Tag: Ornamental plants

Multiple reports of hepatotoxicity have led to the ban of germander herbal supplements in many countries. While internal medicinal use is unsafe, the aesthetic and environmental benefits of germander trees and shrubs (Teucrium genus) are highly valued by gardeners and landscapers worldwide.

A native of western South America, the Apple of Peru, or *Nicandra physalodes*, is renowned for its potent insecticidal properties. This guide will explore what is the apple of Peru used for, highlighting its roles in gardening, traditional medicine, and its toxic nature.

Research has revealed that the red cultivar of *Alternanthera sessilis* possesses significantly higher antioxidant capacity than its green counterpart, thanks to its rich phenolic compounds. This versatile genus, with its striking colors, offers substantial benefits both as a captivating ornamental plant and as a source of medicinal compounds in traditional remedies.

Most people are familiar with the sweet bananas sold in supermarkets, but the plant commonly known as the Japanese banana (*Musa basjoo*) produces fruit that is small, seedy, and largely inedible. However, the story doesn't end there, as a rare, gourmet version has changed the edible landscape entirely.

While most know raspberries for their delicious harvest, the creeping raspberry (often *Rubus calycinoides*) is primarily known for its landscape use, with its fruit often overlooked. Native to East Asia, this ground-hugging plant produces small berries that are surprisingly edible, though their yield and flavor differ significantly from their upright, cultivated cousins.

While many assume sweet potato vines are purely decorative, the leaves and tubers of the *Ipomoea batatas* species are, in fact, edible. This might be surprising for those who have only encountered them as ornamental fillers in container gardens and hanging baskets.

Did you know that all true tea—including green, black, oolong, and white—originates from just one specific plant species, *Camellia sinensis*? This fact often surprises those who grow the beautiful, decorative camellias common in many gardens and begs the question of whether all camellias are capable of producing a brew.

One study found that purple potatoes can have five times more antioxidant activity than their yellow or white counterparts. However, the presence of purple leaves edible color is not a universal sign of safety, as some are toxic, requiring caution and proper identification.

The crape myrtle, a popular ornamental shrub known for its vibrant, long-lasting flowers, is generally considered non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. However, this does not mean it is suitable for human consumption, and it is primarily grown for its aesthetic appeal, not for food.

Job's tears, or coix seed, is a nutritious cereal grain cultivated for over 4,000 years, but confusion often arises because some types are for consumption while others are strictly for ornamental use. Yes, certain varieties of Job's tears are indeed edible and boast a chewy texture and numerous health benefits. However, it is crucial to know which type you are preparing, as the hard-shelled ornamental version is not meant for eating.