TYPES OF SITE FURNITURE

Wood
Hardwoods like Kwila, and Teak
Kwila wood is usually well priced. It is a durable tropical hardwood usually sourced from South East Asia or some
Pacific Islands. New Kwila has natural colour in the wood that bleeds out over time. Take care to avoid ground staining
- especially on unsealed surfaces.
Teak wood (or golden teak) is one of the very best woods for outdoor furniture. It is a hardwood timber with a natural
waxiness (due to its high level of oils) which gives it outstanding durability and stability. It is, after all, the wood of
choice for boats - both on deck and inside. Ever seen a kwila deck on a boat?
There is an abundance of teak furniture, ranging from very cheap to extremely expensive. Inferior teak will have knots
in the grain and will come from the outer part of the tree trunk. Imperfections and splitting may be apparent. Most
often, it is pale in colour.
High quality teak, in contrast, will come from the centre of the tree trunk and is characterised by beautiful grain,
virtually free of knots and imperfections. It will have a warm rich golden colour and hue. In Europe, the desirable
properties of high quality teak furniture are universally recognised, and there is a huge market for premium quality
teak furniture.
Understand that premium raw teak is an expensive raw material, and so the finished item will usually be a premium product. The price
difference between inferior teak and premium teak can be quite dramatic and is usually a reflection of quality.
Proper teak as we know it is called Tectona Grandis. It is most often sourced from South East Asia.
Note. Do not confuse Pacific teak with Tectona Grandis. It is a totally different species of timber. Pacific teak is much paler in colour and does
not have teh same enduring qualities.
Over time, most woods turn to a natural grey finish. The original colour can usually be restored through application of a suitable furniture oil.
Furniture oil can also be applied to new timber to slow down the greying process.
KWILA WOOD teak wood
 Aluminium
Aluminium is a near perfect metal for outdoor furniture as it cannot rust, is lightweight and is usually durable. Its light
weight needs to be considered where it may be exposed to high winds.
Aluminium furniture should be finished in a high quality powder-coat finish as this acts as an anti-corrosive barrier and
also a tough surface, resistant to knocks.
Powder-coating also improves strength and rigidity, High quality powder-coating will be harder and thicker - it will be
more scratch resistant and less prone to surface oxidation and discoloration. Tell-tale signs of high quality powder-
coating are smoothness of the finish and evenness of the sheen. Better quality powder coat finishes may have textured
finishes - like a light sparkle effect, or high gloss effect.
Typically aluminium furniture is constructed from aluminium tubing and joints are usually welded. Good quality welds are essential for strength
and appearance. Higher quality furniture will usually have even welding joints, and may even be ground down for a tidy, smooth appearance.
Avoid furniture with lumpy, irregular welding, which is indicative of poor quality. Aluminium furniture can be ideal for seaside use due to its
inability to rust.

POWDER – COATED ALUMINUM FURNITURE

 Sling
Sling material is often used as the seat base for chairs and sunloungers. Most slings are made from a woven PVC coated
polyester fabric which is suited to outdoor conditions due to its rot-proof quality. There are many brands of sling, of
which Textilene is the most recognised. High quality slings will have 100% memory, meaning that they will always
return to their original tautness. They are also colour fast and have an attractive appearance. Cheaper slings may
permanently stretch over time and show signs of colour change. Textilene is a good quality brand with several quality
levels, as is Phifer from America. Premium sling brands include Batyline and Canatex. These brands are renowned for
their strength, memory (ability to spring back to original shape) and colourfastness (resistance to colour change) Slings
should be hung from their frames (usually aluminium, orwood) very tightly with little "give" or "slack". Slings can come
in huge variety of colours and even textures. Be aware, once again, that there is a wide range of sling quality.

SLING FURNITURE

Stainless steel
Stainless steel is perhaps the strongest material for outdoor furniture, yet it is possibly the least understood. The general perception is that
stainless steel furniture needs little or no care to maintain its appearance and condition. In fact, most stainless steel comes in 304 grade and
the higher quality marine 316 grade. And yet, there are varying qualities within these grades due to impurities and nickel content. Higher
nickel content is preferred, as this reduces the possibility of surface discolouration. Stainless steel also comes in various finishes - natural,
brushed, polished, electropolished and pearl blasted.

 Natural stainless steel is the typical mechanically produced finish

  Electropolished stainless steel is a special process that improves durability - by polishing the surface through a special process to a
smoother surface, contaminants cannot adhere to the surface so easily, so discoloration is reduced. Electropolished stainless steel
surfaces are usually very easy to clean.
 Pearl blasting stainless steel is a pleasant micro bead finish.
 Brushed stainless steel is a grain like etched surface texture.
Stainless steel has a tendency for a tea staining appearance as contaminants oxidise on its surface. This is a surface rust that forms within it's
microscopic surface cavities. On cheaper stainless steel, this cannot be easily removed and permanent tea staining can result which is
unsightly. On higher grade stainless steel, this surface staining can still develop, but upon cleaning it will disappear completely. Electropolished
stainless steel adds that further level of protection by changing the surface structure of stainless steel, ,

NATURAL ELECTROPOLISHED PEARL

BLASTING brushed
 brushed ELECTRO POLISHED

PEARL BLASTED

Synthetic wicker / rattan

This type of furniture is quite new. Synthetic wicker made to look like natural rattan type finishes is usually woven
around a metal frame, stretched tight to form a tight woven surface.
There are many quality variations. Cheaper PVC wicker typically only has a coloured surface. Scuffs will highlight a
different coloured core.
Polyethylene wicker usually has colour running right through it, and it is capable of being very colour fast and strong.
Quality synthetic wicker has excellent memory characteristics (resistant to permanent stretching over time), colour
stability that should not fade over many years and a delightful visual appearance. Often the colours running through
the fiber has multiple colour tones to look natural and appealing, often simulating natural fibers.
The wicker can come in many thicknesses, from spaghetti like wicker to thick straps.
An aluminium frame is generally better than a steel frame. Some steel frames are perfectly fine if they have been treated with a galvanic and
powder coating process for protection. Quality weaving is generally recognised by a very tight weave with very few visible holes and tidy
wicker terminations. Press the wicker and see how much give there is. A firm, tight weave is an indication of quality. A recent trend has been
towards metal tone wicker fibers. These have a modern look and can be very appealing.

SYNTHETIC WICKER FURNITURE

Concrete
Concrete furniture is heavy! This can be great if you want
furniture that will not get blown around, or as a deterrent for thieves. But concrete furniture usually requires
many people to carry it to site and set up.
Concrete is also very porous and sealing the furniture with a concrete sealer is recommended, although this
usually changes it's visual appearance.
Usually the furniture is set up on pedestals, and may need to be levelled to stop "rocking". This means that
furniture is not really portable and once set up it is not practical to move it.
Lightweight concrete furniture is a new category. Essentially, it is still concrete, but the weight is reduced, either through the use of a
fiberglass substrate, or the addition of fiberglass strands in to the concrete to strengthen it. The result is lightweight concrete furniture. It is
still heavy, and therefore ideal for high wind areas, but they can be moved around with a little effort.
CONCRETE FURNITURE

Fiberglass
Not so common, and usually
expensive. Fiberglass furniture is
usually moulded to form a shape.
It is hardwearing and has high
colourfastness. Usually used for
exotic furniture designs.
 FIBERGLASS FURNITURE

Plastic
Typically this is outdoor furniture made from polypropylene or polyethylene.
Sometimes fiberglass strands are added to further strengthen designs.
Plastic is hardwearing, available in an almost infinite choice of colours and mouldable in to a multitude of shapes.
Plastic outdoor furniture can range from economy furniture (including commercial furniture) to very expensive
examples which may even have a lacquered finish.
Watch out for plastic quality. Always ensure the plastic
is UV treated to a high degree as UV rays will turn white plastic to a dirty yellow
colour if not well treated. Also note that many plastic surfaces have a fine
dimple surface that can trap dirt and can be very difficult to clean. This is
most apparent on white plastic.
 PLASTIC FURNITURE

Solid surface
This is a new material that is made from natural minerals bound with synthetic resin to form a highly durable
material that can be moulded in to shapes. Solid surface are formed for chair seats and table tops. The material is
resistant to scratching and staining and is naturally hygienic due to its density - bacteria cannot easily adhere to it.
Scratches that form on this material can
be lightly buffed off.
Its moderate weight makes it suitable
for high wind areas.
 SOLID SURFACE FURNITURE

PVC/nylon strap
Nylon/PVC strap is used as the seat base on chairs and is
often called "spaghetti strings"
Try it for comfort, as sometimes the gap between the
strings can make the seat a little uncomfortable. Also watch
out for tightness of the straps and
longevity and colourfastness of the
material.
SOFTSCAPE

PALM TREES
Most palms are a straight, unbranched stem, but sometimes a branching stem, or even a creeping vine, such as the rattan. They have large
evergreen leaves that are either 'fan-leaved' (palmate) or 'feather-leaved' (pinnate) and arranged in a spiral at the top of the trunk. The leaves
have a tubular sheath at the base that usually splits open on one side when it is grown. The flowers grow on an inflorescence, a special branch
just for carrying the great number of tiny flowers. The flowers are generally small and white, and are star-shaped. The sepals and petals
usually number three each. The fruit is usually a single seed surrounded by flesh. The familiar coconut is the seed of a large fruit. Some kinds
may contain two or more seeds in each fruit.

Over two-thirds of palms live in tropical forests, where some species grow tall enough to form part of the canopy and other shorter palms form
part of the understory. Some kinds form pure stands in areas with poor drainage or regular flooding. Other palms live on tropical mountains
above 1000 meters, Palms may also live in grasslands and scrublands, usually where there is water, and in desert oases. A few palms are
adapted to extremely basic lime soils, while others are similarly adapted to very acidic soils.

The Coco de mer has the largest seeds of any plant, 30-50 centimeters in diameter and weighing 15-30 kilograms each. Raffia palms, with
leaves up to 25 meters long and 3 meters wide, have the largest leaves of any plant. The Corypha palms have the largest inflorescence
(flowering part) of any plant, up to 7.5 meters tall and containing millions of small flowers. The wax palm, Colombia's national tree, is the
tallest palm in the world, reaching heights of 70 meters.

PALMERA
Borassus (Palmyra palm) is a genus of five species of fan palms, native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia and
New Guinea. These massive palms can grow up to 30 m (98 ft.) high and have robust trunks with distinct leaf
scars; in some species the trunk develops a distinct swelling just below the crown, though for unknown
reasons. The leaves are fan-shaped, 2–3 m long and with spines along the petiole margins (no spines in B.
heineanus). The leaf sheath has a distinct cleft at its base, through which the inflorescences appear; old leaf
sheaths are retained on the trunk, but fall away with time. All Borassus palms are dioecious, with male and
female flowers on separate plants; male flowers are less than 1 cm long and in semi-circular clusters,
sandwiched between leathery bracts in pendulous catkins; female flowers are 3–5 cm wide, globe-shaped and
solitary, sitting directly on the surface of the inflorescence axis. The fruits are 15–25 cm wide, roughly spherical
and each contain 1-3 large seeds. Depending on species, fruit color varies from black to brown, yellow or
orange; the fibrous pulp is aromatic and sweet to taste. Each seed is enclosed in a woody endocarp, which
protects it when the fruit is consumed by elephants, monkeys and other frugivores. At germination, the young
seedling extends downwards into the soil and only a few leaves are visible above ground; this provides some
protection against frequent fires in its savanna habitat; after an indeterminate number of years (the establishment phase), the seedling forms
a stem and quickly grows above the savanna vegetation, where it is then less vulnerable to fire.
The main entrance of Angkor Wat to the temple proper, seen from the eastern end of the Nāā ga causeway and Asian Palmyra palm

Young African Palmyra palm (Borassus aethiopum)

Palmyra palms are economically useful and widely cultivated, especially in Southeast Asia. The Palmyra palm has long been one of the most
important trees of Cambodia and India, where it has over 800 uses. The leaves are used for thatching, mats, baskets, fans, hats, umbrellas,
and as writing material.

In Cambodia, the tree is a national floral symbol/emblem that is seen growing around Angkor Wat. Palmyra palms can live for over 100 years.

In ancient India and Indonesia, Palmyra leaves were used as writing paper, with their parallel veins providing a useful rule. In India, mature
leaves of suitable size, shape and texture were chosen and preserved by boiling in salt water with turmeric powder. Once dry enough, the leaf
surfaces were polished with pumice, cut to the proper size and a hole was cut in one corner.
Each leaf has four pages and a stylus is used to write; the style is cursive and interconnected. Completed leaves are then tied up as sheaves.

The black timber is hard, heavy, and durable and highly valued for construction, especially in structures exposed to water, such as wharves,
fences and boats.

Jelly-like seeds of Palmyra palm (Borassus akeassii) fruit

The tree yields many types of food. The young plants are cooked as a vegetable or roasted and pounded to make meal. The fruits are eaten
roasted or raw, as are the young, jelly-like seeds. A sugary sap, called toddy, can be obtained from the young inflorescence, both male and
female, and this is fermented to make a beverage called arrack, or concentrated to produce a crude sugar called jaggery/palm sugar. It is
called Gula Jawa (Javanese sugar) in Indonesia and is widely used in Javanese cuisine. The roots can be dried to form Odiyal, a hard chewable
snack. In addition, the tree sap is taken as a laxative, and medicinal values have been ascribed to other parts of the plant.

The Palmyra tree is the official tree of Tamil Nadu. In Tamil culture it is called karpaha,"nungu" "celestial tree", and is highly respected because
all its parts can be used. The recently germinated seeds form fleshy sprouts below the surface which can be boiled and eaten as a fibrous,
nutritious food. The germinated seed's hard shell is also cut open to take out the crunchy kernel which tastes like a water chestnut but
sweeter. The ripe fibrous outer layer of the fruits is edible after boiling or roasting. When the fruit is tender, the kernel inside the hard shell is
an edible jelly that is refreshing and rich in minerals. When the crown of the tree from which the leaves sprout is cut one can make a cake. In
ancient times, dried palm leaves were used to write manuscripts.
 MC ARTHUR PALM
Ptychosperma macarthurii, known as the Macarthur palm, is a species of palm in the Arecaceae family. It is
found only in isolated occurrences in the Northern Territory and Queensland in Australia, and also in New
Guinea. The species is commonly used as an interior landscaping plant.

Ptychosperma macarthurii was named for Sir William Macarthur (1800–1882), who was one of the most active
and influential horticulturists in Australia in the mid-to-late 19th century.

A population of this species near Darwin was previously named Ptychosperma bleeseri and thought to be lost
due to habitat loss.

The leaves are pinnately compound and can have between 15 and 40 pinnae on each side of the rachis. As an
adult, its stems can grow up to 30 feet tall, although most adults are typically 10 to 15 feet tall.

RED PALM
Cyrtostachys renda, also known by the common names red sealing wax palm and
lipstick palm, is a palm that is native to Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo in
Indonesia. It is the only species of the genus Cyrtostachys that can be found to the
west of the Wallace Line, the faunal boundary separating the ecozones of Asia and
Wallacea. Cyrtostachys renda's name is derived from several words: the Greek prefix
κυρτόό - (cyrto-) meaning bent or curved, the Greek word σταχυς (stachys) meaning "an ear
of grain",[ and "renda" a Malayan Aboriginal word for palm, which happens to be
homonymous to the Portuguese word "renda," meaning income.

Because of its bright red crownshafts and leaf sheaths, Cyrtostachys renda has
become a popular ornamental plant exported to many tropical regions around
the world. Although it is not the source of sealing wax, the red sealing wax palm got its
name because its crownshafts and leaf sheaths have the same color as the wax
used to seal letters close and later (from about the 16th century) envelopes.
Also known as the red palm, rajah palm, and Malay: pinang rajah, Cyrtostachys renda is a slender multi-stemmed, slow-growing, clustering
palm tree. It can grow to 16 metres (52 feet) tall. It has a scarlet to bright red colored crownshaft and leaf sheath, making it distinct from all
other species of Arecaceae.

The plant's stipe grows up to 10 centimetres (3.9 inches) in diameter. Its petioles grow up to 15 centimetres (5.9 inches) long and have
pinnate leaves have about 50 pairs of pinnae. The plant's fruits are ovoid, 1.4 centimetres (0.55 inches) in diameter, green, turning to a dark
bluish-black when ripe.

Ornamental Cyrtostachys renda in a garden in Suva, Fiji

The lipstick palm is generally grown for its brightly colored and unusual foliage and it is considered as a plant in high demand for gardening
and a landscaping projects.Because of difficulties propagating them and their striking color, the palm has been offered for sale at prices as
high as $1000 USD to collectors and gardeners. It also has some limited traditional uses such as for flooring materials, roof thatching, and for
making darts in Pahang and elsewhere in Malaysia. Some rural communities in Sumatra harvest the plant for palm hearts.

Propagation can occur with fresh seeds, although they are slow to germinate, or through dividing out suckers. In the wild, the most suitable
environment for growth occurs in areas of Southeast Asian lowland peat swamp forests with the following characteristics: good soil drainage,
high sand content in the soil, a thin peat layer in the soil, a low carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N) in the soil, low acid, and nutrient levels in the soil
and water but relatively high organic substance levels. The palm grows well in full sun or shade but needs humid conditions and well-draining
soil. However, it also tolerates flooding and can grow in standing water as its native habitat is peat swamp
forests. It will not tolerate cold temperatures or periods of drought.

BLUE PALM
Brahea armata, commonly known as Mexican blue palm or blue hesper palm, is a large evergreen tree of
the palm family Arecaceae, native to Baja California, Mexico. It is widely planted as an ornamental.

It grows to a height of 15 metres (49 ft), with a stout trunk. Its distinctly bluish leaves are 1–2 metres (3 ft 3
in–6 ft 7 in) wide, with 1-metre (3 ft 3 in) long petioles. The leaves are persistent in nature, forming a shag
around the trunk; in cultivation they are typically burned or cut off. The inflorescences extend out beyond
the crown, reaching 5 metres (16 ft) in length. The flowers themselves are small, appearing in February and March, while the fruits are 18 –24
millimetres (0.71–0.94 in) in length, brown and with a generally ovoid to globose shape.

This species is the most widespread endemic palm of Mexico’s northern peninsula; it is locally common in arroyos and canyon bottoms, and
has been observed growing in rock crevices at higher elevations. It is sometimes found with Washingtonia filifera or Washingtonia robusta.

B. armata has an attractive appearance, especially when young, and is commonly available at nurseries in the American southwest and in
warm temperate locations elsewhere. In the UK it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.[4] It is drought tolerant
(although occasional deep irrigation is recommended), can handle both partial shade and full sun, and temperatures down to −10 °C (14 °F). It
is found under a variety of names, including "Mexican blue palm", "blue hesper palm", "big blue hesper palm", "blue fan palm", "sweet
brahea", and "palma blanca".

The Cocopah people ate the seeds after roasting them.

CHAMPAGNE PALM
Hyophorbe indica, known commonly as palmier bāâ tard, palmiste poison, or champagne palm, is
a species of flowering plant in the family Arecaceae. It is endemic to the island of Réé union. It is
threatened by habitat loss.

The trunk of the tree is slender and is about 10 metres (33 ft) in height. It resembles the related
Hyophorbe amaricaulis and Hyophorbe vaughanii, but with an inflorescence that branches in
four (rather than three) orders, and orange-red fruits. The palm comes in 2 colours: The green
one grows in the east coast of the Réé union, while the red one is endemic to Tampon region.

The palm can be found growing in moist forests on the elevation of 175–600 metres (574–1,969
ft).

BOTTLE PALM
The Bottle Palm demands full sun in almost all areas. If one has very intense sunlight, part day sun may work. This might apply to a desert
location. But, as far as we're aware, this plant does poorly in a shade environment. If you plan to grow it as a houseplant, make sure it's close
to a very bright window.

Cold Tolerance: Most enthusiasts agree that this species does not tolerate any type of freeze. There are a few nice sized Hyophorbe
lagenicaulis in Southern California (that I know of) but there are many more Spindle Palms. If you are container growing it, you can winter
protect it inside the house or in the garage. Just keep it away from temperatures of 32 degrees or less.

Heat Tolerance: Interestingly, the Bottle Palm loves heat. The lack of summer heat will result in a plant that does not perform well.

Speed of Growth: In hot and more tropical areas, growth is slow to medium at best. Remember, it's never going to get tall. If you are in an
area like Southern California, perhaps you can put on a few inches of trunk a year.

Water Requirements: I'd estimate the water needs of this species are about average for a palm. They do well with good draining, sandy soil.

If one satisfies the growing requirements above for the Bottle Palm, it looks best when there's viewing room and when it is planted as a single
specimen. Having a cluster of three will confuse and hide the unusually shaped trunk. Be sure to provide adequate heat and sun and plant in
an area that doesn't freeze. Plants can be used along a driveway (in warm areas), along a street side or randomly placed in open areas of the
garden. It also makes an ideal patio plant that gets sun and can be protected from cold.

HEDGES
Hedges are recognised as part of a cultural heritage and historical record and for their great value to wildlife and the landscape. Increasingly,
they are valued too for the major role they have to play in preventing soil loss and reducing pollution, and for their potential to regulate water
supply and to reduce flooding.[

In addition to maintaining the health of the environment, hedgerows also play a huge role in providing shelter for smaller animals like birds
and insects. Recent study by Emma Coulthard mentioned the possibility that hedgerows may act as guides for moths, when flying from one
location to another. As moths are nocturnal, it is highly unlikely that they use visual aids as guides, but rather are following sensory or
olfactory markers on the hedgerows.
Historically, hedges were used as a source of firewood, and for providing shelter from wind, rain and sun for crops, farm animals and people.
Today, mature hedges' uses include screening unsightly developments.

SANTAN
Ixora coccinea (also known as jungle geranium, flame of the woods or jungle flame) is a species
of flowering plant in the Rubiaceae family. It is a common flowering shrub native to Southern
India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It has become one of the most popular flowering shrubs in
South Florida gardens and landscapes. It is the national flower of Suriname.

coccinea is a dense, multi-branched evergreen shrub, commonly 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m) in height,

but capable of reaching up to 12 ft (3.7 m) high. It has a rounded form, with a spread that may
exceed its height. The glossy, leathery, oblong leaves are about 4 in (10 cm) long, with entire
margins, and are carried in opposite pairs or whorled on the stems. Small tubular, scarlet flowers
in dense rounded clusters 2–5 in (5.1–12.7 cm) across are produced almost all year long.

Although there are around 500 species in the genus Ixora, only a handful are commonly
cultivated, and the common name, Ixora, is usually used for I. coccinea. I. coccinea is used in warm climates for hedges and screens,
foundation plantings, massed in flowering beds, or grown as a specimen shrub or small tree. In cooler climes, it is grown in a greenhouse or as
a potted house plant requiring bright light. I. coccinea is also grown in containers, looking very distinguished as a patio or poolside plant. This
tight, compact shrub is much branched and tolerates hard pruning, making it ideal for formal hedges, although it is at its best when not
sheared.

There are numerous named cultivars differing in flower colour (yellow, pink, orange) and plant size. Several popular cultivars are dwarfs,
usually staying under 3 ft (0.91 m) in height. Nora Grant is a popular dwarf and Super King is a popular hybrid with much larger flower
clusters. Many new cultivars and hybrids of I. coccinea have come to market in the last couple of decades, leading to a resurgence in
popularity for the beautiful flame-of-the-woods.

The flowers, leaves, roots, and the stem are used to treat various ailments in the Indian traditional system of medicine, the Ayurveda, and in
various folk medicines.[citation needed] The fruits, when fully ripe, are used as a dietary source.
 GOLDEN DURANTA
Duranta erecta is a species of flowering shrub in the verbena family Verbenaceae, native from Mexico
to South America and the Caribbean. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and
subtropical gardens throughout the world, and has become naturalized in many places. It is considered
an invasive species in Australia, China, South Africa and on several Pacific Islands. Common names
include golden dewdrop, pigeon berry, and skyflower. In Mexico, the native Nahuatl name for the plant
is xcambocochéé . In Tonga it is known as mavaetangi (tears of departure).

Duranta is registered as an invasive weed by many councils of Australia. It is a prolific, fast growing
weed that is spread by birds from domestic areas to natural reserves. It was introduced and marketed
as a hedge plant some years ago. Many people now fight to keep this thorny pest under control. It is
highly ranked in the most invasive weeds in Australia.

Duranta erecta is a sprawling shrub or (infrequently) a small tree. It can grow to 6 m (20 ft) tall and can
spread to an equal width. Mature specimens possess axillary thorns, which are often absent on younger
specimens. The leaves are light green, elliptic to ovate, opposite, and grow up to 7.5 cm (3.0 in) long
and 3.5 cm (1.4 in) broad, with a 1.5 cm petiole. The flowers are light-blue or lavender, produced in tight clusters located on terminal and
axillary stems, blooming almost all year long. The fruit is a small globose yellow or orange berry, up to 11 mm (0.43 in) diameter and
containing several seeds. The leaves and berries of the plant are toxic, and are confirmed to have killed children, dogs and cats. However,
songbirds eat the fruit without ill effects.

The genus name is in honor of Castore Durante, a fifteenth-century Italian botanist. The specific epithet erecta means "upright" in Latin. The
plant is also known as D. repens, from the Latin for "creeping". The latter name was originally used to identify smaller-leaved varieties of the
species.

Duranta erecta is native to the Americas, from Mexico and the Caribbean south to Brazil and Argentina. There is some debate about whether
the plant is also native to the southern United States, in Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona and California, or is an introduced species there. In
its natural state, it commonly grows in rocky or sandy coastal areas with full sun, or moister, disturbed sites inland. Prior to maturity, the plant
will grow at a rate of up to half a meter per year.
 CROTON
Croton is an extensive flowering plant genus in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. The plants of this
genus were described and introduced to Europeans by Georg Eberhard Rumphius. The common
names for this genus are rushfoil and croton, but the latter also refers to Codiaeum variegatum.
The generic name comes from the Greek κρόό τός (króé tos), which means "tick" and refers to the
shape of the seeds of certain species.

Croton is a diverse and complex taxonomic group of plants ranging from herbs and shrubs to trees.
A well-known member of this genus is Croton tiglium, a shrub native to Southeast Asia. It was first
mentioned in European literature by Cristóé bal Acosta in 1578 as lignum pavanae. The oil, used in
herbal medicine as a violent purgative, is extracted from its seeds. Nowadays, it is considered
unsafe and it is no longer listed in the pharmacopeias of many countries.

Croton tiglium oil has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat severe constipation, heal
lesions, and is used as a purgative.[citation needed] It is a source of the organic compound phorbol
and its tumor-promoting esters such as 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. In the Amazon the red latex from the species Croton lechleri,
known as Sangre de Drago (Dragon's blood), is used as a "liquid bandage", as well as for other medicinal purposes, by native peoples.

It has recently been shown in Kenya that Croton nuts, such as those from C. megalocarpus, are a more economical source of biofuel than
Jatropha. In Kenya, Jatropha requires as much as 20,000 litres of water to make a litre of biofuel, while Croton trees grow wild and yield about .
35 litres of oil per kilo of nuts. Croton trees are planted as a windbreak in Kenya and its use as a source of biofuel may benefit rural economies
there. As arable land is under population pressure, people have been cutting down the windbreaks to expand farmland. This new use may
save the windbreaks which should help fight desertification.

Croton species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Schinia citrinellus, which feeds exclusively on the
plant.

The genus is pantropical, with some species extending into temperate areas. It is one of the largest and most complex genera of angiosperms
in Madagascar, where up to 150 Croton species are endemic.
 HIBISCUS
Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. The genus is quite
large, comprising several hundred species that are native to warm temperate, subtropical
and tropical regions throughout the world. Member species are renowned for their large,
showy flowers and those species are commonly known simply as "hibiscus", or less widely
known as rose mallow.

The genus includes both annual and perennial herbaceous plants, as well as woody shrubs
and small trees. The generic name is derived from the Greek name ἰβίόσκός (hibiskos) which
Pedanius Dioscorides gave to Althaea officinalis (c. 40–90 AD).

Several species are widely cultivated as ornamental plants, notably Hibiscus syriacus and
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.

A tea made from hibiscus flowers is known by many names around the world and is served both hot and cold. The beverage is known for its
red color, tart flavor, and vitamin C content.

The leaves are alternate, ovate to lanceolate, often with a toothed or lobed margin. The flowers are
large, conspicuous, trumpet-shaped, with five or more petals, color from white to pink, red, orange,
peach,[7] yellow or purple,[8] and from 4–18 cm broad. Flower color in certain species, such as H.
mutabilis and H. tiliaceus, changes with age.[9] The fruit is a dry five-lobed capsule, containing
several seeds in each lobe, which are released when the capsule dehisces (splits open) at maturity.
It is of red and white colours. It is an example of complete flowers.

VARIEGATED PANDAN
Pandanus amaryllifolius is a tropical plant in the Pandanus (screwpine) genus, which is commonly
known as 'Pandan’ (/ˈpændən/), and is used widely in South Asian and Southeast Asian cooking as a
flavoring.
The characteristic aroma of pandan is caused by the aroma compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, which may give white bread, jasmine rice and
basmati rice (as well as bread flowers Vallaris glabra) their typical smell. The plant is rare in the wild but is widely cultivated. It is an upright,
green plant with fan-shaped sprays of long, narrow, blade-like leaves and woody aerial roots. The plant is sterile, with flowers only growing
very rarely, and is propagated by cuttings.

In India and Sri Lanka it is called Rampéé and in Bangladesh it is called pulao pata , along with the other variety of pandan there (Pandanus
fascicularis), and is used to enhance the flavor of pulao, biryani and sweet coconut rice pudding, payesh if basmati rice is not used. It acts as a
cheap substitute for basmati fragrance as one can use normal, non-fragrant rice and with the help of pandan the dish tastes and smells like
basmati is used. It is called Ambemohor pat in Marathi; Ramba in Tamil, Biriyanikaitha in Malayalam, pandan wangi in Indonesian, hsun hmway
in Burmese, pandan in Visayan languages and Tagalog, bai tooey in Thai, rampe in Sinhala, សស ស្លឹកតតតើយ sleuk toi in Khmer, Daun Pandan in
Nonya cooking, Dứéa thơm/lāé néế p in Vietnamese, "Seven-leaf orchid" in Chinese and "fragrant plant” in Magahi and Bhojpuri due to its
fragrance.

The leaves are used either fresh or dried, and are commercially available in frozen form in Asian grocery stores of nations where the plant
does not grow. They have a nutty, botanical fragrance that is used as a flavor enhancer in Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Burmese, Chinese,
Malaysian, Vietnamese, Khmer, Laotian, Thai, Singaporean, Bruneian, Indonesian and Filipino cuisines, especially in rice dishes, desserts and
cakes.

The leaves are sometimes steeped in coconut milk, which is then added to the dish. They may be tied in a bunch and cooked with the food.
They may be woven into a basket which is used as a pot for cooking rice. Pandan chicken, (Thai: ไกกหอ ก ใบเตย, kai hor bai toei), is a dish of
chicken parts wrapped in pandan leaves and fried. The leaves are also used as a flavoring for desserts such as pandan cake and sweet
beverages. Filipino cuisine uses pandan as a flavoring in buko pandan fruit salad, as well as rice-based pastries such as suman and numerous
sweet drinks and desserts.

Pandanus amaryllifolius leaves have a number of local medicinal uses. Leaf extracts have been thought to reduce fever, relieve indigestion
and flatulence, and as a cardio-tonic. as natural air freshener
The leaves impart a pleasant aroma which can act as a natural air freshener. They are placed into a confined space, such as a car, and left
there until they wither and dry up.
 AGAVE
Agave (/əˈɡɑːvi/, UK also /əˈɡeɪvi/,[1] Anglo-Hispanic: /əˈɡɑːveɪ/)[2] is a genus of monocots
native to the hot and arid regions of Mexico and the Southwestern United States. Some
agave species are also native to tropical areas of South America. The plants are perennial,
but each rosette flowers once and then dies (see semelparity). Some species are known
by the name "century plant".

Agave tequilana, agave azul or blue agave, is used in the production of tequila. Agave
nectar, also called agave syrup, a sweetener derived from Agave sap, is used as an
alternative to sugar in cooking, and can be added to breakfast cereals as a binding agent.

The large flower spike of Agave chiapensis

Agaves are succulents with a large rosette of thick, fleshy leaves, with most species
ending in a sharp terminal spine. The stout stem is usually short, the leaves apparently
springing from the root. Along with plants from the related genus Yucca, various Agave
species are popular ornamental plants in hot, dry climates, as they require very little water to survive.

Each rosette is monocarpic and grows slowly to flower only once. During flowering, a tall stem or "mast" ("quiote" in Mexico) grows from the
center of the leaf rosette and bears a large number of short, tubular flowers. After development of fruit, the original plant dies, but suckers are
frequently produced from the base of the stem, which become new plants.

It is a common misconception that agaves are cacti. They are not related to cacti, nor are they closely related to Aloe whose leaves are similar
in appearance.

Agave species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera (butterfly and moth) species, including Batrachedra striolata, which
has been recorded on A. shawii.

The agave root system, consisting of a network of shallow rhizomes, is designed to help the agave efficiently capture moisture from rain,
condensation and dew. In addition to growing from seeds, most agaves produce 'pups' – young plants from runners. Agave vilmoriniana (the
octopus agave) produces hundreds of pups on its bloom stalk. Agave leaves store the plant’s water and are crucial to its continued existence.
The coated leaf surface prevents evaporation. The leaves also have sharp, spiked edges. The spikes discourage predators from eating the
plant or using it as a source of water and are so tough that ancient peoples used them for sewing needles. The sap is acidic. Agaves bloom at
a height up to 30 ft (9 m) so that they are far out of reach to animals that might attack them. Smaller species, such as Agave lechuguilla, have
smaller bloom stalks.

RAPHIS
Rhapis excelsa also known as broadleaf lady palm or "the lady palm" is a species of fan
palm (Arecaceae subfamily Coryphoideae, tribe Corypheae) in the genus Rhapis, probably
native to southern China and Taiwan. It is not known in the wild; all known plants come
from cultivated groups in China. They were first collected by the Japanese for Tokugawa
shogunate palaces, then popularity spread to Europe, and later to America where its low
light and humidity requirements make it a common feature in malls and offices. The genus
name is Greek - rhapis, meaning "needle"; and the species name is Latin for "tall", an ironic
name choice as R. excelsa is not the tallest in the gen

Rhapis excelsa grows up to 4 m in height and 30 mm in diameter in multi-stemmed clumps

with glossy, palmate leaves divided into broad, ribbed segments. Leaf segments are single
or few in young plants and increase to a dozen or more in mature plants; segments are
divided to the petiole. Leaf-ends are saw-toothed unlike most other palms, occurring on slender petioles ranging from 20 to 60 cm in length.
New foliage emerges from a fibrous sheath which remains attached to the base. As the plants age, the
sheaths fall, revealing the bamboo-like trunks. This usually dioecious palm species produces a small
inflorescence at the top of the plant with spirally-arranged, fleshy flowers containing three petals fused at
the base. Ripe fruit are fleshy and white, though R. excelsa more readily propagates via underground
rhizome offshoots.

SNAKE PLANT
Sansevieria trifasciata is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to tropical West
Africa from Nigeria east to the Congo. It is most commonly known as the snake plant, mother-in-law's
tongue, and viper's bowstring hemp, among other names.
It is an evergreen perennial plant forming dense stands, spreading by way of its creeping rhizome, which is sometimes above ground,
sometimes underground. Its stiff leaves grow vertically from a basal rosette. Mature leaves are dark green with light gray-green cross-banding
and usually range from 70–90 centimetres (28–35 in) long and 5–6 centimetres (2.0–2.4 in) wide, though it can reach heights above 2 m (6 ft)
in optimal conditions.[citation needed]
The specific epithet trifasciata means "three bundles".

Sansevieria trifasciata is commonly called "mother-in-law's tongue" or "snake plant", because of the shape and sharp margins of its leaves. It
is also known as the "viper's bowstring hemp", because it is one of the sources for plant fibers used to make bowstrings.

In Eurasia, it is known as hǔǔ wéǔ ilāé n "tiger's tail orchid" in China; tora no o, "tiger's tail" in Japan; and paşa kılıcı ("pasha's sword") in Turkey. In
South America, it is known as espada de Sāã o Jorge ("sword of Saint George") in Brazil. In the Netherlands and Flanders (Belgium), the plant is
also known as "vrouwentong" (women's tongue).

Like some other members of its genus, S. trifasciata yields bowstring hemp, a strong plant fiber once used to make bowstrings.

It is now used predominantly as an ornamental plant, outdoors in warmer climates, and indoors as a houseplant in cooler climates. It is
popular as a houseplant because it is tolerant of low light levels and irregular watering; during winter it needs only one watering every couple
of months. It will rot easily if overwatered.

Sansevieria trifasciata 'Hahnii', a dwarfed cultivar

Sansevieria trifasciata In Guntur

The NASA Clean Air Study found S. trifasciata has air purification qualities, removing 4 of the 5 main toxins. It exchanges oxygen and carbon
dioxide using the crassulacean acid metabolism process, unique because few plant species have adapted it. It allows them to withstand
drought. The microscopic pores on the plant's leaves, called the stomata and used to exchange gases, are only opened at night to prevent
water from escaping via evaporation in the hot sun. As a result, oxygen is released at night, unlike most plants that only exchange gases
during the day.
Numerous cultivars have been selected, many of them for variegated foliage with yellow or silvery-white stripes on the leaf margins. Popular
cultivars include 'Compacta', 'Goldiana', 'Hahnii', 'Laurentii', 'Silbersee', and 'Silver Hahnii'. 'Hahnii' was discovered in 1939 by William W.
Smith, Jr. in the Crescent Nursery Company, New Orleans, Louisiana. The 1941 patent was assigned to Sylvan Frank Hahn, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania.
The variety S. trifasciata var. laurentii and the cultivar 'Bantel's Sensation' have both gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden
Merit.
It can be propagated by cuttings or by dividing the rhizome. The first method has the disadvantage that the variegation will be lost.

S. trifasciata is considered by some authorities as a potential weed in Australia, although widely used as an ornamental, in both the tropics
outdoors in both pots and garden beds and as an indoor plant in temperate areas.
The plant contains saponins which are mildly toxic to dogs and cats and can lead to gastrointestinal upset if consumed.
Cultural significance
In its native range in Africa, a yellow-tipped cultivar is associated with Oya, the female orisha of storms. In Nigeria it is commonly linked with
Ogun, the Orisha of war, and is used in rituals to remove the evil eye. In Brazil its common name espada de Sāã o Jorge links it to Saint George,
whom by syncretism is also associated with Ogun

BLOOD LEAF
Also known as: Chicken Gizzard, Beefsteak, Beetroot Plant or Formosa Bloodleaf

Beefsteak would be tough enough to be known as if you were, in fact, an attractive, quiet
sort of non-threatening plant, but Chicken Gizzard? Ya’ simply gotta’ love any plant brave
enough to be called that! (Don’t, by the way, be confused with the nearly ten feet (three
meters) tall shrub Acalypha wilkesiana from Fiji, also called the Beefsteak Plant.)

Interestingly, while not uncommonly found in viveros and nurseries, it is not all that well
written about or documented.

One of eighty in its genus, with most coming from South America or Australia, the Blood
Leaf – like the Samba – originated in Brazil but, as a result of its colorful foliage, it is now
widely cultivated around the world. (Interestingly, Iresines were introduced to England and France in the mid-1800s and grown in their
conservatories and stove houses -heated greenhouses – as exotic treasures. They were most popularly grown during Victorian times and often
used in colorful summer bedding arrangements.)

Suffice it to say that it has strikingly beautiful green/purplish-red leaves with contrasting reddish pink veins and petioles. I recently read one
person describe it as having “Leaf color (that) varies from a dark purple to beet red with magenta veins.” Perhaps, it’s better that you look at
one up close and personal as opposed to me trying to describe this unique color combination!)
Growing up to 6 ½ feet (two meters) in height and three feet (one meter) wide, its long stalked leaves are notched at their ends, either ovate
or sub-round and range anywhere from ¾” to four inches (two to ten centimeters) in length. Its small, greenish-white (non-ornamental) flowers
– and hence seeds – are only infrequently found in cultivation.

The Iresine herbstii prefers moist, well-drained, organically rich soil in partially shady to sunny, high humidity locales. (But, remember, the
more the sun the greater the color and, unless your soil is already high in organic material, for the best possible results, compost or aged
manure is a very good thing!)

During the warmer seasons, ensure that the soil is kept evenly moist by regular, deep waterings – weekly, in the absence of rain. The best
remembered rule of thumb is to “soak the roots then let them dry out”. Beyond that, I’d encourage a two to three inch layer of organic mulch
or coconut coir to keep moisture from evaporating as well as minimize need for weeding! With the cooler climes of fall and winter reduce the
watering.

The Blood Leaf is best propagated through cuttings. If you’d like a bit bushier plant, pinch off about one inch of the growing tips and any
flower spikes. As to fertilizer, use a general all-purpose one (14-14-14 or 20-20-20) every month during the growing season. But don’t
overfeed as too many nutrients will place your plant at risk of Powdery Mildew.

Has the Blood Leaf insect enemies? Yep – aphids and spider mites. How does one get rid of these little suckers . . . figuratively and literally
speaking? Well, those durned little aphids congregate on the undersides and at the joints of leaves, where they suck the sap from the plant.
Their buddies in plant carnage, spider mites, also suck the life from the plant – but they are even smaller and more difficult to see with the
naked eye. Their presence is obvious by a stippled appearance they leave on the foliage. Both of these uninvited and much unwanted guests
can be removed by regular application of an insecticidal soap spray. If at all possible, try to avoid chemical pesticides which can kill beneficial
insects such as ladybugs – who we like very much because they just love to chow down on those blasted aphids and spider mites!

There are some popular cultivars for which a gardener might be on the lookout including the Brilliantissima, which has bright red, heart shaped
leaves with pink veins and a slightly upright growth; Aureoreticulata that has green leaves with yellow veins; Iresine diffusa ‘Formosana’ with
its green and yellow leaves. (In full sun appearing almost totally yellow, while in shade they’re green with yellow veining) and, Iresine diffusa
‘Verschaffeltii’ with its indented, kidney shaped leaves and a rambling nature.

Used much as a border or bedding plant or as a low hedge, ours is planted to juxtapose its unique leaves against Lacey Leafed Philodendron in
the Foxtail Palm planter on our swimming pool terrace.
VARIEGATED GINGER

Variegated ginger - sometimes called "shell ginger" - dominates the tropical shade garden with striped green and yellow leaves and a wide-
spreading habit. This handsome and impressive plant takes center stage anywhere it's planted. It works as a surround for trees or palms, a
filler for a corner bed, or an anchor plant for a mixed garden.

Especially valuable is the fact that this ginger can give color and impact to a shaded
area.The name shell ginger refers to the flowers that appear (infrequently) in warm weather,
looking like strands of tiny white seashells.

The flowers are lightly fragrant and the leaves themselves have a tangy fresh aroma.These
plants are often seen growing in flat-out full sun but they prefer a bit of afternoon shade to
keep the leaves from browning.

You can trim off the tallest stalks to keep this ginger a bit lower in size.

There are other ginger varieties, and one well worth mentioning is butterfly ginger. It's a
smaller plant overall that produces lusciously-scented white flowers that intensify their
fragrance after dark. This green-leaved plant only grows about 3 feet tall, prefers part shade, and should be grown near the lanai or porch so
you can appreciate the wonderful smell of the blossoms.

Variegated ginger is a moderate grower that can reach heights of 3 to 6 feet, and grows 5 to 8 feet wide. These are moderately salt-tolerant
plants that do best in part sun to part shade. Too much sun will burn the leaves and the leaves will fold up to try to protect themselves from
the blast of sunshine. It's moderately drought tolerant once established and easy care as long as you've planned well for the plant's eventual
size. This plant does best in Zone 10.However, in Zone 9B you can either grow it in a container to bring indoors during cold weather - or plant
in a protected area.

It may die back in winter but usually sends up new shoots as weather warms up again.

Add composted cow manure and top soil (or organic peat moss) to the hole when you plant. Choose a well-drained area or this plant won't do
well. No trimming is needed other than to do a warm-weather pruning for size and/or to remove a dead leaf now and then. Although these
plants don't mind dry conditions, they'll look their best with regular irrigation timed so that the soil has a chance to dry out between waterings.
Fertilize 3 times a year - in spring, summer, and fall - with a top quality granular fertilizer.

These beautiful plants have a massive spread, so give them plenty of room to spread their wings. Place them 4 to 5 feet apart and allow at
least 4 feet between a ginger and the nearest shrub. If planting around a palm, come out about 3 feet. Come out from the house 3 feet, and in
from walks and drives 5 feet if you can. Ginger will grow in a large container.

BEDDINGS
in horticulture, refers to the temporary planting of fast-growing plants into flower beds to create colourful, temporary, seasonal displays,
during spring, summer or winter. Plants used for bedding are generally annuals, biennials or tender perennials; succulents are gaining in
popularity.

Some bedding plants are also referred to as "patio plants" because they are widely used in pots and other containers positioned on patios,
terraces, decking and other areas around houses. Larger tender "conservatory plants" may also be moved out from greenhouses or
conservatories and planted out in borders (or stood in their pots in sheltered positions) for the warmer months, then returned to shelter for the
winter.

The modern bedding plant industry breeds and produces plants with a neat, dwarf habit, which flower uniformly and reliably. They are bred
primarily for use in large-scale bedding schemes where uniformity and predictability is of paramount importance, but this is often achieved by
losing the plants' individual character, and has been criticised by such notable plantsmen as the late Christopher Lloyd, who championed an
informal style of bedding.
TYPES OF BEDDING
Formal bedding, as seen in parks and large gardens, where whole flower beds are replanted two or three times a year, is a costly and labour-
intensive process. Towns and cities are encouraged to produce impressive displays by campaigns such as "Britain in bloom".

Spring bedding (tulips and polyanthus), South Shields, UK

 SPRING BEDDING

Plants used for spring bedding are often biennials (sown one year to flower the next), or hardy, but short-lived,
perennials. Spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips are often used, typically with forget-me-nots, wallflowers, winter
pansies and polyanthus.

 SUMMER BEDDING
Formal summer bedding scheme in Victoria Park, Bath, Somerset. Most of the colour is provided by large-
flowered begonias

Plants used for summer bedding are generally annuals or tender perennials. They become available (often as
what are referred to as "plug plants") in nurseries and garden centres during spring, to be gradually
"hardened off" (acclimatised to outdoor conditions) by the purchaser and finally planted out around the time
that the last frosts are expected. Experienced gardeners keep an eye on the weather forecasts at that time of year and are on standby to
protect their bedding displays overnight with horticultural fleece (or the older alternatives of net curtains or newspaper) if frost threatens.

 CARPET BEDDING

Carpet bedding employs two or more contrasting plant cultivars with a neat, dwarf habit and distinct colouring
(of flower or foliage) to create geometric displays. It is often used to form such things as lettering, logos or
trademarks, coats of arms, or floral clocks. Suitable plants are rosette-forming succulents such as Echeveria or
fairly slow-growing or mat-forming foliage plants, such as coloured-leaved Alternanthera cultivars, which are
tolerant of clipping; such plants may also be used in three-dimensional sculptural forms or pseudo-topiary.

 WINTER BEDDING

Planted in autumn to give a display until early spring, the plants used for winter bedding are mainly hardy
perennials. As it has to be planted at the same time of year as spring bedding does, winter bedding tends to be less commonly seen, except in
containers such as windowboxes.[1] Some are short-lived and will be discarded after their first display; others may be used as a source of
cuttings for the next year. Winter-hardy ornamental vegetables such as cultivars of kale and cabbage with coloured or variegated foliage are
increasingly common. Primula cultivars (polyanthus and primroses) are commonly used, as are winter-flowering heathers and Viola
×wittrockiana, winter pansies. Variegated evergreens such as cultivars of Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle), Euonymus fortunei and Hedera helix
(ivies) are also popular.

PEANUT PLANT
Peanut is an annual herbaceous plant growing 30 to 50 cm (1.0 to 1.6 ft) tall.[18] As a
legume, it belongs to the botanical family Fabaceae (also known as Leguminosae, and
commonly known as the bean or pea family).[1] Like most other legumes, peanuts harbor
symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules.[5]
The leaves are opposite and pinnate with four leaflets (two opposite pairs; no terminal leaflet); each leaflet is 1 to 7 cm (⅜ to 2¾
in) long and 1 to 3 cm (⅜ to 1 in) across. Like many other legumes, the leaves are nyctinastic, that is, they have "sleep"
movements, closing at night.

The flowers are 1.0 to 1.5 cm (0.4 to 0.6 in) across, and yellowish orange with reddish veining. They are borne in axillary clusters
on the stems above ground and last for just one day. The ovary is located at the base of what appears to be the flower stem but is
actually a highly elongated floral cup.

Peanut pods develop underground, an unusual feature known as geocarpy. After fertilization, a short stalk at the base of the ovary
(termed a pedicel) elongates to form a thread-like structure known as a "peg". This peg grows down into the soil, and the tip,
which contains the ovary, develops into a mature peanut pod.[19] Pods are 3 to 7 cm (1.2 to 2.8 in) long, normally containing one to
four seeds

Peanuts grow best in light, sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.9–7. Their capacity to fix nitrogen means that,
providing they nodulate properly, peanuts benefit little or not at all from nitrogen-containing fertilizer,[20] and
they improve soil fertility. Therefore, they are valuable in crop rotations. Also, the yield of the peanut crop itself
is increased in rotations, through reduced diseases, pests and weeds. For instance, in Texas, peanuts in a
three-year rotation with corn yield 50% more than nonrotated peanuts. [20] Adequate levels of phosphorus,
potassium, calcium, magnesium, and micronutrients are also necessary for good yields. [20] To develop well,
peanuts need warm weather throughout the growing season. They can be grown with as little as 350 mm
(14 in) of water,[21] but for best yields need at least 500 mm (20 in).[22] Depending on growing conditions and the
cultivar of peanut, harvest is usually 90 to 130 days after planting for subspecies A. h. fastigiata types, and 120
to 150 days after planting for subspecies A. h. hypogaea types.[21][23][24] Subspecies A. h. hypogaea types yield more, and are usually preferred
where the growing seasons are long enough.

Peanut plants continue to produce flowers when pods are developing, therefore even when they are ready for harvest, some pods
are immature. The timing of harvest is an important decision to maximize yield. If it is too early, too many pods will be unripe. If
too late, the pods will snap off at the stalk, and will remain in the soil.[25] For harvesting, the entire plant, including most of the
roots, is removed from the soil.[25] The pods are covered with a network of raised veins and are constricted between seeds.
Harvesting occurs in two stages:[26] In mechanized systems, a machine is used to cut off the main root of the peanut plant by
cutting through the soil just below the level of the peanut pods. The machine lifts the "bush" from the ground and shakes it, then
inverts the bush, leaving the plant upside down on the ground to keep the peanuts out of the soil. This allows the peanuts to dry
slowly to a little less than a third of their original moisture level over a period of three to four days. Traditionally, peanuts were
pulled and inverted by hand.

PURPLE HEART
Tradescantia pallida
Posted on January 30, 2009May 22, 2018

Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida) used as a bedding plant at the Missouri Botanical
Garden.

Tradescantia pallida is a tender evergreen perennial native to northeast Mexico (from

Tamaulipas to Yucatan) grown as an ornamental for its striking purple foliage. Originally
named Setcreasea pallida by Joseph Nelson Rose in 1911, it was reclassified in the genus
Tradescantia by D.R. Hunt of the Royal Botanic Garden Kew in 1975. The former name S.
pallida or S. purpurea is still often used.

Commonly called Purple Heart or Purple Heart Wandering Jew (and occasionally “Moses
in the Basket,” although this usually refers to a different species) this herbaceous plant in
the Commelinaceae (spiderwort family) is a low-growing trailer that is hardy in zones 7-10, but is easily grown as an annual or
houseplant in colder climates.
The small, pale purple flowers are borne on the ends of the stems.

Dark purple, lance-shaped leaves up to 7” long are produced alternately on fleshy stems. The fleshy leaves are covered with pale
hairs and form a sheath around the stem. The stems are quite fragile, and break off easily if brushed or kicked too hard. In colder
areas it will die back to the ground in winter, but comes back from the roots in spring. The rambling plants get about a foot high
but can spread much wider.

From midsummer through fall, and sporadically at other times, relatively inconspicuous pink or pale purple flowers with bright
yellow stamens are produced at the ends of the stems. These ½” wide blooms have three petals typical of this genus.

Purple heart makes a good container plant.

Purple Heart can be used as a ground cover, cascading in baskets, as a trailer in mixed containers or as a houseplant. They are
best used in masses for in-ground plantings and will spread relatively quickly. The purple leaves are a nice contrast to gold,
chartreuse, or variegated foliage, and a great complement to pink, light purple, or burgundy blossoms on other plants. Pair it with
complementary colors for bold combinations – chartreuse coleus, orange marigolds or red begonias.

Purple heart combined with asparagus fern, pink verbena and other flowers.

Try using it in a container with ‘Marguerite’ ornamental sweet potato, golden creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ or
other varieties) or light green asparagus fern. Or combine it with pink or lavender verbena, coral-colored scarlet sage (Salvia
coccinea ‘Coral Nymph’) or pink petunias. Other suggestions for harmonious combinations with pink or purple-flowered plants
include four o’clocks (Mirabilis jalapa), lantana, scaveola, vinca (Catharantheus roseus) and Mexican petunia (Ruellia brittonia).
Purple heart is easy to grow.

Grow purple heart in full sun for best color development; plants growing in shade tend more to green than purple. Pinch the plants
to promote more compact growth. Plants are drought tolerant and thrive on neglect, but also tolerate frequent watering. Fertilize
monthly when actively growing. Cut plants back after flowering to prevent them from getting spindly. If grown in containers to hold
indoors over the winter or as houseplants, reduce watering during the winter and don’t fertilize until new growth starts in spring.
Purple heart has few pests, but scales and mealybugs can be a problem. The juice from the leaves or stems may cause skin
redness and irritation in some people and dogs, but this is not a common problem.

Plants are easily propagated by taking cuttings from any part of the plant – just shove a node into the soil or potting mix and it will
usually root (or place in water until roots develop). This plant can also be propagated from seed, but that is rarely available.
– Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin – Madison

MAYANA
Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R. Br.

Mayana is a shared common name of (1) Coleus atropurpureus, badiara, and (2) Coleus blumei. Some compilattions list the two
species as synonymous.Quisumbing's compilation lists Coleus blumei (Mayana) as synonym of Plectranthus scutellarioides Blume.

The name "coleus", still widely used by horticulturists and gardeners, is considered a defunct genus. Species have been placed
under genus Solenostemon and genus Plectranthus. Wikipedia

Coleus atropurpureus Benth. is a synonym of Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R.Br. The Plant List

Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R.Br. is an accepted name The Plant List

Quisumbing's compilation lists Coleus atropurpureus (badiara) and Coleus blumei (mayana) as separate species. More recent
compilations list the species as synonymous. K. Heyne does not separate it from C. blumei (now Solenostemon scutellarioides).

There was a report of psychoactive use among the Mexican Mazatecs discovered in 1962 in connection with Gordon Wasson's
research into Salvia divinorum.There are a large number of Coleus blumei hybrids which can be mistaken for other Coleus
species.y

Mayana is an erect, branched, fleshy, annual herb, about 1 meter high. Stems are purplish and 4-angled. Leaves are variously
blotched or colored, usually more or less hairy, ovate, 5 to 10 centimeters long, rather coarsely toothed in the margins; and in the
most common form uniformly velvety-purple. Flowers are purplish, numerous, and borne in lax, terminal, simple or branched
inflorescences, 15 to 30 centimeters long. Calyx is green, and about 2.5 millimeters long, with the upper lip ovate and the lateral
lobes short and ovate, the lower one being 2-cleft. Corolla is about 11 millimeters long.

AGLAOMENA
Aglaonema is a genus of flowering plants in the arum family, Araceae. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia
and New Guinea. They are known commonly as Chinese evergreens.

These are evergreen perennial herbs with stems growing erect or decumbent and creeping. Stems that grow along the ground may
root at the nodes. There is generally a crown of wide leaf blades which in wild species are often variegated with silver and green
coloration. The inflorescence bears unisexual flowers in a spadix, with a short zone of female flowers near the base and a wider
zone of male flowers nearer the tip. The fruit is a fleshy berry that ripens red. The fruit is a thin layer covering one large seed.

Plants of the genus are native to humid, shady tropical forest habitat.
 Aglaonema costatum

Aglaonema have been grown as luck-bringing ornamental plants in Asia for centuries. They were
introduced to the West in 1885, when they were first brought to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. They
have been cultivated, hybridized, and bred into a wide array of cultivars. They live in low-light conditions
and are popular houseplants.

This mainly tropical genus is known for its intolerance of cold temperatures. Chilling injury can begin at
59 °F (or 15 °C). The injury manifests in dark, greasy-looking patches on the foliage.

Cultivars have been selected for their shape and size, and especially for the color and pattern of the
leaves. Many have white or cream-colored stems. Some have also been developed to tolerate colder
temperatures. The most common cultivar is 'Silver Queen', which has gained the Royal Horticultural
Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Most propagation of Aglaonema is done with cuttings and by dividing the basal shoots. Care of the houseplant involves protecting
it from cold temperatures and excessive sunlight and removing any inflorescences that develop, which can prolong the life of the
plant. It requires moist soil, and while some cultivars require a small amount of fertilizer, plants are easily injured when
oversupplemented. Aglaonema are prone to false mites (Brevipalpus californicus). They may also acquire populations of
nematodes, such as root-knot nematodes and Pratylenchus species, which cause root lesions. Pathogens include the fungus
Myrothecium roridum and bacteria such as Pseudomonas cichorii, Erwinia chrysanthemi, and Xanthomonas campestris, which can
all cause leaf spot. Colletotrichum fungi can cause anthracnose.[8]

Aglaonema plants are poisonous due to calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested they cause
irritation of the mucous membranes, and the juice can cause skin irritation and painful
rash.
METAL LEAF
Distribution and habitat: Begonia incarnata is a species of evergreen perennial succulent herb in the family Begoniaceae, native to Mexico.
It is found in deciduous and pine forests of medium and high altitudes from 800 to 1700m (2600-5600 feet) or growing as secondary
vegetation in damp places and shallow soils. This plant thrives in habitats that include wet and shaded slopes.
Description: Begonia incarnata is a fibrous-rooted hirsute begonia with fleshy stems and bushy habit, growing up to 90cm-1.2m (35-47 inch)
tall. Its 15cm (6 inch) long and 10cm (4 inch) wide, oval leaves are alternate and lobed, tooth-edged and covered with white hairs. Leaf colour
is olive green with metallic gloss and the deep-set veins are purple. The slender petioles about 2.5cm (1 inch) long. Sometimes stipules can be
observed (at the base of the petiole) narrowly ovate , pointed, up to 1cm (0.4 inch) long, reddish.
The whitish, summer-blooming flowers are covered with pink hairs. The inflorescence with few flowers pedicellate – pedicels up to 2.9cm (1
inch) long – are clustered towards the apex of slender stalks – up to 7cm (3 inch) long. The peduncles and pedicels are without hairs. The
flowers are unisexual and plants are monoecious or rarely dioecious. Male flowers are preponderant. The male flowers have 4 tepals
(undifferentiated petals and sepals): two of them are external nearly circular up to 1.3cm (0.5 inch) long and the other two are shorter and
narrower placed between the external tepals. In the middle of the male flowers are numerous elliptical stamens with the filaments bonded to
the base and topped by anthers. The female flowers have 5 tepals oblong-ovate, up to 8mm (0.3 inch) long with the ovary which is continued
by three styles united at the base. The flowers are accompanied by deciduous, narrow , bracts up to 8 mm (0.3 inch) long, pointed. The fruit is
a capsule with 3 wings most probably with one wing larger then others.

BERMUDA GRASS

-Cynodon dactylon, also known as Vilfa stellata, Bermuda grass, Dhoob, dǔā rvāā grass, dubo, dog's tooth grass, Bahama grass,
devil's grass, couch grass, Indian doab, arugampul, grama, wiregrass and scutch grass, is a grass that originated in Africa.
Although it is not native to Bermuda, it is an abundant invasive species there. It is presumed to have arrived in North America from
Bermuda, resulting in its common name.[citation needed] In Bermuda it has been known as crab grass.

The blades are a grey-green colour and are short, usually 2–15 cm (0.79–5.91 in) long with rough edges.[5] The erect stems can
grow 1–30 cm (0.39–11.81 in) tall. The stems are slightly flattened, often tinged purple in colour.
The seed heads are produced in a cluster of two to six spikes together at the top of the stem, each spike 2–5 cm (0.79–1.97 in)
long.

It has a deep root system; in drought situations with penetrable soil, the root system can grow to over 2 metres (6.6 ft) deep,
though most of the root mass is less than 60 centimetres (24 in) under the surface. The grass creeps along the ground and roots
wherever a node touches the ground, forming a dense mat. C. dactylon reproduces through seeds, runners, and rhizomes. Growth
begins at temperatures above 15 °C (59 °F) with optimum growth between 24 and 37 °C (75 and 99 °F); in winter, the grass
becomes dormant and turns brown. Growth is promoted by full sun and retarded by full shade, e.g., close to tree trunks.

Cynodon dactylon is widely cultivated in warm climates all over the world between about 30° S and 30° N latitude, and that get
between 625 and 1,750 mm (24.6 and 68.9 in) of rainfall a year (or less, if irrigation is available). It is also found in the U.S., mostly
in the southern half of the country and in warm climates.

It is fast-growing and tough, making it popular and useful for sports fields, as when damaged it will recover quickly. It is a highly
desirable turf grass in warm temperate climates, particularly for those regions where its heat and drought tolerance enable it to
survive where few other grasses do. This combination makes it a frequent choice for golf courses in the southern and southeastern
U.S. It has a relatively coarse-bladed form with numerous cultivars selected for different turf requirements. It is also highly
aggressive, crowding out most other grasses and invading other habitats, and has become a hard-to-eradicate weed in some areas
(it can be controlled somewhat with Triclopyr, Mesotrione, Fluazifop-p-butyl, and Glyphosate).[6][7] This weedy nature leads some
gardeners to give it the name of "devil grass". Bermuda grass is incredibly difficult to control in flower beds and most herbicides do
not work. However, Ornamec, Ornamec 170 and Turflon ester (tricyclopyr) have shown some effectiveness as well as Imazapyr. All
of these items are difficult to find in retail stores as they are primarily marketed to professional landscapers.
 CARABAO GRASS

The carabao grass is a kind of grass that is very common in the American
tropics and tropical countries especially in Southeast Asia. It can be found in
abundance in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia and the Pacific islands.
The grass originated from the American tropics and is eventually naturalized
in other tropical nations all over the world. It has a scientific name of
paspalum conjugatum bergius. It is also often referred to as buffalo grass.
Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines have varying terms for it.
In Indonesia, they call it either jampang pahit or paitan. In Malaysia, rumput
ala negri or rumput kerbau. In Thailand, ya-hep or ya-nomnon. And in the
Philippines, the Tagalogs call it kulape, the Ilocanos call it kalo-kawayan and
the Visayans refer to it as kauat-kauat.

It's a stoloniferous grass. It vigorously creeps on the ground with long

stolons. As it spreads through the ground, roots will form at the nodes. This allows the grass to branch out quickly. The leaves are
flat, thin and narrow.
Although the carabao grass is considered by many as a pesky weed, it has many valuable uses especially in the agricultural sector.
A lot of farms use the grass as forage for grazing. Almost all types of livestock consider the grass as food – goats, horses, cows and
sheep. It not only provides food for livestock, it is also a great ground cover. It helps prevent open areas from turning into
barren,dry lands.
Some rice and coconut plantations regard the grass as an important weed.

FLOWERS
Yellow Bell
The golden trumpet, Allamanda, or also known as yellow bell, is a tropical shrub or vine. The plant is native to Brazil and has rich green
foliage and bright yellow blooms. Vines are extremely sensitive to inappropriate growing conditions and require specific care to thrive.
The Allamanda is not to be confused with Tecoma stans or the Fritillaria pudica, which are referred to commonly as "yellow bells."

The bright yellow flowers on the Allamanda vine have overlapping petals that create a trumpet shape, and can have a diameter of up to
5 inches. Flowers come into bloom in groups of two or three which come from the tip of stem growth.

Growth and Pruning

The vine can grow to a length of 50 feet. It is, however, commonly pruned to form a short
flowering shrub. The plant is a rapid grower and will quickly vine through a trellis, or across a
wall. It will also cascade over the sides of a hanging basket. Vines that stem out and detract
from the shape can be pinched off, but over pinching will limit new growth and bloom.

Zone Hardiness

They cannot tolerate temperatures below 30 degrees, and should be brought inside when
there is danger of frost. When trimmed back they can be placed in a pot. They need kept in an
area of the home where they can receive bright light.
Medicinal Uses

The Allamanda has been used by herbalists to treat a number of conditions including jaundice, malaria and constipation. It has also proven to
have antibiotic properties effective against staphylococcus.

Kalachuchi Bangkok
Adenium obesum or known as Kalachuchi Bangkok is the common household name for a variety of
colorful flowering hybrids from the dogbane family. Apocynaceae that is native to the dry region of
Sahel, south of the Sahara desert in Africa. It is grown in many parts of the country.

Usage
These are widely believe to be lucky plants and are grown near one’s entrance or outdoor garden. These are
highly ornamental but the Desert Rose is poisonous and should never come into contact with children or
pets. If you get sap on yourself while handling the plant, wash your hands immediately.

Growth and Plant Care

Fertilize during spring and summer with controlled-release fertilizer or liquid fertilizer according to label
directions.
These plants prefer well drained medium with coarse pebbles, some sand and not compact garden soil. A
well-drained succulent mix with an ideal pH around 6.0 (slightly acidic).
The leaves are also prone to aphids, mealy bugs, scales and other insects.
In very hot or tropical climates, Bangkok Kalachuchi is happy and prolific outdoors all year round. These plants love to be in the direct sun from
a minimum of between 6 to 8 hours of almost direct sunlight.
During the rainy season, Desert Rose takes a break during the very hottest and rainiest months of the growing season. This results in two
periods of blooming within a year.

The roots must never become waterlogged. Try checking the soil every few days in planted containers. The soil should be moist, not wet, and
there should be no standing water.
 Sampaguita
Jasminum sambac also known as Sampaguita, Sampaguita is also known as Philippine
Jasmine, Arabian jasmine, Pikake in Hawaii, Grand Duke of Tuscany, Kampupot,
and Melati . Is a sweetly scented tropical flower.
The species Jasminum sambac is native to southern Asia, in India, Myanmar and Sri
Lanka. Sampaguita is serving as the National Flower of for two countries - Philippines
and Indonesia. The beautiful ornamental Sampaguita blooms cover the glossy green
leafed bushed type ever bloomer. The Sampaguita is also well known in Asia for its use
in teas and religious offerings, symbolizing divine hope.

Varieties of Sampaguita
There are three varieties of Sampaguita, commonly referred to as Single Petal, Double and Double-Double. The double layered
Sampaguita are called 'kampupot,' which are less fragrant. The three major varieties: 'Maid of Orleans', 'Belle of India' and
'Grand Duke' - differ from each other by the shape of leaves and flowers structure. The fourth popular variety Mysore Mulli, a
variation of the 'Belle of India'.
Growth and Plant Care

Sampaguita plant cuttings are easy to root. Plant them in 3 gal pots. The plants are either full sun or shade tolerant. Use a good potting soil
(with lots of organic matter like peat moss and humus). The smaller the plant, the easier it gets adjusted to new conditions. The potting mix
must be well-drained. Never use top soil or garden soil for potting to avoid rotting in roots. All Sampaguita plants need lots of light for
blooming. Bright light along with regular fertilization will encourage blooming. Move the plant into a larger pot every spring or when the plant
overgrows the pot.

Fertilize the plants monthly with a balanced fertilizer from spring through fall. The stems should be tied to supports and keep the soil evenly
moist through the growing season. Pruning of sampaguita should be taken up after flowering to keep the plants thinned and shaped. Protect
from frost in temperate regions. As a tropical plant, the Sampaguita loves heat; it grows best when the soil around it stays moist but not soggy.
Do not over-fertilize or over water. Bigger flowers need plenty of sun.

Sanatan
Santan-tsina is an erect. Leaves are opposite, sessile, oblong-obovate to elliptic-oblong, pointed
at both ends, and borne on short petioles. Flowers are many, crowded in dense, corymbose
clusters, light orange- red, red, yellow or white.Calyx-teeth are short and obtuse.

Medical Use

It has been identified that the plant contains important phytochemicals that are known to have
antioxidative, antibacterial, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, antidiarrhoeal, antinociceptive,
antimutagenic, antineoplastic and chemopreventive effects.
Growth and Plant Care

Availability of Santan, wildly crafted, cultivated as garden plant

Gumamela
Gumamela is a shrub that grows from one meter up to 4 meters high. Gumamela is also known
as: Hibiscus, China Rose and Shoeflower. In the Philippines, gumamela is cultivated as an
ornamental plant. The gumamela flower comes in many colors: red, yellow, orange, white,
purple, pink and other color combinations.

A Gumamela leaf, usually blended with Rose Hip has long been used in the Middle East and
Okinawa as herbal tea. Today, the use of gumamela tea is gaining worldwide popularity -
including Asia. Gumamela (Hibiscus) is associated with longevity.
Medical Use

As herbal medicine, gumamela flower, leaves and roots are used. Gumamela has the following medicinal characteristics: expectorant, diuretic,
emollient, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anodyne and refrigerant.

Growth and Plant Care

There are two ways to utilize gumamela as herbal medicine. One is dried and the other is fresh. For Dried gumamela, collect the flower, leaves
and/or roots. Wash, and then cut into small pieces and sundry. To use as decoction, boil the dried gumamela parts (1/4 cup dried gumamela in
1 glass of water)

Bougainvillea
If you live in a temperate climate and want an (almost) year round floral fiesta, then bougainvillea is
the plant for you. Depending on the variety, it can be grown on a trellis or over an arbor, against a
building or fence, in containers, as a hedge or ground cover, in tree form, and as a bonsai.

Bougainvillea can grow anywhere from 1′ to 8′ to 30′, depending on the species or variety. There are
actually quite a few dwarf bougainvillea on the market now if you don’t want one the maintenance
that goes along with one that grows to 25′.

Growth and Plant Care

Bougainvillea needs at least 6 hours of full sun a day to flower profusely and look its best. This plant loves
the heat too. No enough sun = not enough color. It doesn’t like to go below 30 degrees F and definitely not
for a prolonged period of time. 1 or 2 random nights around freezing will be okay. Bougainvillea doesn’t like
to have their roots disturbed. The taller growing bougainvillea needs strong support and need to be trained
and tied. They aren’t attaching or twining vines. Make sure the ties you use are strong and that you tie them
well – some of their branches get to be good-sized. They can be trained on a trellis, over an arbor, on a fence
or across a structure. The lower growing varieties are suited to be hedges, ground covers and free form shapes (I’ve seen 1 pruned in to a
swan shape and another into a giant basket).

Roses
Rose bushes come in a variety of forms, from climbing roses to miniature rose
plants, blooming mainly in early summer and fall.
 Old Rose
 Modern Hybrid
 Species, or Wild Rose

Growth and Plant Care

It take some of the amended soil and make a ring around each rose bush to act a bit like a bowl to
help catch the rainwater or water from other watering sources for the new rose bush. Inspect the
canes of the new rose bush and prune back any damage thereto. Pruning off an inch or two of the
canes will help send a message to the rose bush that it is time for it to think about getting to growing.

Keep an eye on the soil moisture for the next several weeks — not keeping them too wet but moist.

Mussaenda dona aurora

Mussaenda philippica, of Rubiaceae family, is a shrub that will grow to 10 ft tall in tropical areas. The
flowers are yellow to yellow-orange, hairy, about 2 cm long. But showier than the flowers are the 4-8 cm
long creamy to greenish-white bracts. White Mussaenda is native to Philippines and SE Asia. Its popular
name in the Philippines is Doñã a Aurora, named after the wife of former President Manuel L. Quezon.

Growth and Plant Care

Well-Drained Soils, Saline Soils / Salt Spray, Fertile Loamy Soils. Prefer full sun and lots of water.

Benefits
Used in landscaping, this plant serves well as a decorative specimen with its salmon-pink showy bracts and would fit beautifully in home
gardens too! Attractive to butterflies and bees

Mussaenda philippica ‘Dona Luz’

Mussaenda philippica ‘Dona Luz’ is named after Philippines First lady Luz Banzon-Magsaysay. It has
multiple shrimp pink sepals which are inclined to turn under at their tips. It is a tropical ornamental
shrub or tree. Mussaenda is a genus of flowering plants that comprises of about 194 species.
This beautiful cultivar developed by Philippine horticulture is considered to be a selected hybrid of
Mussaenda erythrophylla x Mussaenda philippica. It’s a tropical shrub or sub-shrub that
can reach 3.05 m in height, though can be trained as a single specimen of 1.5 m on ground or less
than 1 m in containers. The flower-like clusters of salmon-pink bracts or sepals can be 30 cm wide or
more and last for several weeks in eye-catchy ornamental display.

Growth and Plant Care

Mussaenda philippica ‘Dona Luz’ is easy-growing and low maintenance. Prefers full sun, but can tolerate
semi-shade. It must have moderate water requirement. This grows best in a well-drained soil.

Benefits
Mussaenda ‘Dona Luz ‘ Mussaenda as commonly known can be grown as an ornamental plant in parks and
public gardens or along roadsides, byways and highways. Used in landscaping, this plant serves well as a
decorative specimen with its salmon-pink showy bracts and would fit beautifully in home gardens too!
Attractive to butterflies and bees

Heliconia
 Heliconia, also popularly known as lobster-claw, wild plantain or false bird-of-paradise, is a beautiful flower with multi-color bracts and
varied flower structure. Heliconias are native to the tropical Americas and the Pacific Ocean islands west to Indonesia.

Growth and Plant Care

Heliconias should be planted in a draining soil with the top sticking out of the ground. Heliconias flourish well in loamy soils rich in humus.
Heliconias need sunlight, with temperatures that do not go below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant rhizomes which may or may not have a young
shoot. Cut back the old shoot to about 6 inches before planting. The eyes or buds, present in the Heliconia rhizome helps to grow new shoots
in about four weeks, while roots grow from the rhizome. Heliconias need an abundance of water. Since Heliconias are heavy feeders, a soluble
balanced or granular time-release fertilizer can be used. Heliconia's blooming season is once to several times a year.

Heliconias need a lot of sun and heat, so put under the sun or in a brightly lit area or keep those under a sun lamp for extended periods.
Remove any dead leaves and stems. Mulching is necessary as it retains moisture around the root zone, and controls the weeds. Place a slow
release fertilizer directly into the planting hole. Overwatering may cause the roots to rot.

Canna
The canna lily plant is a rhizomatous perennial with tropical-like foliage and large flowers that resemble
that of iris. Canna lilies are low maintenance and easy to grow, and both their flowers and foliage offer
long-lasting color in the garden.

Growth and Plant Care

While typically grown as annuals in cooler regions, given the proper conditions, canna lilies can color the
garden year after year. They like plenty of heat, so place them in full sun. They can also tolerate partial
shade. Cannas like moist conditions too, but will tolerate nearly any well-draining soil that is either neutral
or slightly acidic. They appreciate bog-like conditions as well. The soil should also be rich in organic matter.

Once established, cannas need to be kept moist. They also require monthly fertilizer that is relatively higher in phosphate for continual bloom.
It’s usually necessary to dig up and store canna rhizomes in the fall. They can also be overwintered in pots and allowed to grow throughout the
winter season. In spring they can be replanted or moved back outdoors. You can also divide the plant during this time if necessary.
 Lan tana
Plant taxonomy classifies lantana plants as Lantana camara. Various cultivars are sold, including
the 'Spreading Sunset' cultivar, which has a flower head with gold centers surrounded by orange.
This orange color later fades to pink.

Lantana plants are evergreens of the broadleaf variety. Although they may act a little like vines,
they are classified by botanists as, technically, shrubs. But because of the vine-like appearance
of their branches, they are often grown in hanging pots, in which their branches are allowed to
spill over the sides.

Growth and Plant Care

While newly planted lantanas require frequent watering, once established these plants require little maintenance and are even tolerant of
somewhat dry conditions. In fact, a good soaking about once a week should keep them relatively happy. Although it isn’t required, lantana
plants can be given a light dose of fertilizer each spring, but too much may inhibit their overall flowering. To encourage blooming, cut the tips
(deadhead) periodically. Overgrown plants can be given new life by cutting back a third of their growth. They will bounce back quickly. Regular
pruning of the plant usually takes place in spring.

Rosal
Rosal is a smooth, unarmed shrub to 1 to 2 meters high. Leaves are opposite, elliptic ovate, 2
to 6 centimeters long, narrowed and pointed at both ends, shining and short petiole and
stipulate. Have an incredibly strong scent that can permeate a large room.

Medical Use

Aside from its pristine beauty, ‘Rosal’ offers medical benefits: as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
anti-cerulein, and antifungal. It contains crocin, amyloid beta peptide immunosuppressive, iridoids
geniposide crocetin, genipin and geniposide and is good for diabetes, genipin antiangiogenic activity, pancreatitis protective activity,
Alzheimer’s disease, acute pancreatitis, and vascular inflammatory inhibition.

Growth and Plant Care

Gardenias are cold sensitive and may die during severe winters; therefore, gardenias are typically grown outdoors where the winter weather is
reasonably tolerable, or grown in pots and moved indoors for winter. Fall or spring is the most suitable time for planting the gardenia bush.

Outdoor – Rosal should keep in mind that when the gardenia plant is grown outdoors, it generally prefers to be kept in partial shade.
Gardenias also prefer moist, but well-drained acidic soil with plenty of organic matter.

Indoor - The gardenia plant can also be successfully grown in containers and treated like houseplants indoors. However, when growing a
gardenia bush indoors, you must keep in mind that it requires bright light and high humidity.

Shade Trees

Acacia tree
Acacias are graceful trees that grow in warm climates such as Hawaii, Mexico and the
southwestern United States. The foliage is typically bright green or bluish-green and
the small blooms may be creamy white, pale yellow or bright yellow. Acacia may be
evergreen or deciduous.

Most acacia tree types are fast growers, but they usually live only 20 to 30 years. Many
varieties are valued for their long roots which help stabilize the soil in areas threatened
by erosion.

Acacia trees preferred by most gardeners are varieties that burst out with yellow
blooms in the winter or early spring. Popular types include:
 Bailey Acacia
  Texas Acacia
 Knifeleaf Acacia
 Koa Acacia

Growth and Plant Care

Acacia is basically a plant-it-and-forget-it type of tree, although a young tree may need protection from wildlife while it develops its defense
system. During the first year, the tree benefits from an orchid fertilizer every three to four weeks. After that time, you can feed the tree a
general purpose fertilizer once every year, but it isn’t an absolute requirement. Acacia requires little or no water. Acacia may need occasional
pruning during the dry months. Avoid pruning leafy, green areas and trim only dead growth. Although the tree is disease-resistant, it can
sometimes be affected by a fungal disease known as anthracnose. Additionally, watch for pests such as
aphids, trips, mites and scale.

Narra Tree
Pterocarpus indicus , or more commonly known as the Narra Tree. Growing up to 3 meters high and
in 2 meters in diameter, the narra tree is a deciduous or basically a short stemmed tree. This tree
is usually found in the Bicol region of the Philippines. The narra tree is called the National Tree of
the Philippines because it is commonly found all over the Philippines and also the wood it provides
is very sturdy and hard which makes it a good kind of wood for the carpenters in the Philippines.

Benefits
One of the benefits would be its wood for furniture. The woods that the narra tree provides are purplish,
termite resistant and rose-scented and known for its hardwood. Some more benefits would be for survival
because if you are lost in the woods in the deep forest of the Philippines and you don’t have anything to
eat just remembers that the flowers of the narra tree are edible. And the others are using its leaves to
make shampoo, used for a cure for diarrhea, headaches, and stones. Used for decorative purposes, Red
latex used in folk medicine for tumors, cancers and warts and even more medical uses.
Growth and Plant Care
The needs of the tree are very simple it’s just Sunlight, water, and soil. The narra tree needs sunlight to use it for the process of
photosynthesis. Water is being used in the process of photosynthesis also and water is distributed to all the parts of the plant to function since
water is a necessity of all life. Lastly soil is needed for the foundation of the tree the narra tree is a plant that grows on soil not on water or air.

narra Tree can be propagated from seeds, grafting, and tissue culture. Seeds is simply putting the seed into the soil and planting it. Grafting is
when you cut the top off of one tree, and cut the root off another, and splice the two of them together to grow a new tree.
Mahogany Tree
Mahogany wood has a beautiful reddish color and straight grains which makes for beautiful
carvings. When we use a common name, such as 'mahogany tree,' there can be a lot of confusion
as to what we are actually referring to. Wood workers have specific rules to ensure wood is truly
mahogany.

Typically the mahogany tree can grow up to 150 feet high, and 12 feet in diameter. But the
average diameter is only about 5 feet. Often the first limb is over 50 feet up.

Growth and Plant Care

Mahogany trees thrive in very warm climates. They are native to South Florida as well as the
Bahamas and the Caribbean. The tree is also nicknamed Cuban mahogany and West Indian
mahogany. They were introduced into Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands over two centuries ago.
Mahogany trees continue thriving in those places. Mahogany tree uses vary from the ornamental to the practical. First and foremost,
mahogany trees are used as shade and ornamental trees. They are planted in backyards, parks, on medians and as street trees. The
trees are also raised and felled for their hard, durable wood. It is used to make cabinets and furniture. The species is getting
increasingly rare and has been added to Florida’s endangered species list.

The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer. Moths and bees love the flowers and serve to pollinate them. In time, woody fruit
capsules grow in and are brown, pear-shaped and five inches long. They are suspended from fuzzy stalks in winter. When they split, they
release the winged seeds that propagate the species.
 Accent Trees

Golden Shower
The Golden shower is one of the beautiful and brightly colored flowering
tree in the Philippines. It is commonly used an ornamental tree in
subdivisions and residential areas and also in memorial parks.

The Golden Shower is an erect, medium-sized to large tree, 40 ft.

common in parks and on streets in tropical regions, which sheds its
leaves every year. Its pinnate leaves are smooth, about 30 to 40
centimeters long, composed of individual ovate leaflets that are 8 to 16
leaves, about 10 centimeters long. Its special feature is its fragrant
and bright yellow flowers, which are borne in long, lax racemes about
30 to 50 centimeters long, on stalks 3 to 5 centimeters long.
Benefits
The tree is popular as an ornamental in warm regions, particularly as a street tree.

Growth and Plant Care

It usually blooms during the summer period. Flowering is very profuse, with trees being covered almost entirely with yellow flowers, many
times with almost no leaf being seen. It thrives well dry climates, and grows best in full sun on a well-drained fertile soil. The tree is relatively
drought-tolerant and slightly salt-tolerant.

Fire Tree
 Also known as royal Poinciana or flamboyant tree, flame tree is one of the world’s most colorful trees. Every spring, the tree produces
clusters of long-lasting, orange-red blooms with yellow, burgundy or white markings. Each bloom, which measures up to 5 inches
across, displays five spoon-shaped petals. Flame tree reaches heights of 30 to 50 feet, and the width of the umbrella-like canopy is
often wider than the tree’s height.

Growth and Plant Care

Flame trees, which don’t tolerate temperatures below 40 degrees F. (4 C.), grow in Mexico, South and Central America, Asia and other tropical
and subtropical climates around the world. Although flame tree often grows wild in deciduous forests, it is an endangered species in some
areas, such as Madagascar. In India, Pakistan and Nepal, the tree is known as “Gulmohar.”

Flame trees perform best in large, open spaces and full sunlight. Plant the tree in a big landscape where it has room to spread; the roots are
sturdy enough to lift asphalt. Also, keep in mind that the tree drops spent blooms and seed pods that require raking. The flamboyant flame
tree benefits from consistent moisture during the first growing season. After that time, young trees appreciate watering once or twice per
week during dry weather. Well-established trees require very little supplemental irrigation.

Banaba
Banaba, known scientifically as Lagerstroemia speciosa, is a flowering tree
that is native to the Philippines and India, where it has been used for
thousands of years as a treatment for digestive problems, kidney
inflammation and diabetes. Banaba can grow up to 30 feet high, producing
pink and lavender flowers and leaves that are 3 inches wide by 7 inches in
length. The banaba leaves are often used in herbal preparations, as they
offer health benefits.

Benefits
Due to the tree’s dense and wide spreading root system, Banaba is used for erosion
control. The tree has been used in reforestation of degraded hills in Java. It is cultivated for ornamental purposes and as a roadside tree. The
tree is used as a support for rattan. The banaba wood has a beautiful straight grain and is excellent material for cabinets, picture frames and
articles of furniture in general.
Medical Use

There is currently a lack of scientific evidence for the health effects of banaba. Some preliminary research indicates that banaba may offer
certain benefits. Banaba is touted as a natural remedy for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease, metabolic
syndrome, and urinary tract infections.

Growth and Plant Care

The tree grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It needs full sun and good drainage, being tolerant to drought. Banaba can grow in
different types of soils, except salty ones. This tree is said to be able to tolerate and stand the storms, but it is not frost-resistant.

Waterscape
Gardening with aquatics is similar to other forms of gardening in that you have to be aware of proper soil conditions, kinds of
containers, proper planting techniques, fertility needs, and after planting care.

Types of Water Scape

Rooted Floating Plants (Water Lilies and Lily-like Aquatics): These grow on the base of the pond
and send up leaves and blooms to the surface. Depending on the variety, they may grow a couple of
inches to a few feet below the surface of the water.
Bog Plants (Moisture-loving Plants): These grow in damp soil at the edge of ponds and prefer to have only the tips of their roots
submerged. They also do best in still to slow moving water. Start with a mixture of marginal plants and bog plants inhabiting about 1/3 of the
circumference of the pond.
Submerged Plants (Oxygenating Plants): The roots of these plants are anchored in soil, but the leaves stay underwater. Their foliage is
usually fern-like, lacy, or hairy. They play a vital role in maintaining the pond’s natural balance. These plants use waste nutrients and help
purify the water.

Floating Plants (Free-fl oating Plants): These plants do

not need soil or a base of any kind. As the name implies, they are simply suspended
in the water. They provide decoration and shade and help reduce algal growth.
One bunch is suffi cient for every 0.9-1.4 square meters (10-15 square feet).

Marginal Plants (Emergent Plants): These grow in the shallow margins around the edge
of the pond. It is helpful if a shelf is incorporated in the pond design to support them.
Marginal plants can be decorative, provide shelter from the wind, and off er a bit of shade.
These plants do best in still to slow moving water.
Site Preparation: Place a small amount of water in the pond so the plants do not dry out. Have plants, containers, soil, sand
and pea gravel ready.
Care after Planting: Your pond may look bare at fi rst, but after a couple of months the plants will mature and fl ourish. If
your pond water becomes murky and fi lls with algae, do not change the water. Give the pond time to reach its balance. You
may need to add more submerged plants at this time.
Creatures for Water Gardens:
Pond creatures can be added to your water container for added interest and to help in maintaining the ecosystem balance.
Several small snails are very helpful as they eat algae, fi sh waste, and decaying organic matter. Fish can be a benefi cial
addition, because they are good scavengers, cleaning up debris. They also can help control mosquito larva, and other insects.
Fish such as goldfi sh and koi fi sh are good choices.

HARDSCAPE
Driveways
Driveways are difficult to design aesthetically, but their size makes them important for curb
appeal. Make your driveway more appealing with interesting materials like stained concrete,
cobblestone or concrete pavers. a permeable option that filters rainwater.

Walkways
There are many different surface choices for walkways
and paths, including pavers, brick, stone, concrete, terrazzo and glass pebbles. Be sure to
choose an option that fits your garden and complements your home. This simple brick path works with the warm colors of the
summer flowers and gives the garden structure in the winter.

Gravel Paths
One of the easiest and least expensive landscaping projects, gravel paths offer flexibility in
shape and design. This simple gravel path is accentuated by a border of moss.

Fences
Fences can give your home a sense of privacy and security. Picket or narrow slats provide a
psychological barrier, while taller, more solid fence walls shut out the world. This
aesthetically interesting fence, with its horizontal planks, is the perfect height for privacy.

Walls and Wall Materials

Whether installed for privacy, stability or function, walls are
a lasting design statement. Choose wall materials according
to the architecture and the region of the house. Rate My Remodel user twd33 turned an unsightly
wall into an artistic masterpiece by adding some color and plantings.

Patios
When constructing a patio, be sure to include enough room for lounge chairs, cocktail
tables, a bar and plenty of space to move around. Patios can be constructed from many
materials, including flagstone, brick, stamped concrete and concrete pavers. This
picturesque patio features a dining area and a barbecue island.
 Decks
Decks are made of wood or low-maintenance composite material. Just like patios, decks
should be large enough to accommodate dining, sunbathing and other activities.

Stairs for Your Landscape

Keep the topography in mind when planning stairs for your landscape. If you have a
steep slope, break up stairs in sets of steps with landings, turns or switchbacks.

Built-In Furniture
Furniture in the garden is both functional and visually appealing. The architecture of your
home should influence your garden furniture style. Hugged by morning glories,

Pergolas
An architectural focal point, pergolas provide shade and extra curb appeal. They can be
freestanding or cantilevered from your house, and can be built from many different
types of materials. Pergolas can be made from wood or vinyl with fiberglass columns,
stone piers or metal framing. They can also be wired for electricity.
 Ramadas
Similar to a pergola, a ramada is a hardscape structure built in a yard to provide shade.
It is completely covered by a roof and often complements the home's style.

Arbors
A beautiful addition to a landscape, an arbor turns an ordinary walkway, gate or patio into
a focal point. Arbors are functional as well, providing treillage for plants. Surrounded by a mix
of perennials and shrubs,

Gazebos
Freestanding gazebos are extremely popular in landscaping projects. Before you drop one
into your yard, be sure it has a purpose. Whether it's a satellite patio, a spa enclosure or
a sheltered play area for your kids, decide what you want the structure to be used for.
 MAPUA UNIVERSITY
Intramuros, Manila
School of AR – ID – BE

PLANNING 1
AR171P – BR1 – 4Q1718

Source book
Softscape,waterscape, hardscape, and types of furniture,

Submitted By:
Garcia, Dana Angelica S.
Macaroy, John Paul b.

Submitted To:
AR. Ma. Socorro Gacutan

Date Submitted:
June 18, 2018