1.

Bjerkandera adusta (Polyporaceae)

Grows fused to densely overlapping clusters on dead hardwoods

Bjerkandera adusta, commonly known as the smoky polypore, is a species of fungus in the
family Meruliaceae. It is a plant pathogen that causes white rot. It was first described scientifically
as Boletus adustus by Carl Ludwig Willdenow in 1787.
The genus Bjerkandera has been classified in the Polyporaceae by Donk (Donk 1964) based on
the poroid hymenophores. However, a close relationship of B. adusta to corticioid fungi has been
presented in subsequent phylogenetic studies (Hibbett and Donoghue 1995, Hibbett et al 1997). It is
evident that B. adusta, a poroid fungus, is closely related to three corticioid fungi, and C. salicina, a
corticioid fungus, is closely related to three poroid fungi based on phylogenetic relationships
Cortinarius cinnamomeus (Cortinariaceae) Common Cort Cap 2 to 6 cm wide by 2 to 4 cm
deep, fan shaped, medium to dark brown concentric furry bands, smooth white margin; no stalk
Pore surface Rich medium dark gray, 5 to 6 pores per mm, white sterile margin, tubes 1 to 2 mm
long. Flesh White, 1 to 3 mm thick, spongy and soft when fresh, Spore print White, Spores 4-5
x 2-3 microns, oval, entire, non-amyloid

2. Slippery Elm

The Slippery Elm is also called the "red elm". This tree resembles the American Elm but has a
longer bole (trunk) and the twigs have a tendency to point upward. The leaves are also more sharply
pointed (acuminate). Early settlers used the inner bark to quench their thirst and Native Americans
used the mucilaginous layer as a soothing remedy for ailments. The most common use of the wood
is in the crate and box industry.
Slippery elm is a common herbal ingredient in herbal supplements. While slippery elm can
help heal and soothe a number of different ailments, it is probably best lauded for its digestive
effects. Slippery elm unfortunately isnt as well known as it deserves to be in modern culture, but
its usage dates back a long ways in traditional medicinal practices throughout the world. Its also
known as red elm, moose elm, sweet elm, and elm bark. The extract itself is taken from the
innermost layer of bark next to the interior wood of a large elm tree. The outer bark is reddish in
color, but the powder made from the innermost layer of wood is pale brown.
There are several reasons why Slippery Elm is so beneficial. One is the fact that it is a
demulcent, which means it coats the mucous membrane with a fine film thus reducing inflammation
and reducing pain. It also contains a significant amount of mucilage, which helps heal and protect

infected and/or irritated internal tissues of the body. The tannins found in Slippery Elm are
astringent, another factor making it so useful in healing inflammation and damaged tissues
especially of the stomach, intestine, vagina, and throat. It has been proven to be a restorative herb
and known to relieve chronic indigestion, prolonged flu and unresolved bowel issues.
Slippery elm is not only effective at healing stomach ulcers and other digestive problems; it
does so soothingly (unlike some other herbs like cayenne pepper). Some of the many conditions
that the herb can help heal include flatulence, constipation, heartburn and intestinal cramping.
Along with these digestive ailments, it is also useful in treating a wide range of other health
problems such as sore throat, acne, painful urine, gangrene, dysentery, poison ivy, burns, and
asthma. It can be applied externally to wounds, burns, and other skin lesions in order to reduce
infection and inflammation and clear them up more quickly.
One particular use for slippery elm is to help relieve constipation. Slippery elm combines well
with psyllium seed to clear the digestive tract quickly; the soothing effect of the slippery elm makes
the process a little less irritating than it might otherwise be (psyllium being much harsher) while
making it no less effective. Slippery elm is included in Diverticalm Botanicals along with cats
claw, chamomile flower, and marshmallow root to create a blend of healthy herbs which is both
effectual and soothing for people who suffer from diverticulosis, diverticulitis and similar ailments.

3.horsetail genus (Equisetum spp.)

The horsetail genus (Equisetum spp.) is an ancient group of 15 herbaceous, spore-producing

plants whose ancestors grew on the planet 300 million years ago. Today, horsetail plants are often
considered invasive weeds because of their aggressive growth habit. Horsetail plants are survivors
that will grow in a range of soil conditions and climates, though they will not grow in full shade.
Horsetail weed occurs in sunny conditions and semi-shade, such as the light, filtered shade
found in a woodland environment. Dwarf horsetail (Equisetum scirpoides) may be more tolerant of
shade than other, weedier species such as field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) and common horsetail
(Equisetum hyemale). As a general rule, horsetails will not grow in full, deep shade; some sun is
necessary for the plant to thrive. Horsetail very tolerant of frost.
Horsetails occur nearly worldwide and is native to North America, Asia, Britain, and other parts
of temperate and arctic Europe. In the wild, they tend to gravitate to areas with moist soil and either
light shade or full sun. Horsetails are most commonly found in moist meadows, fields or swamps, as
well as alongside streams, rivers and lakes. Occasionally they grow in disturbed, dry areas such as
roadsides and railway embankments. Drought can prohibit the plant from spreading.
Horsetail plants may be grown in the home garden, but they can become quite invasive. Once
planted, horsetails are very difficult to remove: their roots can grow 7 feet or more down into the
earth. They can easily spread into a neighbor's yard or nearby wildlife habitat. To keep the roots
under control, use a large container and sink it into the ground. Do not use a container with a hole in
the bottom for drainage, as the roots can escape through the hole.

Horsetail shoots can offer unique ornamental value to a garden, growing up to 6 feet tall in
some instances. They are rarely bothered by deer. They are difficult to propagate by spore, but easy
to propagate by division. The young shoots of horsetails are edible, though they are not
recommended for livestock. Field horsetail has been used traditionally to make dye, to make writing
quills, and to scour and polish pans and other objects.

4. Brome-Like Sedge, Carex bromoides, Sedge family (Cyperaceae)

This perennial sedge consists of a dense tuft of leafy culms about 1-2' tall. Dried remnants of
older leaf blades are often persistent around the base of the tuft of culms. Over time, the tuft of culms
becomes elevated, forming a tussock. The narrow culms are about 1 mm. across, 3-angled, light green,
and glabrous. Underneath an inflorescence, the margins of a culm are often slightly rough. Each culm
has 3-5 alternate leaves along the lower one-third of its length. The ascending to spreading leaf blades
are 1-3 mm. across and 3-9" long; they are light to medium green and glabrous with rough-textured
margins. The leaf sheaths are light green and glabrous along their outer 2 sides, while their inner sides
are membranous and hairless. The summit of each sheath along the inner side is concave. Each fertile
culm produces a narrow inflorescence about 1-2" long consisting of 3-8 erect to ascending spikelets; the
inflorescence may nod slightly. Each spikelet is usually gynecandrous with 0-3 staminate (male) florets
at the bottom and 6-18 pistillate (female) florets above. Individual spikelets are up to 15 mm. (2/3")
long; except for the lowest spikelet, they usually overlap each other along the rachis (central stalk) of the
inflorescence. Underneath the lowest spikelet, there is usually a narrowly linear bract about 0.5-1" in
length, otherwise the bracts of the inflorescence are insignificant and scale-like or absent.

5. Monadnock / Side Foot - Starflower and Polytrichum juniperinum

A combination of two star-like flora, from completely different classifications - a wildflower

and a moss. The wildflower is a conventional plant with roots that draws water and nutrients from
the soil, often in symbiosis with one or more fungi. Moss (one of the bryophytes) by contrast do not
have roots and can live directly on rock or wood.
The juniper polytrichum moss (Polytrichum juniperinum), shown here, is a fairly common
forest inhabitant, and is one of the frequently found mosses on the mountainside. The leaves above
it seem to be "Starflower" (Trientalis Borealis) and will eventually bear small white flowers.

6. Ricinus communis Spurge (Euphorbiaceae) Family

The castor bean is a semi-woody, flowering plant with large, alternate, star-like leaves that
grows as a tree in tropical regions and as an annual in temperate regions. Its glossy leaves grow to
15-45 centimeters (6-18 inches long on long stalks with 5-12 deep lobes with coarsely toothed
segments. In some species, the they start off dark, reddish purple gradually changing to a dark
green, sometimes with a reddish tinge, as they mature. Its flowers are very small and inconspicuous
but its fruit capsules are often showy. Its fruits grow in clusters at the tops of the plants. The fruit is
spiny, greenish to reddish purple capsules that contain its seeds. Its seed is the castor bean which
contains ricin, a deadly toxin. The seeds are large, oval, shiny, and bean-like in appearance. Lethal
dose is around 4-8 seeds and symptoms of poisoning include burning mouth, abdominal pain,
nausea, bloody diarrhea, and seizures that can last for up to a week. Symptoms may be delayed for
up to 36 hours but commonly begin in 2-4 hours. All parts of the plant are very poisonous to eat.
The seeds are large and may be mistaken for a beanlike food.
Habitat and Distribution: This plant is found in all tropical regions and has been introduced to
temperate regions.

7. Heracleum maximum, cow parsnip (also known as Indian celery or pushki)

Heracleum maximum, cow parsnip (also known as Indian celery or pushki) is the only member of the
genus Heracleum native to North America. Its classification has caused some difficulty, with recent
authoritative sources referring to it variously as Heracleum maximum or Heracleum lanatum , as H.
linatum, or as either a subspecies, H. sphondylium subsp. montanum, or a variety, H. sphondylium var.
linatum, of the common hogweed (H. sphondylium). The classification given here follows

8. Acacia auriculiformis

A small to medium sized fast-growing tree, 825 m high, diameter reaching 60 cm. Often with
crooked (and multiple) stem and low and heavy branching. Bark grey or brown, first smooth, then
becoming rough and fissured. Flattened leaf stalks acting as leaves (phyllodes) are 1018 cm long
and 23 cm wide with parallel veins. Seedlings with small compound leaves. Minute yellow flowers
in up to 8 cm long spikes. Fruits are 68 cm long coiled pods with brown seeds attached by orange
filaments. Hybridizes with A. mangium.
Erosion control, land reclamation and soil improvement. The wood is used for pulp, fuelwood
and has limited use for construction, implements and furniture. The bark contains tannins.
In its native habitat a colonizer of tropical coastal lowlands and found along streams, in open
forests, savannas and adjacent to mangroves, often in sandy soils. Very tolerant to different soil
conditions and water supply. Thrives best in seasonal climates receiving 2,0002,500 mm annual
rainfall but may here become quite competitive towards other species.

9. Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail)

Trametes versicolor, often called the "turkey tail," has the dubious distinction of being the only
member of the forest fungal fowl community not named for the full bird, but a feathery fraction.
However, the chicken of the woods and the hen of the woods look nothing at all like chickens or hens,
while the turkey tail does look (vaguely) like a turkey's tail.
Trametes versicolor is one of the most common mushrooms in North American woods, found virtually
anywhere there are dead hardwood logs and stumps to decompose--and, occasionally, on conifer wood
too. Its cap colors are extremely variable, but tend to stay in the buff, brown, cinnamon, and reddish
brown range. The mushrooms are strikingly "zonate" with sharply contrasting concentric zones of color,
and the surface of the cap is finely fuzzy or velvety. Often the zones represent contrasts in texture as
well as color, so that fuzzy zones alternate with smoother ones.
A number of similar polypores, and even a few species of crust fungi, look more or less identical to the
casual eye, and a whole host of mushrooms are thus lumped together as "turkey tails" by collectors who
are more interested in gilled mushrooms and boletes. But if you are one of those folks, like me, who just
has to be sure, I offer the Totally True Turkey Tail Test, below.

10. Colocasia esculenta

Gabi, palawan or dagmay (Colocasia esculenta) is an indigenous feed source for native
chickens. Though known mainly as a vegetable especially in ginataan (coconut milk) or in jams
or jellies, gabi is rich in carbohydrates comparable to carbohydrate levels of sweet potato.
However, it contains an irritant called calcium oxalate which is removed when cooked. The
leaves are also a feed source for chickens when cooked and is rich in protein at about 18%.
Palawan a larger strain of gabi has lesser amounts of calcium oxalate and can be cooked boiled
or fried either as a snack item or as a main source of starch in human diets.
As a feed source for chickens, the tubers are usually harvested, chopped finely and cooked
together with the leaves and also with other leaf sources of proteins such ipil-ipil (leucaena) and
balunggay and meat sources such as snails, fish and meat. The usual ratio of gabi to other sources
when cooked should be about 50% and other sources like leaves and rice bran may comprise the
rest. The nutrient profile of the cooked gabi-based ration is also improved dramatically with the
addition of coconut meat after the milk is extracted (sapal sang lubi) because of the high protein
and fat content of coconut meat. This addition will result to a more balanced nutrient profile that
would be a good feed alternative for growing chickens.
Gabi is an ideal side or minor crop in wet lowlands planted in deeper portions of the field not
anymore suitable for rice planting. It can also be planted along dikes as a border crop for rice
where it is easily accessible for harvest once needed. It is easily established using small plants
and planted densely in distances of 40 to 50 centimeters. Usually taking 4-5 months, gabi can

also be harvested early especially when feed sources become scarce. Some varieties also adopt to
dryland planting like the palawan and will produce as much as cassava per plant and with the
same ability to grow and produce tubers even without much care and management.
Many varieties are also resistant to pests and diseases that is why gabi is an ideal minor crop
which can become a ready source of food and feed. Farmers regularly plant many types for home
use and for sale as a cash crop. The major source of gabi found in the markets of Iloilo City is
Janiuay and Lambunao where farmers plant this crop as another source of income.
11. Phegopteris connectilis (long beech fern)

This native perennial fern consists of a loose cluster of compound leaves on slender petioles; it
is about 1-2' tall. The petioles are usually straw-colored and more or less covered with brown
scales; sometimes they are short-hairy near the blade. As the season progresses, the petioles may
lose most of their scales and become nearly glabrous. The compound leaves are up to 16" long
and up to 10" across; in outline, they are deltate-sagittate. The structure of each compound leaf is
mostly pinnate-pinnatifid, consisting of 12-20 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are longer toward the
bottom than the top; most leaflets are joined together at the base by a winged extension of the
rachis (central stalk of the compound leaf); the margin of this winged extension is irregularly
curved. However, the lowest 1-2 pairs of leaflets are not joined together at the base. The lowest
pair of leaflets angles downward, while the remaining leaflets are widely spreading. Individual
leaflets are narrowly oblong-elliptic to linear-oblong in outline and pinnatifid in structure. Each
leaflet has 10-20 pairs of deep lobes; these lobes are usually short-oblong in shape. The margins
of these lobes are usually smooth or slightly crenate; however, sometimes the lobes are shallowly
pinnatifid, particularly for the lower leaflets.

The most unusual characteristics of this moderately sized fern are the winged extension of the
rachis and the lack of indusia on the sori (see the description above for short definitions of these
technical terms). It is relatively easy to confuse the Long Beech Fern with the Broad Beech Fern
(Phegopteris hexagonoptera); the latter fern is much more common in Illinois. Generally, Long
Beech Fern has compound leaves that are longer than they are wide, while the compound leaves
of Broad Beech Fern are about as long as they are wide. For Long Beech Fern, the winged
extension of the rachis doesn't reach the lowest 1-2 pairs of leaflets, while all of the leaflets of
Broad Beech Fern are winged at the base. The winged extension of the latter fern tends to be
more wide and angular, producing hexagonal shapes. Another difference between these two
species consists of the following: the tips of the leaves and leaflets tend to be more long and
slender in the Long Beech Fern than in the Broad Beech Fern.

12. Cordyline minalis (Ti plants)

Hawaiian ti plants are once again becoming popular houseplants. This leads many new owners to
wonder about proper ti plant care. Growing a Hawaiian ti plant indoors is easy when you know a
few important things about this lovely plant.
Ti plants (Cordyline minalis) come in a wide variety of colors, including green, red, chocolate,
pink, orange, variegated and combinations of all of these. They grow in a tiered rosette and do
not often flower.
They make excellent houseplants on their own or can be combined with other houseplants with
similar needs to make a stunning display.

13. Qiongzhuea tumidissinoda (Chinese Walking Stick)

An outstanding and rare specimen, Qiongzhuea tumidissinoda has a very decorative and
intriguing culm structure. Each node dramatically flairs out to twice the width of the culm,
forming hundreds of saucer-like shapes. It has an arching canopy of slender, delicate leaves that
drape nearly to the ground like a weeping willow.

In its native climate, Sichuan, China, "Chinese Walking Stick" thrives among rainforest
covered valleys where it is cherished by the local people; the unique culms utilized in an ancient
craft of walking cane construction.
It is well suited to grow in the Pacific Northwest, though it is the most sensitive bamboo we
carry. It prefers a mild climate, and shade from the hot afternoon sun. In a hard frost, especially
one combined with strong wind, the most exposed part of the canopy will suffer moderate leaf
loss. Give this rare beauty a sheltered area with dappled sunlight. It is initially slow to get
established and less predictable than other hardy bamboos. However, after attaining a respectable
size, it can be very fast spreading. We recommend creating a mound of rich, slightly acidic, well
draining topsoil 5 or more feet in diameter, raised 6 to 12 inches above surrounding soil. This
will provide the vigorous rhizomes with an area to spread freely, just be sure to persuade them
not to cross the edge and into the yard. A swift, downward kick with a garden shovel is very
convincing. Work around the edges of the mound, removing any rhizomes attempting to sneak
past. This should be done once in the summer and again in the fall during the active growth
period. This one is worth it. (see Care and Maintenance for details)
12 feet in height is a reasonable expectation, 20 feet is optimistic unless the climate is
absolutely perfect. Coastal southern Oregon into northern California (zone 9) is probably the
closest to perfect within the United States. However, we have seen it get to 15 feet in northern
Oregon as well as Washington, truly a sight to behold. Despite its inherent vigor, the culms tend
to cluster together at the base with soft foliage cascading outward like water droplets from an
emerald fountain. Qiongzhuea tumidissinoda, once mature, is like no other bamboo, and will
command the attention of any who happen to witness it.
14. Mercurialis perennis (Dogs Mercury)

In the spring, Dog's Mercury is one of the first plants to break through the dark earth in damp, shady
beech woods and river valley woodlands and turn its still pale green stems towards the light. As the
above-ground parts of the plant grow from the creeping, knotty rootstock, Dog's Mercury always grows
in patches. It prefers sites that have water running through them. The small unobtrusive flowers of the
dioecious plant are yellowish green in color and appear from April to May. As with all dioecious plants,
the male and female flowers are on separate plants. The entire plant is already preformed in the earth,
even the leaves and flowers. As soon as the bent stem begins to unfold, this "spiritual plan" appears to
fill increasingly with life and the plant's material form is realized. To begin with the leaves nestle close
to the four sided stem of the young, compact plant. Later, with increasing extension, the serrated, lanceshaped leaves develop and display their shiny blue-green blade.
15. Dryopteris cristata (crested wood fern)

Dryopteris cristata (L.) A. Gray is a species of fern native to wetlands throughout the Holarctic
Kingdom. It is known as crested wood fern or crested buckler-fern. This plant is a tetraploid
species of hybrid origin, one parent being Dryopteris ludoviciana and the other being the
unknown, apparently extinct species, dubbed Dryopteris semicristata, which is also one of the
presumed parents of Dryopteris carthusiana. D. cristata in turn is one of the parents of Dryopteris
clintoniana, another fern of hybrid origin.
The crested wood fern is a wetlands plant, needing year-round moisture. The fronds often grow
quite tall, up to a meter or more in height, but are extremely narrow under most conditions.
It is known that this plant has been used as an anti-microbial agent; for example, root extracts
from D. cristata (as well as the kindred species D. arguta) has been shown efficacious in
expelling intestinal parasites from certain mammals.

16. Dryopteris carthusiana-spinulose wood fern

Dryopteris carthusiana (Vill.) H.P. Fuchs (syn. D. spinulosa (O.F. Muell.) O. Kuntze) is a species
of fern native to damp forests throughout the Holarctic Kingdom. It is known as the narrow
buckler-fern in the United Kingdom, and as the spinulose woodfern in North America.
It is a tetraploid of hybrid origin, one parent being Dryopteris intermedia, known in North
America as the intermediate wood fern, and an unknown, apparently extinct species dubbed
Dryopteris semicristata, which is also the presumed parent of the hybrid-origin Dryopteris
cristata.
This fern is often confused with several other wood fern species, including D. intermedia, D.
campyloptera, and D. expansa. It especially extensively shares the range of D. intermedia, but
the two may be distinguished by the innermost pinnule on the bottom side of the bottom pinna:
this pinnule is longer than the adjacent pinnules in D. carthusiana, but shorter or even in D.
intermedia. D. carthusiana is a sub-evergreen species, its fronds surviving mild winters but dying
back in harsh winters.

17. Cynanchum leave

Cynanchum laeve is a vining perennial herb native to eastern and central U.S. states and Ontario.
Common names include honeyvine, honeyvine milkweed, bluevine milkweed, climbing
milkweed, and smooth swallow-wort.
Like bindweed and some other members of the Convolvulaceae, Cynanchum laeve is a twining
vine with heart-shaped leaves common in roadsides, fence rows, fields, and disturbed areas.
However, C. laeve is easily recognized as a member of the Milkweed family by its opposite leave
placement, milky sap and distinctive flowers and "milkweed pods." The seeds are wind dispersed
and can travel long distances.
Cynanchum laeve is considered a noxious weed in several states, and can be very difficult to
eradicate from fields because of its deep, extensive root system. Like many other milkweed
species, C. laeve contains toxic cardenolide alkaloids, and is a food plant for the caterpillars of
Monarch butterflies.
18. Chromolaena corymbosa

Chromolaena is a genus of about 165 species of perennials and shrubs in the aster family,
Asteraceae. The name is derived from the Greek words (chroma), meaning "color," and
(laina), meaning "cloak." It refers to the colored phyllaries of some species. Members of
the genus are native to the Americas, from the southern United States to South America
(especially Brazil). One species, Chromolaena odorata, has been introduced to many parts of the
world where it is considered a weed.
The plants of this genus were earlier taxonomically classified under the genus Eupatorium, but
are now considered to be more closely related to other genera in the tribe Eupatorieae.

19. Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola)

Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) is a traditional medicine that is mostly used and renowned in
Ayurveda but has some usage in Traditional chinese usage as well. It is most commonly known
as a cognitive enhancing supplement that is somewhat 'interchangeable' with Bacopa monnieri
(insofar that the two share many of the same names) but has additional benefits for
cardiovascular health (in particular, chronic venous insufficiency), skin regeneration rates and
wound healing, and possible benefits to anxiety and rheumatism.
In regards to its cognitive enhancing properties, it requires a few weeks to work and seems to
cause an increase in neuronal growth (not how many neurons there are, but how far their
dendrites branch out). This is due to activating a class of proteins known as MAPKs, which
causes a release in a growth factor for neurons called Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor
(BDNF). This is a mechanism somewhat similar to Bacopa monnieri and the time-delay in
improving cognition is also similar; however, currently there are no studies assessing whether
they can be used alongside each other or which one is more potent.
It has another independent mechanism where it augments the release of an anti-inflammatory
signalling molecule from immune cells, in particular it enhances the secretion of the molecule
known as IL-1 from the immune cells known as macrophages; it does this at a remarkably low
concentration (in the picomolar range) and is likely relevant to oral supplementation, and if so
this could partly explain benefits to chronic venous insuffiency (which are quite proven with
human evidence) and its anti-rheumatic benefits (not as proven).
Finally, this plant may inhibit a group of enzymes that break down collagen while simultanously
increasing the rate that collagen is synthesized; this is thought to underlie the increase in wound
healing rate (which is proven in animal research with preliminary human research) and is thought

to be the reason why centella asiatica is used as a skin tightening agent as any increase in
collagen synthesis (like with Creatine) should cause a firmness of the skin.
20. Anredera cordifolia (Lambs Tail)

As the plant is subtropical it will survive only a light frost. From its roots it will grow some 130
feet a year, with an occasional growth spurt of three feet a week. It can have lateral stems up to
65 feet long. The vine does not have tendrils but it climbs by twisting (at eye level) lower left to
upper right, the so-called Z-twist. It is interesting that most edibles climb that way whereas most
toxics climb lower right to upper left, the S- twist. The Madeira Vine has long drooping flower
spikes covered with tiny white blossoms (looks like their common name of Lambs Tails.) Their
aroma ranges from apple-ish to almond-ish. One of the main identifying characteristics is large
prolific clusters of tiny bulbils (sometimes called tubers) in the air. Plant them and the new crop
takes off, or spreads wildly, depending upon your view.
Not only are the underground roots (actually rhizomes) edible but the evergreen leaves as well.
They are bright, shiny green on top, lighter green underneath, no hair, short petioles, about five
inches long, waxy, roughly heart-shaped. The small bulbils are not edible but have been used

medicinally to reduce inflammation, improve ulcers and protect the liver. They might also
increase nitric oxide to the brain
21. Chamaedorea elegans (parlor palm)

Chamaedorea elegans, commonly called parlor palm or neanthe bella palm, is a small, compact,
usually single-trunked palm that is native to rainforests from southeastern Mexico to northern
Guatemala. Where winter hardy, it will rise to 5-6' tall in shady areas of the landscape. As a
houseplant, this palm usually grows to 4' tall and is particularly noted for its dense, attractive
foliage, compact shape and easy maintenance. Handsome, arching, green pinnate leaves, with 12
or more pairs of narrow leaflets per leaf, lend a tropical flair to indoor locations. Clusters of
yellow flowers in loose spirals may bloom in spring if enough light is present. Plants are
dioecious. Black fruit is attractive when it appears.
Genus name comes from the Greek words chamai meaning on the ground and dorea meaning gift
in reference to the fruit which is in easy reach.
22. Philodendron martianum

This dark green philodendron has six- to eight-inch-wide leaves which are 18 inches long (Fig.
1). Flask philodendron is well suited to use as an accent or specimen planting or in mass as a
ground cover or low shrub. It would be hard to find a small plant with a coarser texture. Plant on
three- to four-foot centers in a mass planting to create a solid, dark green, two-foot-tall ground
cover, or as a single specimen in a small-scale garden.

23. Rubiaceae Palicourea

Palicourea is a plant genus in the family Rubiaceae. It contains about 200 species, which range in
habit from shrubs to small trees, and is distributed throughout the New World tropics.
These plants are very closely related to Psychotria and in particular its subgenus
Heteropsychotria. Indeed, it seems to be nothing else but a distinctively-flowered offshoot of
Heteropsychotria; arguably, it would thus need to be merged into Psychotria to make that genus
monophyletic. But on the other hand, Psychotria is extremely diverse already, so it is probably
more practical to move the more distantly related species out of this genus and merge
Heteropsychotria with Palicourea.
The genus is not well studied. Most species are distylous, although a few on isolated Caribbean
islands seem to have lost the trait. Flowers are in racemes, having no scent, and are normally
pollinated by hummingbirds. Blue-black berries follow, and are thought to be distributed by
birds.
Almost one-tenth of the Palicourea species are considered threatened by the IUCN, even though
the conservation status has only been reviewed for those species that occur in Ecuador.
24. Pritchardia lowreyana (loulu)

Pritchardia lowreyana, the Molokai Pritchardia, is a species of fan palm that is endemic to
Hawaii in the United States. It is found in mixed mesic and wet forests on the island of Molokai.
P. lowreyana reaches a height of 24 m (6.613.1 ft), and normally grows in gulches and on
cliffs.

25. Syngonium podophyllum (Arrow Head / Goose Foot Plant)

Syngonium podophyllum or the Goosefoot Plant is a simple but elegant and versatile houseplant.
On our scale of Easy, Intermediate or Difficult, we ranked it Intermediate. Syngonium is a great
looking houseplant which needs only modest careIt's actually "Easy" to look after in most
homes, however because it has a unruly nature and tendency to creep quietly around your home
(if allowed), it needs a certain amount of maintenance and pruning that other plants ordinarily
don't. This is needed to keep Syngonium indoors looking great and to avoid the ugly flop effect,
also because all parts of the plant are poisonous you really do want to know where all parts of the
plant are growing and creeping around, especially if you have curious children or hungry pets
around.

So let's get down to business and lay down the plus points of this interesting plant. Firstly, it
ranked in Dr Wolverton's top 50 houseplants to clean the air. Secondly it is rarely troubled by
pests and doesn't object too much if you throw the occasional bit of neglect it's way. Thirdly, it
has amazing foliage with a variety of different variegation on the leaves. The cultivars you can
buy are quite diverse although "White Butterfly" (below) is considered one of the best looking
and consequently is the most popular. The White Butterfly cultivar of SyngoniumKeep a look out
though for "Imperial White" and "Emerald Gem" both of which have a striking appearance.
The fourth plus is its versatility in that Syngonium can be grown easily as a compact bushy
looking plant, or you can accept its creeping, climbing nature and grow it tall up a moss stick. It
also plays well if you want to grow several different types of house plants together in a large
container (although for the fashion and style conscious, that type of arrangement is currently, er,
not "in").
It's cheap to buy and easy to propagate is our fifth plus. Our sixth and final selling point is more
of an interesting observation about the leaves. As a young plant expect arrow head shaped leaves,
with strong, bold variegation. As it ages however the leaves completely change shape to give a
lobed finish. So if you compared a recent cutting with it's parent you may even think they are
different plants entirely.
26. Commelinaceae (spider worts)

The Commelinaceae are herbs comprising about 50 genera and 700 species that are often
somewhat succulent and frequently have cymose inflorescences sometimes subtended by a boatshaped spathe. The leaves are alternate, simple, parallel-veined, and usually with a closed

sheathing base. The flowers are bisexual and actinomorphic or commonly slightly to strongly
zygomorphic. The perianth is in two usually differentiated series. The calyx is usually of 3
distinct herbaceous sepals. The corolla is usually of 3 equal or sometimes unequal, distinct,
deliquescent petals. The androecium typically comprises 6 distinct stamens but commonly 3 or
sometimes more are reduced to staminodes. The gynoecium consists of a single simple pistil of 3
carpels, a single style and a superior ovary containing 3 or occasionally by abortion only 2
locules, each containing 1-few axile ovules. The fruit is usually a loculicidal capsule or is
sometimes indehiscent.

http://www.gbif.org/species/116635803
http://www.uwgb.edu/biodiversity/resources/mushrooms/descriptionsA-C.asp
http://www.mycologia.org/content/94/5/823.full
http://www.diverticulitisinfo.com/blog/?p=655
www.sycamorearboretum.org/Slippery Elm.htm
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/horsetail-weed-grow-shade-39974.html
http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/long_beech.htm
http://www.newenglandtrailreview.com/singleimagepage.asp?TID=100&index=12
http://wildernessarena.com/dangers/plants/poisonous-plants/castor-bean-castor-oil-plant-palma-christi
http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/ac775e/ac775e03.htm