The Vriesea flower

The Vriesea is one of the representatives of the family Bromeliaceae. Genus includes about 190 original species. Among them a peculiar charm stands out the most widespread - great Vriesea (V. splendens). It is also called "flaming sword". Plants form a rosette of many long leaves, graceful curved outwards. They are dark green, across from dark anticyanid wave gray stripes. Colored stem reached 60 centimeters in height. To the top half is available cyme composed of numerous red lists. Of them show small yellow-flowered, 5 to 7 centimeters long. Appear in late summer. Home and tropical forests. Like other Bromeliaceae has well arranged in the form of fubiya rose.

The unique Acorus Calamus

Quite often walk along rivers, marshes and other waters are met Akorusa. Represents a semi-perennial water grass, with long face, like a sword bright green leaves, which ultimately looking like pink or edges of leaves with height between 60 and 120 cm main roots are running 2-3 cm thick white back slightly pink looking and bitter taste as they go lower root. Some of the leaves appear semi-cylindrical faces spadix (cob) is about 5-10 cm long, covered with small yellow-green colors with 6 staminate. Blossom from late spring to early autumn as the colors are held about a month. And leaves and roots have a pleasant fragrance. Prefers semi-shade to full shady places, wet muskeg or shallow places along rivers and swamps. Still keep disputes about how to be classified. Some believe it should be Araceae and others that should have a separate family Acoraceae. Since last increasingly require classification as akorusa take it in a separate family Acoraceae. Extracts of the roots are used as insecticide and as a component of perfumes. In the past, the roots were used by Indians for medicinal purposes and for their ability to cause hallucinations when taken in larger doses. These properties are due to substances alpha-and beta azaron, which has already proven that they are carcinogenic. In folk medicine used dried roots of the plant. Since there are several variations, if you do not recognize them not to use the plant as a herb, it can be dangerous. Propagated by seed. Best results give fresh ripe seeds planted and placed in cold. Because the mare's tail is ensure there is sufficient water on the seeds by placing the court in more that add water so as to form a layer 3-4 cm, so it will have constant moisture. Once the plants become large enough so that you can handle them replanted in another bigger vessel, and not forget their great need of water and cool place. Besides seeds akorus can be propagated by division and in the spring, but before growth has begun. In our akorus only be propagated vegetatively.

The Cactus Lophophora

Lophophora is well known cactus. When this is one of the most unusual family of cactus. The main feature is its complete lack of thistly. Instead they function to precipitate bundles perform coarse white fuzz, which crowned the large, sparsely located halo. They are due cactus botanical name - from Greek words lophos - forelock, fringe, and phoros - wear. It can be met mostly in Mexico. First representative of the kind described by Charles Antoine Lemaire, in 1840 under the name Echinocactus, only in 1894 John Coulter, introduced in botanical nomenclature name Lophophora, originating from the Greek words "lophos" - lock, forelock and "phero" - wear which characterizes the presence, especially in high part of the stem. Lofofora is one of the most unusual genera of the family cactus with quite scandalous reputation. To this day, its representatives continue to be pursued by the rumors, legends, cults and administrative sanctions. This increased interest is due to Lofoforite contained in the cell juice of these plants, the whole group of alkaloids, which, in use strongly affect on the nervous system of animals and humans. Indian medicine man knew the secrets in the preparation of sacred drink of plants collected from nature and have used it in the cult and ritual ceremonies, causing him to feel for a visit by the Great Spirit. " When not attributed to a shaman tips were penalized on at least attempt to try on wanted drink. Cult to Lofoforite or as they called Peyo, was preserved to our days, survivors Indian reserves and those who do not seek to communicate with the Great Spirit used by Lofofora infusion, mixed with herbs, which, like the leaves of chew coca in, resulted in calming the nervous system giving rise to a feeling of well-being and satisfaction. For narcotic properties are written Lofoforite heavy volumes, scientists from different countries and now work more than the production of innovative technologies for separation of cell mass of the plant meskalina, lofoforin, pelotin, anhalonidin and other alkaloids. Authorities in one of the states of the United States and Mexico not once have introduced bans on the sale and collection of Lofofori nature. Such prohibited act solely for the benefit of plants, as their places of distribution are becoming less and less.

Beautiful shrub Grewia

Grewia is evergreen shrub reaching a height of 1.8 m to 3 m and 3 m in diameter. The leaves are oval, narrow, bright green and reach up to 7.5 cm Colors reached 2-3 cm in diameter and are in great abundance from late spring to autumn. Perfect for growing in pots for bonsay. Optimal combination of soil cultivation is: 2 parts peat moss, 2 parts loam and 1 part sand. Prefers sunny location, average temperatures and normal watering. Green part of his dying in -2 - 3 degrees. 2-3 times per year should be fed with fertilizer for acid soils. When signs of chlorosis is fed with iron.
Propagated by cuttings and seeds. Before sowing the seeds, they must be soaked in hot water (50-60 degrees) for 10-20 minutes and then must stay in warm and humid environment 12-24 hours. Under favorable conditions the seeds germinate within 2-3 weeks at room conditions.