Astrantia major produces unique flowers that come in a wide variety of colours

Posted by Jacqueline on April 19th, 2018

Astrantia major (Greater Masterwort, Great Black Masterwort, Melancholy Gentlemen) Greater Masterwort or Melancholy Gentlemen produces unique and gorgeous flowers that come in a wide variety of colours. Its group of tightly packed florets that are backed by petal-like bracts makes the flowers look very much like a star or a firework.

Sphagneticola trilobata is an attractive plant with daisy-like yellow flowers

Posted by Jacqueline on April 4th, 2018

Sphagneticola trilobata (Singapore Daisy, Creeping-oxeye, Trailing Daisy, Wedelia) Singapore Daisy or Trailing Daisy is very attractive because of its nearly constant and prolific blooming of yellow daisy-like flowers. Besides, it has been used for traditional medicine. Sphagneticola trilobata is listed in the IUCN’s list of the world’s 100 worst invasive species.

Platostoma palustre is often canned and sold in Asian markets

Posted by Jacqueline on February 25th, 2018

Platostoma palustre (Grass Jelly, Black Jelly, Chinese Mesona, Chin Chow, Black Cincau, Leung Fan in Chinese) Chinese Mesona or Black Cincau is a very popular and sweet drink in China and neighbouring Asian countries which yields the Black Jelly. The plants are boiled in water containing potassium carbonate. The juice is cooked and then cooled […]

Tropaeolum majus produces flowers in kaleidoscopic colours

Posted by Jacqueline on December 16th, 2017

Tropaeolum majus (Nasturtium, Garden Nasturtium, Indian Cress, Monks Cress) Garden Nasturtium or Indian Cress produces long-lasting  and kaleidoscopic flowers as well as attractive foliage that are water lily-like. However, the downside is it self-seeds readily and may pop up in places where they are not wanted. No wonder, this beautiful plant is considered invasive in […]

Fragaria x ananassa with sweet, aromatic and brilliant red fruits is simply irresistible

Posted by Jacqueline on December 10th, 2017

Fragaria x ananassa (Strawberry, Garden Strawberry, Cultivated Strawberry) Garden Strawberry with its characteristic fragrant aroma, delightful sweet flavour, juicy texture and brilliant red colour make it simply irresistible to many people. Strawberry is popularly cultivated worldwide for its delicious fruits that can be eaten fresh or used in pies, ice-creams, milkshakes and cakes, to name […]

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