urban gardener no 26

8/8/2019 Urban Gardener No 26

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26th Issue, Vol. 3, No. 11 ISSN 2094-1765 November 2010

TORCH GINGERBy Norby Bautista

The Torch Ginger, or scientificallyknown as Etlingera elatior, is aherbaceous perennial herbclosely related to our commonginger, and is grown primarily forornamental horticulture because ofits beautiful flower. Other commonnames includes Ginger Flower,Red Ginger Lily, Torch Lily, WildGinger, Combrang, Bunga

Siantan, Philippine Wax Flower,Xiang Bao Jiaing, Indonesian TallGinger, Boca de Dragn, Rose dePorcelaine, and Porcelain Rose.The showy pink flowers are usedin decorative arrangements toprovide a tropical look, while theflower buds are an importantingredient in Thai and NorthSumatran dishes, mostly withfresh fish.

Chemically, the leaves of E. elatiorcontains three caffeoylquinic acidsincluding chlorogenic acid (CGA),and three flavonoids of quercitrin,isoquecitrin and catechin. Theleaves also have the highestantioxidant, antibacterial andtyrosinase inhibition activitiesamong five Etlingera species,which makes it an important drugsource in the medical orpharmaceutical industry.

The plant usually grows in largeclumps, reaching a height of 3-6

meters, and are usually cultivated in the soil, under partial shade. Propagating materials like divisions areusually sold in garden centers or garden shows in the Manila or in Los Banos, Laguna. For optimumgrowth, provide plants with fertile, compost-rich, soil and water every other day. Complete fertilizer canbe provided every 2 months. Flowers can be cut in the morning and used in flower arrangements.

Torch ginger is propagated by seeds. The plant is widely distributed in the Malesia area, and wassubsequently introduced into the Philippines. It is native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and S Thailand; widelycultivated and naturalized in SE Asia.


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GUZMANIA BROMELIADSby Norby Bautista

Guzmania, which is related to the pineapple.is one of the popular genus of bromeliadscultivated in most gardens. The genus was

named after Anastasio Guzman, a Spanishpharmacist and naturalist. Guzmania isnative in South America.

Though not native in the Philippines, it is oneof the most extensively grown bromeliad inQuezon, Laguna, Cavite and Cagayan deOro. Several species and hybrids of thisgenus are cultivated as indoor and outdoorgarden plants. The best known is Guzmanialingulata (scarlet star) which bears orangeand red bracts.

Guzmanias die after the plant has producedits flowers in summer, but new plants caneasily be propagated from the offsets whichappear as the parent plant dies. They areepiphytes and can do well if tied on to piecesof bark with roots bound into sphagnummoss.

Guzmanias require warm temperatures andrelatively high humidity. These plants arecommonly used as landscape plants inshaded home gardens, in indoor pocketgardens, or as accents / ground cover during

garden shows.

Guzmania produce their best flower color inbright diffused light, usually under 1-2 layersof shade net. Do not expose plants to directsun as it can cause leaf burns.

Water plants regularly and their centersshould be kept full of water, even when theplants are blooming. This may be a problemto some since mosquito larvae could thrivein these stagnant water. Thus, it isrecommended to change the water in thepocket-like centers by turning over plantsevery week and refilling the water. Thepotting mixture can be watered by letting thecenters overflow into it.

Guzmanias are usually planted on 5 inchpots with a mixture of charcoal plus coconut husk cubes or coconut coir dust with sand. Though most ofthe species are epiphytes or air plants, they can also be mounted on driftwoods without media, as long asthe centers are always filled with water and the surroundings are kept moist or humid. Young plantletsarise at the base of the plant after the mother plants have bloomed.


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Mangkono: A Rare and Unique Hardwood

Mangkono ( Xanthostemon verdugonianus)which belongs to the family Myrtaceae bearsattractive red blossoms that later yield half-moon-shaped, red seeds. This tropicalevergreen tree is also commonly called thePhilippine ironwood and dubbed the "hardesttree in the Philippines."

Mangokono grows naturally only in the centralPhilippines on Surigao's Dinagat Island,Homonhon Island in Samar, Babatngon, Leyte,and in Palawan. Nationwide it now is consideredrare and endangered according to the ASEANRegional Centre for Biodiversity Conservation.The tree is encouraged to be conserved, and isnow being promoted by Hortica Filipina, a non-profit, non-government organization specializingis promoting Philippine tree species formetropolitan greening.

It is an slow growing evergreen tree with anupright, oval habit, mangkono's trunk can reacha diameter of 20 to 36 inches and overall heightof 30 to 40 feet. The trunk is fluted and carriessmall twigs as well as architecturally irregular butpicturesque branches. Leaves are tongue torounded oval in shape and green with a leatherytexture. The ornate, rounded clusters of bright,blood-red flowers occur on branch tips and havefive small petals but many erect whisker-likestamens. The dry fruits split open into threesections to release tiny half-moon seeds

Mangkono trees tolerate low-fertility soils butgrow much more lushly in more sandy loam garden-like soils that are rich in organic matter. In the heat ofthe long growing season, provide lots of water. Provide full to partial sunlight exposures for moreabundant flowering displays, but no fewer than five hours of direct sunlight daily. It grows nicely in anopen grove with other tropical trees and palms.

Mangkono wood is among the hardest and densest in the world, often used as a substitute for the densehard wood of the lignum-vitae (Guaicum spp.) trees of the Caribbean. Often, trees are allowed to grow toa diameter of a few inches before being cut. Gas-powered diamond blades cooled by water more readilycut the wood as compared to axes, which take considerably more time and energy.

Mangkono makes a superb material for the bearing or stern bushing of steamship propeller shafts. It isalso used as rollers, shears, saw guide blocks, tool handles, novelties, poles and piles for wharfs andbridges. Smaller-diameter trunks or branches are heavily used as house posts, according to the HaribonFoundation. The gnarled trunks and branches and vividly colored flowers also make mangkono amagnificent ornamental tree, albeit rare, for tropical gardens.


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Blue Ginger: A Cool Flower for a Shaded Garden

The Blue Ginger plant, scientifically known as Dischorisandra thyrsiflora, is a popular perennialornamental landscaping plant for the tropical outdoor garden. The plant produces attractive, three-petalled flowers that are bluish in color with small yellow centers. Flowers are borne on a terminalspike. The entire flower spike when still in bud looks very much like the one produced by a bluehyacinth bulb. For those of us who are more imaginative, it may look like a bunch of grapes, exceptthat is held upright! The plant is erect, clump-forming, rhizomatous, soft-stemmed, and evergreenThe plant is native to the tropical woodlands of North, Central and South America, most especiallyfrom Brazil. The plant is primarily an ornamental plant, cultivated for its strikingly blue flowers andoften cultivated in shaded gardens.

A much sought-after plant by tropical plant connoisseurs, the Blue Ginger plant constitutes one of thesmall number of plants that features the cooler blue color in its flowers. The floral colors of most othertropical plants are more on the warmer side which include red, yellow and orange.

The common name, Blue Ginger is actually a misnomer, and is not a true ginger at all. It is amember of the Commelinaceae family and its relatives include the Boat Lily (Tradescantia spathacea)and the Wandering Jew (T. zebrina).

It got mistakened to be a ginger probably due to the entire plants resemblence with a Spiral Ginger(Costus spp.). The Blue Ginger plant produces tall stems with leaves that are arranged in a spiralmanner that is similar to the growth habit of Spiral Gingers. Although both the Blue Ginger and aSpiral Ginger both do not emit an aromatic smell when they are injured, they can be easily told apartbecause the latter plant produces flowers that are borne on a cone-like structure of bracts.

When it comes to its growing conditions, the Blue Ginger prefers to be grown in cooler and shadierconditions. Semi-shaded conditions with filtered sunshine would be most optimal. Plants become sun-


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burnt easily if they are grown in under directsunshine. Under shady conditions, the plantproduces leaves that feature a beautiful silverstripe.

The plant is, however, not an easy plant tobloom tropical lowland conditions. One has tofind the right cool and shady spot where theplant likes to grow in. The Blue Ginger plantlikes to be planted in a humid and windlesslocation. Its roots should be moist and not soggywet. During the cooler, wetter months at the endof the year the Blue Ginger can be persuaded tobloom.

The plant will grow well in a good generalpurpose potting mix (a soil that retains water yetdrains well). For best results, mix garden soilwith sand and a small portion of compost with a1:1:1 ratio. Water the plant regularly.

For its nutritional requirement, fertilize plantsonce every 2 months with a half teaspooncomplete fertilizer.

The plant is prone to mealy bugs. Thus, alwaysinspect any new plant for pests before

introducing it to your home or greenhouse. It is also prone to antracnose, crown rot and southernblight.

The plant is propagated vegetatively with stem cuttings. A long stem can be cut into shorter sectionswith several internodes and these can be stuck into some well-drained soil placed in a shady andprotected location like what is commonly done for propagation via stem-cuttings. It also produces a

fleshy, orange-red fruit.

A GARDEN OASIS IN THE HEART

OF GATEWAY MALLby Justin B. Morelos

As people passes through GatewayMalls main building in Araneta Center,Cubao, Quezon City, they will certainlypass through an enclosed gardenparadise within the mall. The Oasis, a

uniquely designed floating gardenlocated at the heart of the shoppingmall, is actually a open garden cafeteriamanaged by the Mandarin Oriental Cafeand Deli. They offer superb food at thesame time provide a paradise-likeambiance and tucked at the heart of themall.


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The 450 square meter Oasis, isspectacularly designed to providean ambiance similar to a Garden ofEden, enclosed in clear, see-through glass, and showcases avariety of exotic flora in a lushtropical setting, which makes it aperfect venue for fine dining andcocktail parties. Within the gardenare towering 60-foot Royal Palmswhich extends up to the top of thebuilding. The restaurant is open upto the sky, permitting naturalsunlight and rain to come in. Peoplewho would wish to dine or just strollthrough the garden itself will begreeted with an assortment ofcolorful flowering bromeliads,anthuriums, heliconias, gingerplants and aglaonemas. There is

also the sound of running water from its artificial waterfalls, flowing stream and clear pond to providetranquility and a cool, humid atmosphere to the surrounding environs.

There are also koi carps in the clear pond, actuated with Chinese statues. The pond also serves as awishing well as children throw coins on it. The garden is multi-level, with steps and higher elevation,wherein tables and chairs with umbrellas are situated so that diners can enjoy a sip of brewed coffee asthey enjoy the ambiance.

Oasis offers diners a clear view of the mall's tasteful interior as they relax in the garden. Diners can savorthe restaurant's Hainanese chicken, asian salads and sandwitches.

This pocket of greenery is an inspiration to most plant lovers and gardeners as it shows that a paradise-like garden can be created even in a buzzling city like here in Araneta Center. It landscape design is trulya unique and creative tropical one which makes one forget that you are actually inside a city.


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The Sunflower --Helianthus annuus

The Sunflower, orHelianthus annuus, is an annualflowering plants native to the Americas, thatpossess a large inflorescence or flowering head. It

is also grown in the Philippines as a landscapeplant and source of its valuable seeds. Its flower is

a composite flower, composed of numerous florets crowded together. The outer florets are sterile rayflorets usually yellow, maroon, or orange in color, while the florets inside the circular head, or discflorets, are the ones which mature into seeds.

Sunflowers usually grow to heights between 1.5 and 3.5 m (512 ft). Young sunflowers exhibitheliotropism, wherein its leaves and flower heads follow the sun and their orientation thereforechanges from east to west during the day.


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The sunflower is native to the Central Americas. The evidence thus far is that it was firstdomesticated in Mesoamerica, which is now present day Mexico, by at least 2600 BC and may havebeen domesticated a second time in the middle Mississippi Valley, or been introduced there fromMexico at an early date, as corn was. The Aztecs and Otomi of Mexico use Sunflowers used assymbol of their solar deity,

Sun flowers are usually grown outdoors and need full sun for it to produce flowers. They grow best infertile, moist, well-drained soil with a lot of mulch or compost. In commercial planting, seeds areplanted 45 cm (1.5 ft) apart and 2.5 cm (1 in) deep. Sunflower seeds are sold as a snack food, afterroasting in ovens, with or without salt added, used directly in cooking and salads, or processed asbird feed. In other countries, sunflowers are processed into a peanut butter alternative, sunbutter.Sunflower oil, extracted from the seeds, is used for cooking, as a carrier oil and to producemargarine.

Sunflowers are also used as a phyto-remediant, as it can be used to extract toxic ingredients fromsoil, such as lead, arsenic, and uranium, especially radioactive cesium-137 and strontium-90 from anearby pond after the Chernobyl disaster in Russia. With this, the sunflower is often used as a symbolof green ideology.

LOS BANOS GARDEN SHOW HELD WITHTHEME ON CHRISTMAS IN OCTOBER

The central display during the Los Banos Garden Show showing the Nativity, with the child Jesus, withJoseph and Mary, and the 3 wise men offering gifts.

Plants and garden lovers came, momentarily escape the hectic schedules of urban

office life and visited the Los Banos Horticultural Society's Garden Show at the Senior

Social Garden, University of the Philippines at Los Banos, College, Laguna last Oct 8 -


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17, 2010. This seasons theme was Christmas in October and the featured plants

were: Aglaonemas and Philodendrons. The garden show offered garden

landscape designs of the Nativity, with the Baby Jesus, His Parents Joseph and Mary

and the Three Wise Kings offering their gifts. The venue was also a good source of

native and exotic ornamental plants the colorful Aglaonema and uniquely shaped

leaves of Philodendron plants, including other colorful plants like Poinsettias,

Orchids, Bromeliads, Chrysanthemums, African Daisies, Tillandsias, Fruit Tree seedlings

and many more. It was also the season of the sweet Paete lazones and the Laguna

Rambutan fruits.

Afterwards, some opt to side trail and dipped

into the cozy hot springs resorts which abound

in the area and experienced the cool tranquil

and mystical ambiance of Los Banos.

Afterwhich visitors returned back to city life

refreshed and relaxed.

Other exhibits like Christmas garden arrangements,displays, ornaments, and accessories were also

presented during the garden show.


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Growing Basil

Basil is grown for its fragrant tastyleaves that can be added raw tosalads, sandwiches or used in cookeddishes such as the ever popular pasta

with tomato and basil sauce.

Basil can be grown in pots. Ensurethat adequate drainage is allowedfrom the base of the pot by lining thebottom with coarse gravel. However, Ibasil will be grown outside, ensurethat the soil is well dug over and weedfree before sowing. Before sowingensure that the compost or soil ismoist.

Sow seeds during summer time,

usually February, or maybe keptmomentarily indoors to protect fromtoo much rain. Sow the seed thinlyand if growing in pots sow enough fora few plants in each pot. Cover theseeds with 1/2 cm of compost and firmgently.

Basil seeds shouldgerminate in about a weekand once the seedlingshave developed 2 pairs oftrue leaves then you can

thin out the weakestseedlings in each pot,leaving each pots strongest.Basil should be grown in aposition that receives agood amount of sunlight -around 6-8 hours a day.Basil can be grown indoorson a sunny windowsill oroutdoors in containers orsoil. If growing outside tryand position the Basil in asheltered spot that avoidstoo much rain.

Basil likes a fertile soil that has been welll dug to allow good soil air circulation. Introducing well rottedorganic compost or manure into the soil a month or so before sowing will help this. If growing in pots thena general purpose compost is a suitable soil solution.

If growing plants indoors in pots using compost then weeds shouldn't be a problem. If growing outdoorsthen you can add an organic mulch around the Basil plants to help aid soil moisture retention and preventweed establishment.


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If growing Basil in containers or indoor pots then add a small amount of fertilizer every month or so.Water every week (more often if growing in outdoor containers or indoors). When watering your Basilmake sure to water at the base of the plant avoiding showering the leaves and stems.

Be sure to pinch out any flowers that appear. This will help preserve the plants flavour and also channelthe plants energies into more leaf growth.

Basil is a pick and come again crop. It is best to pick a few leaves off a number of plants than picking allthe leaves off one plant. Harvest the top most leaves first. Basil will grow all year round indoors oroutdoors. Select plants that can flower and produce seeds. Once harvested Basil can be frozen for lateruse.

Basil can be used in fresh or dried form. To dry Basil cut the stems at soil level and dry them in adehydrator or hang bunches of stems up to air dry in a warm room, this should take about a week. Oncethe leaves are dried you can remove them from the stems and then store them in a dry airtight containerfor up to 12 months.

The most popular variety of Basil is Sweet Basil and this is the variety most often used in cooking. Othervarieties include Purple Basil (purple leaves) and Lemon Basil (a mild lemon flavour).

=======================================Some malls and business establishments hadHalloween displays out of decorative pumpkins andscarecrows during the Pre-Halloween and All Soulsday season from October 20 to November 1.Displays like this plus the tradition of Trick or Treatamong children are now popular among FilipinoChildren.=======================================

To plant a garden is to believe in the future

The Urban Gardener is an official electronicpublication (in PDF Format) of the PlantBiotechnology Project, Research & Development

Center, Rizal Technological University, BoniAvenue, Mandaluyong City, Philippines. It ispublished monthly. For more information, pleaseinquire thru email: [email protected] [email protected] and landline (+632)534-8267 Local 135 or Fax (+632) 534-9710.

Edited by N.R. Bautista November 2010

The Plant Biotechnology Project Committee iscomposed of: Alexander B. Quilang,

Norberto R. Bautista, & Jovita A. Anit.

urban gardener no 26

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