Sunday, June 28, 2009
Gardening in the Heat of Summer – NOT!
1. STOP FERTILIZING: With the exception of potted plant which lose nutrients every time they are watered (which is frequently in summer), most garden plants go into protective dormancy to survive the heat and drought of summer conditions in Central Texas. Oh yes, there are some that thrive on the high heat, but they are in the minority. Fertilizing during these stressful conditions encourages new growth which is the opposite of what the plant is trying to do during dormant periods. Most plants produce new growth in spring when temperatures are more moderate. If you have an organically enriched soil, there is sufficient nutrient to sustain all garden plants through summer.
2. STOP PRUNING: Like fertilizing, pruning encourages new growth when plants are struggling to grow. New growth wilts easily and draws energy away from root development. Fungus grow during hot and humid conditions and pruning opens wounds for them to enter. Prune spring flowering shrubs after blooming in late spring and summer flowering shrubs in fall.
3. STOP PLANTING: Oh, the garden looks so nice during spring thru fall, the temptation is always there to add new plants during summer. But, the reality is that the survival rate of new plantings drops significantly in high heat. The additional transpiration that occurs in heat adds stress to the plants and if roots are not watered more frequently, insufficient water is available for transpiration – bottom line, stresses on the plant that make it susceptible to disease and fungus. Plantings should be done in spring for evergreen and fall for deciduous plants when temperatures are moderate and there is sufficient rainfall to help a new plant get established. Any new planting requires almost a year to become fully established so you want to give them a good head start by planting during non-stressful periods.
4. STOP OVERWATERING: Yes, this sounds odd. One would think you could never provide enough water to outdoor plants during high heat summer periods. You can easily overwater plants in summer creating waterlogged soil that will squeeze out available oxygen in the soil and cause immediate harm to your plants. It depends on your soils composition. You need to water but in average organic well drained soils,frequency is more important than quantity and in xeriscape environments, a deep watering focused in the immediate area of the plants roots less frequently works best. If some plants are persistently wilting , try pinching off some of the foliage to reduce transpiration stress. This is a good argument for use of xeriphytic native plants as garden choices.
5. CUT BACK ON MOWING: If you are struggling to maintain a lawn in hot dry conditions, cut back on mowing allowing your grass to remain taller than might be aesthetically pleasing. Raise cutting height to 3” or more. This protects roots from drying and conserves water.
6. CUT BACK ON GARDENING CHORES: This suggestion is to help save the gardener as well as the plants. Have your garden construction work done before the heat hits, mulch heavily to prevent weed infestation, and follow the previous advice so that as plants go dormant during extremely hot summers, the gardener can go dormant as well. Oh yes, there are always a few things to do – weeds somehow find a way to defy all attempts to discourage them, etc, but good planning can minimize your need to stress yourself during summer.
In Central Texas, we really have two dormant periods in the garden, winter and summer, the latter being the most extreme. Even in shady areas, plants feel the stress of heat and take protective measures to survive. The gardener needs to do the same. Protect your health as well as your plants. Drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks when working outdoors, then hibernate indoors after 10AM to Noon depending on weather conditions.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Kalalavi | Gloriosa superba | Agnimukhi
classification of Gloriosa superba
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Liliales
Family: Colchicaceae
Genus: Gloriosa
Common name: Malabar glory lily
Nature of Gloriosa superba
it is a climber on the leaves are elongated and their tips are modified as tendril.
this adaptation helps the plant in climbing. the flowers are large, orange red coloured and very attractive.
Special characteristics of Gloriosa superba
Leaf tips modified into tendrils and beautiful showy flowers.
Medicinal uses of Gloriosa superba
The roots and leaves used in snakebite. leaves given to cattle as antiworm treatment.
Colchicine, an alkaloid obtained from the tubers and seeds fetches high price in the market and used in scientific research.
position of Gloriosa superba
vulnerable in the wild.
Kuda | Kutaj | Holarrhena antidysenterica
Kuda(Kutaj)
Scientific name: Holarrhena antidysenterica
Family: Apocynaceae
Nature of Holarrhena antidysenterica
It is a tall shurb or small tree, evergreen in nature.
leaves are smooth large, ovate in shape; and about 15-31 cms. long and 10 cms. broad.
flowers are cream coloured, fragrant and borne in bunches .
the plant flowers profusely during February-March. fruits are thin and cylindrical, with two follicles attached together at distal ends.
Special characteristics of Holarrhena antidysenterica
Fragrant flowers and twin fruits.
Medicinal uses of Holarrhena antidysenterica
The roots and dried bark of the plant used as antidysentric drug. seeds are used in the treatment of fever and cold.
The plant is considered to be the best remedy for dysentery. the plant used in the ayurvedic preparation "Kutajarishta". it has a laxative property.
position of Holarrhena antidysenterica
Very common.
Helicteres isora | Indian screw-fruit | Murudsheng
Scientific name: Helicteres isora
Common name: Indian screw-fruit
Family: Sterculiaceae
Nature of Helicteres isora
it is a shurb growing around 1.8 meters in height.
the leaves are ovate in shape with a serrate margin.
flowers are bright orange-red in colour when young and turn blackish before fruiting. fruits in a pod, five together forming a screw like structure.
location: mostly this plant Found in moist and deciduous forests
Special characteristics of Helicteres isora
Its orange red flowers and screw shaped fruits.
Medicinal uses of Helicteres isora
Fruits used in treating intestinal complaints, colic pains and flatulence.
roots used in diabetes and in convulsions.
position of Helicteres isora
common in moist forests during rainy season.
Gulvel | Tinospora cordifolia | Amruta
Gulvel (Amruta)
classification of Tinospora cordifolia
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Menispermaceae
Genus: Tinospora
Species: T. cordifolia
Family: Meni permaceae
Nature of Tinospora cordifolia
It is a extensive perennial climber with grayish stem and tubercles on the surface.
it gives out hanging roots from the stem. the leaves are broad and heart-shaped.
the plant bears minute yellow flowers on long spikes
Special Characteristics of Tinospora cordifolia
The stem is gray with tubercles and has bitter test to its exude.
Medicinal uses of Tinospora cordifolia
The stem dried along with the bark is source of medicine.
It is a bitter tonic, useful in all types of liver problems. It is also given to reduce body heat (kadki).The plant is also useful in the treatment of jaundice.
Important ayurvadic preparation like "Amrutarishta"and"Gelvelsatva" are obtained from this plant.
position of Tinospora cordifolia : Common in the wild on trees.
Ashwagandha | Withama somnifera
Scientific Name: Withama somnifera
Family: Solanaceae
Nature of Withama somnifera
It is aA erect perennial Herb growing on wasteland.
The stem and branches are covered with minute star-shaped hairs.
The leaves are ovate with acute apex and about 10 cms. long.
Special Characteristics of Withama somnifera
Its beautiful red fruits covered with membranous calyx.
Medicinal uses of Withama somnifera
The drug in the form of alkaloid, is obtained from the dried roots.
it is diuretic in function and used as a tonic for general weakness for all ages.
It is a common ingredient of many ayurvedic health tonics of commerce.
Sariva | Hmidesmus indicus | Anantmool | Indian sarsaparila
classification of Hemidesmus indicus
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Genus: Hemidesmus
Species: H. indicus
Common name: Indian sarsaparila
Nature of Emidesmus indicus
It is a perennial prostrate climber with different shapes of leaves.
rootstocks are fragrant and penetrate deep in the soil.
young leaves have whitish midrib.
the flowers are small yellow and purple in colour, borne in umbellate cymes.
Special characteristics of Emidesmus indicus
Medicianl uses of Emidesmus indicus
It is a well-known plant as blood purifier.
it is also used for improving appetite. young leaves if chewed are refreshing. medicinal preparations like "Raktadoshantak", "Safee" and" Surakta" contain the extract of this plant.
it is also used in ayurvadic and yunani medicine system.
position of Emidesmus indicus: Fairly common in the wild.
Sarpagandha | Rauvolfia serpentina | Sarpakshi
Sarpagandha (Sarpakshi)
classificaion of Rauvolfia serpentina
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Rauvolfioideae
Tribe: Vinceae
Genus: Rauvolfia
Common name: Serpentina Roots
Nature of Rauvolfia serpentina
It is a perennial herb less than a meter in height.
the leaves are long, lanceolate and bright green in colour. they are borne on stem in whorl of three. the flowers are pink or white and are in clusters.
the fruits are small, globose; initially greenish purplbin colour but eventually turning blackish when ripe.
Special characteristics of Rauvolfia serpentina
Its white-pink flowers and berries.
Medicinal usus of Rauvolfia serpentina
Its roots contain several alkaloids. the drug is mostly used as a sedative and for reducing blood pressure.
Used in ayurdice preparations.
position of Rauvolfia serpentina
Due to its heavy demand in medicines, the plant has become extremely rarein the wild.
Kalalavi | Agnimukhi | Gloriosa superba
Kalalavi (Agnimukhi)
classification of Gloriosa superba
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Liliales
Family: Colchicaceae
Genus: Gloriosa
Common name: Malabar glory lily
Nature of Gloriosa superba:-
An extensive climber on the leaves are elongated and their tips are modified as tendril. this adaptation helps the plant in climbing. the flowers are large, orange red coloured and very attractive.
characteristics of Gloriosa superba: Leaf tips modified into tendrils and beautiful showy flowers.
medicinal uses of Gloriosa superba: The roots and leaves used in snakebite. leaves given to cattle as antiworm treatment.
Colchicine, an alkaloid obtained from the tubers and seeds fetches high price in the market and used in scientific research.
position of Gloriosa superba: vulnerable in the wild.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Rui | madar | Calotropis gigantea | Milkweed
classification of Calotropis gigantea
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Genus: Calotropis
Species: C. gigantea
Common name: Milkweed, Rui (madar)
Nature of Calotropis gigantea
A common shurb of wasteland and rode side. the leaves are thick, opposite, decussate in arrangement and coated with white powder. flowers are in umble and blue in colour.
Distribution: Throughout india on plains on wastelands.
Special characteristics of Calotropis gigantea :
Its typical leaves and flowers, which are quite unique in structure.
Medicinal uses of Calotropis gigantea :
Dry leaf powder used for treating wounds and boils. leaves found to be effective on elephantiasis.
flowers along with jaggery are useful against cough and improving appetite.
the mixture of latex, turmeric and sesame oil, useful in treating scabies.
Leaves and flowers used for worshiping lord Hanuman. position : Very common.
Sadaphuli | Catharanthus roseus | | Periwinkle
Sadaphuli
classification of Catharanthus roseus
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Catharanthus
Common name: Periwinkle
Nature of classification of Catharanthus roseus
it is a herb up to one-meter height. leaves are shinning green in clusters. flowers are white or pink in colour.
Distribution: The plant is a native of madagascar, but found throughout india.
Special characteristics of roseus:
ornamental plant cultivated for its white and pink flowers.
Medicinal uses of Catharanthus roseus:
Roots and leaves are used in medicine. the plant contains alkaloids,which are used in the treatment of tumor, leukemia, hypertension and has a sedative property.
position: Very common; has least risk in the wild.
Halad | Haridra | domestica valenton
classificaton of domestica valenton
Kingdom Plantae
Division Magnoliophyta
Class Liliopsida
Order Urticales
Family Moraceae
Genus Curcuma
Species Longa
Common name: Turmeric
Nature of domestica valenton
It is a A small herb with long and scented leaves, growing in moist situations. the rhizome is a modified stem, which constitutes turmeric.
Distribution: Found mostly in peninsular india.
Special characteristics of domestica valenton
Its rhizome and leaves.
Medicianl uses of domestica valenton:
The plant contains alkaloid curcumin, used for treating cough and cold.
it is widely used as an antiseptic for clotting blood. turmeric is also used in cosmetic preparations.
position : A common plant under cultivation at various places in india.
Datura stramonium | Dhotra | Kanak
Dhotra(Kanak)
classification of Datura stramonium :
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Datura
Common name: Thorn apple
Family: Solanaceae
Nature of Datura stramonium
it is a herb with lot of branching and large leaves.
flowers are large, white and trumpet shaped.
the fruit is oval in shape, with short prickles all over its surface.
Distribution: Found all over india in plains, especially on wast places.
Special characteristics of Datura stramonium
Its large flowers; and fruits, which split open when ripe.
Medicinal uses of Datura stramonium
drug consists of dried leaves and seeds.the leaves contain alkaloids hyoscyamine and atropine. the plant is useful in treating bronchitis and asthma, and also has antispasmodic properties.
The plant is used in ayurvedic preparations.
position: Common on waste places, as weed.
Bahava | Suvarnika | Cassia fistula
Bahava(Suvarnika)
classification of Cassia fistula
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Subclass: Rosidae
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Tribe: Cassieae
Subtribe: Cassiinae
Genus: Cassia
Species: C. fistula Cassia fistula
Common name: Indian laburnum
Nature of Cassia fistula
it is a medium sized tree with compound leaves.
leaflets larg and shining. flowers are bright yellow and borne in long hanging bunches.
pod is cylindrical and dark brown when ripe.
Distribution: It is found throughout india up to a certain altitude.
common in moist and evergreen forest.
Special characteristics of Cassia fistula: Beautiful golden yellow flowers in hanging bunch.
medicinal uses of Cassia fistula: Seeds and fruit pulp used as mild laxative. tender leaves juice used in the treatment of scabies.
It's a very good avenue and garden tree.
position: Commonly found in the forest.
Aavla | Amalika | Emblica officinalis
Aavla(Amalika)
classification of Emblica officinalis
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Flowering plant
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Phyllanthaceae
Tribe: Phyllantheae
Subtribe: Flueggeinae
Genus: Phyllanthus
Species: P. emblica officinalis
Common name: Emblic myrobalan
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Nature of Emblica officinalis
This is a medium-sized deciduous tree, with pimiately compound leaves. it bears a small pale greenish yellow globose shaped fruit, marked with six lobes.
Distribution: Occurs throughout india in plains as well as in coastal districts.
Special characteristics of Emblica officinalis : Its globose fruit, which is larger when cultivated.
Medicinal uses of Emblica officinalis
fruits are s rich source of Vitamin C. it is an effective liver tonic and a mild laxative. it also helps in improving the appetite and digestion. it is one of the main ingredients of "Chavanprash".
The fruit is a great source of Vitamin C and used in ayurvedic preparations.
Status: A commonly occurring plant of deciduous forests.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Punarnava | Boerhaavia diffusa | Common hog-weed
Scientific name: Boerhaavia diffusa
Common name: Common hog-weed, Punarnava(Punarnava).
Family: Nyctaginaceae
nature of Boerhaavia diffusa: a herb sperading on ground and partly erect. nodes swoeen, with ovate leaves on both sides. flowers very small and pink coloured, growing in clusters.
characteristics of Boerhaavia diffusa
Entire plant has pink colourations on stem.
Medicinal uses of Boerhaavia diffusa
Leaves and roots have medicinal properties.
the drug contains alkaloid "punarnavin"
.it is diuretic and used in the treatment of drohapsy and jaundice.
An ayurvedic preparation "punarnavasava" obtained from this plan.
status of Boerhaavia diffusa: fairly common.
Asparagus racemosus
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Asparagus
Species: A. racemosu
Nature of Asparagus racemosus
It is a shurb.
leaves are small, linear with small stout spnious spur at the base. fruits are globose,3-5mmin diameter and turn bright red when ripe .
characteristics of Asparagus racemosus : This and oters species are used as ornamental plant.
Medicinal uses of Asparagus racemosus : Roots act as diuretic and increas appetite.
the mixture of long pepper, honey and root extract of this plant works as tonic.
It is extensively used in ayurvedic preparation e.g."shatavari kalp".
Cultivated/collected: Collected from wild and also cultivated.
Status of Asparagus racemosus : Fairly common in wild and gardens.
Flame of the forest | Butea monosperma | Palash
classification of Butea monosperma
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Butea
Species: B. monosperma
Common name: Palas (Palash), Flame of the forest.
Nature of Palash
It is a medium sized deciduous tree with big, smooth and trifoliate leaves.
Flowers are bright orange-red in colour and are in clusters. fruit is a thin and compressed pod.
characteristics of Palash
Its beautiful orange coloured flowers brings colour to forest and hence the name flame of the forest.
Medicianl uses of Palash: Flowers of this plant are diuretic. gum of the tree is known as "bengal kino" and contains tannin, used in the treatment of diarrhea. seeds are used anthelmintic, in the treatment of worms.
Gum "bengal" and flowers yield yellow dye.
provides excellent habitat for lac insect.
leaves used for making platesand bowls.
Status of Palash: Very common.
Neerbranhi | Somyalata | Bacopa monnieri
clasification of Bacopa monnieri
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Genus: Bacopa
Species: B. monnieri
Common name: Thyme leaves gratiola, Neerbranhi (Somyalata).
Nature
It is a herb with succulent stem and leaves, spreading on moist ground.
The flowers are very small, solitary and bluein colour.
this plant is mostly found near water bodies.
characteristics Bacopa monnieri: It is a Moderately succulent plant.
Medicinal uses of Bacopa monnieri
every parts of the plant is used medicinally. it is a tonic for nevers and prescribed in mental diseases. the leaf juice is given to infants in bronchitis.
plant countains an alkaloid "bramhin", which is a cardiac tonic.
position: Common on moist locations.
Kateshever | Red silk cotton | Bombax ceiba | Shalmali
classification of Bombax ceiba
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Bombax
Species: B. ceiba
Common name: Red silk cotton,Kateshever (Shalmali) .
Nature
it is a tree with its entire bark surface covered with spines.
leaves aremostly palmately compound.
flowers are large, leathery and dark red in colour.
characteristics of Red silk cotton
Beautiful large red flowers and stem armed with strong spines. the fruits contain white silky fibres.
Medicianl uses of Red silk cotton: Its spines are used as antifugal.
gum is known as "mocharus".
Fruits yield slick cotton, used in stuffing mattresses and pillows.
position: Common in drier as well as coastal parts.
Neem | Azadirachta indica |
classification of Azadirachta indica | Neem
Order: Sapindalez
Family: Meliaceae
Genus: Azadirachta
Family: Meliaceae
Common name: Neem, kaduneem, mahaneem.
Nature of Neem tree
It is a tree with straight trunk and compound leaves, with serrated margin.
flower are small and white in colour . fruits are small and elongated and mostly turn yellow when ripe.
Distribution of of Neem tree
cultivated as roadside tree near habitations.
characteristics of Azadirachta indica | Neem tree
Beautiful canopy of the tree and its leaves.
Medicinal uses of Azadirachta indica| Neem tree
This tree is known as Amrut Vruksha as all its parts are used medicinally. leaves and bark are useful in the treatment of skin problems. oil cake from seeds and gum are also useful. in the medicinal purpose.
position
Fairly common tree throughout the plains in india.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Bilva | Bel | Aegle marmelos |
clasification of Aegle marmelos
Order: Sapindales
Common name: Bilva
Habit
Distribution
characteristic of Aegle marmelos
Medicnal uses of Aegle marmelos
position: Fairly common in in dry parts of india.
Kumari | Korphad | Aleo barbadensis
Korphad(Kumari)
Scientific name: Aleo barbadensis
Family: Liliaceae
Common name: Aloe
Habit
A shurb with thick succulent leaves, which contain lot of juicy and bitter pulp. theleaves are long and pale green in coiour, with horny prickles on the margin. flowers are borne on a scape about 60-90cms. longs.
Distribution
plant is distributed throughout india in dry climate. thrives weel in sandy saline soil, near coasts.
characteristics of Aleo barbadensis
Leaves thick with pulp. leaf border with spines.
Medicinal uses of Aleo barbadensis
Juice of leaves along with turmeric used in the treatment of spleen problem. leaves also used in cosmeticsas moisturizer.
A popular plant these days, for its cosmetic value. a drug called "kumari asav" is prepared from the leaves of this plant, used in curing cough, specially in children.
position: Not a common plant in wild.
Punarnava | Boerhavia diffusa
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Nyctaginaceae
Genus: Boerhavia
common name is ghetului, punarnava.
useful part of Boerhavia diffusa;-its seeds, root and leaves are useful.
medicinal uses of Boerhavia diffusa ;-it is useful in inoedema, cardica disorders, liver and spleen diseases.
Sinduri | bixa orellana
clasisification of Bixa orellana
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Malvales
Family: Bixaceae
Genus: Bixa
Species: B. orellana
common name is sinduri, shengeri.
useful part of Bixa orellana;-its seeds, root, leaves and fruits are useful
medicinal uses of Bixa orellana;-it is useful in astringent,purgative, antipyretic, gonorrhoea and jaundice.
Kanchanar | Baunhinia variegata
classiication of Baunhinia variegata
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Tribe: Cercideae
Genus: Bauhinia
Species: B. variegata
common name is kanchan, kanchanar.
useful part of Baunahina variegata;-its bark and flowers are useful in the medicinal purpose.
medicinal uses of Baunhinia variegata ;-it is useful in anti bacterial and diseases.
Shwet kanchan | Baunhinia racemosa.
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Tribe: Cercideae
Genus: Bauhinia
common name is kachanal, shwet kanchan.
useful part of Baunhinia racemosa;-its bark and leaves are useful .
medicinal uses of Baunhinia racemosa;-it is useful in headache, malaria, astringent and diarrhea.
Rakta kanchan | Bauhinia purpurea
classification of Bauhinia purpurea
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Tribe: Cercideae Genus: Bauhinia
Species: B. purpurea
common name is rakta kanchan,dev kanchan.
useful part of Baunhinia purpurea ;-its root and leaves are useful.
medicinal uses of Baunhinia purpurea;-it is useful in catarrh, infection of childern, boil, glandular andswelling.
Potki | Basella albavar
scientific name:-Basella albavar .
common name is Potkai.
useful part of Basella albavar;-its leaves are useful in the medicinal purpose.
medicinal uses of Basella albavar;-it is useful in diuretic, gonnorhea, urticari and constipation.
Danti | Baliospermum solanifolium.
Ingla | Balanites aegyptica
scientific name:-Balanites aegyptica
Common name is gaudi, hingan, hingot,ingla
Useful part of Balanites aegyptica ;-it is seeds, bark, fruit, seed oil and leaves are useful in the medicinal purpose.
Medicinal uses of Balanities aegyptica;- It is ueful in anti bacterial, loss of appetite, pain in abdomen.a
Adulsa | Vasaka | Adhatoda vasica nees
classification of Adhatoda vasica nees
Order: Lamiales
Common name: Adulsa (Vasaka)
Habit
Distribution
characteristics of Adhatoda vasica : Leaves are long and dark green in colour. cattle do not eat this plant as the leaves emit an unpleassant smell.
Medicinal uses of Adhatoda vasica nees
most ayurvedic cough mixtures cotain juice extracted from the leaves of this plant. leaves are used as green manur, and for packing purposes.