#phytologikos

[phytologikos]

Disocactus flagelliformis or the Rattail Cactus is so named because of its whip-like or flagellated "tails".

It belongs to the cactus family (Cactaceae) and originates from South America where it would grow epiphytically or lithophytically dependant on its surroundings.

Providing a minimum temperature of 6°C, a partially-shaded position and a nutrient and sand-rich potting mix is enough to suit these elongated cacti. Report every other year in fresh soil regardless of if they have outgrown their last pot as the soil will acidify otherwise. Cut old and discoloured stems off at the base in winter to allow for spring growth. Additionally, during the winter months, water the Disocactus less than you would in warmer spells.

[phytologikos]

Here I'm going to talk about rhododendrons as a genus, as opposed to individual species. This is mostly because, if I did know the name of the examples shown above, I have managed to since forget them.

Rhododendron, and its associated subgenera of Azaleas, belong to the Ericaceae family and are predominantly found in Asia. It's name comes from the Ancient Greek for "Rose" (rhódon) and "Tree" (déndron). Many of them flower in spring, producing stunning flowers that have made the plants so beloved since the nineteenth century in particular.

Rhododendrons generally prefer shelter from drying winds, moist-but-well-drained soil and- with the exception of some of the smaller alpine varieties that survive in full sun- being planted in dappled shade. Typical of the Ericaceae, they prefer acidic soil and so if your garden has alkaline soil, it would make more sense to pot your rhododendrons up, rather than acidify your soil (no mean feat!). This is quite simple as rhododendrons are surface-rooting and so their roots should only be lightly covered with 5-10cm of soil for the plant to flourish.

R. ponticum is one of the most prevalent examples of the genus, especially here in Great Britain. This is as a result of its incredibly invasive nature, growing voraciously in a variety of landscapes from northern Wales to the west Midlands. It is a hardy plant that reproduces via suckers that shoot upwards from its roots, and is consequently difficult to eradicate.

[phytologikos]

This is a variegated cultivar of Ficus elastica (otherwise known as the rubber plant). Its stunning multicoloured foliage is a result of a mutation that has been encouraged over the years by plant breeders.

Ficus elastica belongs to the Moraceae (the fig family), can be found throughout Asia and has been introduced to many other tropical regions, such as Hawaii and the West Indies. As with all figs, elastica requires a fig wasp to pollinate it by entering its fruit to reach the flower held within, lay its eggs inside and then die. The offspring will then hatch, the males will fertilize the females and then leave together via the hole their mother originally created, laden with pollen in search of other figs.

The variegated rubber plant has red midribs which are only slightly visible in the pictures above. Unfortunately they are not hardy and require a minimum temperature of 15°C, partial shade to full sun and lightly moist soil. They can grow tall in these ideal conditions, some reaching nearly 2 metres in height! Care should be taken when pruning ficus elastica as it produces a latex sap that is highly irritant if left untreated on skin.

[phytologikos]

In addition to looking stunning in the new year, hellebores have interesting ways of attracting the few pollinators that are out of hibernation so early-on.

Research has shown that the nectar of hellebores contains natural yeast which, as it degrades, releases heat and a pungent aroma (exactly like the composting process). Due to the drooping cup-like structure of the plant's sepals, this creates a microenvironment of humidity and strong odours. Both of these features are alluring to any pollinators during the winter months, giving hellebores the edge over less equipped early-flowerers. The best example of this kind of Hellebore is H. foetidus (of which photos will appear on this blog next month).

Additionally hellebores are toxic, and will cause diarrhoea and other discomforts should they be ingested.

[phytologikos]

Despite its well-known status as a somewhat lacklustre houseplant, Aspidistra elatior deserves a lot more. Belonging to the Asparagaceae family and hailing from Taiwan and Japan, Aspidistra elatior can grow up to 1 metre tall over the course of one to two decades. Evergreen and perennial, it produces lanceolate glossy green leaves and spreads via rhizomes.

This plant is popular due to its tolerance of poor conditions: low light, low humidity, pollution and insufficient watering. Good drainage, a shaded location and a temperature that doesn't dip below 5°C are necessary for elatior's survival.

Perhaps the most intriguing feature of this Aspidistra is its inflorescence. These cream and purple flowers are to be found at the very base of the plant (in order to trick fungus gnats into pollinating them, under the allusion that they are fungi).

[phytologikos]

Ladybirds beetles are a common occurrence in Great Britain, especially during the summer, and a welcome biological control for certain pests in the garden and greenhouse. Belonging to the family Coccinellidae, these beetles are found across the world with c.48 species in Great Britain alone. As shown above, they overwinter on some trees (bottom left and right, hiding in some chopped logs and amongst the peeling bark of an Acer griseum) before finding a nice sunny spot to bask in over the spring and summer (top left and right).

Despite many species predating upon pests in the garden (such as aphids, mildews and eunonymus scale, amongst others), ladybird beetles can find themselves being preyed upon almost as often. In response to attacks by birds, wasps and other insects, some have developed brightly coloured elytra (wing cases). This is a survival strategy known as aposematism and discourages some predators from attacking as they interpret the vibrant colour as a warning signal. This is bolstered by some ladybirds which carry a toxin in their exoskeleton, turning themselves into an unpleasant snack for any who try to eat them. Additionally, other ladybirds also provide a concern as they often resort to cannibalism. The harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) was introduced into Great Britain in 2004 from Japan and has proliferated ever since, causing the native populations to dwindle significantly as they both out-compete and actively prey upon their British relatives.

The Mealybug Ladybird (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) stands out amongst other ladybirds as it has dark and un-patterned elytra. It is also used as a biological control in many countries to keep down infestations of citrus mealybug, often in greenhouses.

[phytologikos]

Thunbergia mysorensis, otherwise known as the brick and butter vine or lady's slipper vine, belongs to the acanthus family Acanthaceae. It gets its name from the city of Mysore, India from where it originates.

It is a tender evergreen perennial climber, stretching up to 6m in height with the correct support and suitable conditions. Due to the warm climate of its county of origin, it requires full sun, shelter and a minimum of room temperature at all times. Keep its soil moist but well-drained, watering once a week during summer.

Its spacious corolla of petals is wide enough to allow larger pollinators, particularly sunbirds, access to the nectar it produces. When this happens, the bird will likely brush against the stamen of the flower, catching some of its pollen on their feathers. They then unwittingly spread this pollen onto neighbouring female Thunbergia mysorensis as they continue to feed on the plants nectar, thus fertilising them.

[phytologikos]

Snowdrop, or Galanthus, are a (predominantly) hardy species of herbaceous perennials. They tend to have two leaves and a hanging six-tepalled flower. Native to Europe, across the Middle East and into Asia, Galanthus have been naturalised to an almost global extent.

Galanthus grow best in woodland environments, doing well from acidic to alkaline soil. They perennate underground as bulbs before being some of the first to bloom in spring. This gives them an edge over other plants which wait for warmer and sunnier weather before attempting to attract pollinators. Due to this, their often pristine white colouration and their hardy nature, the snowdrop has become beloved by a certain kind of horticulturalist known as a "Galanthophile". In 2015, a single bulb of Galanthus plicatus "Golden Fleece" sold for over one thousand pounds due to its lime-green detailed tepals!