sethsuniverseposts-blog

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Amazon Sword Plants

Amazon Sword, or the Echinodorus bleheri, is an aquatic, indoor plant that originated within the Amazon river basin, which was domesticated to what it is now; it was first used in Brazil in the early 20th century. One of the most popular plants for aquariums that can thrive in both tropical and temperate tank set-ups. While the Amazon Sword does not do well in very cold temperatures, it can survive the natural temperatures in the wild. The colors of the plant leaves can range from pale to dark green, with short stems and elongated pointed tips. When the plant has reached full maturity it can grow up to 18 inches tall and tend to be happier when submerged in water. 

Picture:

Barrington, Kate. “Aquarium Basics: Let's Talk About Amazon Sword Plants.” PetGuide, 22 July 2018, www.petguide.com/blog/fish/aquarium-basics-lets-talk-about-amazon-sword-plants/.

Reference:

The Goldfish Tank. “Amazon Sword: Keeping Amazon Sword Plants with Goldfish.” The Goldfish Tank, 9 Sept. 2019, thegoldfishtank.com/goldfish-info/plants/amazon-sword/.

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Hungry, Hungry, Hippo Plants

The new Hippo hypoestes, or the Pink Polka Dot Plant is a  component plant that has a much higher vigor the larger the plant size with improved leaf color. The ‘Hippo Red’ color is what gives it its nickname and it has large, spotted leaves, with deep-red and pink overtones covering the typical dark-green color of most other plants. This plant’s height usually peaks anywhere between 16 to 22 inches, when reaching adult-hood. This makes these plants perfect for both small and large containers. They are beautiful in color and size, and they make excellent foliage accents to compliment other plants in mixed containers. 

Image:

Proven WInners, LLC. “Hippo® Rose - Polka Dot Plant - Hypoestes Phyllostachya.” Proven Winners, 2019, www.provenwinners.com/plants/hypoestes/hippo-rose-polka-dot-plant-hypoestes-phyllostachya.

References:

Schoellhorn, Rick. “Culture Report: Hypoestes Hippo Series.” Greenhouse Product News, Aug. 2017, gpnmag.com/article/culture-report-hypoestes-hippo-series/.

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Nature of the Beautiful Black Roses

While true black roses aren’t necessarily real, there are natural growing roses that give a much darker appearance to come off and appear as black. They are much darker in color during its budding stages.

Whether a dark-colored naturally or artificially colored, the black rose generally represents death, farewells and/or endings. Of course, these could mean negative things, however it can also be positive depending on the situation. For example, some see a black rose as the end of something like a relationship, while meaning the rebirth or the beginning that said something. There may be some manipulation  involved in getting the petals to the desired shade. However, some believe it can be related to obsession. Of course, we have our own ideas of symbolism. Therefore, if someone has sent you black roses you may be able to rule out that they had the idea of revenge or hatred in mind when planning to send them to you.

Picture:

Simon. “Black Rose Tattoo: Dark Beauty, Death Or Something Else.” Tattoo Art from the Heart, 19 Sept. 2019, tattooartfromtheheart.com/tattoo-meanings/black-rose-tattoo-dark-beauty-death-or-something-else/.

References:

Wiley, Suzanne S. “What Do Black Roses Symbolize?” Garden Guides, 19 Nov. 2019, www.gardenguides.com/12339188-what-do-black-roses-symbolize.html.

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What’s The Deal With Weeds?Am I Right?

First off, what is a weed? A weed is any type of plant that is unwanted, with no value to the surrounding plants or is just plain out of place in a community of plants. A decent amount of all biological plant-life are classified as a weed, roughly about 3%. These weeds can be very harmful to desired or growing plants, as they are parasitic. They absorb copious amounts of water, nutrients, sunlight and growing space from smaller and premature plants. Weeds can do large amounts of damage to farms in controlled locations and growth populations within the wild. 

Most types of weeds are classified as either a Broadleaf weed or A grassy weed. Broadleaf weeds are typically larger with wide, flat leaves that branch out. They tend to have much larger, net-like veins strewn through the plant and typically grow by either a large taproot or a elaborate root system. The grassy weeds grow much more narrow, with leaves that point more upright and have fine parallel veins. They typically sprout out with one leaf and develop finer and more course and fibrous root systems. Weeds can also be classified by their life-span or life-cycle, such as annual, biennial, or perennial.

Government intervention is  focused on the establishment of new weeds species through timely action to prevent and eradicate new infestations. Some prohibited weeds include water hyacinth, Mexican feather grass and hawkweed, which are examples of high risk species. Where eradication is not a feasible or effective way of managing the established species it is best achieved by the sustained and coordinated efforts of private and public landholders.

Picture:

Waterworth, Kristi. “Identifying Scotch Thistle – Tips For Managing Scotch Thistle Plants.” Gardening Know How, 16 Apr. 2019, www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/managing-scotch-thistle.htm.

Work Cited:

Department of Economic Development. “Weeds.” Agriculture, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, 6 June 2017, agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/weeds.

Lebanon Seaboard Corporation. “Preen.com.” Preen.com, 21 Oct. 2008, www.preen.com/articles/facts-about-weeds.

Waterworth, Kristi. “Identifying Scotch Thistle – Tips For Managing Scotch Thistle Plants.” Gardening Know How, 16 Apr. 2019, www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/managing-scotch-thistle.htm.

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Ginger: The Spice that’s Nice

Ginger is a spice that derives from the notched, oddly shaped root of the ginger plant. It is a very popular spice that is used in a large amounts of cooking and medication recipes for both its good taste and great health properties. From sweet to spicy, ginger has a semi-sweet taste with a savory kick to it. If ingested in large amounts, it leaves a peppery taste. Ginger is more commonly used in Indian and Asian cuisine and medicines and has been used for thousands of years. The root of the plant can be eaten raw or consumed through other means by drying, ground into spice, extracted for oil and pressed/squeezed for juice. Commonly found and produced in India, Jamaica, Fiji, Indonesia, and Australia, it is available fresh in all sorts of marketplaces as it tends to last longer than most other roots, vegetables or fruits. Fresh and/or dried ginger can be used to flavor consumables without adding any more quantities of calories, proteins, fibers, or carbs, since it is usually used/consumed in such small amounts. 

Ginger is almost as delicious as it is healthy and nutritious with various dietary fibers, proteins, carbs, minerals, and vitamins with other compounds used in the human body. Some of the minerals ginger/ginger root contains is iron, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, sodium, folate, riboflavin, and niacin. Some of the benefits it can provide, through medical or remedial means is digestion and the gastrointestinal tracts, nausea, sickness relief, pain and swelling reduction, inflammation and cardiovascular health. 

Picture: 

Filippone, Peggy Trowbridge. “Important and Fun Facts About Ginger.” The Spruce Eats, The Spruce Eats, 30 Aug. 2019, www.thespruceeats.com/ginger-facts-selection-and-storage-1802421.

Work Cited:

Filippone, Peggy Trowbridge. “Important and Fun Facts About Ginger.” The Spruce Eats, The Spruce Eats, 30 Aug. 2019, www.thespruceeats.com/ginger-facts-selection-and-storage-1802421.

“Ginger Root Benefits & Information.” Edited by Herbwisdom, Ginger Root Zingiber Officinale, 2019, www.herbwisdom.com/herb-ginger-root.html.

Ware, Megan. “Ginger: Health Benefits and Dietary Tips.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 11 Sept. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265990.php.

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Glorious Grass

Wheatgrass is the name of the beginning stages of the t plant, the plant that produces grains that we use in various ways. It is the thick blades of grass that appear to us as hay with a lime green color, it has been thought that it has many benefits for us humans in this form. It has been used as a natural home remedy for many reasons in recent years, for dieting and medical purposes. The grass itself contains very little calories and is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and various enzymes. In 2018, a study of wheatgrass has shown that the nutrients from this plant may help prevent diseases, reduce stress, and boost metabolism. 

With proper harvesting and treatment, it can be possibly on of the most nutritious plants to have ever been used. While the plant has been classified “indigestible” to the human digestive system, the most commonly known way to consume the plant is for it to be liquified. The amount of chlorophyll in the plant can help increase the red blood cell count in the body, which can provide a better flow of oxygen and provide the body with more oxygen. The plant is capable of being consumed raw, which contains enzymes that improve anti-aging properties. This results in the reduction of grey hair, sagging and wrinkled skin. It can also speed up the process of recovery from wounds and illnesses, by strengthening the immune system. Even more, the grass has anti-inflammatory properties that reduces and eliminates bacterial growth. This is all done because the grass contains copious amounts of amino acids, 17 to be exact, which is the basic structure of any and all proteins. The other types of minerals wheatgrass contains are calcium, phosphorus, iron magnesium and potassium, which it retains from straight from the soil it is planted in. 

Picture: 

Markito. “Frozen Wheatgrass Weekly Tray.” Markito Fitness & Nutrition, 2019, markitonutrition.com/product/frozen-wheatgrass-weekly-tray/?add-to-cart=8588.

Work Cited:

Admin. “Get the Wheatgrass Nutrition Facts Here.” Information on Wheatgrass, 2019, www.living-foods.com/articles/wheatgrassinformation.html.

Lai, Chiu Nan. “Information On Wheatgrass.” Living and Raw Foods, 1998, www.living-foods.com/articles/wheatgrassinformation.html.

Villines, Zawn. “Wheatgrass Benefits: Nutrition, Side Effects, and Warnings.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 17 Oct. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320210.php.

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Pretty Pitchers

Pitcher plants are carnivorous plants that have a cup or “pitcher” shaped leaves that look similar to that of drink pitcher. There are various different types of these kinds of plants from 3 different genera. They have way of being carnivorous without hunting for food, their leaves form a passive pit-fall trap with the rim coated in a liquid. These plants can be all sorts of colors with some being a dull purplish color and others being a vibrant red color. These plants can grow in a large variety of environments depending on it’s genus and species. 

Most of these plants grow in soil low nutrients, most notably nitrogen. In order to obtain the nutrients needed for survival, the plants adapted to environment and evolved by trapping and digesting insects, amphibians and small mammals. The plants form these pitcher structures filled with digestive juices, which may be various secreted enzymes or bacteria. Most of the pitcher plants have a lure of sorts to attract insects, which may attract other animals small enough to become consumed. These lures may be having attractively colored, elongated pitchers with nectar. Some species produce scents to attract their prey. The prey that enters the pitcher cannot escape, as the structure has slippery inner surfaces. The trapped prey will eventually drown in the liquid inside the pitcher.

The liquid within the pitcher may contain a concoction of enzymes that dissolve the prey gradually. As the prey is dissolved the plant will actively absorb the nutrients extracted during the digestion process. Some plants use bacteria, as presumed earlier, to decompose the drowned prey and absorb the juices. In some instances the plants share a symbiotic relationship with other insect larvae to help them extract the nutrients needed for survival, while providing the larvae with shelter and protection.

Picture:

Grant, Bonnie L. “Growing Pitcher Plants: Learn About The Care of Pitcher Plants.” Gardening Know How, 5 Apr. 2018, www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/pitcher-plants/growing-pitcher-plants.htm.

Work Cited:

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Pitcher Plant.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 5 Aug. 2019, www.britannica.com/plant/pitcher-plant.

Grant, Bonnie L. “Growing Pitcher Plants: Learn About The Care of Pitcher Plants.” Gardening Know How, 5 Apr. 2018, www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/pitcher-plants/growing-pitcher-plants.htm.

Nair, Sonia. “Information About the Pitcher Plant With Amazing Pictures.” Gardenerdy, Gardenerdy, 9 Dec. 2017, gardenerdy.com/pitcher-plant-information.

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The Succulent Aloe

For years, humans have used the plant, Aloe, more specifically Aloe Vera for its leaves and gel. Aloe Vera is one of approximately 420 species of the genus Aloe. The Scientific name for Aloe Vera is Aloe barbadensis miller, and it belongs to the Liliaceae family. The succulent plant has triangular, , fleshy leaves with serrated edges. 

The gel from this succulent can be used for many healing factors and other various health reasons. Aloe has long been used in common household treatments for things such as constipation and skin disorders, as it has many moisturizing qualities. Modern-day research into Aloe Vera and it’s benefits have been proven to show some evidence showing it can cause cancer in animals. While it may be helpful to humans, there are no foods that contain Aloe Vera, so it has to be taken as a supplement or additive. 

Aloe Vera has many uses, more reasons than I have previously stated. While studies have shown that aloe gel has proven be effective in relieving and treating the effects of sores, psoriasis, seborrhea, dandruff, burns, and skin abrasion. It also seems to be helpful in healing and soothing the sores caused by genital warts and herpes. There is also evidence to prove that the juice from the plant, can be taken as a laxative. It is said that Aloe Vera taken by mouth should be minute and taken sparingly. 

Picture: 

Taruna. “Amazing Aloe Vera Plant Benefits and Uses of Aloe Vera (Ghritkumari).” Healthlogus, Taruna, 26 Sept. 2019, www.healthlogus.com/aloe-vera-plant-benefits/.

Work Cited:

Ratini, Melinda. “Aloe Vera - Health Benefits, Common Uses, Side Effects, and Risks.” WebMD, WebMD, 8 Nov. 2018, www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-aloe-vera#1.

Ruggeri, Christine. “Aloe Vera Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects.” Dr. Axe, 15 July 2019, draxe.com/nutrition/aloe-vera-benefits/.

Taruna. “Amazing Aloe Vera Plant Benefits and Uses of Aloe Vera (Ghritkumari).” Healthlogus, Taruna, 26 Sept. 2019, www.healthlogus.com/aloe-vera-plant-benefits/.

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The American Sycamore

Also known as the American Planetree or the Buttonwood tree; the American Sycamore tree is the largest broad-leafed tree in America. These trees can grow anywhere from 30 to 40 meters in height, with the trunk of the tree at almost 2 meters in diameter. Their large broad leaves provide an excellent source of shade and protection for both humans and animals. 

A few ways you can identify the American Sycamore is by the color and rigidness of the tree’s bark. The bark from this tree ranges in a small variety of colors and are prone to change color due to the season or the health of the tree. The colors consist of faded greens, darker shades of whites and grays along with a spattered brown patches all over the trunk of the tree. The bark tends to be a bit sparse as the tree molts and flakes off the tree. The texture of the tree and wood is said to be very rough and rugged, similar to that of sandpaper. Another way one can spot a Sycamore tree is their leaves, a sycamore’s Leaves are very unique for the reason that the leaves are large with a design similar to that of a maple tree, without the defined points at the tips of each lobe. They also grow special kinds of fruits that help the spread of their seeds; these unique seeds are small, brown/green, wooden balls that begin to form in late autumn. As the fruits ripen, they begin to split and release their seeds into the world. The spread of their seeds can be done by the blowing of the wind or the consumption or influence of an animal and a few other ways.

Sycamore trees are valued for their timber and their uses as shade trees, providing cool areas for other living creatures to rest and relax. They are very useful in building and wood-working.

Picture:

“Sycamore Tree Pictures.” Sycamore Tree: Pictures, Images. Photos, Facts of Sycamores, 2019, treepicturesonline.com/sycamore_tree_pictures.html.

Work Cited:

Lundman, Susan. "Facts About Sycamore Trees." Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/sycamore-trees-40884.html. 15 December 2018. 

Nix, Steve. (2019, September 27). Identifying the Common American Sycamore. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/identify-common-american-sycamore-tree-1343174

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Watermelon

Most people have tasted it before, whether people like it or not is a different discussion for a different time. Did you know that watermelon originated from  the southern regions of Africa? The earliest finding of watermelon seeds were found in the Kalahari Desert some 5,000 years ago. Seeds were found within the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamen, as well as hieroglyphs along the walls depicting the harvest of the large fruits. 

While coming from an unexpected place, watermelon is also unexpectedly one of the healthiest fruits and foods out there. With only 46 calories per serving of watermelon (1 cup), it can provide the body with a large amount of vitamin C, A, B1, B5, and B6. It also provides other beneficial compounds such as Potassium, Magnesium, and citrulline. Watermelon, along with other fruits is full of antioxidants like carotenoids (including Alpha- and Beta-carotene), lycopene and cucurbitacin E a compound that also provides anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have also shown that various other compounds have been linked to decreasing the risk of cancers involving the digestive system. With an astonishingly high water content with it being 90%, it has a surplus of healthful compounds that provide more benefits than risks. I advise that others take the time and add some watermelon into their diet, as it is very beneficial to our health providing not only greatness for our bodies but also greatness for our taste buds!

Image from:

R, Meghan. “Delicious Fruits for Quick Weight Loss.” DailyForest, 21 Dec. 2017, www.dailyforest.com/fitness-and-health/11-delicious-fruits-for-quick-weight-loss.

Information from: 

Bjarnadottir, Adda. “Watermelon 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 7 Mar. 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/watermelon.

Cole, Gail. “Where Did The Watermelon Originate?” Free Articles, Free Web Content, Reprint Articles, 5 Oct. 2009, www.articlesfactory.com/articles/food/where-did-the-watermelon-originate.html.

Jennings, Kerri-Ann. “Top 9 Health Benefits of Eating Watermelon.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 9 Aug. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/watermelon-health-benefits#section10.

LD, Megan Ware RDN. “Watermelon: Health Benefits, Nutrition, and Risks.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 20 June 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266886.php.