Nepenthes (/nɪˈpɛnθiːz/) is a genus of carnivorous plants, also known as tropical pitcher plants, or monkey cups, in the monotypic family Nepenthaceae. The genus comprises about 170 species, and numerous natural and many cultivated hybrids. They are mostly liana-forming plants of the Old World tropics, ranging from South China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines; westward to Madagascar (two species) and the Seychelles (one); southward to Australia (three) and New Caledonia (one); and northward to India (one) and Sri Lanka (one). The greatest diversity occurs on Borneo, Sumatra, and the Philippines, with many endemic species. Many are plants of hot, humid, lowland areas, but the majority are tropical montane plants, receiving warm days but cool to cold, humid nights year round. A few are considered tropical alpine, with cool days and nights near freezing. The name "monkey cups" refers to the fact that monkeys were once thought to drink rainwater from the pitchers, however this is false, the pitchers are filled with digestive fluids not water and monkeys do not drink from them.

Huntington Library and Botanic Gardens. San Marino. California.

Photographed the Hummingbird Clearwing Moth and the Garden Phlox in my sister's flower garden in the City of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

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• Red bottlebrush, crimson bottlebrush, lemon bottlebrush

• Árbol del cepillo, escobillón rojo, limpiatubos

Scientific classification:

Kingdom:Plantae

Clade:Tracheophytes

Clade:Angiosperms

Clade:Eudicots

Clade:Rosids

Order:Myrtales

Family:Myrtaceae

Genus:Melaleuca

Species:M. citrina

Synonyms: Metrosideros citrina, Callistemon lanceolatus, Callistemon citrinus

Origin: Bottlebrushes are members of the genus Melaleuca and belong to the family Myrtaceae. They are closely related to paperbark melaleucas, which also have 'bottlebrush' shaped flower spikes. Most Bottlebrushes occur in the east and south-east of Australia. Two species occur in the south-west of Western Australia and four species in New Caledonia. Bottlebrushes can be found growing from Australia's tropical north to the temperate south. They often grow in damp or wet conditions such as along creek beds or in areas which are prone to floods.

This species is probably the best known bottlebrush and is widely cultivated. The bright red flower-spikes appear in summer and autumn. Crimson Bottlebrush grows well in wet conditions and usually reaches 4 m. Plants should be lightly pruned and fertilised after flowering. Neglected or mis-shapen plants respond to hard pruning.

Paso Centurión, Cerro Largo, Uruguay

Classificação científica

Reino: Plantae

Género: Asclepias

Ordem: Gentianales

Clado: Angiospérmicas

Clado: Eudicotiledóneas

Família: Asclepiadaceae

White Passion Flower found in the Royal Botanical Gardens Centre's Mediterranean Garden located in the City of Burlington Ontario Canada.

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Also commonly known as the African daisy, Gerbera is native to tropical regions of South America, Africa and Asia.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom:Plantae

Clade:Tracheophytes

Clade:Angiosperms

Clade:Eudicots

Clade:Asterids

Order:Asterales

Family:Asteraceae

Subfamily:Mutisioideae

Tribe:Mutisieae

Genus:Gerbera

The first scientific description of a Gerbera was made by J.D. Hooker in Curtis's Botanical Magazine in 1889 when he described Gerbera jamesonii, a South African species also known as Transvaal daisy or Barberton daisy.

Also commonly known as the African daisy, Gerbera is native to tropical regions of South America, Africa and Asia.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom:Plantae

Clade:Tracheophytes

Clade:Angiosperms

Clade:Eudicots

Clade:Asterids

Order:Asterales

Family:Asteraceae

Subfamily:Mutisioideae

Tribe:Mutisieae

Genus:Gerbera

The first scientific description of a Gerbera was made by J.D. Hooker in Curtis's Botanical Magazine in 1889 when he described Gerbera jamesonii, a South African species also known as Transvaal daisy or Barberton daisy.

• Giant Chin Cactus

Scientific classification

Kingdom:Plantae

(unranked):Angiosperms

(unranked):Eudicots

(unranked):Core eudicots

Order:Caryophyllales

Family:Cactaceae

Subfamily:Cactoideae

Tribe:Trichocereeae

Genus:Gymnocalycium

Species:G. saglionis

Origin: Gymnocalycium saglionis has a wide range and is locally abundant in Argentina (Jujuy, Catamarca, La Rioja, Salta, San Juan, Tucumán). It was Originally found in Dept. Trancas, ca. 12 km al norte de Tapia en la ruta 9 a Vipos, 700 m, Tucumán.

From my collection

A flower from a bulb that can bloom in autumn, winter or spring and is in the iris family and can also be the source of saffron which is the dried stigma from the Crocus sativus which will bloom in the autumn and which is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Crocuses have symbolized 'rebirth and joy' and have also been linked to happiness and divine blessings in Asia.

Scientific classification

Clade: Monocots

Kingdom: Plantae

Clade: Commelinids

Clade: Angiosperms

Tribe: Tradescantieae

Order: Commelinales

Clade: Tracheophytes

Family: Commelinaceae

Subtribe: Tradescantiinae

Subfamily: Commelinoideae

Lithops verruculosa is recognizable for the characteristic small shiny red verruculae or pimples on the face, and shows a large variety of flower colours. It form small groups up to 8 or more heads (usually 2-4).

Scientific classification

Kingdom:Plantae

(unranked):Angiosperms

(unranked):Eudicots

(unranked):Core eudicots

Order:Caryophyllales

Family:Aizoaceae

Subfamily:Ruschioideae

Tribe:Ruschiae

Genus:Lithops

Species:L. verruculosa

Origin and Habitat: 90 km W of Kenhardt, South Africa

This year more orange than salmon!

Origin: Native to Chile

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae

Subkingdom: Tracheobionta

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Subclass: caryophyllidae

Order: Caryophyllales

Family: Cactaceae

Subfamily: Cactoideae

Tribe: Cacteae

Genre: Eriosyce

From my collection

Many other fruits are also wonderful in their season, but the pear at its finest can be so much more exceptional in terms of its luscious texture, richness of taste, and its fragrances reminiscent of rose water, musk, and vanilla.

Pears grow in the Alcinous' orchard, in The Odyssey:

"A LARGE ORCHARD of four acres, where trees hang

their greenery on high, the pear and the

pomegranate, the apple with its glossy burden, the

sweet fig and luxuriant olive ... Pear after

pear, apple after apple, cluster on cluster of grapes,

and fig upon fig, are always coming to perfection ..."

The Odyssey by Homer, written 800 BC

L’Acero del Canada ha foglie opposte caduche, con nervature profonde, da tri- a pentalobate e lunghe fino a 13 cm; i lobi, poco incisi, sono separati da angoli ottusi. Di colore verde scuro, d'autunno assumono sfumature di gradazioni brillanti dal giallo oro all'arancione, fino al cremisi e allo scarlatto; la muta più spettacolare avviene nella zona settentrionale dell'areale, dove c'è la giusta alternanza di giornate soleggiate e notti fredde.

Canada Maple, has opposite deciduous leaves, with deep veins, from three to five-lobed and up to 13 cm long; the lobes, slightly incised, are separated by obtuse angles. Dark green in colour, in autumn they take on shades of brilliant gradations from golden yellow to orange, up to crimson and scarlet; the most spectacular moult occurs in the northern part of the range, where there is the right alternation of sunny days and cold nights.

Les feuilles d’érable du Canada sont caduques, opposées, à nervures profondes, de trois à cinq lobes et mesurant jusqu'à 13 cm de long ; les lobes, légèrement incisés, sont séparés par des angles obtus. De couleur vert foncé, elles prennent en automne des nuances brillantes allant du jaune doré à l'orange, jusqu'au cramoisi et à l'écarlate ; la mue la plus spectaculaire se produit dans la partie nord de la chaîne, où il y a une bonne alternance de jours ensoleillés et de nuits froides.

common snowdrop

kleines Schneeglöckchen

ghiocel comun

The genus name "Lampranthus" means "shining-flowers" in Latin.

Lampranthus roseus is an evergreen plant in the Aizoaceae family.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to view, comment, and fave my photo. It’s really appreciated.

Apocynaceae: Dogbane family

Periwinkle - Vinca minor Apocynaceae:)

Vinca mineur (Apocynacées)

Name also: Dwarf Periwinkle, Common Periwinkle, Small Periwinkle, Myrtle, Creeping Myrtle, Running Myrtle, Greater Periwinkle

Autres noms français : Bergère, Buis bâtard, Petit sorcier, Violette des morts ou de serpent ou des sorciers, Petite pervenche, Herbe à capucine, Pucelage, Violette mineure.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to view, comment, and fave my photo. It’s really appreciated.

Hybrid specimen with beautiful white flowers

My Night Blooming Cactus

Echinopsis subdenudata (Cactaceae)

They bloom one night only and than withers away.

Ne s'ouvre qu'une nuit, fane au matin.

Sunflowers

While it is so grey and rainy in Europe right now, think it's time to bring a little sunshine with those sunflowers or Helianthus, as seen and photogrpahed in the Philippines.

And ere is some background information from Wikipedia about the sunflowers:

Sunflowers are usually tall annual or perennial plants that in some species can grow to a height of 300 cm (120 in) or more. They bear one or more wide, terminal capitula (flower heads), with bright yellow ray florets at the outside and yellow or maroon (also known as a brown/red) disc florets inside. Several ornamental cultivars of H. annuus have red-colored ray florets; all of them stem from a single original mutant. During growth, sunflowers tilt during the day to face the sun, but stop once they begin blooming. This tracking of the sun in young sunflower heads is called heliotropism. By the time they are mature, sunflowers generally face east. The rough and hairy stem is branched in the upper part in wild plants, but is usually unbranched in domesticated cultivars. The petiolate leaves are dentate and often sticky. The lower leaves are opposite, ovate, or often heart-shaped.They are distinguished technically by the fact that the ray florets (when present) are sterile, and by the presence on the disk flowers of a pappus that is of two awn-like scales that are caducous (that is, easily detached and falling at maturity). Some species also have additional shorter scales in the pappus, and one species lacks a pappus entirely. Another technical feature that distinguishes the genus more reliably, but requires a microscope to see, is the presence of a prominent, multicellular appendage at the apex of the style. Sunflowers are especially well known for their symmetry based on Fibonacci numbers and the golden angle.

Quite a bit of variability is seen among the perennial species that make up the bulk of those in the genus. Some have most or all of the large leaves in a rosette at the base of the plant and produce a flowering stem that has leaves that are reduced in size. Most of the perennials have disk flowers that are entirely yellow, but a few have disk flowers with reddish lobes. One species, H. radula, lacks ray flowers altogether.Helianthus species are used as food plants by the larvae of many lepidopterans. The seeds of H. annuus are used as human food.

And ofcourse:

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae

Clade: Angiosperms

Clade: Eudicots

Clade:Asterids

Order:Asterales

Family:Asteraceae

Subfamily: Asteroideae

Supertribe: Helianthodae

Tribe: Heliantheae

Genus: Helianthus

Muscari armeniacum (Hyacinthaceae)

Hyacinthus botryoides

Common name: Common Grape Hyacinth.

Nom commun: Muscari botryde

Des superbes fleurs de Magnolia au Jardin botanique de Montréal

Reino: Plantae

División: Magnoliophyta

Clase: Magnoliopsida

Orden: Dipsacales

Familia: Caprifoliaceae

Subfamilia: Caprifolioideae

Género: Lonicera

fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A8vrefeuille

es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonicera

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honeysuckle

Photographed the Tiger Lily in one of the Flower gardens on Prout's Island on Lake Sesekinika in Grenfell Township in Northeastern Ontario Canada

Lance-leaved tiger lily is native to China, but is widely cultivated in North America. It often escapes from cultivation and is quite common and widespread in New England in fields, roadsides and lawn edges. The large bulbs are edible, and the flowers are sometimes eaten in salads.

This species is distinctive for having alternate leaves with small bulbils forming in the upper leaf axils.

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• Old Woman Cactus

Scientific classification

Kingdom:Plantae

(unranked):Angiosperms

(unranked):Eudicots

(unranked):Core eudicots

Order:Caryophyllales

Family:Cactaceae

Subfamily:Cactoideae

Tribe:Cacteae

Genus:Mammillaria

Species: M. hahniana

Subspecies: M. hahniana bravoae

Mammillaria hahniana, the old lady cactus, is a species of flowering plant in the family Cactaceae, native to central Mexico. It grows to 25 cm (10 in) tall by 50 cm (20 in) broad. The solitary spherical stems, 12 cm in diameter, are covered in white down and white spines. Reddish purple flowers are borne in spring and summer, sometimes forming a complete ring around the apex of the plant.

From my collection

Many thanks to all who have taken the time to comment on/or select this image as a personal favourite. Cheers!

Red Bottlebrush Shrub flower photographed in the Vilar do Golf Resort located in Quinta do Lago in Almancil in the Algarve of Southern Portugal.

Callistemon species have commonly been referred to as bottlebrushes because of their cylindrical, brush like flowers resembling a traditional bottle brush. They are mostly found in the more temperate regions of Australia, especially along the east coast and typically favour moist conditions so when planted in gardens thrive on regular watering.[citation needed] However, two species are found in Tasmania and several others in the south-west of Western Australia. At least some species are drought-resistant and some are used in ornamental landscaping elsewhere in the world.

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In the Southern Hemisphere, spring has gently arrived, bringing with it the peaceful beauty of blooming flowers and calm, sunny days.

Gerbera, also known as the African daisy, is native to tropical regions of Africa and has been successfully introduced to Latin American and Southeast Asian countries. This species is widely cultivated as a decorative garden plant and as a popular cut flower. The domesticated cultivars are primarily hybrids of Gerbera jamesonii and Gerbera viridifolia, collectively referred to as Gerbera × hybrida.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom:Plantae

Clade:Tracheophytes

Clade:Angiosperms

Clade:Eudicots

Clade:Asterids

Order:Asterales

Family:Asteraceae

Subfamily:Mutisioideae

Tribe:Mutisieae

Genus:Gerbera

Thousands of cultivars exist, displaying remarkable variation in shape, size, and color — including white, yellow, orange, red, and pink. The flower heads (capitula) range from about 7 cm in diameter (Gerbera ‘Mini Harley’) to 12 cm (Gerbera ‘Golden Serena’). The center of the flower is sometimes black, and often a single bloom can have petals of several different colors.

In temperate climates, Gerbera exhibits a bimodal blooming pattern, with flowering peaks in late spring to early summer and again from late summer to early autumn. Although a perennial species, it is often grown as an annual in regions that experience severe frost.

In loving memory of my mother

María Eugenia Ibáñez Somma

💜 December 26, 1950 – October 22, 2025

Photographed the Caster Bean plant growing off of the Panther Point Trail in the Marshall Hampton Reserve located in Winter Haven in Polk County Florida U.S.A.

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This photograph and all those within my photostream are protected by copyright. They may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without my written permission.

Il Sommacco corno (Rhus typhina), chiamato anche sommacco amaranto, sommacco peloso, è una specie di albero dioico della famiglia delle Anacardiacea. Il fogliame del sommacco, durante l’autunno, assume un colore rosso brillante.

Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina), also called amaranth sumac, hairy sumac, is a species of dioecious tree in the Anacardiaceae family. The sumac foliage takes on a bright red color during autumn.

Le Sumac à cornes (Rhus typhina), également appelé sumac d'amarante, sumac poilu, est une espèce d'arbre dioïque de la famille des Anacardiaceae. Le feuillage du sumac prend une couleur rouge vif en automne.

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae

Subkingdom: Tracheobionta

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Liliopsida

Subclass: Liliidae

Order: Asparagales

Family: Alliaceae

Genus: Allium

Species: A. schoenoprasum

Height: 30-50 cm tall

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are the smallest species of the onion family Alliaceae, native to Europe, Asia and North America. They are referred to only in the plural, because they grow in clumps rather than as individual plants. Allium schoenoprasum is also the only species of Allium native to both the New and the Old World.

Its species name derives from the Greek skhoinos (sedge) and prason (onion). Its English name, chive, derives from the French word cive, which was derived from cepa, the Latin word for onion.

Culinary uses for chives involve shredding its leaves (straws) for use as condiment for fish, potatoes and soups. Because of this, it is a common household herb, frequent in gardens as well as in grocery stores. It also has insect-repelling properties which can be used in gardens to control pests.

The medical properties of chives are similar to those of garlic, but weaker; the faint effects in comparison with garlic are probably the main reason for its limited use as a medicinal herb. Containing numerous organisulplide compounds such as allyl sulfides and alkyl sulfoxides, chives have a beneficial effect on the circulatory system, acting upon it by lowering the blood pressure. As chives are usually served in small amounts and never as the main dish, negative effects are rarely encountered, although digestive problems may occur following over-consumption.

Chives are also rich in vitamins A and C, and contain trace amounts of sulfur and iron.

• Tree peony, Moutan peony

• Peonía de árbol

• 모란 (Moran)

Scientific classification:

Kingdom: Plantae

Clade: Tracheophytes

Clade: Angiosperms

Clade: Eudicots

Order: Saxifragales

Family: Paeoniaceae

Genus: Paeonia

Species: Paeonia suffruticosa

The tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa, Korean: 모란, Moran) is a magnificent woody shrub celebrated for its lush, multi-petaled blossoms and elegant structure. Unlike the herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora, 작약, Jakyak), which dies back each winter, the tree peony grows on sturdy woody stems and produces even larger, more dramatic flowers. From April to May, it bursts into bloom with shades ranging from pure white to deep reddish-purple, filling gardens with color and subtle fragrance. By late summer, its fruit splits open to reveal small, round black seeds.

In South Korea, the tree peony is more than just a beautiful flower—it carries deep cultural symbolism. For centuries it has represented wealth, honor, prosperity, and refined beauty, appearing in traditional art, poetry, and palace decorations. A notable example is its frequent appearance in the folk paintings known as minwha (민화), where it is used as an auspicious ornamental motif. Though admired throughout the country, tree peonies remain a cherished sight in spring, when their short but spectacular blooming season draws admirers from near and far.

Ojukheon Museum (오죽헌 박물관), Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Des superbes fleurs de Magnolia au Jardin botanique de Montréal

Red Osier Dogwood branches are loaded with white berries found alongside the Domtar Overlook section of the Bridge to Bridge Trail in Mountjoy in the City of Timmins Northeastern Ontario Canada.

A Grapefruit tree loaded with fruit but also being smothered in Spanish Moss found on the Shady Oak Trail in the Circle B Bar Reserve in the City of Lakeland in Polk County Florida U.S.A.

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• Cape marguerite

• Margarita del Cabo

Scientific classification:

Kingdom:Plantae

Clade:Tracheophytes

Clade:Angiosperms

Clade:Eudicots

Clade:Asterids

Order:Asterales

Family:Asteraceae

Genus:Dimorphotheca

Species: D. ecklonis

Native to the Eastern Cape, South Africa, it is found in wet grasslands and riverbeds at heights of up to 300 metres. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant all over the world.

Explored: November 21, 2021

• Prickly pear / Orange tuna

Scientific classification

Kingdom:Plantae

Clade:Tracheophytes

Clade:Angiosperms

Clade:Eudicots

Order:Caryophyllales

Family:Cactaceae

Genus:Opuntia

Species:O. elata

Proa al Mar, Maldonado, Uruguay

Heterotheca sessiliflora ssp. bolanderi—Bolander's goldenaster. A frosty morning in the garden. Photographed at Regional Parks Botanic Garden located in Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley, CA.

Gerbera is native to tropical regions of South America, Africa and Asia. The first scientific description of a Gerbera was made by J.D. Hooker in Curtis's Botanical Magazine in 1889 when he described Gerbera jamesonii, a South African species also known as Transvaal daisy or Barberton daisy.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom:Plantae

Clade:Tracheophytes

Clade:Angiosperms

Clade:Eudicots

Clade:Asterids

Order:Asterales

Family:Asteraceae

Subfamily:Mutisioideae

Tribe:Mutisieae

Genus:Gerbera

Gerbera is also commonly known as the African daisy.

Luzula nivea (Linnaeus) de Candolle, 1805 = Juncoides niveum (Linnaeus) O. Kuntze, 1891 = Juncus niveus Linnaeus, 1759, la luzule blanche ou luzule des neiges, jonc blanc des montagnes.

Solanum dulcamara Linnaeus, 1753 = Dulcamara flexuosa Moench, 1794 = Lycopersicon dulcamara (Linnaeus) Medik., 1783 = Solanum assimile Friv., 1836 = Solanum dulcamara var. hirsutum Dunal, 1852 = Solanum dulcamara var. indivisum Boiss., 1879 = Solanum dulcamara var. ovatum Dunal, 1852 = Solanum dulcamara var. palustre Dunal, 1852 = Solanum dulcamara var. pubescens N.H.F. Desp., 1838 = Solanum dulcamara var. rupestre Dunal, 1852 = Solanum dulcamara var. tomentosum W.D.J. Koch, 1838 = Solanum dulcamara var. villosissimum Desv., 1818 = Solanum littorale Raab, 1819 = Solanum lyratum Thunb., 1784 = Solanum pseudopersicum Pojark., 1955 = Solanum ruderale Salisb., 1796 = Solanum rupestre F.W. Schmidt, 1793 = Solanum scandens Lam., 1779 = Solanum scandens Neck., 1768 = Solanum serpentini Borbás & Waisb., 1897, la douce-amère ou bronde, loque, morelle douce-amère ou morelle piquante ou vigne de Judée.

«E s'aprono i fiori notturni, nell'ora che penso a' miei cari. Sono apparse in mezzo ai viburni le farfalle crepuscolari...»

(Il gelsomino notturno, Giovanni Pascoli)

'Bishop's cap cactus'

Scientific classification

Kingdom:Plantae

(unranked):Angiosperms

(unranked):Eudicots

(unranked):Core eudicots

Order:Caryophyllales

Family:Cactaceae

Genus:Astrophytum

Species:A. myriostigma

From my collection.

Photographed the Tuberous Begonia in hanging baskets in the wife's flower garden located in Timmins in the Township of Mountjoy located in the City of Timmins in Northeastern Ontario Canada

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This photograph and all those within my photostream are protected by copyright. They may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without my written permission.