Tag: plants

  • Puu Kahea (Colubrina oppositifolia)

    Physical Description The Puu Kahea is a small, rare tree native to Hawaii, typically growing up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall. It has simple, opposite leaves that are glossy and dark green. The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers that bloom in clusters. Environmental Concerns The Puu Kahea is critically endangered, with very few individuals…

  • Podophyllum peltatum

    Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: poh-doh-FIL-um pel-TAY-tum Description: Distribution/Location: Native to the eastern United States, commonly found in shady forests. Environmental Benefits: Provides food for wildlife, especially turtles, who enjoy the fruits. Crucial energy source for primary consumers. Fun Fact: While the fruits are edible when ripe, other parts of the plant are toxic and were…

  • Asclepias syriaca

    Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: as-KLEE-pee-us see-REE-ah-kuh Description: Common Milkweed is a perennial plant that grows up to 5 feet tall. It has broad, ovate leaves and clusters of pink to purplish flowers that are highly fragrant. The leaves are large, oval, and opposite, with a smooth margin and a prominent midrib. The flowers are small,…

  • Plumbago auriculata

    Common Names: Blue Plumbago, Cape Plumbago, Sky Flower Phonetic Spelling: PLUM-buh-go aw-rik-yoo-LAY-tuh Description: The Plumbago auriculata is a semi-evergreen shrub that can grow 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) tall and wide. It has a sprawling, spreading habit with woody stems and branches. The leaves are oval to heart-shaped, bright green, and 5…

  • Chlorophytum comosum

    Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: kloh-roh-FY-tum koh-MO-sum Description: Chlorophytum comosum is a perennial herb that typically grows 30 to 60 centimeters (1 to 2 feet) tall and wide. It has arching, grass-like leaves that form a dense, attractive clump. The leaves are linear, narrow, and typically green with white or yellow variegation, although solid green varieties…