Hedgehog Cactus

Tags

Brazil, Cactus, Flowers, garden, hedgehog cactus, plants, South America, succulent

Easter Flowers

Hedgehog Cactus – Echinopsis

Echinopsis is a large genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes known as hedgehog cactus, sea-urchin cactus or Easter lily cactus.

They grow only in situations where the soil is sandy or gravelly, or on the sides of hills in the crevices of rocks.

None of the species need to be grafted to grow freely and remain healthy, as the stems are all robust enough and of sufficient size to take care of themselves. The only danger is in keeping the plants too moist in winter, for although a little water now and again keeps the stems fresh and green, it deprives them of that rest which is essential to the development of their large, beautiful flowers in summer.

Echinopsis

 

Golden Shower

Tags

Argentina, Bignoniaceae, Bolivia, Brazil, Campsis, family bignoniaceae, Flowers, garden, golden shower, Invasive species, Paraguay, plants, trumpet creepers

Look what made me stop my car in a hurry and rush to take some photographs yesterday.

The “GOLDEN SHOWER“or Orange trumpet creeper,Pyrostegia venusta means beautiful flame covering. They are evergreen creeper, vigorous growers and flower in Winter.

• Orange trumpet creepers are from the family Bignoniaceae, and are a relative to Jacarandas.
• Orange trumpet creepers are native to Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay.
• Orange trumpet creepers can be easily grown from cuttings and the plant can sometimes spread due to branches taking root in the ground.
• Orange trumpet creepers are found in forest, shrubby and rocky habitats and they prefer warmer climates and do not like the cold.
• Orange trumpet creepers are considered a weed in some countries and are said to be an invasive plant in some areas because they are easily grown and can smother trees and native vegetation.

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The BLUE Potato Bush

Tags

Brazil, Flowers, fuller bush, hardwood cuttings, hours of sun, plants, standard, sunny area, vigorous grower, wind protection

The BLUE Potato bush(Lycianthes rantonetii) is a favourite with gardener’s. It is one of the few shrubs that flower for 10 months of the year. It is a vigorous grower and light pruning and pinching back of the growing tips is encouraged. This will result in a more compact and fuller bush with more flowers. They are also easily grown into Standards. Making for a stunning display when planted on mass.

They should be planted in a sunny area which received no less than 6 hours of sun a day.  Wind protection is advised when still young. Moderate watering until established. Propagation is from semi-hardwood cuttings.

It is native to Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay .Cultivated as ornamental the world over.

 

Acid and Alkaline forming foods

Tags

acid, alkaline, Alkalinity, Avocado, avocado pear, Brazil, Brazil nut, food, health, Leaf vegetable, ph, sprouts, vegetarian

Many years ago, I consulted with an amazing man  Dr P.C Dowling, who was an Osteopath, Homeopath and Natro-path. He gave many many notes, however this one always pops up.

To restore and maintain healthy blood, and tissue fluid, it is essential to consume predominately Alkaline forming foods. Most of what we eat should be uncooked.

Alkaline or base forming foods

– listed from the most alkaline forming to the least.

Green leafy Vegetables : 

Lettuce, spinach, cabbage, chard, celery, watercress, turnip leaves, beetroot leaves, nettles and sprouts

Sprouted grains and seeds : Sunflower, alfalfa.

Root vegetables : carrots, beetroot, sweet potato, potato, yams, radish and parsnips.

Ripe fruits : apples, pears, grape, gooseberries, apricots, peaches, plums, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew.

Sun-dried fruits :  apples, apricots, prunes, mangoes, bananas, peaches, pears. N.B. they MUST be un-sulfured. Sulfured fruit becomes acid forming.

Tropical fruits : Pawpaw, mangoes, avocado pear, bananas, breadfruit, figs, oranges, grapefruit (if ripe), lemons, pineapple (if ripe), dates.

Nuts: Almonds, coconut.

Sprouted beans if eaten raw, otherwise listed under “Acid” : chickpeas, lentils, cow-peas, aduki beans, mung beans.

Acid forming foods

– listed from the least acid forming to the most.

Nuts : pecans, walnuts, pistachio, pine kernels, macadamias, hazel nuts, chestnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts (These are man’s most valuable concentrated protein foods, but must be eaten sparingly.)

Legumes : peanuts, dried beans, soy beans, chick-peas, lentils.

Seeds : sunflower kernels, sesame seed, linseed.

Grains :wheat, barley, oats, millet, rye, sorghum, maize, pasta.

(Grains are best eaten after soaking and sprouting)

The following do not constitute natural foods for man but are listed here because they are still commonly eaten. They are especially acid forming : red meats, poultry, game birds, fish, shellfish, snails, insects, snakes, lizards, frogs, fungi.

Refined sugar and all products containing it, including treacle, brown, Barbados etc. Puddings, sweets, chocolate, soft drinks, cola drinks, ice cream.

Dairy products : Cream, cows milk, yogurt.

 

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