Walking around corfu

[kevin-beverly]

HI

Just come back from Corfu and found some plants i havent put on the forum you have seen this plant as you walk around Arillas

Blue Potato Bush

Lycianthes rantonnetii

Other common name is Paraguay nightshade,  is a species of flowering plant in the nightshade family Solanaceae, native to South America. Growing to about 6 ft (1.8 m) tall and broad, it is a rounded evergreen shrub with a somewhat lax habit. A profusion of trumpet-shaped, bright blue-purple flowers with a prominent yellow eye appear in summer, followed by red berries. It is widely cultivated and may be hardy in mild or coastal areas. Alternatively it can be grown in a container and brought under cover in winter. It requires a sheltered location in full sun. Though related to food plants like the potato and tomato, all parts of the plant are considered toxic to humans.
The species is named for Barthélémy Victor Rantonnet, a 19th-century French horticulturalist It has been given the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit
Lycianthes rantonnetii has previously been placed in Solanum, a huge genus which has recently been the subject of major investigation, with species being transferred to and from several different genera. There are many rare and little-known species whose true placement has yet to be determined.
Solanaceae plants can be annuals, shrubs, or rare trees. They have a tap root system, an erect and weak stem, and alternate leaves

Kingdom:    Plantae
Clade:    Tracheophytes
Clade:    Angiosperms
Clade:    Eudicots
Clade:    Asterids
Order:    Solanales
Family:    Solanaceae
Genus:    Lycianthes
Species:    L. rantonnetii
Binomial name
Lycianthes rantonnetii
(Carrière) Bitter
Synonyms
Solanum rantonnei orth. var. Carrière
Solanum rantonnetii Carrière

HABITAT
Plants in the Solanaceae family, also known as the nightshade family, can be found in a wide range of habitats and ecosystems, including:
Tropical and temperate regions: Solanaceae plants are found on most continents, but the greatest variety of species are in Central and South America.
Solanaceae plants can be found in a wide range of habitats, from deserts to tropical rainforests.
Solanaceae plants are often found in secondary vegetation that colonizes disturbed areas.
can be found in some of the wettest forests in the world.
Coastal deserts: Solanum species can be found in coastal deserts.
High altitudes: Some potatoes can be found at altitudes of over 4500 m (ca. 13,500 ft).

HISTORY
The Inca people cultivated potatoes in the Andes, and the Spanish brought them to Europe. The potato was initially considered a peasant food and a potential cause of leprosy. However, it became an important food source in Britain, France, and Ireland, where its growth helped the population expand. The potato famine of the 1840s was caused by a fungus that turned potatoes black, killing thousands of people.
Species from the Solanaceae family form integral parts of human civilizations as food sources and drugs since thousands of years, and, more recently, as ornamentals. Some Solanaceous species were subjects of classical and molecular genetic research over the last 100 years.
One of the most famous associations of the Deadly Nightshade is its connection to mythology, folklore and witchcraft. In antiquity, the plant was associated with the cult of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and ecstasy, and it was allegedly mixed for a drink that could induce a trance in worshippers.





Yes, the blue potato bush (Lycianthes rantonnetii) is poisonous to humans. All parts of the plant are toxic, including the flowers, fruits, and leaves.
The Blue Potato Bush, like other members of the Solanaceae family of plants, contains several toxic properties, and all parts of this plant are TOXIC, so do not feed this to your tortoise and keep any plants well away from where a tortoise could nibble on a fallen leaf, flower, or fruit.
Yes, nightshade plants, also known as deadly nightshade or black nightshade, are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The leaves and berries of the plant contain the most toxins, and the amount ingested determines the severity of the toxicity.

Symptoms of nightshade poisoning include:
Dilated pupils, Hypersalivation, Inappetence, Severe gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Drowsiness, CNS depression, Confusion, Behavioral change, and Weakness.


Gardens,Parks,Landscape,Pots,Tubs,

Lycianthes is a plant that has a number of medicinal uses, including
Lycianthes plants have been found to have antifungal activity against dermatophytes, which are the cause of superficial fungal infections
The Lycianthes rantonnetii plant has antioxidant and antiradical activity
After centuries of use as a poison and cosmetic, the medicinal uses variety of illnesses and ailments. Its medical applications include use as a pain reliever, muscle relaxer, anti-inflammatory, and as a treatment for whooping cough and hay fever

[kevin-beverly]

HI

A member of the forum asked me to identify a plant this is the plant

Deutzia: varieties
Deutzias bloom in white or pink unknown to me the common name as so many

Deutzia

 Is a genus of about 60 species of flowering plants in the family Hydrangeaceae, native to eastern and central Asia (from the Himalayas east to Japan and the Philippines), and Central America and also Europe. By far the highest species diversity is in China, where 50 species occur.Deutzia is an ornamental plant that is often cultivated as a shrub.
 ranging from 1–4 m (3 ft 3 in – 13 ft 1 in) in height. Most are deciduous, but a few subtropical species are evergreen. The leaves are opposite, simple, with a serrated margin. The flowers are produced in panicles or corymbs; they are white in most species, sometimes pink or reddish. The fruit is a dry capsule containing numerous small seeds. Identification of the species is very difficult, requiring often microscopic detail of the leaf hairs and seed capsule structure.
Deutzia gracilis, or the Japanese snow flower, found its way to Europe. Most of the other garden deutzias are mainly cross-bred forms, many of which were cultivated by the French breeder, Victor Lemoine.

Kingdom:   Plantae
Clade:   Tracheophytes
Clade:   Angiosperms
Clade:   Eudicots
Clade:   Asterids
Order:   Cornales
Family:   Hydrangeaceae
Subfamily:   Hydrangeoideae
Tribe:   Philadelpheae
Genus:   Deutzia
Thunb.
Type species
Deutzia

As deutzia flowers between May and June, its countless white or pink star-shaped flowers are impossible to miss. Deutzia's flowers bloom on long umbrella-like vines and with magnificent pollen rich flowers – this valuable food supply makes the plant very popular with bees, bumblebees, and other pollinators.
Most deutzia varieties look very similar to each other, and there is little to distinguish them from the pipe bush (Philadelphus). One simple way to differentiate between the pipe bush and deutzia is from their branches: deutzias have hollow shoots, while pipe bush shoots have a white pith, or stem tissue.

JUST SOME VARIETIES
Deutzia hybrida 'Strawberry Fields': This variety has bright pink flowers that produce a slightly sweet, strawberry-like scent. This strawberry-scented deutzia is an early bloomer, and flowers between April and May.

Japanese snow flower (Deutzia gracilis): Perhaps the most well-known deutzia, the Japanese snow flower is a dwarf variety that only grows up to 70 to 90cm tall. It also fits nicely into smaller gardens or on patios or balconies as a potted plant. This deutzia is recognisable by its abundance of small, pure white flowers.

Tall deutzia (Deutzia x magnifica): Also known as showy deutzia, this variety grows up to 4m tall and about 2m wide when left unpruned. The Deutzia x magnifica grows quickly and makes an excellent hedge plant.

Fuzzy deutzia (Deutzia scabra 'Plena'): This traditional variety has uniquely fuzzy-textured leaves. Fuzzy deutzias are a popular ornamental plant grown both individually and in mixed hedges. Its double flowers look magnificent and voluminous.

Kalmia flowered deutzia (Deutzia x kalmiiflora): This species reaches heights of 150cm and flowers abundantly in hues of pink, around June.


HABITAT

 can also be found growing in waste areas, such as along roadsides and out of stone walls forest edges and rocky openings
Deutzia plants can grow in a variety of conditions, but they prefer well-drained, fertile soil and partial to full sun  or partial shade in garden borders or a woodland garden.
 They can tolerate poor conditions and are resistant to pests and diseases.















Deutzia is not poisonous. It is completely safe for humans, both adults and children. The leaves, flowers and shoots do not contain any toxins, so you do not have to worry about your pets either.

Landscape,Parks, Hedges with their decorative flowers, Deutzia can be grown in containers.
Woodland gardens:Young leaves - cooked. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails


Antipyretic: Deutzia species have antipyretic properties.have diuretic properties.have insecticidal properties.bone-setting properties.

[kevin-beverly]

HI

I found this plant growing outside i was surprised

Swiss cheese plant

Monstera deliciosa

Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron is a species of flowering plant native to tropical forests of southern Mexico, south to Panama. It has been introduced to many tropical areas, and has become a mildly invasive species in Hawaii, Seychelles, Ascension Island and the Society Islands. It is very widely grown in temperate zones as a houseplant.
There are around 50–59 species of Monstera plants, which are part of the arum family, Araceae. The Swiss cheese plant is a common name for several species of Monstera,
The swiss cheese plant, monstera, is a much-loved ornamental foliage plant that comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colours.
The main differences between Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii are their leaf structure, size, and flexibility:
Leaf structure
Monstera deliciosa leaves have perforations that create a split effect, while Monstera adansonii leaves have small holes that are completely enclosed.
Size
Monstera adansonii is generally smaller than Monstera deliciosa. Monstera deliciosa can grow up to 10 feet tall, while Monstera adansonii can grow up to 13 feet tall outdoors. As a houseplant, Monstera adansonii is usually 3–5 feet tall.
Flexibility
Monstera adansonii is more flexible and easier to train than Monstera deliciosa. Monstera adansonii can be grown in a hanging basket or trailed down from a tall shelf.
Both Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii are commonly called Swiss Cheese plants. They both require lots of brightness, high humidity, and regular watering.

Kingdom:   Plantae
Clade:   Tracheophytes
Clade:   Angiosperms
Clade:   Monocots
Order:   Alismatales
Family:   Araceae
Genus:   Monstera
Species:   M. deliciosa
Binomial name
Monstera deliciosa

The specific epithet deliciosa means "delicious", referring to the edible fruit. The genus Monstera is named from the Latin word for "monstrous" or "abnormal", and refers to the unusual leaves with natural holes that members of the genus have.
Its popular name as a houseplant of "Swiss cheese plant", or just "cheese plant", is commonly stated to refer to the "eyes" or holes which develop in its leaves similar to the holes in some Swiss-type cheeses such as Emmental cheese.
Other common names include delicious monster, fruit salad plant, fruit salad tree (in reference to its edible fruit, which tastes similar to a fruit salad), ceriman (Trinidad), ojal (Venezuela), hojadillo (Colombia), monster fruit, monsterio delicio, monstereo, Mexican breadfruit, windowleaf, balazo and Penglai banana. The names in Spanish (costilla de Adán), Portuguese (costela-de-adão), and French (plante gruyère) refer to the change of the leaves from entire to fenestrated, comparing it in the first two cases with the ribs of Adam and in the third with the hole-filled gruyère cheese. In Mexico, the plant is sometimes referred to as piñanona. In coastal regions of Sicily, especially Palermo, it is called zampa di leone (lion's paw).
This member of the arum family (Araceae) is a hemiepiphyte with aerial roots. It is able to grow up to 20 m (66 ft) high in the wild, with large, leathery, glossy, pinnate, heart-shaped leaves 25–90 cm (10–35.5 in) long by 25–75 cm (10–29.5 in) broad. The leaves on young plants are smaller and entire with no lobes or holes, but soon produce lobed and fenestrate leaves as they grow. Although it can grow very tall in nature, it only measures between 2 and 3 m (6.6 and 9.8 ft) when grown indoors. The older the plant, the more the leaves are covered with its familiar large perforations.

Wild seedlings grow towards the darkest area they can grow until they find a tree trunk, then start to grow up towards the light, creeping up the tree
The fruit of Monstera deliciosa is up to 25 cm (10 in) long and 3–5 cm (1.2–2.0 in) diameter, and it looks like a green ear of maize covered with hexagonal scales. As the fruit ripens, these scales or platelets fall off the fruit, releasing a strong and sweet scent. The smell has been compared to a combination of pineapples and bananas. The fruit is edible and safe for humans.

Fruits of plants of the Araceae (Arum family) often contain raphides and trichosclereids – needle-like structures of calcium oxalate. In M. deliciosa, unripe fruit containing these needle-like crystalline structures can cause irritation of the mouth.

It takes longer than a year for fruits to reach maturity. The fruit first shows signs of ripening by the yellowing of its lowest scales. As it ripens, the starch that was stored in the green fruit is converted to sugar, giving it its sweet flavor. This mechanism is comparable to how banana fruits ripen. The strong odor the fruit produces becomes noticeable when it is half-ripe. As time passes and the fruit continues to ripen, the odor becomes stronger. After it becomes fully ripe, however, the scent deteriorates quickly.

HABITAT
It can be found in the undergrowth of mature forests, in both lowland and mountainous areas, up to altitudes of 1,000 meters.
In its native habitat, it can reach 20 m as it climbs up trees, by means of aerial roots, in search of light. The aerial roots hang down like curtains from thick, fibrous stems.

HISTORY
 Monstera was introduced to England in 1752, Singapore in 1877, and India in 1878. The fruit was introduced to the US in 1874. Importance: The plant is grown more for its ornamental value both in the landscape and as a containerized plant.
In Chinese culture, the Monstera deliciosa is a symbol of longevity and respect.
In its native region, the Monstera deliciosa has been used for food, medicine, and fibers. The roots have been used to weave baskets and ropes, and in some areas it has been used to treat arthritis and other ailments.







All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals which if eaten or chewed can cause immediate burning pain, and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat. Swelling may cause copious salivation and difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking.
 mildly toxic to humans and is toxic to cats and dogs but is not considered lethal. All parts of the plant are harmful to ingest except the fully ripe fruit, which rarely develops on indoor Monstera. The toxicity comes from insoluble oxalate crystals in the juices inside the plant.


Indoors, pots, Tubs, The aerial roots have been used as ropes in Peru, and to make baskets in Mexico. In Martinique, Monstera plants absorb harmful pollutants and release oxygen through photosynthesis.
Edible fruit The Monstera deliciosa plant's cut foliage is often used in flower arrangements because of its long vase life and attractive design and Ornamental Use



Brazilians warm the leaves and mash them to cauterise wounds, while pieces of the Monstera plant are used in China to treat fever, infections, bruises, coughs, and bruises
The fruit of the Monstera deliciosa plant is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and B, phosphorus, calcium, fiber, and protein. It can help treat stress and fatigue, improve bowel movements, and aid in recovery from radioactive therapies.
The roots of the plant are most of the time used for different remedies. The roots can be used for curing snakebites, and other parts of the plant can also be used for arthritis.

[kevin-beverly]

HI

I found this interesting plant walking around Arillas

Queen of the night,

Epiphyllum oxypetalum

 Dutchman's pipe cactus, 'orchid cactus' princess of the night or queen of the night,is a species of cactus with a native range from Mexico to Nicaragua. It blooms nocturnally, and its flowers wilt before dawn. Though it is sometimes referred to as a night-blooming cereus, it is not closely related to any of the species in the tribe Cereeae, such as Selenicereus, that are more commonly known as night-blooming cereus. All Cereus species bloom at night and are terrestrial plants; Epiphyllum species are usually epiphytic.
 There are at least 10 varieties
The stems are erect, ascending, scandent, or sprawling and profusely branched. The primary stems are terete, up to 6 metres (20 ft) long, flattened laterally, and ligneous at their bases. The secondary stems are flat, elliptic-acuminate, up to 30 cm × 12 cm (12 in × 5 in). The stem margins are shallowly through deeply crenate and undulate. Stems appear to be waxy therefore cutin may be present. Cutin reduces water loss from stems. A gel-like substance oozes out of stem cuts. Stems contain much water-filled tissue.
The flowers are large and fragrant, shining white like a full moon. The Queen of the Night is a rare type of flower that blooms only one night a year. The flower queen at night in full bloom is a rare sight as it wilts before dawn. White flowers have a subtle scent like magnolias and gardenia.
The flowers are nocturnal. They grow on flattened stems and are up to 30 cm (12 in) long and 17 cm (7 in) wide, and very fragrant. The principal odor components in the aroma are benzyl salicylate and methyl linoleate. Pericarpels are nude, slightly angled, and green. Bracteoles are short and narrow up through ca. 10 millimetres (0.39 in) long. Receptacles are up through 20 cm long, 1 cm thick, brownish, and arching. The outer tepals are linear, acute, 8–10 cm long, and reddish through amber. The inner tepals are whitish, oblanceolate or oblong, acuminate, up through 8–10 cm long and 2.5 centimetres (0.98 in) wide. The stamens are greenish white or white, slender and weak. The styles are greenish white, pale yellow, or white, 4 mm thick, as long as inner tepals, and with many lobes.
The fruits are oblong, up through 12 x 8 cm, purplish red, and angled.


Kingdom:   Plantae
Clade:   Tracheophytes
Clade:   Angiosperms
Clade:   Eudicots
Order:   Caryophyllales
Family:   Cactaceae
Subfamily:   Cactoideae
Genus:   Epiphyllum
Species:   E. oxypetalum
Binomial name
Epiphyllum oxypetalum

HABITAT
This plant is distributed throughout semi-desert, tropical, and subtropical regions with intense sunlight, scarce rainfall, and hot temperatures.
This plant's ideal temperature for growth is 68 – 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower than 50ºF or higher than 95ºF slows the plant's growth, and dormancy begins. Make sure to avoid placing it in ventilated areas where drafts occur.
The flower colours range from white to pink to fire engine red, and have a faint vanilla fragrance. Each flower generally only last one night; another flower blooms each evening over about three weeks until the flowering cycle is finished for the year.

Epiphyllum from Greek epi- "upon" + phullon "leaf"
Epiphyllum oxypetalum is an easily cultivated, fast growing Epiphyllum. It flowers in late spring through late summer; large specimens can produce several crops of flowers in one season. This is a widely cultivated Epiphyllum species.

It is known to have medicinal properties in many Asian cultures, including India, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The plant is widely used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory ailments, bleeding conditions, and is also believed to have the property of reducing pain and inflammation

HISTORY
In literature, the Queen of the Night's rare and mysterious flowering has served as a powerful symbol. Writers have woven its imagery into narratives, often as a metaphor for elusive love or the fleeting nature of life itself. Its presence in a story can transform the mundane into the magical, offering a glimpse of nature's quiet drama.
In China, home-grown epiphyllum blooms are often seen as a sign of good things to come. There is also a sad and graceful love story about epiphyllum. According to legend, epiphyllum was once a flower goddess, she bloomed every day and fell in love with a young man who watered her.
From Borneo to the Philippines, the Queen of the Night shares company with flowers like Jasmine sambac, rolled in hair or revered for their purity. It's a botanical thread woven into the fabric of diverse cultural identities, each assigning its unique significance to the plant's captivating presence.

This enigmatic cactus, then, is not just a garden curiosity but a vessel for the sacred, a living symbol that blooms in the darkness, reminding us of the mysteries that only the night can tell.













These plants are not toxic if ingested by animals and humans.

Just for Show

This plant is well known for many uses in traditional medicine. It's been used to treat heavy or painful menstrual periods. The flowers mixed into soup are said to clear phlegm and strengthen the lungs. Plant juices have been used for bladder infections, shortness of breath and water retention.
 Stem of the plant used for cardiac problems and dropsy.
- Used for insomnia, headaches, joint pains, and painful menstruation.
- Flowers used for treating abscesses and hastening wound healing.
- In Vietnam, petals of faded blooms used to make soups, are believed to have tonic and aphrodisiac properties.
- Plant used for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, liver infection, and viral diseases.
- Dried flowers soaked in honey used for sore throat.
- Flowers used as tonic for treating liver infections, chlolecystitis, cancer, cholelithiasis, renal stones, urinary infections, gynecological infections, freckles, and elevated cholesterol.

[kevin-beverly]

HI
I have seen this plant over the years i have been going to Arillas. This plant is near the Bardis Hotel on the back road

snow-on-the-mountain

Euphorbia marginata

Commonly known as snow-on-the-mountain, smoke-on-the-prairie, variegated spurge, Ghost weed or whitemargined spurge
 is a small annual in the spurge family.
It is native to parts of temperate North America, from Eastern Canada to the Southwestern United States. It is naturalized throughout much of China.
The type specimen was collected in Rosebud County, Montana from the area of the Yellowstone River by William Clark during the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Kingdom:   Plantae
Clade:   Tracheophytes
Clade:   Angiosperms
Clade:   Eudicots
Clade:   Rosids
Order:   Malpighiales
Family:   Euphorbiaceae
Genus:   Euphorbia
Species:   E. marginata
Binomial name
Euphorbia marginata

Snow-on-the-mountain has grey-green leaves along branches and smaller leaves (bracts or cyathophylls) in terminal whorls with edges trimmed with wide white bands, creating, together with the white flowers, the appearance that gives the plant its common names.

Snow-on-the-mountain has also been found to emit large quantities of sulfur gas, mainly in the form of dimethyl sulfide
Flowers are insignificant, grouped at the ends of branches, with a number of broad, petal-like, white or green bracts surrounding them.
Euphorbia is a very large and diverse genus of flowering plants, commonly called spurge, in the family Euphorbiaceae.
Euphorbias range from tiny annual plants to large and long-lived trees. with perhaps the tallest being Euphorbia ampliphylla at 30 m (98 ft) or more. The genus has roughly 2,000 members, making it one of the largest genera of flowering plants. It also has one of the largest ranges of chromosome counts,Like all members of the family Euphorbiaceae, spurges have unisexual flowers.

HABITAT
Drought-tolerant succulent and poor soils.
50 - 60 cm height at maturity
Road side waaste ground
Prefers full sun but will grow in part shade  Direct sun will lead to more intense and colorful foliage. Too much direct sunlight (more than eight hours) may scald the leaves.
Widely introduced across various continents such as Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.
The plants are annual, biennial or perennial herbs, woody shrubs, or trees with a caustic, poisonous milky latex. The roots are fine or thick and fleshy or tuberous. Many species are more or less succulent, thorny, or unarmed. The main stem and mostly also the side arms of the succulent species are thick and fleshy, and often winged, 15–91 cm (6–36 in) tall. The succulent trees and large shrubs are mostly confined to southern and eastern Africa,

HISTORY
Snow on the Mountain, much like the Shoebutton Ardisia, is embedded in cultural memory. Its storied past is rich with folklore and rituals, often symbolizing purity and peace. In some cultures, it's a beacon of hope, its white-tipped leaves reminiscent of snow-capped peaks.
The botanical name Euphorbia derives from the Greek Euphorbus, in honor of the physician of Juba II, a Romanized king of Mauritania who was supposed to have used in his treatments a plant (E. resinifera) with milky latex and powerful medicinal properties







Symptoms. The sap is corrosive. Skin contact can cause intense burning and rash, swelling or blisters that can last several days. If sap gets into the eyes, intense pain, swelling and temporary blindness may result.
 toxic to all PETS, causing irritation. Vomiting, diarrhea, distress: signs your dog may have ingested the plant. Prevent exposure: dog-proof garden, remove fallen leaves, and train "leave it" command.


Gardens,Parks,Landscape, This succulent shrub is a great addition to any garden as the Mountain Snow texture provides great texture and can be used quite effectively in softening (from a landscape design perspective) hard surfaces such as steps, edging or a fence-line.



Native Americans used snow-on-the-mountain medicinally. The Lakotas used the tea to stimulate milk production in new mothers and used crushed leaves as a liniment for swellings. The Kiowa used snow-on-the-mountain for chewing gum.
 a treatment for cancer, a purgative, an ointment for sores, and numerous uses of the root: a physic, a treatment for pin worms, and treatment of urinary tract diseases.

[kevin-beverly]

HI

I know some of you would have seen this plant in Arillas

Moses in the Cradle

Tradescantia spathacea

Other common names are Oyster plant,Boatlily, Boat Lily  It is native to Belize, Guatemala, and southern México (Chiapas, Tabasco, and the Yucatán Peninsula) and is widely cultivated as an ornamental houseplant; it has become naturalized in parts of coastal Southern California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Texas, and various Pacific and Indian Ocean islands naturalized in regions of Europe, is a genus of 85 species
Tradescantia spathacea has fleshy rhizomes and rosettes of waxy lance-shaped leaves. Leaves are dark to metallic green above, with glossy purple underneath. These will reach up to 0.30 m (1 ft) long by 76 mm (3 in) wide. They are foliage plants that reach a height of around 0.30 m (1 ft). They are hardy in USDA zones 9-12 and are also grown as ornamental houseplants. Its cultivar 'Sitara' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Kingdom:   Plantae
Clade:   Tracheophytes
Clade:   Angiosperms
Clade:   Monocots
Clade:   Commelinids
Order:   Commelinales
Family:   Commelinaceae
Genus:   Tradescantia
Species:   T. spathacea
Binomial name
Tradescantia spathacea

The genus's many species are of interest to cytogenetics because of evolutionary changes in the structure and number of their chromosomes. They have also been used as bioindicators for the detection of environmental mutagens. Some species have become pests to cultivated crops and considered invasive.
Tradescantia are herbaceous perennials,

HABITAT

 It's native to south Mexico and Central America. In its native habitat it grows as a woodland understory plant in sub tropical and warm temperate regions.
Soil: Moist, well drained   Full sun to partial shade It tolerates most pH of soil. Once established this plant is drought tolerant.

Tradescantia spathacea flowers are attractive to some pollinating insects.

HISTORY
The etymological root of the binomial name Tradescantia is named after John Tradescant (1608-1662) who served as gardener to Charles 1 of England. Spathacea is derived from the Greek spaqh meaning 'broad blade', in reference to the spathes which enclose this plants flowers.
Plants of the genus are called by many common names, varying by region and country. The name "inchplant" is thought to describe the plant's fast growth, or the fact that leaves are an inch apart on the stem. "Spiderwort" refers to the sap which dries into web-like threads when a stem is cut. The name "dayflower", shared with other members of the Commelinaceae family, refers to the flowers which open and close within a single day.

The controversial name "wandering Jew" originates from the Christian myth of the Wandering Jew, condemned to wander the earth for taunting Jesus on the way to his crucifixion. In recent years there have been efforts to stop using this and other potentially offensive common names, in favour of alternatives such as "wandering dude" or "wandering willie"










Tradescantia spathacea is mildly toxic, with its sap irritating to dogs, pets and children. So it's best to keep this plant away and avoid skin contact.

Pots,Tubs, a common border or edging plant in tropical or subtropical gardens.ornamental plant House plant

Research supports the traditional use to treat cough, bronchitis and sprains. Other traditional uses include treating fever, amenorrhea, headache and rheumatism.
 The plant is used for cold, sore throat and whooping cough.
It is also used as an anti- inflammatory and anti- cancer properties.
Leaves boiled and made into a purple-coloured herbal tea to relieve body heatness.

[kevin-beverly]

HI

I saw this plant in Arillas on my walk about not just one a few

Autumn Olive

Elaeagnus

Other common names Autumn Elaeagnus, Autumnberry, Japanese Silverberry, Umbellata Oleaster, Spreading Oleaster.
is a genus of about 50–70 species of flowering plants in the family Elaeagnaceae.
 Vigorous, dense, evergreen shrub, scrambling over support (<20 m tall), with a very tough, suckering rootstock. Stems are long, arching, tough, with young shoots being brown and scaly and older stems often with spines. Leaves (45-90 x 15-40 mm) are arranged alternately on the stems, are hairless above, and silvery or browny-scaly (often densely) underneath. Small drooping clusters of tiny, whitish, fragrant flowers (Mar-May) are followed by a pale reddish-orange fruit (18 x 10 mm) containing one ribbed seed.
Elaeagnus plants are deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees. The alternate leaves and the shoots are usually covered with tiny silvery to brownish scales, giving the plants a whitish to grey-brown colour from a distance. The flowers are small, with a four-lobed calyx and no petals; they are often fragrant. The fruit is a fleshy drupe containing a single seed; it is edible in many species. Several species are cultivated for their fruit, including E. angustifolia, E. umbellata, and E. multiflora (gumi). E. umbellata contains the carotenoid lycopene.
Elaeagnus umbellata has the potential to form dense impenetrable thickets and become a serious weed, especially in disturbed sites. It is an invasive introduction in parts of the United States of America and Europe
Parts of the stem are covered in thorns which can be up to 8 centimetres (3.1 in) long.

HABITAT
The vast majority of the species are native to temperate and subtropical regions of Asia.[3] Elaeagnus triflora extends from Asia south into northeastern Australia, while E. commutata is native to North America, and Elaeagnus philippinensis is native to the Philippines. One of the Asian species, E. angustifolia, may also be native in southeasternmost Europe, though it may instead be an early human introduction there. Also, several Asiatic species of Elaeagnus have become established as introduced species in North America, with some of these species being considered invasive, or even designated as noxious, in portions of the United States
Scrambling habit, suckering roots, layering stems, nitrogen fixing ability, extremely long-lived and not grazed. Tolerant of drought, wet, high to medium-low temperature, wind, salt, most soil types, and moderate shade.
Birds, and possibly possums and goats, spread the very rare seed which most plants never produce. Layering stems and suckers are spread in dumped vegetation. Common sources are old homestead and farm sites, roadsides, hedges, and tips.

Many Elaeagnus species harbor nitrogen-fixing organisms in their roots, so are able to grow well in low-nitrogen soils. This ability results in multiple ecological consequences where these Elaeagnus species are present. They can become invasive in many locations where they are established as exotic species. Two species (E. pungens and E. umbellata) are currently rated as category II noxious, invasive species in many world regions and by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council.

The leaf colour with a golden yellow centre and deep green border, Green, golden borders green centre, silver











No toxic effects reported.
Toxicity: Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Horses.

Gardens,Parks,Landscape,As a security hedge,Ripe fruit will still have a sour edge, but it will be pleasant rather than puckering. Silverberries are high in vitamin C and lycopene, and they're tasty raw or cooked. The seed is large relative to the size of the fruit, so you'll want to spit that out if you eat silverberry as a trail nibble.
 Very tolerant of maritime exposure, it makes a good informal hedge, succeeding even in very exposed positions. The plants make a reasonable wind-protecting screen, they are about as wide as they are tall. They make a good companion hedge, enriching the soil and fertilizing neighbouring plants. The wood is a good fuel.



Different parts of E. angustifolia plant, especially the fruits and flowers, have been used traditionally in treating a variety of common illnesses such as nausea, cough, asthma, fever, jaundice, and diarrhea.
The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.

[kevin-beverly]

HI

You all have seen this plant in Arillas


Gum Tree

Eucalyptus

 More than 700 species of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae Eucalypts are evergreens. Most species of Eucalyptus are trees, often mallees, and a few are shrubs. Along with several other genera in the tribe Eucalypteae, including Corymbia and Angophora, they are commonly known as eucalypts or "gum trees". Plants in the genus Eucalyptus have bark that is either smooth, fibrous, hard, or stringy, the leaves have oil glands. The sepals and petals are fused to form a "cap" or operculum over the stamens, hence the name from Greek eû "well" kaluptós "covered". The fruit is a woody capsule commonly referred to as a "gumnut".
Most species of Eucalyptus are native to Australia, and every state and territory has representative species. About three-quarters of Australian forests are eucalypt forests. Many eucalypt species have adapted to wildfire, are able to resprout after fire, or have seeds that survive fire.
A few species are native to islands north of Australia, and a smaller number are only found outside the continent. Eucalypts have been grown in plantations in many other countries because they are fast growing, have valuable timber, or can be used for pulpwood, honey production, or essential oils. In some countries, however, they have been removed because of the danger of forest fires due to their high flammability.
Eucalypts vary in size and habit from shrubs to tall trees. Trees usually have a single main stem or trunk but many eucalypts are mallees that are multistemmed from Small: to 10 m (33 ft) in height
Medium-sized: 10–30 m (33–98 ft)  Tall: 30–60 m (98–197 ft)  Very tall: over 60 m (200 ft)[9]

Kingdom:   Plantae
Clade:   Tracheophytes
Clade:   Angiosperms
Clade:   Eudicots
Clade:   Rosids
Order:   Myrtales
Family:   Myrtaceae
Subfamily:   Myrtoideae
Tribe:   Eucalypteae
Genus:   Eucalyptus
L'Hér.
Type species
Eucalyptus obliqua

These aromatic trees are native to Australia and only about 12 of the many species grow in the warmer regions of Europe. Eucalyptus are fast-growing trees and are widely planted in gardens, parks and plantations. It has become naturalised in woodland and on roadsides in southeast and lowland England.

All eucalypts add a layer of bark every year and the outermost layer dies. In about half of the species, the dead bark is shed exposing a new layer of fresh, living bark. The dead bark may be shed in large slabs, in ribbons or in small flakes. These species are known as "smooth barks" and include E. sheathiana, E. diversicolor, E. cosmophylla and E. cladocalyx. The remaining species retain the dead bark which dries out and accumulates. In some of these species, the fibres in the bark are loosely intertwined (in stringybarks such as E. macrorhyncha or peppermints such as E. radiata) or more tightly adherent (as in the "boxes" such as E. leptophleba). In some species (the "ironbarks" such as E. crebra and E. jensenii) the rough bark is infused with gum resin.
Many species are 'half-barks' or 'blackbutts' in which the dead bark is retained in the lower half of the trunks or stems
The bark is smooth and white, gray, buff, or brownish-red in color pale green, red, orange, grey, and purplish brown.

HABITAT
Forests, woodland and shrublands in all environments except the most arid deserts.
The bark is often an excellent insulator against hot, dry summers as well as a protective barrier against fire. Stringy bark is so fibrous that despite singeing and looking black on the surface, it often doesn't burn, meaning buds beneath it are protected from damage.
A number of eucalyptus have a degree of freeze tolerance but two species, E. cinerea (Silverdollar Gum) and E. gunnii (Cider Gum), are perhaps the most commonly grown because of their beautiful silvery foliage.

HISTORY
Eucalypts originated between 35 and 50 million years ago, not long after Australia-New Guinea separated from Gondwana
Evidence from sequencing DNA and the discovery of fossils indicate that the eucalypts have their evolutionary roots in Gondwana,
The remarkable ability of most eucalypts to quickly re-sprout from dormant buds located under the bark or in lignotubers following damage from drought or fire is a feature that has helped them to survive and dominate the harsher environments that evolved with Australia's changing climate over the last 30 million years or so.

The big fires in Australia are the Eucalyptus full of oil









 




You should never take eucalyptus orally. It is toxic if consumed by mouth,
Toxicity to pets
Small ingestions of a few leaves or low concentration eucalyptus oil leads to mild gastrointestinal distress, but ingestion of highly concentrated eucalyptus oil has been associated with severe signs including seizure, tremor, and, rarely, acute renal injury.



Landscape,Parks,Road side,Eucalyptus is durable, strong and sustainable. It is classified as a hardwood and can be used as structural support beams for buildings and many other outdoor structures. Eucalyptus timber is a long-lasting choice for an outdoor structure; especially, if you want to protect the environment.
 extensively used in Australia as fuel, and the timber is commonly used in buildings and fencing
Koalas feed primarily on the leaves of eucalyptus trees. One of the most important factors influencing the distribution and numbers of koalas in any area is the presence and density of their food tree species. Koalas feed almost exclusively on a few preferred tree species which are of primary and secondary importance.



The leaves and oil of the eucalyptus plant are used as medicine. Eucalyptus oil is made from the fresh leaves and branch tops of the eucalyptus plant. Eucalyptus leaves contain flavonoids (plant-based antioxidants), volatile oils, and tannins. Researchers think tannins may help reduce inflammation.

Oral hygiene
Pain management
Coughs
Boosts immunity
Nasal congestion
Arthritis
Bronchitis
Cold sores
Wound
Antioxidant effects
Diabetes
Dry skin
Eucalyptus tea
Insect repellent
Antimicrobial properties
Freshen breath
Relaxation
Acts as an insect repellant
After surgery
Asthma
Fever
Dental plaque

[kevin-beverly]

HI

Some of you would have seen this insect

Mantises

In Corfu you can find both the white mantis and the green mantis. The mantis has a very frightening way of making sex. It seems that the male mantis cannot ejaculate as long as it still has its head on. So the female has to cut it off to complete the act! Well it sounds like a horror story, but to tell you the truth,
Mantises are an order (Mantodea) of insects that contains over 2,400 species in about 460 genera in 33 families. The largest family is the Mantidae ("mantids"). Mantises are distributed worldwide in temperate and tropical habitats. They have triangular heads with bulging eyes supported on flexible necks. Their elongated bodies may or may not have wings, but all Mantodea have forelegs that are greatly enlarged and adapted for catching and gripping prey; their upright posture, while remaining stationary with forearms folded, has led to the common name praying mantis.
The closest relatives of mantises are termites and cockroaches (Blattodea), which are all within the superorder Dictyoptera. Mantises are sometimes confused with stick insects (Phasmatodea), other elongated insects such as grasshoppers (Orthoptera), or other more distantly related insects with raptorial forelegs such as mantisflies (Mantispidae). Mantises are mostly ambush predators, but a few ground-dwelling species are found actively pursuing their prey. They normally live for about a year. In cooler climates, the adults lay eggs in autumn, then die. The eggs are protected by their hard capsules and hatch in the spring. Females sometimes practice sexual cannibalism, eating their mates after copulation.

Mantises were considered to have supernatural powers by early civilizations, including ancient Greece, ancient Egypt, and Assyria. A cultural trope popular in cartoons imagines the female mantis as a femme fatale. Mantises are among the insects most commonly kept as pets.

Scientific classification
Domain:   Eukaryota
Kingdom:   Animalia
Phylum:   Arthropoda
Class:   Insecta
Superorder:   Dictyoptera
Order:   Mantodea

The name mantodea is formed from the Ancient Greek words μάντις (mantis) meaning "prophet", and εἶδος (eidos) meaning "form" or "type". It was coined in 1838 by the German entomologist Hermann Burmeister. The order is occasionally called the mantes, using a Latinized plural of Greek mantis.


The size of a green mantis depends on the species, but adult praying mantises are generally 3–4 inches long:
Praying mantises can range in size from 0.4 to 18 inches long, but adults are generally 2 to 5 inches long. The size of a praying mantis can vary depending on the species,

The European mantis (Mantis religiosa) is a large hemimetabolic insect in the family of the Mantidae ('mantids'), which is the largest family of the order Mantodea (mantises). Their common name praying mantis is derived from the distinctive posture of the first pair of legs that can be observed in animals in repose. It resembles a praying attitude. Both males and females have elongated bodies with two pairs of wings. The most striking features that all Mantodea share are a very mobile, triangular head with large compound eyes and their first pair of legs (the 'raptorial legs'), which is highly modified for the efficient capture and restraint of fast-moving or flying prey

Domain:   Eukaryota
Kingdom:   Animalia
Phylum:   Arthropoda
Class:   Insecta
Order:   Mantodea
Family:   Mantidae
Subfamily:   Mantinae
Tribe:   Mantini
Genus:   Mantis
Species:   M. religiosa
Binomial name
Mantis religiosa

M. religiosa can be found throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as North America,[14] where it is considered introduced. Two confirmed stable populations are in Germany: one in Rhineland-Palatinate and one in Baden-Württemberg. In the last years, more reports have been made of the distribution of the animals in Northern Europe (Latvia, Estonia), as well.

While it is absent from the British Isles, M. religiosa has been recorded breeding on the Channel Islands - with a particularly abundant population on the island of Jersey - suggesting that its range may be capable of expanding north to Great Britain.
Despite being an introduced species, it is the official state insect of Connecticut.


HABITAT
Praying mantises live in a variety of habitats, including tropical rainforests, deserts, grasslands, and meadowlands. They are most commonly found in warmer regions, such as tropical and subtropical latitudes.
Praying Mantises tend to change in colour depending on their environment but most commonly are various shades of brown. In their natural habitat, an arboreal species, they live in tree canopies, shrubs and bushes.

HISTORY

Divergence time estimations place the origins of Mantodea at the beginning of the Jurassic with modern mantises originating on Gondwanaland in the Early Cretaceous. The first major divergence among modern mantises occurred as a result of the splitting of South America from Africa.
The name mantis, which means "diviner," was given to this insect by the ancient Greeks because they believed that it had supernatural powers. Its current name, mantid, or "soothsayer," also reflects this belief.










No, praying mantises are not poisonous to humans or pets No venom: Praying mantises are not venomous and do not have stingers
Although they can bite, praying mantises are not venomous and their bites are not poisonous. If you are bitten, you can wash your hands with soap and water to clean the area



Pest control: Praying mantises feed on various insects, including flies, moths, and beetles, many of which can be pests to crops and gardens. By eating these insects, praying mantises help to control their populations and reduce the damage they can cause.
Praying mantises can be beneficial for gardens because they eat many types of insects that can be harmful to plants, but they are not entirely beneficial:
Because Praying Mantises will go after a ton of different types of pests, they can act as an effective form of organic pest control. They've been heralded as helpers to both farmers and gardeners because they de facto "protect" crops, both commercial and personal.



Praying mantises and their egg cases have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and as a natural protein supplement: