How to identify Acidanthera (Gladiolus murielae)
Acidanthera is characterized by its slender, upright stature, reaching heights of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm). The leaves resemble miniature swords, emerging in a distinct fan-like arrangement. The elegant flowers, comprised of six petals, exude a sweet fragrance and dangle gracefully from the stems. Blooms appear in a sequential fashion, adding a captivating display of nodding blossoms above the foliage.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Slender, upright stature reaching 2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Distinct fan-like arrangement of sword-shaped leaves
Elegant white flowers with maroon throat on tall, nodding stems
Capsule fruit transitioning from green to brown, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm)
Smooth, green stem growing 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) with minimal branching
The sword-shaped green leaves of acidanthera are up to 2 feet (60 cm) long and 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) wide, growing in a fan shape in clusters of 5-7. They display weakly developed secondary veins, adding subtle texture to the smooth leaf surface. The linear, elongated form contributes a sleek aesthetic, while their vibrant green coloration enhances distinctive features for easy identification.
The 2-3 inch (5-7.5 cm) star-shaped flowers of acidanthera are white with a striking maroon throat, making them prominent and eye-catching. Each petal has a distinct pointed tip, contributing to their elegant and unique appearance. These flowers appear on tall scapes and bloom successively on graceful, nodding stems from late summer to fall. Their symmetry and color contrast are crucial for identification and add to their ornamental appeal.
The stem of acidanthera is smooth and green, typically slender and upright. It exhibits a uniform texture, lacking any significant roughness or hair. The stems can grow to an average height of about 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm), maintaining a consistent diameter throughout. They show minimal branching, often supporting the plant’s distinctive spikes of flowers. This straightforward structure makes it easily identifiable and characteristic of the species.
The fruit of acidanthera is a capsule that initially presents as vibrant green before maturing into a brown hue. As it ripens, the capsule transforms in texture and color, ultimately reaching a point where it splits open. This dehiscence occurs along defined lines, facilitating the release of the contained seeds. The capsule's shape is elongated, subtly mirroring the graceful spikes of the plant's flowering stems. It measures approximately 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in length, an attribute that is critical for identification purposes by enthusiasts.
Scan QR code to download
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Scientific Classification of Acidanthera
