in the U.S. These unwieldy perennials grow up to 22 feet high. These plants are irritating to handle and don't belong in the kitchen garden, but they can be placed out of the way in a lightly shaded position in moist soil. The edible, young leaves are used like spinach, are oval to heart-shaped and deeply toothed.â€¦

Utricularia
(Bladderwort) These hardy and tender, aquatic and terrestrial perennials are commonly called Bladderworts. The aquatic kinds are found throughout the U.S., Nova Scotia, Europe, Asia and southern Canada. These plants produce finely divided, submerged leaves. They also produce small, bladder-like structures underneath the water, which are fitted with little valves that only open inward. They are covered with touch-sensitive hairs that allow insects, small crustaceans and fish to be trapped inside â€¦

Valerian
(Centranthus) Centranthus is a group of hardy annuals and perennials native of Europe, and North Africa to Turkey. These plants are commonly known as Valerian. C. ruber, the Red Valerian, forms loose clumps of blue-green, lance- or oval-shaped leaves. Its small, star-shaped, dark red-pink flowers are borne in heads above the leaves from late spring to fall. This plant grows from 2 to 3 feet high.â€¦

Variegated Dwarf Common Reed
(Phragmites) These tall, aquatic perennials, commonly known as the Common Reed Grass, are natives of North America and many other regions. P. maxima is an attractive Grass for landscape planting. Growing up to 15 feet high, this variety is too invasive and large for most water gardens. It produces plumed flower heads that can be dried and used for decoration. This plant grows naturally in marshes with brackish or sweet water. P. australis 'Aurea', the Variegated Dwarf Common Reed, is a handsome â€¦

Variegated Grass
(Oplismenus) 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 intermittently throâ€¦

Variegated Rush
(Baumea) This aquatic perennial is a native of Australia. It produces cylindrical, flat, green leaves variegated with a darker green and yellow. This plant can grow 1 or 2 feet high.â€¦

Varnish Tree
(Firmiana) This attractive, tender tree is a native of Africa and Asia. F.simplex is commonly known as the Chinese Parasol Tree, Phoenix Tree and Varnish Tree. It is very disease and pest resistant and makes a suitable shade tree. The Chinese Parasol Tree is valued for its huge, 5-lobed leaves, which measure up to a foot across. This tree grows fairly quickly when young, eventually reaching a height of 20 to 40 feet. The bark is shiny, grayish green and in mid-summer, the tree produces 12-â€¦

Vase Plant
(Aechmea) These plants are found in tropical America. They can be raised in the hot house or home. The bloom mostly in the summer and fall and they need a minimum winter temperature of 55 degrees when grown under glass. Their leathery leaves have spines around the perimeters and as they grow directly from the base they overlap each other to form a long tube from which the flower spike emerges. Some have scarlet and blue flowers, some have pink flower heads with blue flowers and some have red, yeâ€¦

Vegetable Oyster
(Tragopogon) This vegetable (also known as Salsify and Vegetable Oyster) is grown for its edible roots. A slow growing biennial, this plant is grown as a long-season annual. Salsify grows wild in Europe and is naturalized in some parts of North America. It forms large tufts of wide, grass-like leaves and a heavy, deep taproot. On deep, friable soil roots can grow to 22 inches thick at the top and 16 inches long. The cooked roots have a taste reminiscent of oysters.â€¦

Vegetable Pear
(Sechium) This is a semi-hardy perennial vine native to South America. It can grow up to 15 feet in the mid-South and up to 30 feet in the Southwest. The Chayote produces waxy-green, pear shaped fruits. Some are spiny and some are ridged. Other common names that is goes by includes Mirliton, Christophine and Vegetable Pear. In climates where they can survive the winter, the tuberous roots grow large and can be eaten candied, boiled, or roasted.â€¦

Vegetable Tallow
(Sapium) This deciduous, tropical tree is a native of Japan and China. S. sebiferum, commonly known as the Chinese Tallow Tree, Popcorn Tree and Vegetable Tallow, is a quick growing tree that is naturalized and widely grown for ornament and shade in tropical climates. The Chinese Tallow Tree grows 35 to 40 feet high. It is clothed with glossy light green, oval, pointy-tipped leaves that tremble in the breeze. They grow from 1 to 3 inches in length and are quite pest-free. The foliage turns dark â€¦

Velvet Elephant Ear
(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€¦

Velvet Geranium
(Senecio) This is a large group of hardy and tender annuals and perennials that may have shrubby, herbaceous, or climbing growth. Senecios are found wild in almost every country, especially in southern Europe; others are found in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, China, Japan, the United States and Mexico. They vary in size and shape, particularly their foliage, but almost all have yellow or purple flowers, which resemble daisies and grow up to 3 inches across. They grow in thick trusses oveâ€¦

Velvet Grass
(Holcus) Holcus, commonly known as Velvet Grass, is an ornamental Grass that grows wild in Europe and is naturalized in North America. H. lanatus grows 18 to 24 inches high and has soft, downy green leaves. H. mollis 'Albovariegatus' (Variegated Creeping Soft Grass) forms clumps, up to 3 feet high, of evergreen, linear leaves with hairy nodes. They are green striped with white. In the summer, spikes of tiny purplish-white flowers are produced. These plants have an unlimited spread.â€¦

Velvet Plant
(Gynura) These tropical plants are natives of Indonesia. They belong to the Daisy family, Compositae and will grow 2-3 feet high. G. aurantiaca produces velvety leaves covered with purple hairs and orange flowers, which resemble little shaving brushes. G. bicolor's leaves are gray-purple above and rich purple underneath.â€¦

Velvet Rose
(Aeonium) This group mostly consists of quick-growing, small to medium-sized succulents that form rosettes of waxy leaves. These succulents may be stem-less or shrub-like. Natives of the Canary Islands, Cape Verde Islands, Madeira and parts of Africa, they thrive best in warm, dry climates. Since they grow well in direct sunlight, they are good for window gardens, though some prefer shade. Mature plants range in height from 1Â½ to 6 feet. The foliage varies among the varieties; some are colored dâ€¦

Venus Flytrap
(Dionaea) This tender, insectivorous perennial is popularly known as the Venus Flytrap. It grows up to 4 inches high and spreads up to a foot. The Venus Flytrap is found wild in the bogs of North and South Carolina. D. muscipula has evergreen, 2-lobed leaves, which are hinged at the midrib. They are stained pink with touch-sensitive bristles inside and edged with long, stiff bristles. When an insect lands in the leaves, the lobes close together tightly. The insects are then dissolved by the digeâ€¦

Verbena
This group consists of about 200 hardy and tender perennials, some of which are semi-evergreen. They are natives of North and South America. Verbenas or Vervain can grow from 6 inches to 4 feet high and may be bushy or creeping in growth. The toothed or cut leaves usually grow opposite each other and reach a length of 1 to 3 inches. In the summer or fall, slender stalks arise and bear flattened clusters of flowers, 2 to 3 inches across. They may be multi-colored, red, rose, peach, pink, puâ€¦

Verdolaga
(Portulaca) Portulaca is a small group of trailing annuals. P. grandiflora, Sun Plant, is a popular kind native of Brazil. The sprawling stems grow 4 or 5 inches long and are clothed with somewhat succulent, cylindrical leaves. Several large flowers, up to an inch in diameter, grow at the ends of the stems. They come in an array of bright, beautiful colors; purple, scarlet, yellow and pink are just a few. There are both single- and double-flowered varieties. P. oleracea, the common Purslane, canâ€¦

Vicia
(Broad Bean, Fava Bean) This is a large group of hardy perennials and annuals. These plants are not ornamental, therefore, none are really grown in gardens. Most Vicias have thin stems covered with pinnate leaves terminated by a pair of tendrils. Clusters of small, pea shaped flowers grow in the axils of the leaves. V. argentea has silvery leaves. Vicia belongs to the Pea family, Leguminosae. V. Faba is the Broad or Fava Bean. Broad bean plants grow upright, up to 5 feet, on thick, succulent steâ€¦

Victoria
(Amazon Water Lily, Queen Victoria's Water Lily, Royal Water Lily, Santa Cruz Water Lily) This group of tender, aquatic annuals is originally from tropical America. They are amazing, floating plants with some varieties producing leaves that grow up to 8 feet across. They are commonly called Queen Victoria's Water Lily, Royal Water Lily, Amazon Water Lily and Santa Cruz Water Lily. V. amazonica (Amazon Water Lily) has yellowish-green, round leaves with reddish-purple undersides that start out flaâ€¦

Viola
(Heartsease, Johnny-Jump-Up, Pansy, Viola, Violet) 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. tâ€¦

Copy of `Botany - Flower terms`

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