Dahlia pinnata/Dahlia. Asteraceae. Asterales. Magnoliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Garden dahlia Native to/Mexico. Central America Symbolism/Dignity. Inner strength. Creativity. Positive change *Pink dahlia/Grace. Kindness. Beauty *Genus of about 30 species and some 20,000 cultivars. *Leaves are pinnate and divided into oval leaflets, 8-20in(20-50cm)long. *Those flowers from midsummer to autummun. Flower size/~2in(5cm)in diameter *Dahlias were first cultivatec by Aztecs in Mexico and Central America. *Both the common name of Dahlia and the genus Dahlia honor Swedish botanist Anders Dahl. Many historians believe that Royal Gardens director Antonio Jose Cavanillez named it in 1789. Photographed 11/2 9:48am 2025 Posted 11/3(Monday) 11:03am 2025

Leonotis leonurus/Leonotis. Lamiaceae. Lamiales. Magnoliopsida. Tracheophyta Coomonly called/Lion’s ear Native to/Southern Africa Symbolism/Courage. Resilience. Protection *Genus of about 30 species *Entire or scalloped, mid-to deep green leaves, 2 1/2-5 in(6-13cm)long *From autumun to early winter *2-lipped, orange-red to scarlet flowers, 2 1/2in(6cm)long *The genus name ‘Leonotis’ combines the Greek words ‘leon’ (lion) and ‘Otis’ (ear), referring to the whorled orange flowers that resemble a lion’s ear. *It was first documented in the 17th century by Europeans. *The plant was first grown in the UK by botanist Mary Somerset in the early 18th century. Photographed 10.28 8:56am 2025 Posted 10/31(Friday) 11:51am. 2025

Callistephus chinensis/Callistephus. Asteraceae. Asterales. Magnoniopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Chinese Aster. Annual Aster *This name refers to the fact that it is an annual plant, meaning it completes its life cycle within one growing season. Native/China. Korea Symbolism/A love of variety. Loyalty. Wisdom *Genus of one species of erect *Mid green leaves, to 3in(8cm)long. Chrysanthemum-like flowerheads, 3-5in(7-13cm)across, mainly in shades of purple and violet-blue. *The genus name Callistephus comes from Greek words meaning “beautiful crown”. *There is no single “founder” of this flower. *It was introduced to Europe in 1728 and cultivated in America in 1737. Photographed 9/23 9:05am 2025 Posted 9/26(Friday) 11:23am 2025

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis/Hibiscus. Malvaceae. Malvales. Magnoliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Chinese hibiscus. Tropical hibiscus *These names reflect its origin in Tropical Asia and its extensive cultivation in warm climates, particularly Hawaii. Native to/Southeast asia *Genus of more than 200 species *Dark green leaves, to 6in(15cm)long, with toothed margins, Solitary, 5-petaled, bright crimson flowers. 4in(10cm)across, with yellow-anthered red stamens. *The name was based on specimens with “RED”. *The genus name is derived from the Greek word ‘hibiscos’ which referred to the mallow plant. Photographed 9/7 9:00am 2025 Posted 9/8(Monday) 11:51am 2025

Heliotropium arborescens/Heliotropium. Heliotropiaceae. Boraginales. Magnoliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Heliotrope.Cherry Pie Flower Native to/Peru. Bolivia. Colombia Symbolism/Eternal love. Devotion. Admiration *Genus of about 250 species *Mid-dark green leaves, to 3in (8cm)long. Deep violet-blue flowers are 3-4 in(8-10cm)across. *The primary origin of ‘heliotrope’s’ symbolism is tied to the Greek myth of “Clytie”, the water nymph who fellin love with the Sun God. *Heliotropium arborescens was discovered by French boanist Joseph de Jussieu in the 18th century. *The plant was cultivated in the Royal Garden in Paris in 1740 and spread throughout Europe atound 1757. Photographed 8/28 8:49am 2025 Posted 8/29(Friday) 11:36am 2025

Xerochrysum bracteatum/Xerochrysum. Asteraceae. Asterales. Magnoliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Strawflower. the golden everlasting Native to/Australia *Beginning with its documentation by European botanists in 18th-century Australia Symbolism/Immortality. Endurance. Remembrance *When dried symbolizes enduring love, hope and the continuation of life *Genus of about 500 species *Flower heads are generally 1-to 3 inches(3-6cm)in diameter. *Strawflowers offer several benefits, for skincare with strawflower oil which may help with reducing scars, wounds, skin irritations and inflammation. *’Xerochrysum’ comes from the Greek word, ‘ xeros’ means “dry”, and ‘chrysos’ means “gold”. Photographed 8/24 9:10am 2025 Posted 8/25(Monday) 12:07pm 2025

Hibiscus moscheutos/Hibiscus. Malvaceae. Malvales. Magnoliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Swamp Rose Mallow Native to/Southeastern United States Symbolism/Delicate beauty. Love. Grace *Genus of more than 200 species *Produces broadly ovate lance- shaped, unlobed or shallowly 3-5-lobed,toothed, mid-green leaves, 3-9in(8-23cm)long. Widely funnel-shaped flowers, to 8in(20cm)across. *The leaves and roots of this flower were used in traditional medicine for sore throats. *The genus name, ‘Hibiscus’ is an old Greek and Latin name for “mallow”. The specific epithet ‘moscheutos’ is Latin for “mush-scented”. *Its discovery and formal botanical naming are attributed to the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753. Photographed 8/21 8/44am 2025 Posted 8/22(Friday) 12:00pm 2025

Xerochrysum bracteatum/ Xerochrysum. Asteracese. Asterales. Magnoliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Strawflower. Golden everlasting Common name/Silvery Rose Native to/Australia Symbolism/Endurance. Remembrance *This flower, when it’s dried, it can last forever. It is associated with beauty and love. *Genus of about 500 species *This genus name comes from two Greek words: ‘xeros’ meaning “dry”, and ‘chryson’ meaning “gold”. *The genus name Xerochrysum used to be Helichrysum till 2001. Photographed 7/24 9:08am 2025 Posted 7/25(Friday) 12:39pm 2025

Duranta erecta/ Duranta. Verbenaceae. Lamiales. Magnoliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Skyflower. Golden dewdrop Native to/Tropical America Native from/Mexico. South America Symbolism/Good fortune. Prosperity *Genus of about 30 species *Erect to spreading, bushy shrub or small tree with ovate to obovate, rich green leaves, to 3in(7cm)long. *Yellow fruirs will be able to seen with purple flowers. *The plant is named by Italian botanist Castore Dutante after the 15th century. *The epithet ‘erecta’ is Latin for “upright”. Photographed 7/15 8:58am 2025 Posted 7/18(Friday) 12:20pm 2025

Dietes bicolor/Dietes. Iridaceae. Asparagales. Liliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Yellow African Iris. Butterfly Iris Native to/Southern Africa Symbolism/Passion. Joy. Happiness. Friendship *Genus of 6 species *Yellow irises can also be associated with pride, especially when celebrating achievements. *Rhizomatous perennial with narrowly sward-shaped, pale green,basal leaves, 24in(60cm)long. Pale to deep yellow flowers, 1 1/2(4cm)across. *Yellow iris was introduced in the late 1700s. *African iris yellow has not known founder. Photographed 7/6 8:43am 2025 Posted 7/7(Monday) 11:33am 2025

Grewia occidentalis/Grewia. Malvaceae. Malvales. Magnoliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Crossberry. Lavender Starflower Native to/Southern Africa *It’s found from the Cape Provinces of South Africa. Symbolism/Enduring beauty. Resilience. *It’s associated with artistic perfection and nature’s harmony. *Genus of approximately 150 species. *The leaves are ovate-diamond-shaped to lance-shaped, 3/4-3in(2-8cm)long. Bears small stalked,axilliary cymes of flowets,1 1/4in(3cm)across with pink sepals and mauve to purple. *The genus name honors English botanist Nehemiah Grew(1641-1712). *”Occidental” means ‘from the west’. Photographed 7/3 10:16am 2025 Posted 7/4(Friday) 12:10pm 2025

Chilopsis linearis/Chilopsis. Bignoniaceae. Lamiales. Magnoliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Desert willow Native to/the southwestern United States, northern Mexico Symbolism/adaptability. resilience. the ability to flourish in harsh environments. *Genus of one species of evergreen shrub. *It has alternate, linear, mid-green leaves and produces racemes of white to pink flowers. *Branched shrub or tree linear, entire curved leaves, to 8in(20cm)long. Trumpet shaped, white-pink flowres, to 2in(5cm)long *The Spanish botanist Antonio Jose Cavanilles first described the species Chilopsis linearis in 1796. Photographed 6/29 10:12am 2025 Posted 6/30(Monday) 12:10pm 2025

Magnolia grandiflora/Magnolia. Magnoliaceae. Magnoliales. Magnoliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Bull bay. the Southern magnolia Native to/the southeastern US Symbolism/Beauty. Nobility *The large,fragrant and showy flowers of the Southern magnolia are symbols of beauty and elegance. *Genus of 125 species *Dark green leaves, to 8in(20cm)long, with cleamy white flowers, to 10in(25cm)across,with 9-12 petals *The tree’s historical significance extends to it’s cultural importance in the Southern United States. *Magnolias hold symbolic meaning in various cultures. Nobility and purity in China. perseverance, dignity and a love of nature in Japan. Photographed 6/21 9:17am 2025 Posted 6/23(Monday) 11:48am 2025

Tecoma stans/Tecoma. Bignoniaceae. Lamiales Magnoliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Yellow trumpetbush. Yellow Bells ‘Sangria’ Native to/the Americans North into New Mexico, Arizona, South Florida, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Symbolism/Rebirth. Luck *Genus of about 12 species *Tecoma stans is known for its clusters of large, trumpet-shaped, yellow flowers. *Growing 3-6 feet tall(90-180cm)tall in the U.S. *The name “Tecoma” is derived from the Natural word “tecomaxochiti”, referring to plants with tubular flowers. *In The esrliest specimen of Tecoma stans may be from around Key West who was the first sighted Europeans in 1513. Photographed 6/19 11/01am 2025 Posted 6/20(Friday) 11:22 2025

Agapanthus praecox/Agapanthus. Amarylidaceae. Asparagales. Liliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/African lily. Lily of the Nile Native to/South Africa Symbolism/Beauty. Affection *Genus of about 10 species *Clump-forming, evergreen perennial with broad, strap-shaped,dark green leaves, 12-28in(30-70cm)long. Bears large,rounded umbels,6-12in(15-30cm)across, of trumped-shaped,rich mid-blue flowers, 1 1/2-2 1/2in(4-6cm)long. *’Agapanthus’ merges the Greek words for ‘love’(agape) and ‘flower’(anthos), referencing its captivating bluish-purple blossoms. *The genus Agapanthus was established by Charles Louis L’Heritier de Brutelle in 1788. Photographed 6/15 8:40am 2025 Posted 6/16(Monday) 12:27pm 2025

Nerium oleander/Nerium. Apocynaceae. Gentianales. Magnoliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Oleander. Rose bay Native to/the Mediterranean region,which includes Africa, Southern parts of Europe, Western and South East Asia. Symbolism/Romance and Charm. Love. Protection. Beauty *Genus of 1 or 2 species *Tall, errect to spreading shrub or small tree with large-shaped,deep green leaves, 2 1/2-8in(6-20cm)long. The flowers are 1 1/2-2in(3-5cm)across. *The poisonous substances are found in all parts(flowers, Leaves, Stems, Twigs) of the oleander plant. *The genus Nerium was first proposed by Joseph Tournefort in 1700. *Nerium is derived from the Greek word “nerion”, which means ‘moist’ or ‘wet’. Photographed 6/7 9:13am 2025 Posted 6/9(Monday) 11:45am 2025

Dietes grandiflora/Dietes. Iridaceae. Liliales. Liliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Fariry iris. Butterfly iris. Aftican Iris Native to/Southern Africa Symbolism/Hope. Renewal *Genus of 6 species *Rhizomatous perennial with sword-shaped, dark green leaves, to 28in(70cm)long,from spring to summer. *Dietes is a genus of six rhizomatous plant species which is first described in 1866. *Dietes grandiflora is a plant species not from a person(not a founder). Photographed. 5/22 8:49am 2025 Posted. 5/23(Friday) 11:52am 2025

Delphinium elatum/Delphinium. Ranunculaceae. Ranunculales. Magnoliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Alpine dephinium. Candle Larkspur Native to/Western Europe. Russia. East Asia Symbolism/Good will. Cheerfulness *Genus of about 250 species *Initial Bloom/In early to mid summer *The basel leaves, mostly to 8in(20cm)long, are toothed and deeply or shallowly 3-7-lobed. *The name ‘delphinium’ is derived from the Greek word “delphis”, meaning “dolphin”, referring to the flower bud’s shape, dolphin. *Carl Linnaeus who is a Swedish botanist described and classfied this species in the early 19th century. Photographed 5/18 10:00am 2025 Posted 5/19(Monday) 11:35am 2025

Bulbine frutescens/Bulbine. Asphodelaceae. Asparagales. Magnoliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Orange Bulbine. Stalked bulbine. Native to/Southern Africa Symbolism/Self-sufficiency. Resilience *Genus of about 30 species *Succlent, branching,blue-green, basel leaves, 1 1/2-9in(4-23cm)long, of star-shaped yellow flowers, 1/4-1/2in(6-15mm)across, are borne in Summer. *The plant’s name comes from the Greek word “bolbine” and Latin “bulbus”. *Gordon Rowley, a Crassula expert, who selected the cultivar from seeding , collected by Harry Hall in South Africa. Photographed 5/15 9:50am 2025 Posted 5/16(Friday) 11:25am 2025

Hemerocallis fulva/Hemerocallis. Asphodelaceae. Asparagales. Liliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly calle/Tawny daylily. Orange Daylily Native to/China. Japan. Korea Symbolism/Maternal love. A mother’s commitment. Wisdom *Genus of about 13-15 species *Semi-evergreen, spreading perennial with wide dark bluish green leaves, 12-36in(30-90cm)long. *Branched scapes bear trumpet-shaped,orange-brown flowers, 2 1/2-4in(6-10cm)across, which recurved tepals, in mid-and late season. *Orange day-lily was brought to North America from Europe via Asia in the 17th century. *Hemerocallis, this genus name is derived from the Greek words. ‘hemera’ meaning “day”, ‘kallos’ meaning “beauty. *The founder of Hemerocallis fulva is not a single person. Photographed 5/11 9:31am 2025 Posted 5/12(Monday) 11:57am 2025

Paulownia tomentosa/Pawlownia. Paulowniaceae. Lamiales. Magnoliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Princess tree. Empress tree. Foxglove-tree Native to/China Symbolism/Lonliness. Connote the past. Good luck *Genus of 6 species *They profuce thick shoots and usually large, hairy,opposite,ovate or 3-to 5 lobed,mid-or yellow-green leaves. Bright light green leaves, to 12in(30cm)long, hairy above, densely hairy beneath. *Fragrant, pinkish lilac flowers,2in(5cm)long, with purple and yellow marks indide. *The genus name ‘Paulownia’, honors Anna Paulownia, a Russian princess(1795-1865)who was Queen Consort of the Netherlands(1840-1849). The species name, ‘tomentosa’ is a Latin term meaning “woolly” or “covered in hairs” It refers to the dense, hairy txture of the leaves. Photogrsphed 5/1 8:49am 2025 Posted 5/2(Friday) 11:28am 2025

Ornithogalum dubium/Ornithogalum. Asparagaceae. Scilloideae. Magnoliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Sun star. Star of Bethlehem orange star Native to/South Africa Symbolism/Purity. Hope. Faith *Genus of 80 species *Bulbous perennial with almost prostrate, lance-shaped to ovate-lance-shaped, dark-green yellow-green basel leaves, 4in(10cm)long. *Bears racemes of up to 25star-to cup-shaped, orange color,1in(2.5cm)across. *Ornithogalum is derived from the Greek words ‘ornis’ meaning “bird” and ‘gala’ meaning “milk”. The spcies name ‘dubium’ meaning “doubtful”. Photographed 4/27 8:53am 2025 Posted 4/28(Monday) 12:07pm 2025

Malus pumila/Malus. Rosaceae. Rosales. Magnoliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Apple tree. Paradise apple Native to/Central Asia Symbolism/Love. Knowledge. Temptation *Genus of 35 species Flowers/3/4-2in(2-5cm)across *There are 30,000 types of apple have been developted. We usually encounter less than 30 of these varieties. *Malus sieversii(as the “founder” of apple tree) is from which cultivated apples were derived. *The Latin origins of apple’s name begin with ‘Malus’ which translates to ‘apple’ and ‘pumila’, meaning “dwarfed”, implying these trees were once concidered small. Photographed 4/24 9:26am 2025 Posted 4/25(Friday) 11:22am 2025

Phlomis fruticosa/Phlomis. Lamiaceae. Lamiales. Magnoliopsida. Tracheophyta Commonly called/Jerusalem sage Native to/Albania. Greece. Italy. Turkey Symbolism/Wisdom. New beginnings *The plant’s associatiation with the goddes Hera and its overall positive symbolism make it a thoughtful gift for those embarking on new endeavors. *Wrinkled, gray-green leaves,to 4in(10cm). *In early and midsummer,bears dark golden yellow flowers, 1 1/4in(3cm)long. Photographed 4/20 9:21am 2025 Posted 4/21(Monday) 11:17am 2025