The name gymnosperm literally translates to ‘naked seeds’ and gymnosperms are generally understood to be seed-bearing plants that do not flower. There are four classes of living representatives of gymnosperms: Cycadinae, Ginkgoinae, Coniferinae and Gnetinae. Each class is thought to represent…
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Acacia aneura (Mulga or True Mulga) is a member of the Mimosaceae family. ‘Mulga’ was the name given by an aboriginal tribe to a small, flat shield. Mulga is a generic term given to a number of different species. Acacia…
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There is nothing pretentious about about the Opuntia, better known as the prickly pear. This cactus has large spines growing in tubercles, a small, wart-like projection on their stems. They have clusters of regular spines called Glochids. These are either…
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CHARLES DARWIN’S BICENTENARY Feb 12, 1809-April 19, 1882 2009 is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Robert Darwin and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his “Origin of the Species”(November 24, 1859), so it’s a good time…
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Marjoram (Origanum Marjorana) is a member of the mint family same as basil, sage and oregano which shares it’s Latin family name with this sweet aromatic herb (Origanum). Marjoram originally hales from the Mediterranean area . In ancient Greece it…
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Introduction The bluebell is, unofficially, often considered to be the national flower of Britain. It creates a dazzling display when flowering en masse in May, a phenomenon not found anywhere else in its range. It is one of the most…
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American Ginseng is a member of the ivy family. It is now rare in the wild due to harvesting but is native to Eastern North American. American Ginseng originated in the Ozark and Appalachian regions of the United States. It…
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In Victorian times, men gave small bouquets of flowers, known as tussie-mussies, to women to convey messages about feelings which they could not openly express. Each type of flower, as well as its color, had a symbolic meaning. Most of…
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The distinctive Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), and the wide spreading, woodland flower carpet it produces, is such a familiar spring sight in parts of Britain that there are few who could not identify the plant. Although it can be found in…
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Imagine what it would be like to have no preexisting knowledge of plants. A simple walk through the forest would be an opportunity to discover new foods, but also to discover those plants that have the potential to harm. Figuring…
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