The latest dirt from my garden: September 2019

Tuesday

Pinhão Monkey Puzzle Chilean Pine Araucaria araucana

Very unusual, rare and exotic looking prehistoric specimen Tree.

The Monkey Puzzle Tree is an exotic South American evergreen tree that will grow from the warmest parts of zone 6 to zone 10. It will grow in any soil that is well-drained and typically grows to around 50 feet tall in gardens, although in the wild it can reach 130 feet. This tree grows in a symmetrical conical shape with a strong central trunk and the leathery leaves clasp the stems and persist for many years. The leaves have a sharp point and the way they are wrapped around the stems is almost like a strange kind of snake. The symmetrical shape and dense growth makes this an unusual and attractive tree for larger properties and it is always a conversation piece.

The name "Monkey Puzzle" comes from the fact that the branches have consistent

diameters and curve around like a long monkey's tail, where the scaled leaves make the branches look hairy. The scaled leaves look like pieces of a puzzle with their even and angular shape.

In their native range, Monkey Puzzle Trees are prized for their edible pine nuts which are large and delicious. Seeds germinate easy and plant grows zone 6-10.

USA Seeds: Rare Seeds COTW
USA Plants: Conifer Kingdom Plants
UK Plants: Jacksons Nurseries

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Real or not Real? Regal Birdflower Crotalaria cunninghamii

It's real, however real seeds are hard to get to.

Called a green birdflower or regal birdflower, this stunning plant belongs to the legume family (chickpeas and alfalfa). Scientifically known as Crotalaria cunninghamii, named after the 19th century botanist Allan Cunningham, the small green shrub is native to Northern Australia. According to the Australian Native Plants Society, aboriginal people often used the plant's sap to treat eye infections.

Looking directly at the entire plant, it’s as if a dozen green hummingbirds gathered together to enjoy a feast of flower nectar—beautifully suspended in mid-air. And when holding one of these flowers in your hands, it's easy to think it's the real thing.

This hummingbird-shaped flowers originate from Australia and plant lovers can not easily purchase seeds. While some seeds appear to be available in the US on a_mazon and a few other market places, one must be very careful to find a reputable source. Most seeds are offered from China are actually Crotalaria spectabilis seeds according to several of my plant collector friends, which is a yellow invasive rattlebox, toxic to some wild life, and the seeds look similar to Crotalaria cunninghamii. Be aware of this.

Below are a few reputable sources listed:

Australia: Australian Seeds
USA: Centerofthewebb Seeds

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The latest dirt from my garden

Tuesday

Pinhão Monkey Puzzle Chilean Pine Araucaria araucana

Real or not Real? Regal Birdflower Crotalaria cunninghamii

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