Premna - the ideal material for Bonsai

Premna plant sp. is a sub-tropical plant found in many Asian and South East Asian countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Taiwan. In South East Asian Countries it is a prized species suitable for Bonsai. It is called as Qou Niang Tze in Chinese, meaning “Stinky Lady” or “Stinky Bitch,” due to its bad smell from the leaves, when touched or worked. As a result of this bad smell, it has only a few pest problems, but rats and mice eat the leaves very well. As it is beautiful, charming and feminine to look at, it is called as a lady.

There are numerous varieties of Premna which have different habitat, ranging from mountainous regions to coastal areas. The coastal species known as Premna obtusifolia is most suitable for Bonsai due to its unique texture of Jin and Shari in the trunk due to the natural forces or pressures. The bright green leaves are shiny and the twisted trunk is often dynamic and elegant especially when tamed as a miniature bonsai.

Premna is very fast growing, many time it is too fast. It produces suckers or new shoots from the root surface. These characters make Premna, an ideal choice for mini bonsai. Leaf size reduction is also possible when the plant or tree is continuously defoliated. With proper pruning and taming the leaf size can be even reduced to 2mm and made very compact. The mountainous variety has larger leaves, larger branches, trunk and stronger odor.

Premna as Bonsai

The branches of Premna do grow in irregular an untidy manner, so wiring is a must for initial styling. Due to the fast growing nature and abundant back-budding, the clipping technique works out very well for creating a beautiful canopy. Premna is an ideal plant species for all bonsai styles, be it literati, raft or windswept. It appeals enthusiasts who expect the natural Jin and Shari structures.

Growing Nakshatra Trees for eternal bliss! (1)

The Nakshatra Trees

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The nakshatras are from the Rig Veda. It is one of the early references on astrology, which dates back to 3,000 years B C. The Vedas are the evidences of religious scriptures written by the great Indian sages of those days. The nakshatras are almost like the zodiac signs but is specific. They mean the constellations, stars and mythology behind their positions in the sky at the time of birth. They also mean the stories or myths based on the ruling deities and bring to life symbolic references on daily basis.
There are 27 Nakshatras in a year and every individual has a Nakshatra assigned depending on the date, time and place of birth. The Nakshatras and Rasis have slightly different names in Tamil and Hindi or Sanskrit. The Indian Vedic Science astrology is based on this concept of Nakshatras or Constellations and Rasis.

Every Nakshatra has a unique symbolic plant or tree that has the connection with the nature. In Indian culture, in those days, there was a tradition to plant a tree, of the same Nakshatra, once a child was born. Then to take care of the tree and keep it healthy, and it was believed that then only that child will be also happy like the tree and prosper.

Likewise 27 different trees have been assigned for 27 different Nakshatras. The useful and easily available well known tree of each Rasi’s nakshatras is symbolized and assigned as that Rasi tree. These nakshatra trees are mentioned in the Rig Veda by the Vedic Rishis. But many trees names have changed over years and some have become extinct too. Due to non availability and lack of necessary information there are some changes in the names and some give different set of trees for the nakshatras, but our list is based on the Travancore Ayyappan Temple Devaswom and the list as mentioned in the Panchankams.

Benefits of Growing Nakshatra Trees

Growing these Nakshatra Trees in homes directly creates a healthy environment and facilitates the development of a sound mind in a healthy disease free body; which is the ultimate bliss of all!

List of Nakshatra Trees

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1. Ashwini - Strtychnos nux vomica – Yetti


2. Bharani - Garuga pinnata - Arunelli


3. Karthilai - Ficus racemosa - Aththi


4. Rohini - Syzygium cumini - Naaval


5. Mirugaseerusham - Acacia catechu - Karunkali


6. Thiruvadhirai - Pterocarpus santalinus - Censandanam


7. Punarpoosam - Bambusa arundinacea - Moongil


8. Poosam - Ficus religiosa - Arasu


9. Ayilyam - Calophyllum inophyllum - Punnai


10. Magam - Ficus benghalensis - Aalamaram


11. Pooram - Butea monosperma - Purasu


12. Uthiram - Nerium odorum - Arali


13. Hastham - Bauhinia racemosa - Aaththi


14. Sithirai - Aegle marmelos - Vilavam


15. Swathi - Terminalia arjuna - Maruthu


16. Visakam - Feronia elephantum - Vila


17. Anusham - Mimusops elengi - Magizham


18. Kettai - Streblus asper - Kutti pala


19. Moolam - Mangifera indica - Maa


20. Pooradam - Salix tetrasperma - Vanji


21. Uthiradam - Artocarpus heterophyllus - Pala


22. Thiruvonam - Calotropis gigantean - Erukku


23. Avittam - Prosopis spicigera - Vanni


24. Sadhayam - Adina cordifolia - Kadambai


25. Poorattathi - Terminalia alata - Karumaruthu


26. Uthirattathi - Azadirachta indica - Vembu


27. Revathi - Madhuca longifolia - Iluppai

What is Terminalia arjuna ?

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Recently, I bought Arjuna tree (Terminalia Arjuna) as a small sapling, from a nursery in Padappai near Chennai. It was too tall, about seven feet; I decided to cut short to 2 feet and cut into three pieces and planted them. After two months, when the torrential rain was all over, I found that all were doing extremely well.

When I bought, it had green leaves and when I cut and planted the cuttings all produced brown leaves. A few of my friends, who came to see my garden, saw these cuttings and said it was ‘Neer Maruthu’ and not Maruthu or Arjuna. I was terribly shocked to hear this, as I was more particular to grow only Arjuna Tree as it was the Nakshatra Tree of my wife. (Birth Star Treefor Swathi) As today, I had some extra time, I decided to find out what it is; either Arjuana or Neer Maruthu?

After an hour’s study I understood the matter and I was happy to know that both are the same and we all were right. It is known as Arjuna in English, Marutham in Tamil and Neer Maruthu in Malayala that is how we all were right.

Terminalia arjuna

The arjuna tree is a huge tree growing up to 25 meters tall; has a buttressed trunk, which forms a huge canopy with numerous shoots dropping downwards on all sides. The leaves are oblong and conical with green top and brown below. The bark is grey to pale white in color and the flowers are yellow. Usually the flowers appear between April and June and are around 2 cm in size.

Terminalia arjuna is usually found growing on the river banks or near dry rivers, hence the name neer maruthu. It is found vastly in Bangladesh, West Bengal and south India and central India. It is known as 'marutha maram' (marutham pattai) in Tamil, thella maddi in Telugu, neer maruthu in Malayalam, matthimara in Kannada and kohda in Rajasthani.

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The arjuna has been used as a treatment for heart diseases in Ayurveda by Vagbhata during the 7th century CE itself. A traditional milk decoction called Ashtānga Hridayam is prepared from the Arjuna bark. It is also mentioned in many other ancient Indian vedas, and is a well known remedy for thousands of years. Vagbhata mentions arjuna in his book Aṣṭāṅgahṛdayasaṃhitā as topical medicine powder for hemorrhages, ulcers and wounds. Arjuna is the most excellent medicine for Heart and it has the capacity to even overcome heart failures.

The arjuna leaves are fed to the silk moth which yields the tassar silk, which is a commercially important wild silk. Hence it is grown vastly and has a commercial importance too.

Germinating Adenium Seeds

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Adenium seeds

Seeds are the best way to increase your Adenium collection at low cost. Though some plants are sold for fancy prices depending on the color of the flower, in seeds you will not know which plant is going to produce what color. This is because, due to pollination, it may vary and only in some cases it will resemble that of parents. You can buy Adenium Seeds at economical costs. One pack of 20 multi color seeds will cost you lesser than a grown up plant cost. But the seeds will germinate well only if they are fresh.

The normal germination period for Adenium Seeds is 5 – 7 days with right conditions. Almost 95 % of Adenium Seeds germinate within 2 weeks. But the once that germinate first are strong and the rate of survival is more, but the once that germinate late are weak and the rate of survival is less



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Growing Adenium from seeds

• Fill a pot or tray with plenty of drain holes, with 50 % coarse river sand and 50 % garden soil mix.


• Soak the Adenium seeds for about 2 hours in normal water before planting.


• Spread the seeds in 2 – 3 inches interval and cover the seeds with 3 - 4 mm soil.


• Keep the seeds moist, but not wet, all times by spraying water once a day.


• Place the pot or tray in good not sun light.


• Keep the surrounding area warm.


• Adenium Seeds will germinate in 2 to 15 days.


• The seeds that germinate early will survive well and the once that germinate late will be weak and the rate of survival will be low.


• Repot as soon as you can handle the seedlings or in 8 weeks, using a very well drained soil mix.


• They should be kept in a humid environment, under hot sun light.


• The growth rate will be slow for the first six months or so, and then the growth will be better.

Note:

1. The Adenium Seeds should be always placed horizontally or flat only.


2. They should never be sown vertically or placed vertically in holes.


3. There is top side and bottom side for the Adenium Seeds, so they will not germinate if you place them upside down.


4. So if you place them horizontally, automatically the bottom side will take root and the upper side will tend to produce leaves.

Uses of Coccoloba uvifera

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Coccoloba uvifera is a medium sized tree belonging to the family Polygonaceae. It is commonly known as Sea grape tree or Bay grape tree, as it bears a grape like reddish or purplish fruits in clusters. Coccoloba uvifera is native of the tropical regions of coastal America and Caribbean islands.
Coccoloba uvifera is can survive extreme winter conditions till about 2 degrees Centigrade but it cannot withstand frost. The beauty of this tree is its fruits that are grape like in clusters and the leaves that turn reddish before withering off. The seeds cannot be stored for future planting, they should be planted immediately.

Coccoloba uvifera is shade and salt tolerant, and that is why it is seen in salty and sandy beach shores. It is also wind resistant that it is often planted in the beaches to stabilize beach edges. It is also planted in many common areas as an ornamental shrub. The fruits are so very tasty that they are often eaten directly from the trees or are used for making jams and jellies.
Coccoloba uvifera is a dioecious tree, that has male and female trees like Papaya that have male and female flowers on separate trees. It requires cross-pollination for the fruits to develop, and insects and honey bees help. A male tree can be easily distinguished from a female one by the flower appearance, as male flowers usually show dead stalks.

Coccoloba uvifera Uses

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• Coccoloba uvifera is a common ornamental plant which is used in landscaping, in south Florida.


• As this plant can withstand wind forces it is used as a dune stabilizer or wind breaker in coastal areas.


• Tall trees are made as a light barrier between the coastlines for the sea turtles protection.


• The grape like fruits of the tree may be eaten raw or cooked into jams or jellies, or fermented into wine.


• The tree sap is used for dyeing and leather tanning in the West Indies and Jamaica.


• Coccoloba uvifera is also used as a bonsai material, as it can attain beautiful shapes on regular pruning.

How to make an Outdoor Cactus Garden

 

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Although it is more satisfying to grow flowers and plants in the house and plants like cacti must be grown indoors for almost part of the year. However, like birds belong in the fields and trees, cacti, or just about any other plant, belong in the natural environment. True cacti lovers do their best to give their plants the opportunity of enjoying living in an outdoor garden for least half of the year. The good news is that growing an Outdoor Cactus Garden is actually easy and inexpensive.

You can grow a modest yet satisfactory outdoor cactus garden even in a very small space. As many as 50 medium-sized cacti can be accommodated in 3 ft. wide by 5 ft. long place, and each cactus you plant will give you constant pleasure. Depending on how many cacti you want to plant, the size of your outdoor cactus garden will vary accordingly. Before you begin planting an outdoor cactus garden, make sure you plan it out. Cactus gardens can be built in various shapes.

If you live in a colder region, then you can plan cacti plants by keeping them in flower pots the whole year. However, keep in mind that some cacti can resist low temperatures with dry air quite surprisingly, while others are not able to withstand the winters. Thus, cacti kept in flowering pots can be conveniently moved according to the weather and their roots are not disturbed. This will also make it easier to move the plants where there is plenty of fresh air and sunlight.

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Outdoor Cactus Garden

Different species of cacti have different moisture and soil requirements. In an outdoor cactus garden, treating the plants individually in their separate pots will allow you to easily supply these requirements. Some might need some extra water, some a little fresh soil and others might spoonful more of lime. If you have planted your cacti in separate containers, then you won't affect the others while treating one.

While a cactus garden can also be planted in a considerable plot of ground, but securing proper draining becomes easier in flower pots. Using flower pots also helps avoid water-logged soil during continuous, long rainy spells. It is easier to take cacti for examination, treatment and re-planting, whenever necessary, if they are growing in pots.

When planting cacti, it is also important to choose the right species that will grow well in your area. You can easily find this information while buying cacti to plant for your outdoor cactus garden. If the temperature where you live falls below 45 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, then you can still have a cactus garden by planting your cacti along with their pot, in the ground.

The great thing about growing an outdoor cactus garden is that very little maintenance is needed. You won't have to irrigate or water the garden, the rainfall will be sufficient enough. Once a year during the spring, you will simply have to feed your cacti with 10-10-10 and that is just about it. This is why it was mentioned earlier that growing a cactus garden is not as difficult as it might seem.

Do you know about the Nutritional Value of Cactus Fruit

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Most people don't even know that cacti do produce fruits, leave alone edible fruits. Well, fact is the do produce fruits and some fruits are edible. Other uses of cacti fruits include manufacture of intoxicants, dyes, earthen walls, detergents and drugs. Opuntia is the most prolific genus in the family Cactaceae for producing edible cacti fruits. The most common culinary species is the O. ficus-indica that produces fruits which are sometimes referred to as "prickly pears".

Cactus growing has been lately highly commercialized due to the realization of the above named applications. Most gardeners are however also involved in small scale production of cactus fruits in pursuit to its culinary benefits. Growing cactus in your home garden can be pretty easy and fun too. The following are tips for caring and preparing cactus fruits whether you intend to use them as food or as ornamental plants with their showy pink/red flowers and colorful purple/red fruits.

Cactus planting/propagation:

Cactus can be propagated both from cuttings and seeds. Seed propagations it however recommended for home and small scale gardeners.

Buy the commercially available cactus seeds of your choice or better still acquire the seeds from the previous mature plant.

If you are preparing the seeds at home ensure that the pods are mature and ready before harvesting the seed. Choose to harvest when the flower dies off but just before the pod dries.

Remove the mature seeds either by slicing the pods opens with a sharp razor or by twisting them a little.

Prepare your garden by finely tilling it and incorporate organic manure if available. Prickly pear cacti prefer sandy soils, if you can, incorporate a little sandy soil in the top soil of the garden.

Sow the seeds evenly in a finely tilled garden and water daily. The seeds germinate after 4 to 6 week.
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Nutritional Value of Cactus Fruit

Green cactus pear contains around 40 calories and is low in cholesterol and sodium. The Nutritional Value of Cactus Fruit of both the green and the red/purple cactus are rich in vitamin C and magnesium and are currently being studied for the possibility of hangover and high blood pressure treatment.
Mature cacti fruits are normally purple, reddish-orange or deep purple in skin color. When preparing cactus fruit, handle with protection, possible tongs and gloves to avoid injury. You can swirl them in a plastic colander for about three minutes to remove the spines
cut both ends off the fruit and then cut longitudinally to remove the skin
The inner pear pulp can be eaten directly or used to make jelly, jam, candy or wine.