Simarouba Glauca , Lakshmitaru , Paradise Tree

THE PARADISE TREE 

Simarouba Glauca or LAKSHMI TARU commonly known as Simarouba, Oil tree, Paradise Tree or Aceituno is a crucial tree whose bark and leaves have medicinal purposes.

Botanical Name : Simarouba Glauca
Family : Simaroubaceae
Common Names : Simarouba, Aceituno, Paradise Tree, Dysentery bark.
Hindi Names: Aainta, Bilchuli, Hartho, Shinwi
Height: 40 to 50 feet
Spread: 25 to 30 feet
Seed Pre-Treatment: Soak Seeds for 24 hours before germination; partial breaking of seed coat gives good result
Germination Rate: 75-80%

Simarouba Glauca is an evergreen tree, grows up to 15 meters height with tap root system and cylindrical stem. It is a species of flowering tree that is native to Florida in the United States, southern Florida, South America, and the Lesser Antilles. Common names include Paradise Tree, Aceituno, and Bitterwood.

Any well-drained soil is suitable for its growth but good loamy soil, red loams and red laterites are preferred for better growth and productivity. The plant comes to the friuting stage at about 6-8 years of age. All the parts of Simarouba are useful. The seeds are economically very important as seed kernels contain 60% edible oil. Leaf litter makes a good manure, improving the fertility status of the soil. The leaf and bark contain simarubin, a chemical used in curing amoebiasis, diarrhoea and malaria. Wood is light and generally insect resistant, hence useful in making light furniture, toys, packing material, pulp and matches. It makes a good Bio-fuel too.

The tree is well suited for warm, humid, tropical regions. Its cultivation depends on rainfall distribution, water holding capacity of the soil and sub-soil moisture. It is suited for a temperature range of 10 to 50 °C. It grows 40 to 50 ft tall and has a span of 25 to 30 ft. It bears yellow flowers and oval elongated purple coloured fleshy fruits.

Phlox flower : Description and Germination

                                              Phlox

Phlox are a fragrant summer wildflower that complement any garden.It is the tall, eye-catching perennials are ideal for sunny borders. Phlox flower is available as both annuals and perennials.But it is quite old fashioned annual.It is a lovely flower in color and deserves more then it gets.This is in shade of pink, purple, lavender or white flowers bloom for several weeks in summer, and make excellent cut flowers. Growing hardy garden phlox is simple and is general care.Phlox is a excellent choice to learn how to grow from seed.

Botanical Name: Phlox

Family: Polemoniaceae

Life cycle : Annual & Perennial

Flower color : Mixed

Mature height :8-20"

Bloom time : Early summer

Soil type : Sandy Soil, Loamy Soil, Drought/Dry Soil

Light requirement : Full sun

GERMINATION

• Mix one part per lite, one part sand and one part potting soil in a 5-gallon bucket. Add water slowly to the mixture until it is evenly moist but not soggy. Fill a plastic seedling tray with soil.
• Spread the Phlox seed horizontally over the surface of the media in the tray. Space the individual seeds 2 to 3 inches apart. Press the seeds down gently to ensure full contact with the soil's surface.
• Put on a pair of gloves. Read all label directions and warnings on a package of seedling fungicide. Dust the fungicide onto the surfaces of the seeds with a small paintbrush.
• Sprinkle a 1/4- to 1/2-inch layer of soil over the top of the seeds, covering them completely. Lightly mist the soil's surface with water from a spray bottle. Cover the tray with a clear plastic cover.
• Position a heat mat in an area with bright, indirect sunlight and a constant temperature of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn the mat on and adjust its temperature setting to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the tray on top of the mat.
• Remove the cover once per day, and wipe away any condensation from its interior with a paper towel or cloth. Lightly mist over the tray when the top layer of soil begins to dry. Keep the media moist, but never soggy.
• Watch for emerging sprouts one week after planting. Remove the cover once the seeds germinate. Remove the tray from the mat, put the mat away and replace the tray in its former position.
• Water the seedlings in the morning with a watering can when the top 1 inch of soil becomes dry. Pour the water directly onto the growing media, being careful not to splash the leaves.
• Fertilize the seedlings weekly with a 10-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer. Mix 1/2 teaspoon fertilizer with 1 gallon of water. Pour the fertilizer solution directly into the tray, applying it in place of a watering.