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Adiantum
Adiantum (pronounced ADD-ee-an-toom) is commonly referred to as the Maidenhair fern. They are regarded as fairly hardy ferns, as opposed to tropical, and can be found all over the world. Description These are delicate ferns, with dainty, pale-green leaves that are triangular in shape. The leaves grow fan-like on wiry black stalks. The Rosy Maidenhair…
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Aechmea fasciata
Aechmea fasciata is also known as the ‘urn plant’ or ‘silver vase’ due its silver foliage and the similarity in shape between its leaves and a vase. It was introduced to Britain in 1828 and is now popular as a houseplant due to its visual appeal and longevity when in bloom. Aechmeas are epiphytic, which…
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African violet
African violet is the common name for the plant known as Saintpaulia. It was officially discovered by Baron Walter von Saint Paul Illaire, who came across the plant in Tanzania and sent some seeds home to his father, who was an amateur botanist. Although two British botanists had discovered it previously and had attempted to…
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Agave filifera
The name filifera is Latin for ‘carrying threads’ and refers to the fine hairs that grow along the leaves. It is often mistaken for a member of the cactus family due to certain species having spiny, pointed leaves. Description Some types grow on stalks, but the most recognised is the one which grows as a…
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Alocasia amazonica
Despite having a reference to the Amazon in its name, Alocasia amazonica has no links with the Amazon or South America. It is a hybrid plant that has never grown wild in the rainforest and its name is thought to have been coined by Salvadore Mauro. Mauro was a nursery owner in America in the…
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Aloe
The most common of the aloe plants is Aloe vera, or ‘true aloe’ and it is a popular ingredient in cosmetics and medicinal remedies. They are succulents and therefore practised in conserving water during dry conditions. Aloes come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from tiny 2-inch plants to large colonies of up…
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Aloe aristata
Aloe aristata is a perennial evergreen species of aloe that is also known as the ‘torch plant’, as well as its common name, lace aloe. Its name is of Arabic origin, with aristata meaning ‘bearded’. Description Aloe aristata is a succulent plant with a rosette of green grey leaves that are covered in tiny white…
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Aloe mitriformis
Aloe mitriformis is related to the better known Aloe vera plant and is often used to populate rock gardens, although in the UK it is also a common houseplant. It can be a tricky plant to nurture so be sure to do plenty of research before attempting to grow your own. Description Aloe mitriformis is…
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Amaryllis
The striking red shades of Amaryllis varieties such as ‘Red Velvet’ and ‘Red Lion’ have helped to establish this South African export as Britain’s favourite plant to give at Christmas time. But late December is by no means the only time to give, grow or spot Amaryllis in the UK. Amaryllis is the longest-lasting winter…
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Anigozanthos
The genus of Anigozanthus was first named by Jacques Labillardière, who was a French naturalist working in the 18th and 19th centuries. Anigozanthos flavidus, commonly known as the Red and Green Kangaroo Paw, is the most recognisable variety and gets its name from its claw-shaped blooms. Description The plant has striking, paw-like red and green…
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