On Botany Vol 2
From Atlantic Roleplay Wiki
Title: On Botany Vol. 2
Author: Lady Undine
-Asthetic Flora-
The Snowdrop: Galanthus is a small genus of about 20 plant species contained in the family Amaryllidaceae which is also known commonly as the snowdrop family. They are among the first bulbs in spring to bloom, though there are certain species of snowdrops that flower in late autumn and winter.
This asthetically pleasing flower is native to many regions of Europe, spanning from the Pyrenees in the west to France, Germany, and Poland. It is often considered a British native wildflower, or to have been brought to the British by Romans in the early 1500's.
Pampas Grass- Pampas Grass, known under the scientific title of Cortaderia selloana, is a tall grass that links back to Southern South America. It can reach a grand height of 3 metres high. The leaves are considered evergreen, long, and slender. They have sharp edges and can be a bluish green colour. This plant was given it's title by one Alexander von Humbolt in the year 1818 after the German botanist and naturalist Aubrey Cottle, who had studied the many flora of South America, especially the flora native to Brazil.
The plumes that are at the top of the plant have been known to be used in flower arrangements or a vast number of other ornamental display after they are dried. Pampas grass is a very adaptable plant that can grow just about anywhere. It is said that if you burn a pampas grass plant, it may die, or possibly grow back bushier and larger!
Foxglove Flowers- Foxgloves are a large genus of about 20 different species of what is considered herbacious perennials, shrubs, and biennials that are also known scientifically as the flora family Digitalis. This genus is stringent to Europe and also certain areas of western and central Asia, as well as regions in northwestern Africa. The scientific title has an alternate meaning, being a translation of "finger-like" referring to the ease with which a flower of this genus can be placed over a human fingertip. It is considered an ornamental plant, used often in displays, bouquets, and even in gardens. It is considered to be a widely asthetic flower and this is found fitting after one notices the wide range of colours that this plant comes in. This plant contains foxgloves of purple, pink, white, and yellow, not to mention the varieties with spotting and marks.
- Trees -
Oak- The oak tree belongs to the genus Quercus of which a vast 400 species exist. Oaks are known for their spirally arranged leaves and their very sturdy wood. They have flowers known as catkins that are produced during the month of spring, and also have nuts known commonly as the acorn. Oaks are a popular home for many wildlife species, including many birds, but are also known to be the homes of squirrels who find the acorns delectable.
Yew Trees- Yew trees, a species belonging to the scientific name Taxaceae includses three genera and 7 to 12 species of coniferous plants, or in other interpretations, six genera and about 30 species.
They are relatively small trees and shrubs with many branges that are spirally arranged and twisted often at the base so that they appear to be 2-ranked. They contain small fruits known as arils that contain the seeds of the yew tree. Many species of birds find these to be delectable because of their sweet flavour, and eat them very often, later dispersing the seeds after the digestion period.
Walnut tree- The walnut tree belongs to the family Juglandaceae. They are considered deciduous trees, spanning anywhere from ten to fourty metres tall, with pinnate leaves. The 21 species in this family range across the north temperate Old World from the southeast regions of Europe all the way east to Japan, and in southest Canada and regions of California. The name Juglans, a latin name, is derived from Jovis Glans meaning "Jupiter's acorn", or a nut fit for a god. The nuts produced from the tree are widely popular as a snack or something used to accent a dish.
Cedar trees- The Cedar tree is a genus of coniferous trees in the plant genus Pinaceae.
They are very closely related to the Fir family (Abies) showing the relation via a very similar cone structure. They are native to the western Himilayan mountains and also the Mediterranean region, found mostly at higher altitudes. These trees are known for their very fragrant wood and broad, level branches.
These trees are considered evergreen trees. The seeds contain a very unpleasant tasting substance that is thought to be a plant evolution for survival that deters squirrels from consuming the tree's seeds. These trees are also widely known for their attractively coloured wood and their pleasing appearance often used for furniture in many households.
Willow trees- Willow trees belong to the genus Salix, alogn with sallows and osiers, other types of deciduous trees found in the large genus of about 400 species. There are many different sorts of willow trees, the smallest being the Salix herbacia, or the dwarf willow, rarely exceeding 6 centimetres in height, but spreading widely across the ground. This species is considered a very ornamental species, planted for it's renowned beauty. It is a plant found mostly in the Northern Hemisphere.
Two very popular species are the European species called the white willow, and the native Chinese species known popularly as the Peking willow.
Cherry trees - Cherry trees are also known as Sakura trees, indiginous to many areas in Japan. These trees, contrary to popular belief, do not produce cherries, because this genus is strictly ornamental, prized for it's beautiful pink blossoms.
The Cherry Blossom is a very beautiful plant that has started a phenomenon known as flower viewing. During flower viewing, nobility, poets, musicians, and even regular civillians gather under the blossoms, celebrating with food and drink during certain seasons of the year. This activity has taken place all the way back to the year 794 when the tradition of keeping these ornamental trees for noble grounds was first established. Those who had money and positions of power often possessed these trees in varying areas of their property, believing it symbolizes pure beauty and anything feminine.
Plum trees: also known as the ume, the Chinese plum tree, which actually contains a sort of apricot is highly prized in many reigions of the orient, known commonly as the Japanese apricot tree in Japan. This species is indiginous to China, but was brought to Korea and Japan at a later time. The tree is cultivated for it's delicious fruit and beautiful flowers. The fruit, or Ume as it is often called in the orient, is very popular for it's flavor and is found to flavor many popular beverages of the orient. The flowers on the tree bloom in late Winter, usually, being either white, pink, or a deep red, having five petals each.
The leaves of the tree appear soon after the petals fall from the tree. The leaves have an ovular shape and a very pointed tip. The fruit from the tree usually ripens in June, what is considered the rainy season in China.