Thursday, February 21, 2013

Selenicereus anthonyanus

Eileen Kull

To stave off our gardening energy in the winter, us frustrated gardeners turn to houseplants. I wasn't looking for a cactus, but I found this plant irresistible. Just look at it's unusual leaves. This is a cactus native to Southern Mexico. And apparently it is epiphytic. Selenicereus anthonyanus is one of a fairly small group of epiphytic cacti. The strange habit of S. anthonyanus suggests that throughout many thousands of years the climate of the area in which it resided changed from an arid environment to a more tropical environment and it had to adapt in order to survive. Since rainfall and moisture in this new climate was no longer the most difficult resource to acquire, and sunlight had become scarcer due to the new climate that allowed taller and faster growing plants to shade out low-growing plants, S. anthonyanus developed a broad, slim stem that did not store water as well but was much better at gathering sunlight. In fact, many scientists believe that this thinning and partitioning of sections of the stem is an attempt for these members of the cactus family (Cactaceae) to redevelop the leaves that they lost long ago. In addition to a slimmer leaf-like appearance, the stem produces small adventitious roots along its surface that allow it to grip on to trees and climb as high as possible to obtain maximum light. So also a climber, which is neat.




Although most people have never seen one in person, the flower of S. anthonyanus is one of its greatest features. It is very difficult to get to bloom, but if one is lucky the results are spectacular. The flower can be as much as a foot across and full of golden stamens. Selenicereus anthonyanus blooms only once a year, however, and only for one night. Pollination in this species is not completely understood, but it is believed that bats are responsible for pollination, which is supported by the nocturnal blooming habit of S. anthonyanus. Will I get to see this?


I'll keep you posted.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Houseplants and air quality


Philodendron domesticum  
 elephant ear philodendron
Indoor plants provide gardeners with a way to grow something beautiful and useful all in one.With winter coming the air quaility in our homes is often a challenge with the windows closed and the heat drying out the air. NASA scientist have found houseplants to be a way to help rid our homes of pollution from chemicals and a variety of irritants.












Some of the plants recommended are:
  • Hedera helix   English ivy
  • Chlorophytum comosum   spider plant
  • Epipiremnum aureum   golden pothos
  • Spathiphyllum `Mauna Loa'    peace lily
  • Aglaonema modestum   Chinese evergreen
  • Chamaedorea sefritzii   bamboo or reed palm
  • Sansevieria trifasciata    snake plant
  • Philodendron scandens `oxycardium'   heartleaf philodendron
  • Philodendron selloum   selloum philodendron
  • Dracaena marginata   red-edged dracaena
  • Dracaena fragrans `Massangeana'   cornstalk dracaena
  • Dracaena deremensis `Janet Craig'   Janet Craig dracaena
  • Dracaena deremensis `Warneckii'   Warneck dracaena
  • Ficus benjamina  weeping fig


More information and photos on this topic can be found from the sights below:

http://www.mnn.com/health/healthy-spaces/photos/15-houseplants-for-improving-indoor-air-quality
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/houseplants/default.cfm
http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h110indoorair.html