Archive for the ‘Houston’ tag
Corpse flower to bloom in Butterfly Center
The corpse flower is so rare that only 28 have ever been known to bloom in the United States. The 29th is poised to open any day now at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
The lime-green bud, which resembles an oversized endive, was nearing 5 feet tall on Wednesday in the museum’s Cockrell Butterfly Center and has been growing about 4 inches a day. Cockrell director Nancy Greig says it could open Friday or by early next week. Once open, the corpse flower will last about two days.
The corpse flower is expected to bloom this weekend July 10-11, 2010 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science Butterfly Center
Bay leaf tree ( Sweet bay, Laurelia sempervirens )
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- Bay leaf tree May 2010
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- Bay leaf tree May 2010
This was a gift, and I’m told it will grow any where under any conditions in Houston. I’m testing that – it’s planted in a shady, dry area.
Originally from Chile where it normally grows in moist coastal forests. Heavily exploited for its timber it is now a protected plant in Chile. It is also native to India, South and Central America, Russia and Asia.
Evergreen shrub to tree growing as tall as 50′ in proper conditions. It can also be pruned and maintained as a small shrub.
Leaves are used in cooking. Let dry several weeks before using, these are one of the few herbs that get stronger and more distinct after drying.
Propagation:
Difficult from seed, easier to propagate from stem cuttings or suckers that appear on roots.
Hens and chicks (Sempervivum)
Hens and Chicks Sempervivum May 2010
Sempervivum originated in Europe and western Asia. In Rome they were planted on the roofs of homes. It was believed they would prevent witches from landing on your roof. Today they are gaining popularity in water wise gardens.
Leaves are small to conserve water, flowers can be quite showy to attract pollinators.
Plant in full sun.
Plant in well drained sandy soil.
In time these will have pink, yellow or white star shaped flowers. After flowering the rosette will die but babies will come up from the ground where the rosette was located.
There are over 40 different varieties.
