Tag Archives: Asia

Tropical Pitcher Plant

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Tropical Pitcher Plant

You certainly do not want to drink from a tropical pitcher plant.

  • Tropical pitcher plants are a group of at least 160 species of carnivorous plant, that are native mostly to Southeast Asia, while some can be found in Madagascar, northern Australia, and on a few smaller tropical islands around these areas.
  • ‘Tropical pitcher plants’ are also known as ‘pitfall traps’ and ‘monkey cups’, and they produce vessels known as ‘pitchers’, that hold fluid, hence their common name, though the plant typically needs humidity for pitchers to develop.
  • The scientific name of the tropical pitcher plant genus is Nepenthes, and this genus is the sole member of the Nepenthaceae family, and they were first described in 1658 by Étienne de Flacourt, a French governor who discovered them in Madagascar, and he referred to the plant as Amramatico.
  • The pitchers of a tropical pitcher plant generally grow and hang on tendrils that form on the leaf tips of the vine-like plant.
  • Tropical pitcher plants are well known for their carnivorous nature, catching food such as insects, but some species also catch larger specimens, such as lizards, frogs, rodents and even small birds.
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Tropical Pitcher Plants
Image courtesy of Graeme Scott/Flickr
  • Bright colours, nectar, sweet aroma and even hairs attract prey to tropical pitcher plants, and the slippery nature of the pitcher’s rim, along with moist climates, assist in causing prey to fall into the plant’s pitchers.
  • A tropical pitcher plant waits for prey to slip into the pitcher, which holds a fluid that the prey gets trapped in which causes it to drown, and the plant then absorbs the animal’s nutrients.
  • Some fauna depends on tropical pitcher plants for caught food scraps and even shelter, some even depending exclusively on the flora while other animals use the pitcher as a toilet facility.
  • The pitchers of tropical pitcher plants vary in size, depending on the species, and can be 4 to 50 centimetres (1.6 to 20 inches) in height, and they vary in diameter, while some have a capacity of 3.5 litres (0.9 gallons).
  • A tropical pitcher plant produces clusters of flowers that are pollinated through certain flying insect species, though there is only one gender of flower on each plant; after which capsules of seeds are produced that each hold hundreds of light seeds, that are dispersed through wind movement.
Bibliography:
About Carnivorous Pitcher Plants, n.d, Learn About Nature, http://www.carnivorous–plants.com/pitcher-plant.html
Caring for Nepenthes, Tropical Pitcher Plants or Monkey Cups, n.d, Pitcher Plant, http://www.pitcherplant.com/care_sheets/nepenthes_care.html
Nepenthes, 2016, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepenthes

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Bengal Tiger

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Bengal Tiger

Bengal tigers are in common in the world of tigers!

  • Bengal tigers are the most abundant subspecies of tiger alive and they are found in the Asian countries of Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Bhutan.
  • ‘Bengal tigers’ are also known as ‘royal Bengal tigers’ and ‘Indian tigers’, and they live mostly alone and occupy mangrove areas, forests and jungles.
  • The scientific name of a Bengal tiger is Panthera tigris tigris, and it is from the family Felidae, the family of cats.
  • Bengal tigers generally range from 2
    .4 to 3.3 metres (7.9 to 11 feet) in length, and they can weigh between 75 to 300 kilograms (165 to 661 pounds) or more.
  • The pelt of Bengal tigers is an orange to yellow colour striped with black, while the underside and some areas of the face and limbs are coloured white with black stripes.
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Bengal Tiger
Image courtesy of Paul Mannix/Flickr
  • The diet of Bengal tigers consists primarily of small to medium sized mammals, including wild boars, buffalo, deer and hares.
  • Despite the animal numbers of the Bengal tiger being the greatest among tigers, it is classified as an endangered species due to extensive poaching for its fur and other body components (often used in traditional medicine), and habitat loss which also decreases numbers of prey.
  • Female Bengal tigers have litters that range from one to five cubs, every three or four years, as the young remain dependent for at least 18 months; and they can have a lifespan of 18 to 25 years.
  • The speed of a Bengal tiger can reach 65 kilometres per hour (40 miles per hour); and its only predators are humans.
  • In 2010, approximately 2000 to 2500 Bengal tigers populated the wild, with the highest population concentrated in India; and in recent years, there has been significant government effort, especially in India, to protect and increase tiger numbers.
Bibliography:
Bengal Tower, 2016, A-Z Animals, http://a-z-animals.com/animals/bengal-tiger/
Bengal Tiger, 2016, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengal_tiger
Bengal Tiger, 2016, World Wildlife Fund, http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/bengal-tiger

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Starfruit

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Starfruit

Starfruit are the literal stars distinguishable from the rest.

  • Starfruit is a variety of fruit considered exotic in some areas, that likely originated in Malaysia and Indonesia, and possibly Sri Lanka, India and some other countries of South East Asia.
  • ‘Starfruit’ are also known as ‘five-corner fruit’, ‘carambola’, and in Spanish-speaking countries ‘carambolo’.
  • Starfruit grow on a tree of medium size, that has the scientific name Averrhoa carambola, and it is from the family Oxalidaceae, the family of wood sorrels.
  • Starfruit range from 5 to 15 centimetres (2 to 6 inches) long, and the fruit features five or more large ridges down its length.
  • Starfruit has wax-like skin that is edible, and depending on the variety, a somewhat sour to sweet tasting flesh that is juicy and crunchy, that is comparable to a mixture of apple, grape, pear and citrus.
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Cut Starfruit
Image courtesy of alamosbasement/Flickr
  • If a starfruit is cut across widthways, a star shape is revealed, hence its common name.
  • When ripe, starfruit skin typically changes from a green or yellow-green colour, to a yellow colour, with the flesh ranging from cream to yellow.
  • Starfruit is often eaten raw, but it can also be stewed, preserved, pickled, juiced, made into relish, or cooked as part of a dish.
  • Some caution is required if star fruit is consumed while on certain medications, and the fruit can be dangerous for those with kidney-related health issues.
  • Starfruit is very high in vitamin C and is a good source of fibre, and the fruit contains many other vitamins and minerals.
Bibliography:
Carambola, 2015, Better Health Channel, https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ingredientsprofiles/Carambola
Carambola, 2015, Cape Trib, http://www.capetrib.com.au/carambola.htm
Carambola, 2016, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carambola

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Kumquat

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Kumquat

Kumquats are they hidden away relatives of oranges.

  • Kumquats are a type of citrus fruit that grown on small trees, that have edible skin and flesh, and they are believed to be native to China.
  • ‘Kumquats’ are also known as ‘cumquats’, and the name is taken from the Cantonese word 金橘, pronounced ‘kamkwat’, which literally means ‘gold’ or ‘golden’ and ‘orange’ or ‘tangerine’.
  • The official species name of a kumquat tree is Citrus japonica, from the family Rutaceae, the family of citrus, however, they were formerly of the Fortunella genus, and as such, the old scientific names for the fruit are still commonly used.
  • Kumquats are typically sturdy fruit, and the plants generally have the ability to withstand fairly hot and cold growing temperatures, unlike many other citrus species.
  • The flesh of kumquats is particularly strong and sour, however the skin is usually sweet in comparison, and for this reason, it is common for the flesh and skin, or ‘peel’ as it is often called, to be eaten together.
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Kumquat
Image courtesy of Eugene Kim/Flickr
  • Kumquats are generally of an ovoid or roughly spherical shape, depending on the variety, and they can have a diameter of around 1.6 to 4 centimetres (0.6 to 1.6 inches).
  • There are four main varieties of kumquats, with the nagami variety being the most commonly grown due to its hardiness and productiveness.
  • Kumquat skin changes from a green colour, to a bright orange-yellow or orange-gold colour when ripe, with colour varying according to the variety.
  • Kumquats can be eaten both fresh and as a marmalade or jam, and they are sometimes dried, pickled, sugared or cooked.
  • Kumquats are very high in vitamin C and are a good source of fibre, and they contain many other vitamins and minerals.
Bibliography:
Kumquat, 2016, Purdue Agriculture, https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/kumquat.html
Kumquat, 2016, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumquat
What Is A Kumquat, 2014, Kumquat Growers, http://kumquatgrowers.com/what.html

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Dragon Fruit

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Dragon Fruit

I couldn’t think of a better name than ‘dragon fruit’ for such a fruit.

  • Dragon fruit is an edible exotic fruit that grows on certain species of cactus plants.
  • ‘Dragon fruit’ is also known as ‘pitaya’, ‘nanettika fruit’, ‘strawberry pear’ and ‘pitahaya’.
  • Sweet dragon fruit come from the genus Hylocereus, of the Cactaceae family, the family of cacti, and the scientific name of the most commonly grown of the edible species is Hylocereus undatus, while sour pitaya are from the Stenocerus genus.
  • Dragon fruit are native to the Americas, and have since been introduced to eastern and southern Asia, where the fruit is now cultivated extensively.
  • The weight of dragon fruit ranges from 150 to 1000 grams (5 to 35 ounces), although more commonly they range from 150 to 600 grams (5 to 21 ounces) and they are usually an ovoid or round shape.
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Dragon Fruit
Image courtesy of John Robinson/Flickr
  • The skin of dragon fruit is usually, pink, red or yellow in colour, often with spiky leaf-like appendages generally tipped with green, and a red or white coloured flesh that contains numerous small, black, edible seeds.
  • Dragon fruit has a mild flavour and is often compared to passionfruit, watermelon, raspberries and other fruit, depending on the species, and are usually sweet; though those from the Stenocerus are mostly sour.
  • The large dragon fruit flowers require pollination during the night as they generally whither in the day and only last up to 24 hours, after which the fruit develops and is ready for picking from 30 to 50 days.
  • Commonly, dragon fruit is eaten fresh or as an accompaniment to ice cream or other desserts, and it can be frozen, or used in drinks, jams and jelly.
  • Dragon fruit is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, and is a good source of iron and fibre.
Bibliography:
Fruit, n.d, Red For Pitaya’s Dragon Fruit, http://www.aussiedragonfruit.com/Fruit.htm
Pitaya, 2016, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitaya
McMahon G, Pitaya (Dragon Fruit), 2003, Northern Territory Government, http://www.nt.gov.au/d/Primary_Industry/Content/File/horticulture/tropical_fruits/FF12_pitaya.pdf

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Sea-Lavender

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Sea-Lavender

Sea-lavenders are just full of variety and colour.

  • Sea-lavenders are a genus of at least 150 flowering plants that are either perennial or annual, depending on the species, that are commonly found in salt marshes, and rocky, desert, or coastal habitats.
  • ‘Sea-lavender’ is also known as ‘marsh-rosemary’, ‘caspia’, and ‘statice’, although these names may only refer to certain species of the plant.
  • The scientific name of sea lavender is Limonium and it is from the family Plumbaginaceae, the family of plumbagos or leadworts.
  • Sea-lavenders have native species in all continents except South America and Antarctica, with a high concentration of species in the Mediterranean and west to central Asian regions.
  • The sea-lavender genus has an extensive height range of 0.1 to 2 metres (0.3 to 6.6 feet) according to species, however, they are more commonly 0.1 to 0.7 metres (0.3 to 2.3 feet) high.

Sea-Lavender, Plant, Vegetation, Trivia, Ten Random Facts, Purple, Australia, Genus

  • The showy calyx surrounding a sea-lavender flower is often considered the ‘flower’, even though technically it isn’t, and it can be coloured purple, pink and violet, as well as the occasional yellow or white; while the actual flower is generally small and often white in colour.
  • The leaves of sea-lavenders usually grow at the base of the plant and are generally of a leathery texture, and depending on the species, range from 1 to 30 centimetres (0.4 to 11.8 inches) in length.
  • Sea-lavender flowers usually sit in clusters on tall stems above the leaves, and typically bloom in summer, however some early bloomers can be found in spring, while others can be found flowering in autumn.
  • Some species of sea-lavender are used decoratively in gardens or for other landscaping purposes, and they are often used as cut flowers or dried flowers, due to the long lasting and colourful papery calyx.
  • The scientific name of sea-lavenders, ‘Limonium’, comes from Latin, which originally came from the Ancient Greek word for ‘meadow’, ‘leimōn’.
Bibliography:
Genus Limonium, n.d, PlantNET, http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=gn&name=Limonium
Limonium, 2016, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limonium
McKinley B & Wright B, Limonium, statice, caspia, 2007, My Teleflora, https://www.myteleflora.com/uploadedFiles/Contents/Design_Education/Floral_Publication_Collection/Flowers-And_Article_Archive/Limonium-June%2007.pdf
Plant Profile: Limonium, 2014, Gardening Australia, http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s1866714.htm

 

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