PODCAST

TIL: Plants

TIL

Learn about plants. Every day we highlight a plant, along with its origin story and interesting facts.

leisure home & garden

All Episodes

Acer Palmatum: The Japanese Maple

TIL: Plants ·

2024/02/20

The Japanese Maple, known scientifically as Acer Palmatum, originates from Japan, Korea, and parts of Russia. It’s a versatile plant that can adapt to various environments but tends to prefer partially shaded areas with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. In their native environments in eastern Asia, the Japanese Maple can be usually found in lightly wooded areas, landscapes, and gardens, often showcasing their beautiful colors in the autumn season. Outside of Asia, these trees are a

en-us

Yucca Brevifolia: The Joshua Tree

TIL: Plants ·

2024/02/19

The Yucca Brevifolia, better known as the Joshua Tree, is a native desert plant famously associated with California's Joshua Tree National Park. According to lore, the tree got its name from 19th-century Mormon settlers who christened it "Joshua" Tree because its stretching branches reminded them of a biblical scene where Joshua raises his hands in prayer. This tree is indigenous to the southwestern part of North America, predominantly in the Mojave Desert, which covers parts of

en-us

Agave Americana: The Sentry Plant

TIL: Plants ·

2024/02/18

Agave Americana, commonly known as Century Plant or Maguey, is a species of flowering plant in the Agave family, native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. Due to the plant's versatility and resilience, it has been exported to hotter climatic regions around the globe, including Africa, South America, India, and the Mediterranean region. Its common name 'Century Plant' gives a misleading impression as it typically lives for 10 to 30 years, not a century. Despite this name, the

en-us

Guaiacum Sanctum: The Lignum Vitae

TIL: Plants ·

2024/02/17

The Lignum Vitae, scientifically known as Guaiacum sanctum, is heralded as the tree of life due to its extensive medicinal properties. Its name translates to "wood of life," from its Latin origin. It was first discovered in the tropical regions of the Americas, including the Caribbean, where it remains highly prevalent. Distinctive due to its slow growth and dense wood, the Lignum Vitae is usually a shrub or small tree, standing at 3-12 meters high. It possesses stunning, blue or purple

en-us

Kalanchoe Beharensis: The Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe

TIL: Plants ·

2024/02/16

Kalanchoe Beharensis, best known as Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe or sometimes as Felt Bush, is a striking, architectural succulent plant originating from Madagascar. The plant earns its common names from the uniquely large, felt-like foliage that resembles an elephant's ear. The Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe is typically found thriving in the tropical and subtropical climates of Madagascar. However, due to its unique appearance and easy care, it has become a favored ornamental plant worldwide,

en-us

Banksia Integrifolia: The Coast Banksia

TIL: Plants ·

2024/02/15

The Coast Banksia, scientifically known as Banksia Integrifolia, is a species of tree or shrub in the plant genus Banksia. Named in honor of Sir Joseph Banks, a prominent English botanist, who first collected and identified the plant in 1770, during Lieutenant James Cook’s first expedition to Australia. Originally native to the east coast of Australia, Coast Banksia trees can now be found from Queensland to Victoria, including Tasmania. They are most commonly found along the coastal

en-us

Ceropegia Sandersonii: The Parachute Flower

TIL: Plants ·

2024/02/14

Ceropegia Sandersonii, commonly known as the Parachute Flower or Umbrella Flower, is an intriguing species characterized by its uniquely shaped flowers resembling parachutes or umbrellas. Its Latin name came after author and naturalist, John Sanderson, who described the plant in 1825. This intriguing plant, belonging to the Apocynaceae family, is native to eSwatini, Mozambique, and South Africa. It primarily inhabits bushvelds and coastal forests in these regions. However, as it is a

en-us

The Dragon Blood Tree: Dracaena Cinnabari

TIL: Plants ·

2024/02/13

Dracaena Cinnabari, commonly known as the Dragon Blood Tree, boasts a unique umbrella shape that sets it apart from any other plant. The name “Dragon Blood” is drawn from its bright red resin, famously known as "dragon's blood," which the tree secretes. Originating from the Socotra archipelago, part of Yemen in the Arabian Sea, this exotic tree is a denizen of arid conditions, rocky landscapes, and often steepled on limestone plateaus. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has

en-us

The Rainbow Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus Deglupta

TIL: Plants ·

2024/02/12

The Rainbow Eucalyptus, scientifically known as Eucalyptus Deglupta, is a tropical tree known for its kaleidoscopic bark. This colorful tree is the only eucalyptus species that grows naturally in the northern hemisphere. Its origin is believed to be the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, and it is also its country's national tree. Today, it can be found across the tropics, particularly in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines. This striking tree can grow up to 250 feet high

en-us

Victoria Cruziana: The Santa Cruz Water Lily

TIL: Plants ·

2024/02/11

The Santa Cruz water lily, with the scientific name Victoria Cruziana, is a fascinating aquatic plant named after Queen Victoria and its discoverer and botanist, Alcides d’Orbigny from Argentina. It hails from the slow-moving waters of Parana-Paraguay basin, found in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. It is known for its large, circular leaves that can expand up to two meters in diameter. These leaves are green on top and have various spiny veins beneath that provide

en-us

Paeonia Suffruticosa: The Tree Peony

TIL: Plants ·

2024/02/10

The Paeonia suffruticosa, colloquially known as the Tree Peony, is a species of flowering plant in the family Paeoniaceae. They are native to China and are highly revered in the country, earning them the title "King of the Flowers." They have been cultivated for over a thousand years and feature prominently in traditional Chinese medicine, symbolism, and art. The Tree Peony can be found mainly in the provinces of Shaanxi, Gansu, and Sichuan in China. However, due to their popularity, they

en-us

Azalea: The Spring Garden Showstopper

TIL: Plants ·

2024/02/09

Azalea, part of the Rhododendron genus, is an ornamental shrub widely popular for its vibrant, beautiful flowers that typically bloom in the spring. Originating from different regions, there are two main types: the evergreen Asian species (Rhododendron simsii), native to Japan and China, and the deciduous North American species (Rhododendron canescens and Rhododendron viscosum among others). Azaleas are commonly found in light woodland areas across Asia, Europe, and North America. The

en-us

Washingtonia Robusta: The Mexican Fan Palm

TIL: Plants ·

2024/02/08

Washingtonia Robusta, also known commonly as the Mexican fan palm, is a palm native to western Sonora and Baja California Sur in northwestern Mexico. Named after George Washington (the first president of the United States), this majestic palm has found its way into many urban landscapes worldwide. The Mexican fan palm can be found naturally in desert riparian habitats. However, due to its adaptability and ornamental value, it is now widely cultivated in many parts of the United States,

en-us

Jovibarba Globifera: The Hen and Chickens Succulent

TIL: Plants ·

2024/02/07

Jovibarba globifera, also commonly known as the Hen and Chickens, or simply Sempervivum, is a succulent species belonging to the Crassulaceae family. Its original Latin name translates to "ever green", it received its common name due to the plant's growth pattern, which resembles a hen surrounded by her chicks. This plant can be traced back to central European origin, specifically in Alpine regions where it grows in craggy, rocky terrains. They prefer mild climates and resiliently thrive

en-us

Corypha Umbraculifera: The Talipot Palm

TIL: Plants ·

2024/02/06

Corypha Umbraculifera, also known as the Talipot Palm, is one of the largest palms in the world, with fascinating characteristics and a unique life cycle. The species is native to India and Sri Lanka, and it plays a significant role in both the ecology and the culture of these regions. If you visit the tropics of Sri Lanka or the Southern part of India, you might encounter this palm known for its gargantuan size. It can grow up to 25 meters tall, and it has fan-shaped leaves that can reach

en-us