ALOE VERA

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant that first originated from the Arabian Peninsula and naturally survived in arid and semi-arid conditions. The plant has thick and fleshy leaves for storing water, which makes it an ideal addition to the water-wise garden.

Aloe plant blooms rise from an inflorescence which soars above the fle rosettes. Only mature plants of at least four years of age will bloom. An added benefit is that Aloe plants have many
medicinal uses  such as being a topical gel used to treat sunburn.

 

BOUGAINVILLEA

Bougainvillea is an evergreen thorny ornamental bush that can be cultivated in coastal regions because of its tolerance to salty water.  Bougainvillea flower bloom come in shades of red, pink, gold, orange and white. These blooms are actually not flowers but they are modified leaves called bracts. The bracts surround the actual flowers, which are tiny, yellow or white, and visually insignificant.  Bougainvilleas can be seen growing on walls, cascading over hanging baskets, and along fences and can be fast growers once they gets started, so maintenance is key to keeping them contained.

 

 

LANTANA

Lantana is an evergreen bush native to the Americas and Africa. It is mainly grown for its colorful and fragrant flowers which bloom almost year-round in the hot, dry Southern California climate. Lantanas usually thrive in any type of soil and the plants are useful for attracting beneficial insects, butterflies and hummingbirds.

 
 
 

 

YARROW

This is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe, scientifically named Achillea millefolium. Yarrow has fern-like decorative foliage and tightly packed attractive flowers that come in many colors. This plant requires low maintenance and only grows well in a sunny and well-drained loamy soil. Yarrow can be a good choice for rock gardens.

Yarrow has been known to have medicinal values such as the treatment of fever, stomach discomfort by promoting detoxification, and toothache when taken orally. In the past, it was used to treat wounded soldiers. It might be tempting to chomp at a yarrow plant if you have it in the garden, however this might not be best. Is important to study the preparation of the plant for use for medicinal purposes.

 
 

 
 

CACTUS

Cactus is a type of succulent plant that uses its entire plant structure and cells for water storage. The name is derived from the ancient Greek word, kaktos (spiny plant). Cacti have one of the best adaptive survival mechanisms for desert areas that makes them amazing drought tolerant plants. They have sharp thorns as “leaves”, succulent stems covered in wax to prevent loss of water, and they shrink during the dry season to survive using their reserved water.

Cacti produce big beautiful flowers and brightly colored fruit that can be a source of food for birds, insects, and mammals. Species of cacti such as dragon fruit and prickly pear are eaten by humans.

 

GERANIUM

Geranium is a drought tolerant herbaceous perennial whose botanical name is Pelargonium. It requires very little water and can flourish in areas with very low rainfall and high heat levels. The most common types of Geranium include; ivy geranium, scented geranium and zonal geranium. Certain varieties of Geranium produce oils used as skin radiance in aromatherapy and in acne treatments. The geranium oil has a sweet aroma that elevates mood.