[ Home ] [ Our Books ] [ Author ] [ Contact & Comments ] [ BOOK ORDERS ]
Ornamental Plants and Flowers
|
|
 |
"At last - a complete, concise book on the flora of tropical Mexico. This book is what we all have all been asking for, and well worth the wait. A complete guide that everyone should have. The cultivation and propagation information are an added plus. Now we can identify, and grow and care for, some of the beauty that surrounds us."- Paul Sanders, Vallarta Tribune
Sago Palm
"Residents and visitors alike will appreciate and benefit from Linda Abbott Trapp's Ornamental Plants and Flowers... her photos and well-researched information make it fun and easy to identify the commonly encountered plants of the region. The book helps fill the void for those curious to learn more about the many fascinating plants, trees, and flowers of Mexico."
- Bob Price, Curator, PV Botanical Gardens
Introduction
Preparing this book has been a labor of love, a true amateur delight. It first arose out of frustration, for I couldn't find a similar book to answer my questions, and those of our many visitors here in Puerto Vallarta. It grew to become an all-consuming joy for these last months. Because of my academic background, the research has been fascinating, and the disagreements among experts on nomenclature and care, familiar. Because of my background in the arts, the process of photography and design has been absolutely delightful and fulfilling.. The primary challenge has been what to omit of the incredibly beautiful, graceful, and occasionally, odd flowers, plants and that are everywhere in this tropical wonderland.
The book is arranged alphabetically, by what I found to be the primary name of the plant. The Index includes for many of the plants here, more than one name. In addition to the English and Latin names, natives and visitors have a variety of names for many of these plants and flowers, and some of the vernacular names they declined to tell me for reasons of politeness. I've chosen the most familiar as the primary name, and am more than ready to make adjustments as needed should another edition be in the works after all my errors come to light. Similarly, of the roughly 50,000 species of plants in Mexico, only a few more than a hundred appear here. For the most part, I've chosen plants closely associated with tropical Mexico in the visitor's mind, those commonly used in landscaping, a few imported plants I was especially charmed by, and some of those plants the visitor or resident might see on a tour off the beaten path as well. There is clearly room for many an additional reference to supplement this small start. My hope is that this slim volume will add to your joy, cause you to more fully celebrate life on this wondrous planet, and answer at least a few of your questions.
How To Use This Book
If you've the leisure and interest, you might choose a relaxing spot and simply flip through the book, looking for photographs of plants you've wondered about. If you prefer a more efficient process, the Index lists the common name, Latin name, and alternative names I've discovered for each entry. The book is alphabetical to make the most of the index cross-references. My intent has been to provide some information on use and cultivation, with the occasional note of interest as I became aware of such items. For further detail, there is a brief bibliography. In addition, the reader is encouraged to explore the many online resources, exercising some caution as to accuracy.
Sample Pages . . .
|
Hibiscus (
H.rosa-sinensis ) Family: Malvaceae Alternate Names: Rose of China, Rose Mallow, Rose of Sharon, Shrub Althaceae, Rosellla Use: magnificent evergreen shrub to 6', for garden, balcony, terrace, or in large pots. Produces black dye, and has some medicinal uses. In Jamaica, its petals are used to polish shoes. Flowers: Free-flowering. Both single and double (odorata) varieties are common. H.schizopetalus, from East Africa, (lower right) has slashed petals. Blooms may reach 6-10". but when cut, last only a day. Cultivation: Well fertilized loamy soil with sand and peat addition. Frequent, generous watering. Full sun. Do not let dry out.. may require staking. Inspect for spider mites. Propagation: From 4" cuttings set in a mixture of peat and sand. |
|
|
| Ginger
( Zingiber ) Family: Zingiberaceae Use: Many gingers are staples of the floral industry, with their flashy, long-lasting blooms. True ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been known for the culinary and medicinal applications of the ginger root since at least 500BC (lower left). All of the gingers have aromatic rhizomes. Flowers: All of the more than 50 species produce their flowers on separate stems from the leaves. The "torch" produced by the torch ginger grows singly from the ground on a long stalk, and consists of large flower heads of waxy overlapping bracts with small flowers. Cultivation: Gingers grow to full height of about 8' in one season. Prefers deep, moist soil; can be grown as a house plant as well. Those with narrow leaves can tolerate partial shade. Feed biweekly during growing season. Propagation: Easily grown from seed, or propagate by rhizome division. |
|
|
|
| Ficus
elastica Family: Moraceae Alternate Names: Indian Rubber Tree, Rubber Plant Use: Native to South America, it is cultivated widely for rubber production from its latex sap. Also grown as a landscape specimen in large gardens or public spaces, and in northern climates, as a houseplant. Mesoamericans historically utilized the latex rubber for balls for games, temporary shoes, padding for tool handles, and for making water-resistant cloth. Flowers: Not highly colorful or fragrant, the flowers are only pollinated by a particular species of fig wasp, and attract primarily those wasps in a highly evolved relationship. |
|
|
Cultivation: As a houseplant,
requires bright light but not direct sun, and will lose leaves if
environment changes too much. Out doors, it grows rapidly to 100',
and where it receives less light, it produces larger leaves. Drought
tolerant, but does not do well if in flooded conditions.
Commercially grown in India and elsewhere in plantation rows.
Responds well to twice-annual feeding. Propagation: By seed, which are contained in fruit where the fig wasp species is present. |
|
|
[
Home ] [
Our Books
] [
Author ] [
Contact
& Comments ] [
BOOK ORDERS
]
Copyright © 2007 Abbott Publications
De
signed and Managed by: JMI EnterprisesSuggestions or Problems To: