Fuchsia Flowers

Type of Flower

Fuchsia:

Fuchsia is a genus of flowering plants that consists mostly of shrubs or small trees. The first, Fuchsia triphylla, was discovered on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola (present day Dominican Republic and Haiti) about 1696–1697 by the French Minim monk and botanist, Charles Plumier during his third expedition to the Greater Antilles. He named the new genus after the renowned German botanist Leonhart Fuchs (1501–1566).

There are currently almost 110 recognized species of Fuchsia. The vast majority are native to South America, but with a few occurring north through Central America to Mexico, and also several from New Zealand to Tahiti. One species, F. magellanica, extends as far as the southern tip of South America, occurring on Tierra del Fuego in the cool temperate zone, but the majority are tropical or subtropical. Most fuchsias are shrubs from 0.2–4 m (8 in–13 ft 1 in) tall, but one New Zealand species, the kōtukutuku (F. excorticata), is unusual in the genus in being a tree, growing up to 12–15 metres (39–49 ft) tall.

Fuchsia leaves are opposite or in whorls of 3–5, simple lanceolate and usually have serrated margins (entire in some species), 1–25 cm long, and can be either deciduous or evergreen, depending on the species. The flowers are very decorative; they have a pendulous "teardrop" shape and are displayed in profusion throughout the summer and autumn, and all year in tropical species. They have four long, slender sepals and four shorter, broader petals; in many species the sepals are bright red and the petals purple (colours that attract the hummingbirds that pollinate them), but the colours can vary from white to dark red, purple-blue, and orange. A few have yellowish tones, and recent hybrids have added the colour white in various combinations. The ovary is inferior and the fruit is a small (5–25 mm) dark reddish green, deep red, or deep purple berry, containing numerous very small seeds.

The majority of fuchsia species are native to Central and South America. A small additional number are found on Hispaniola (two species), in New Zealand (three species) and on Tahiti (one species). Philip A. Munz in his A Revision of the Genus Fuchsia classified the genus into seven sections of 100 species. More recent scientific publications, especially those by the botanists Dennis E. Breedlove of the University of California and, currently, Paul E. Berry of the University of Michigan, recognize 108 species and 122 taxa, organized into twelve sections. In New Zealand and Tahiti, section Skinnera now consists of only three species as F. × colensoi has been determined to be a naturally occurring hybrid between F. excorticata and F. perscandens. Also, F. procumbens has been placed into its own section, Procumbentes. Two other new sections are Pachyrrhiza and Verrucosa, each with one species each. The Plant List, a cooperative endeavor by several leading botanical institutions to maintain a working list of all plant species, lists most currently accepted Fuchsia species and synonyms.

Fuchsias are easy to grow once they are established and they provide continual flower from July until late autumn, when the first frosts arrive. They really come into their own in autumn because they enjoy cooler temperatures and shorter days. The crystal-clear light of autumn also enhances the rich mixture of pinks, reds, peaches and whites adding a jewel-box quality to the October garden. 

The care of fuchsias also includes water during hotter weather, but do not over water them or their roots will rot. Make sure the pots they are in provide adequate drainage. 

Fuchsia plant care also requires a regular fertilization. Proper care for fuchsias means fertilizing them about every two weeks. They require some good nutrition, but you should limit use of fertilizer during late summer. This is because around this time, the fuchsia flower is getting ready for winter. 

When the weather gets colder, avoid the frost. Keep your fuchsia growing by taking them inside. You can hang them inside an enclosed porch area or even inside your home. You can keep your fuchsia growing all year long by wintering them indoors. Come spring, after the chance of frost, you can put them back outdoors and they will thrive and flourish in the right conditions. 

Fuchsia plants are not hard to grow and in fact, you will find fuchsia growing quite abundantly in the right areas around your home. The hanging pots will over flow and hang down with beautiful flowers so long as you have provided the right kind of care.

References: 
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fuchsia/growing-fuchsia-flower.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuchsia

Cineraria Flowers

Type of Flower 

Cineraria: 

Cineraria is now generally treated as a genus of about 50 species of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to southern Africa. The genus includes herbaceous plants and small subshrubs. In the past, the genus was commonly viewed in a broader sense including a number of species from the Canary Islands and Madeira which are now transferred to the genus Pericallis, including the Florist's Cineraria (Pericallis x hybrida). The uses for Cineraria include topical application for the treatment of cataracts.

Cineraria, Senecio cruentus, have many daisy like flowers covering the top of the plant that can come in shades of dark pink, red, purple, blue, and white. The Cineraria blooms last between four and six weeks.

Cinerarias like cool temperatures around 45° to 55° F. When temperatures are to warm, above 60°, the flowers open and die quicker. Cold drafts are another possible problem for this plant. They can cause wilting or yellow leaves to develop. This plant needs consistent water and should feel moist at all times. 

Cineraria need a high light area but should be away from any direct light. They also like a more humid environment. This can be achieved by placing the pot on a tray of pebbles that is filled with water.

Unfortunately, Cinerarias do not bloom again once their 6 weeks are up. They are a true annual and only flower one time in their lifespan. It is recommended to discard of the plants after flowering. The plants are grown from seed and will not be able to be leaf propagated. It is best to sow new seeds in midsummer in a cool place.

References: 

https://www.gertens.com/learn/Annuals-Perennials/cineraria.

htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cineraria

Cannonball Flowers

Type of Flower 

Cannonball:

Cannonball "Couroupita guianensis", known by several common names, including cannonball tree, is a deciduous tree in the family Lecythidaceae, which also contains the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa). It is native to the rainforests of Central and South America.It is cultivated in many other places. 

Couroupita guianensis grows up to 35 m (meters) in height. The clustered leaves vary in length, generally from 8 to 31 centimeters, but reaching up to 57.The flowers are born in large bunches up to 80 m(meters) long. Some trees flower profusely, until the entire trunk is buried in flowers. One tree can bear 1000 flowers per day. They are strongly scented, especially at night,and in the early morning.They are large, up to 6 centimeters wide, and often brightly colored, the six petals in shades of pink and red near the bases and yellowish toward the tips. There is a ring of stamens at the center, and an arrangement to stamens that have been modified into a hood.The large fruit, which is woody and very spherical, measuring up to 25 centimeters wide, gives the species the common name "cannonball tree". A smaller fruit contains perhaps 65 seeds, while a large one can have 550.One tree can bear 150 fruits. The fruit takes up to a year to mature in most areas, sometimes as long as 18 months.

The tree was named Couroupita guianensis by the French botanist Jean Baptiste Christophore Fusée Aublet in 1755. Common names in other languages include many translations of the English cannonball tree. Common names include macacarecuia (Portuguese), coco sachapura (Colombia, Panama), bala de canon (Costa Rica), kanonskogelboom (Dutch), arbre à boulet de canon (French), kouroupitoumou (French Guiana), nagkeshar (Bengali), Nagalingam or Lingam (Tamil), sala (Indonesia), granadillo de las huacas (Panama), ayahuma (Peru), and boskalebas (Suriname).