2015 Articles:
Alectryon excelsus (Sapindaceae) is from New Zealand and is noted for its unusual if not eye-catching fruits that appear like a black licorice gumdrop nestled in a ripe, red raspberry. Here I illustrate and discus this handsome tree, including its common names, etymology, history, a description, distribution and ecology, environmental tolerances, cultivation, and notable specimens in California. https://doi.org/10.21414/B1R59M
Palms in the genus Washingtonia (Arecaceae), California fan palm (Washingtonia filifera) and Mexican fan palm (W. robusta), are common landscape trees in southern California from the desert to the sea. They produce large inflorescences with prodigious quantities of fruits, which pose a litter problem for landscape maintenance but also can be highly ornamental attributes and a source of food for animals and potentially humans. Here we illustrate and discuss inflorescence and fruit characteristics of both species, including weight, volume, and quantity of fruits produce annually per species. https://doi.org/10.21414/B1MG6B
Handroanthus (Bignoniaceae), commonly referred to as trumpet trees, are among out best trees for winter and spring flowering displays. Once commonly placed in the genus Tabebuia, most species commonly grown in southern California were transferred to Handroanthus several years ago. The pink trumpet tree or pink tab (in reference to its former genus) was formerly known as H. impetiginosus but H. heptaphyllus has now been documented as the best name for this spectacular species. Here we illustrate the pink tab, discuss its correct botanical name, and compare it to the similar species. https://doi.org/10.21414/B1C01F
No more than 9% of all the water used in California ends up on landscape trees, shrubs, groundcovers, bedding plants, and turfgrass. Here we make the case that the relatively small amount of water that goes to landscape vegetation in California is a well made investment considering the amenities and benefits the landscape provides to human well being in the State. We list the amenities and benefits of landscape vegetation and discuss how proper plant selection, cultivation, and irrigation can maximize efficient landscape water use. Cost/benefit analyses clearly show that landscape plants are worth the investment in resources, especially water, even in this time of severe drought. Landscape plants are worth having and saving. We can have our cherished landscapes, enjoy the innumerable amenities and benefits they provide, and, yes, still save water.
Cassia brewsteri (Fabaceae) is a tree from Australia known for its handsome, pinnate leaves and especially its showy and spectacular, pendulous tresses of yellow to orange flowers. Here we provide an illustrated account of this striking tree, including its common names, etymology, history, a description, distribution and ecology, environmental tolerances, cultivation, invasiveness, notable trees in California, and its varieties. https://doi.org/10.21414/B1759Z