Thursday, March 10, 2011

Mondulkiri Protected forest

Mondulkiri Protected Forest

Welcome to Vanny's guide here is the background of the Mondulkiri Protected areas are Started in 2005, The Eastern Plains Landscape (EPL) project, located in northeastern Cambodia, covers 2 protected areas: Mondulkiri Protected Forest (MPF) and Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary (PPWS). Both protected areas are part of the world’s 200 most biologically important eco-regions. Spread over an area of almost 800.000 ha, the EPL contains one of the largest continuous stretch of dry- and semi evergreen forest in South East Asia;

The Mondulkiri Protected Forest was legally designated by a Royal Government of Cambodia Sub-Decree in 2002 for the primary purpose of conserving plant and wildlife genetic resources.

The management of MPF falls within the criteria of IUCN category 2: “National Park: protected area mainly for ecosystem protection and recreation”

WWF has been actively managing the MPF since 2004 in collaboration with the Wildlife Protection Office (WPO) of the Forestry Administration (FA). WWF developed the all-encompassing Srepok Wilderness Area Project (SWAP), which governs all activities undertaken within the MPF.

The remote value of the MPF is significantly high for the region, containing a large amount of undisturbed habitat, an aesthetically attractive river, remote and unique landscapes, forests, and wildlife creating high potential for tourists to visit the area.

The Mondulkiri Protected Forest (MPF) is part of the Lower Mekong Dry Forest Eco-region (LMDFE), which is indicated by WWF as one of the world’s 200 most biologically important eco-regions. The MPF contains a characteristic dry forest mosaic pattern of natural habitats, including several small ponds and wetlands that are embedded in three forest types. This habitat mosaic is globally unique and supports a significant population of globally threatened wildlife species.

The Srepok River that runs through the MPF, is part of the biologically rich Mekong River system and forms a priority landscape within the LMDFE. The Srepok river system is a vital economic and livelihood resource for MPF and the adjacent communities of which many rely solely on the river for domestic water supply, fish consumption and transport.

Most of the trees are of non-commercial value because they are small in diameter and widely spaced. However, the forest contains some luxury timber species, but its patches are often scattered and in remote locations. Local people harvest trees and bamboo for construction and Non-timber forest products, such as resin and sleng seeds, form an important valuable resource.

Vision

The Eastern Plains vision is “to keep Cambodian wilderness intact and connected, helping people protect their wildlife while sustaining livelihoods”. It will contribute to social and economic development in adjacent communities and elsewhere within Mondulkiri Province through sustainable natural resource management and ecotourism accommodation and attractions
The two primary goals of Ecotourism to EPL:










1.    Use Ecotourism as a tool to finance the protection of the EPL
2.    Improve the livelihood of the communities surrounding the EPL
Get more information please contact me by phone or email:
H/P : +855(0)11 351 841
Email: tuonvanny@gmail.com
Vanny's guide










   

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Emblica officinalis Taxonomy | images | uses | classification

Taxonomy of Emblica officinalis
Family:-Euphorbiaceas.

Emblica officinalis



Common names of Emblica officinalis

Amla , Anola , Avla.

Description and uses of Emblica officinalis
it is found in deciduous forests .
There are two varieties.
One with large fruits
other , small fruits grown in the Deccan.
The fruit is sometimes dried and looks like Supari.
It is very rich in Vitamine C.

Cucumis melo | Kharbuja | Puttihai |Shendad |Takmak. | uses ,classification with image

Taxonomy of Cucumis melo

Common names of Cucumis melo
English. Melon ;
Marathi. Kharbuja , Puttihai, Shendad ,Takmak.

Cucumis meloScientific classification of Cucumis melo
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Cucurbitales
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Genus: Cucumis
Species: C. melo
Binomial name Cucumis melo



Description and medicinal uses of plants


A creeping annual, supposed to be native of North-West India,
Cultivated in sandy beds of rivers during the lis season.
The fruit is eaten.

Coffea arabica | Taxonomy | classification

Taxonomy of Coffea arabica
Common names of Coffea arabica
English. Coffee ;
Marathi. Bund.

Scientific classification of Coffea arabica
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Coffea
Species: C. arabica
Binomial name Coffea arabica


Description and uses of Coffea arabica plant

A small tree ; a native of Abyssinia.
Berries contain 2 seeds each, they are roasted, ground into powder from which a beverage is prepared.
It is a refreshing or stimulant drink.

varieties of TARBUJA and fruits

(1) PANDHRE TARBUJA - Fruit whitish outside, flesh deep or pale rosy red ; best to eat.
(2) SAHEBI TARBUJA - Fruit whitish outside, flesh red. Largely found in the Bombay Market. Keeps for a long time.
(3) KALE TARBUJA -Fruit dark-green outside, flesh deep rosy red; not very good to eat.
(4) SURAI - Fruit long, flesh red and seed reddish.

Citrus paradisi | Grape fruit. | Image

Citrus paradisi
Citrus paradisi

Common name :- Grape fruit.

Scientific classification of Citrus paradisi
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Sapindales
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Citrus


A small tree.

Citrus Limon | Lemon | Motalimbu | Jambira | Idalimbu | Jamburi.

Common names
Lemon, Motalimbu, Jambira , Idalimbu, Jamburi.

Scientific classification of Citrus Limon

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Sapindales
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Citrus

Description and uses of Citrus Limon tree

A small tree ; rarely grown for fruit; The plant is usd to bud oranges.
The fruit is smaller and rough.
The juice the fruits are sometimes used for making pickles.

Citrus aurantifolia | Fruit tree

Citrus aurantifolia

Family.—Rutacese.

Common names of Citrus aurantifolia.
Khatalimbu, Lebu , Limbe ,Kagdi Limbn.

Citrus aurantifolia is small tree .
for cultivation it occupies about 2,500 acres area.
The fruit is small and round.
It is used for making pickles, and the juice is used for adding taste to salads.

Citrus medica garden plant | image(picture) | Taxonomy and classification

Citrus medica garden plant
Citrus medica garden plant | image(picture) | Taxonomy and classification


Scientific classification of Citrus medica

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Sapindales
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Citrus
Species: C. medica
Binomial name Citrus medica




Common names of Citrus medica


English- Citron;
Gujrati. Bijoru;
Hindi. Turanj ;
Marathi- Mahalunga.

Description and uses of Citrus medica Tree


Citrus medica a small tree.
The fruit is large, skin warty and rough and the rind very thick.
The pulp is bitter and acidic, pale-white in colour.
The fruit is used for pickles and preserves.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Fruit tree Citrus grandis | Taxonomy of Papnas.

Fruit tree Citrus grandis
Family — Rutacese.

Common names of Citrus grandis
English. Pomelo ;
Gujrati. Popnas;
Marathi. Papnas.

Description and uses of Fruit tree Citrus grandis
Citrus grandis is Fruit Trees with A round headed bushy tree, a native of Malaya.
It occupies about 3000 acres to Cultivate.

varieties of Fruit tree Citrus grandis
  1. Red or rose flesh
  2. White flesh.

The former is very popular and sweeter than the latter.
An inter¬mediate variety with pink flesh is occasionally found.
The fruit is eaten along with sugar or salt and is much relished.

Taxonomy of Cicca acida tree | Country gooseberry | Amla | Harparauri | Kirnelli | Rai-amba.

Taxonomy of Cicca acida

Family.—Euphorbiaceas.

Common names of Cicca acida
Country gooseberry , Amla , Harparauri ,Kirnelli , Rai-amba.

Description and uses of Cicca acida tree


A small tree.
Cultivated in gardens .
It bears fruits twice a year—once in April-May and again at the end of rains.
The fruit is extremely sour and is usually eaten cooked with sugar.
It is also made into pickle.

Chrysophyllum cainito | Star-apple | Taraphal.

Taxonomy of Chrysophyllum cainito

Scientific classification of Chrysophyllum cainito
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Ericales
Family: Sapotaceae
Genus: Chrysophyllum
Species: C. cainito
Binomial name :-Chrysophyllum cainito

Common names of Chrysophyllum cainito
Star-apple , Taraphal.

Description and uses of Chrysophyllum cainito plant

A medium sized evergreen tree.
They are also planted in gardens .
The fruit is slightly larger than a Chiku fruit and when cut open shows 8 to 10 compartments arranged like a star (hence the name star-apple).
It contains small amount of sugar and is not much relished.

varieties of Artocarpus integra

Artocarpus integra

Family .—Moraceas

Common names:- Jack Fruit Tree , Vanas , Chakki ,Halasu , Phanas.

A large evergreen tree.

varieties of Artocarpus integra

  1. Barka—pericarp is easily opened with soft pulp succulent bracts and is eaten when fresh.
  2. Kapa-pericarp is hard to open with firm pulp and keeps longer. The fruit is used as a vegetable when green. When ripe, pulp is eaten.
  3. Seeds when roasted are very palatable and nutritious.

Artocarpus communis | Bread Fruit | Bhajicha Phanas | Bhakarlehe

Artocarpus communis
Family—Moracea

Common names :- Bread Fruit , Bhajicha Phanas , Bhakarlehe

Tree with huge polished green leaves.

Annona cherimola | Marutiphal | Hanamphala.

Taxonomy of Annona cherimola
Scientific classification of Annona cherimola

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Magnoliales
Family: Annonaceae
Genus: Annona
Species: A. cherimola
Binomial name :-Annona cherimola

Common names of Annona cherimola
Marutiphal, Hanamphala.

Description and uses of Annona cherimola

Annona cherimola A small tree .
There are some trees growing in those Gardens at present.
The fruit is large, green, round, oblong or heart-shaped with pitted rind.
It is very delicious..

Carica papaya | Papai | Papita | Pangf.

Carica papaya's taxonomy
Scientific classification of
Carica papaya

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Brassicales
Family: Caricaceae
Genus: Carica
Species: C. papaya
Binomial name :-Carica papaya

Common names of Carica papaya:
Papai , Papita ,Pangf.

Description and uses of Carica papaya plant
Papayas can be used as a food, a cooking aid, and in medicine.
The stem and bark are also used mostly in rope production.

Borassus flabellifer | Palmyra Palm | Tad

Scientific classification of Borassus flabellifer
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Borassus
Species: B. flabellifer
Binomial name:-Borassus flabellifer


Common names of Borassus flabellifer

English name.:-Palmyra Palm;
Gujrati name:- Tad;
Hindi name. Tad;

Description of Tad

A large erect palm. Cultivated and self sown in the districts of the State.
The unripe seedTad-gola are eaten during the hot weather. They are cooling
Inflorescence is tapped for toddy which is fermented and it HI
liquor.

Averrhoa carambola | Carambola Apple | Coromondal | Kirahulli | Kamarakh.

Scientific classification of Averrhoa carambola
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Oxalidales
Family: Oxalidaceae
Genus: Averrhoa
Species: A. carambola
Binomial name :-Averrhoa carambola

Common names
Carambola Apple, Coromondal , Kirahulli , Kamarakh.

Description about Averrhoa carambola
A small tree grown in gardens throughout the State.
The fruit is remarkably handsome of the size of a lemon.
well as a very fine and peculiar flavour.
It is acidic and unfit In heaten raw.
It does not bear cooking well as it then becomes horny.
The pulp affords a very delicious jelly.

Averrhoa bilimbi | Anvalla | Bhimbu | Scientific classification | Common names

Averrhoa bilimbi

Scientific classification of Averrhoa bilimbi
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Oxalidales
Family: Oxalidaceae
Genus: Averrhoa
Species: A. bilimbi
Binomial name:-Averrhoa bilimbi


Common names

Hindi:-Anvalla, Bhimbu ;

Marathi:- Bilimbi, Bimbal.

A small tree, sparingly grown in gardens.

The fruit resembles large tondali .

they arc borne in clusters on the tree .

They are are used only for preparing pickles,

Artocarpus Integra | Phanas. | Jack Fruit Tree | Scientific classification

Scientific classification of Artocarpus Integra
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Rosales
Family: Moraceae
Tribe: Artocarpeae
Genus: Artocarpus



Common names of Artocarpus Integra.
English Jack Fruit Tree ;
Gujrati. Vanas ;
Hindi. Chakki;
Marathi. Phanas.


A large evergreen tree, widely cultivated ; grown in gardens .
There are two varieties of this fruit.
  1. Barka— eaten when fresh.
  2. Kapa-pericarp is hard to open with firm pulp and keeps longer.
The fruit is used as a vegetable when green. When ripe, pulp is eaten. Seeds when roasted are very palatable and nutritious.
The soft pulp from the Barka variety is much used for preparing
Papads are also prepared from the pulp mixed with salt and chili-powder.

taxonomy of Areca catechu | Scientific classification |Common names

Scientific classification of Areca catechu
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Areca
Species: A. catechu
Binomial name:-Areca catechu

Common names
English :- Areca Nut Palm
Gujrati . Hopari, Sopari;
Hindi. Supiyari

The seed is mainly used as a masticatory together with betel leaf.
The seed contains tannic acid, fat and arecidine, gnvacine and arecolodine.

Annona squamosa | Image | Custard Apple | Sweet-sop | Sharipha

Annona squamosa-Image

Scientific classification of Annona squamosa
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Magnoliales
Family: Annonaceae
Genus: Annona
Species: A. squamosa
Binomial name:-Annona squamosa.

Common names:-

English . Custard Apple, Sweet-sop;
Gujrati. Anuram, Sitaphal, Sharipha ;
Marathi. Sitaphal.

Description about Annona squamosa
A small tree largely cultivated in gardens ; domesticated and wild in the forests
Three varieties;
  1. Green, which is most common and popular and is the best.
  2. Yellow
  3. the last one is Red.
Annona squamosa description about Fruits
The fruit is exclusively consumed locally.
The white pulp having the consistency of soft butter is used to flavour ice-puddings.
Seeds contain an insecticidal principle.



Anona reticulata | Scientific classification | Family | Genus

Anona reticulata
Scientific classification of Anona reticulata
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Magnoliales
Family: Annonaceae
Genus: Annona
Species: A. reticulata
Binomial name :-Annona reticulata


Common names:-
English name:- Bullock's heart;
Gujrati name:-. Ramphal;
Marathi name.:-Ramphal.

Medicinal uses and description of Anona reticulata :-

It is a small tree. It is very rarely cultivated in Bombay State.
The fruit is 10 15 cm in diameter, almost heart-shaped (hence the name Bullock heart).
yellowish-red .

Anona muricata | Soursop | Mamphal | Common names |

Anona muricata

Scientific classification of Anona muricata
  1. Kingdom- Plantae
  2. Family- Annonaceae
  3. Genus- Annona
  4. Species- A. muricata
Binomial name-: Annona muricata

Common names
  1. English:-Soursop;
  2. Marathi:- Mamphal.

Anona muricata :-it is a small shrubby tree.
It is occasionally grown in large gardens.
The fruit varies in form from kidney-shaped to ovoid.
It is covered with soft green prickles.

ANONA CHERIMOLYIYA | Bullock's Heart | Marutiphal | Hanamphala | images

ANONA CHERIMOLYIYA ANONA CHERIMOLYIYA

Scientific classification of ANONA CHERIMOLYIYA

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Magnoliales
Family: Annonaceae
Genus: Annona
Species: A. cherimola
Binomial name :Annona cherimola


Common names:- Marutiphal , Hanamphala.

ANONA CHERIMOLYIYA is a small tree ; It is a native of Equador and Peru.
In India it is grown in the Nilgiri Hills.
The fruit is large, green, round, oblong or heart-shaped with pitted rind.
It is very delicious.
It much Appear like Ramphal (Bullock's Heart) but is a bit superior to it.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

THE PROBLEM WITH MANY PLANT NURSERIES

“Let the buyer beware” is often appropriate to describe the marketing of plants at your local nursery and garden center.  Overall, plants are purchased based on consumer impulse and visual appeal rather than real knowledge of their characteristics, growing requirements, and potential.  This article was inspired by a recent visit to one of my favorite nurseries that has been noted for carrying native and adaptive plants recommended and proven to grow well and be environmentally friendly in central Texas.  I was shocked to see Rhododendron (yes the kind that thrives in the wet, cool, northern parts of the country which needs highly acidic, organic soils), Red-stem Dogwood and Lilacs which require significant winter freezing and acidic soil as part of their growth requirements,  along with several other plants that absolutely won’t make it here.   Plants like these are “dead upon arrival”  in central Texas gardens!    The uninformed gardener may buy this based on seeing pretty pictures of them in bloom in magazines or books not appropriate for our region, or remembering them from a past experience, but are unaware of how they are wasting their time and money to even attempt to grow them in central TX.  
I offer these tips to avoid these pitfalls when plant shopping:
  1. Know about the plants you are considering before buying.  There is an abundance  of region specific educational resources to help you either on the internet or through local garden organizations.
  2. Go plant shopping with a specific list or plants in mind that have been researched for suitability in central Texas, and don’t impullse buy when there.  Write down the name of the plant you might see and like and research it first before buying.
  3.   If you see “inappropriate” plants being offered for sale, don’t be tempted to try them   and let the management know about it.   This is an indication that the buyer for that nursery is either unqualified or uneducated in the horticultural business.  
  4. Many plants marketed in nurseries (if labeled at all) are incorrectly labeled.  I have noticed a beautiful selection of succulents at a local nursery with labels that merely said "cactus". They were not cacti to begin with and knowing the correct identity will help you know how to best grow it. Similarly, Bromeliads are often marketed with labels that merely say "Bromeliad".  I will not buy a plant unless I know it's real identity.  
Nurseries and plant centers stocking “dead on planting” selections need to be reported to the “Bad Business Bureau”.  They obviously don’t know what they are selling or if they do, they don’t care so long as a sale is made.   Perhaps the fault lies in the wholesaler and growers who convince local nurseries to buy inappropriate plant materials.  How can a grower in California, or Florida, or Minnesota know more about which plants will do well and please the gardener in central Texas.  We are blessed in the Austin area to have outstanding sources of information to help you select the right plants, save money by not having to replace them or use expensive and valuable water to keep them alive.  The Austin Grow Green program is a good place to start looking. The City of Austin Grow Green book free at any nursery or garden center is a must for every gardener in the Austin area.
There are plants being marketed inappropriately that can’t make it through the hard freezes or extremely hot and dry summers or intense light levels we often encounter in central Texas.  Some plants actually require a certain amount of freezing conditions and colder winters to grow well  in addition to some that can’t withstand temperatures below or above a certain level.  Some can’t tolerate the combination of wet and cold, and some can’t tolerate the intense summer sunlight in central Texas.  Plants grown in another region of the country are acclimated to light conditions there and are listed as “full sun” plants there whereas our light intensity in central Texas is too intense for them so they prefer and grow better in light shade.  So you can't always believe the information that is on the labels.   Bottom line is to know and learn about the plants in or contemplated for your landscape before venturing out to restock your garden.
I have noticed the retail prices of nursery plants have gone up significantly in 2011, probably due to increased fuel and transportation costs.  At the same time, most average consumers in difficult economic times are having to make their dollars stretch further.   This is all the more reason you may want to become better informed about smart plant selections beforehand so what you purchase will be a lasting, endurable, and environmentally wise investment rather than a waste of time and money.   


Another warning about Nursery and Garden Center products.   They market products that are harmful to your plants, your health, and the environment.  The # 1 product to avoid is "Weed and Feed" as they may contains a toxic herbicide called atrazine which if used around your shrubs and trees will kill them! It should not be used on residential property at all because, he roots of trees cover the entire property of most lots.  Atrazine is also poisoning our clean water sources which directly affects human health.  Furthermore, the two ingredients in these products aren't suitable to be applied at the same time. The pre-emergent herbicide part of the products needs to be applied about 2 months earlier than the soluble fertilizer part of the products.  Some of the specific products that you should avoid are Scotts Bonus S, Vigero, or any labeled Weed and Feed and/or contain atrozine.  

So,  shame, shame, on any local nursery who make bad choices and try to pass them on to the unwary consumers.   When you find a reliable, reputable, and knowledgeable nursery, reward them with your business.  The nursery business is a tough one, but also needs to be ethical.   Plants are more than just an item of merchandise, they are living things that you want to keep alive and cherish.



Friday, February 18, 2011

A PLANT'S LIFE - INDOORS!

Indoor plants (or house plants as they are more commonly called) consists of any plant that will grow well in household conditions.  These conditions are generally low to medium humidity, reduced or low light, minimally varying temperatures, container growing, with human intervention such as manual watering.
The main purpose of growing plants indoors is to provide a sense of nature within the home or space.  Green plants also absorb CO2 and release oxygen for a mutually healthier environment.  Plants add a calming and natural decor to indoor space as well. 
Most indoor plants are of tropical or subtropical origin.  These are plants that would not survive most outdoor environments unless related to their native growing conditions.  They range from very large (such as palms) to very small (such as african violets), most of which grow in their natural environments as understory plants to the taller canopy of the tropical forest regions. These conditions are somewhat similar to most household or indoor environments.  


Some good indoor plants - referenced in this article



Watering and fertilizing should be proportional to light levels.  Plants growing in very low light require less frequent watering and nutrient supplement because their growth is inhibited by lower light.  Fertilizer stimulates new growth but without proper levels of light, to aid in photosynthesis, can become toxic to an indoor plant.
Overwatering is the number one cause of death to indoor plants.   As container grown plants in low evaporative conditions, moisture is retained longer and overwatering causes root rot and soil borne diseases.  


Many tropical/indoor plants are sensitive to specific or levels of certain chemicals in our city water systems and will react by showing necrosis along edges of the foliage.  Examples include Chlorophytum (spider plant), Rhaphs palm, Dracaena, Spathephyllum and most plants in the Araceae family.  It is always best to use collected rain water or distilled water for indoor plants. 
An organically rich, well draining soil is preferred by most house plants    A loose organic soil allows more aeration for the confined roots and stimulates healthy root growth.  Cacti and succulents prefer a mineral based very well drained soil.
Being isolated from natural predators, indoor plants can become a target for small pests such as spider mites, aphids, white fly, scale, and other sucking type of insects.  Also  the lack of drying from natural sunlight and wind can cause fungi and mildews to infest indoor plants, so water indoor plants from the base. Most insect and disease problems can be solved without use of harmful chemicals.  It is very important to remove all dying and dead leaves and portions of a plant to prevent spread of disease.  
Know the plants you are growing around children and pets.  Dieffenbachia, pothos, philodendron, and Euphorbias are examples of frequently used indoor plants that are harmful if chewed on.  
During summer, most house plants enjoy being outdoors in shade and higher humidity and will respond with healthier and fuller growth.  However, NEVER take a plant that has been grown in low light and place it in a much brighter light and vice versa, All plants require a period of gradual acclimation to light changes, perhaps up to a month or more of “light  adjustment therapy”.  
Examples of plants that do well indoors are  Agloenema (Chinese Evergreen),  Draceana,  Dieffenbachia, Philodendron and their Araceae plant family relatives, Sansevieria and other shade tolerant succulents,,  Rhapis palm,  Chamaedora (parlor) palms, Scindapsis (pothos), Gesneriads and the ZZ plant (Zamicaulus zamiafolia).  The horticultural trade had developed, with the exception of palms and ZZ,  so many attractive and different cultivars of these plants to add variety in appearance and color.  These sports or mutations are propagated/cloned asexually.  
Many tropical plants are never meant nor will adapt to being indoors.  Examples are the colorful Crotons, Poinsettias at Christmas, Ficus, and most flowering tropicals.  They require and demand higher light and/or humidity levels.   The finicky Ficus will drop it’s leaves when moved to even slightly changed light levels.  So, be aware that plants sold as indoor plants may not be meant to be grown indoors and choose only those proven to adapt to indoor conditions well. 

Thursday, February 10, 2011

I’m Dreaming of a Green Winter


The inspiration for this article came to me as I saw a mockingbird just outside my window in the weeping Yaupon holly feasting on the abundant red berries.  It made me forget about the bitter and damaging cold conditions of the winter of 2011 and all the work it will take to restore my ornamental gardens this spring.  It also made me think how beautiful that shiny green holly plant looked with ornamental red berries during the gloom of winter.   So, I began to think about other plants that brighten up the dull winter landscape as evergreens while most other plants are dormant and unattractive.  
My top ten list follows.  Criteria is that these plants retain their foliage and ornamental aspects throughout the winter down to 15 degrees in Zone 8b without noticeable damage.
1. Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon Holly):   This small leafed holly, native to TX and the south can be as small as 2’x2’ (dwarf form), as straight as a telephone pole (upright form), or as intriguing in the weeping form, or grown into a small tree form.  The important thing to know is that yaupons, like most hollies bloom on the female plant as long as male plants are nearby for pollination.  As with most hollies, they prefer a neutral to acidic soil, otherwise might turn chlorotic.  This is a tough plant, drought tolerant and very cold hardy.
2. Saphora secundifolia (Texas Mountain Laurel):  This large shrub or small tree likes it dry and is tolerant of alkaline soils.  The grape fragrance of their spring bloom along with glossy green foliage year round makes this native plant a standard for central TX gardens.  It will eventually and slowly grow into a small tree form. 


3. Eleagnus pungens (variegated cvs only):  The foliage on this evergreen plant has a silverly underside and a very flexible branching that can actually be tied into a knot without breaking.  Insignificant blooms in spring are fragrant.  Due to it’s rapid rate of growth, I recommend only growing the variegated cultivars which are much slower growing and require considerably less maintenance.  They add much color to your landscape.
4. Acca sellowiana (Pineapple Guava):  The dull green foliage with pubescent silvery underside makes this plant a year-round attraction in the garden.  Unusual shaving brush like red and white blooms in spring are followed by edible fruit in fall.  The bark is exfoliant, reddish and ornamental as well. 
5. Podocarpus microphylla (Japanese Yew):  This plant, native to Japan, is a conifer with elongated leaves, not needlelike which provide an attractive texture.  It comes in columnar, conical, or dwarf growth forms .  I believe this plant is underutilized and more deserving in home landscapes.  It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soils.  Closely relatated plants include Cephelotaxus harringtonia which comes in upright and prostrate growth forms.  Cephalotaxus looks more like the English Yew grown further north.
6, Raphidophyllum histrix (Needle Palm):  The hardiest of all palm trees. it will survive to below zero temperatures.  This short palmate leafed palm has a bundle of black upright needles eminating from the base, representative of it’s name.  It has a nice rosette and formal looking shape and grows to 3-4’ tall.  There are many other cold hardy palms to consider as well (Brahia, Serenoa, Nannorhops, and Trachycarpos).
7. Tjuga occidentalis (Arborvitae):  A flat leaved conifer that does offer a winter tinting to its bright green foliage, very compact and full.  Similar conifers such as Chamaecyparis do not grow well in central TX due to the hot summers, but Arborvitae endure both heat and cold extremes well.  Arborvitae comes in conical, dwarf, globular, and threadlike forms  as well as golden colored foliage cultivars.
8. Leucophyllum fruiticens “silverado” (dwarf TX sage):  The variety recommended stays compact and small for easier maintenance.  This silver leafed native plant loves dry, alkaline soils, full sun and withstands our climatic extremes.  The lavender blooms of late spring, early summer add to it’s beauty. Green forms are also available.
9. Hesperaloe parviflora (Red Yucca):  The straplike leaves eminating from the base of this plant offer a nice flowing texture with threadlike filaments along the edges of each blade.  In summer, large, long lasting spikes of tubular flowers add to it’s beauty.  A yellow flowering variety has been introduced also.
10. Sotol wheeleri (Wheeler’s Sotol):  A nice rosette shape, long thin blades with spined edges give this exotic looking succulent plant it’s appeal.  The silvery foliage of this species add another color dimension.  The native Sotol texana has solid green foliage. 

Also consider these plants which meet the same criteria.

1. Sanolina spp. (green and silver varieties):  Not getting taller than 12” x18” wide, the ftagrant foliage of this densely compact plant are adorned by small yellow composite flowers in spring.  This plant lures you into feeling and smelling it by it’s fine texture and aroma.  
2. Penstemon baccharifolius, (Rock Penstemon): This small woody shrub stays 12” tall and wide, with spikes of red tubular flowers in summer.  The foliage shows a maroonish winter tinting and is very winter hardy.
3. Yucca spp (palida, gloriosa, recurvifolia, etc.):  Our experience during the most severe winter in Austin is that must yuccas are resistant to winter extremes, unlike most Agaves.  Variegated forms are a little less tough than non-variegated.
4. Teucrium fruiticens (Bush Germander):  This compact silvery or green form shrub actually likes to bloom in colder months with small lavender, salvia-like blooms.  
5. Abelia grandiflora:  A nice small leafed evergreen shrub which comes in a variety of sizes, growth forms, and variegations.  Blooming in early summer adds to it’s charm. 
6. Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary):  This fragrant compact shrub is so aromatic, and has a beautiful texture of deep green foliage resembling short pine needles.  Bloom occurs in spring.  It comes in bush and weeping forms.  It can be used for cooking year round as well.
Do keep in mind that many of the recommended plants come in various cultivars which offer variety for your garden. Also remember that variegated plants are more susceptible to winter damage than all green in most but not all cases. Some evergreens offer a special winter tint or color change (rust or maroon shades) during cold conditions. Blended well with dormant or deciduous plants, they keep your interest going during the off season. When most lawns have turned brown, the addition of garden greenery is a welcome sight. We are not without many beautiful choices for adding color to our winter landscapes.  I have included the botanical names for the plants recommended above to make it easier to research them further on Google.Although not evergreen, but a winter winner, is the Possomhaw Holly (Ilex decidua) for winter ornamental value plus provision of food for birds .  Like the Yaupon, they will attract feeders and retain their beautiful berries along naked branches in lieu of greenery all winter.  
So don’t wait until fall to finally decide to add greenery to your landscape for winter.  A well balanced garden will include plants of interest for all seasons.  Then you can dream about a white Christmas along with a green winter.
A dwarf Podocarpus - a much overlooked hardy evergreen