All plants can be identified as either a gymnosperm or an angiosperm. The first group known as “gymnosperms” is the oldest group and originated roughly 319 million years ago, before pollinating insects had evolved. The word gymnosperms translates from Greek as “naked seed”. This is because the seeds produced from this classification of plant are not protected by a fruit (they are naked!). This group of plants does not flower so does not require insects to pollinate it – these plants rely on the wind for pollination.
Seeds of gymnosperms form on the scales or leaves of the plant, on stalks on trees such as the Ginkgo tree; and they form cones on conifers. Conifers are the most important group, and all conifers are gymnosperms (but not all gymnosperms are conifers!). Nearly all gymnosperms are evergreen, and they are all perennial, woody plants.
The other major characteristic of gymnosperms is that they bear the male and female parts separately on the plant, e.g. in the forms of male and female cones on coniferous plants. The male cone will shed pollen in the wind, some of which will land on the female cones and fertilise them. This is known as wind pollination.
Remember, if you find a cone on a plant, it is a conifer - which means it's a gymnosperm. If you find a flower, then it is an angiosperm - I will talk about them next.
Angiosperms are true, flowering plants and include 80% of the world’s plants. The word angiosperm translates from Greek as “vessel seed” – because the seeds produced from this classification of plant are encased and protected within an ovary (sometimes a fruit). These flowering plants originated about 140 million years ago, are pollinated by insect, and include plants with different lifespans (annual, biennial, perennial etc.).
The insects we know as "pollinating insects" evolved approximately 57 million years ago, some time after the first angiosperms. The early angiosperms such as the Magnolia were pollinated by beetle when they crawled over the flowers, transferring pollen to stigma. As flying, pollinating insects evolved the angiosperms developed to have hermaphrodite (male and female) flowers with scent and colour to attract them.
Angiosperms have flowers which house both the male and female parts required for pollination, e.g. pollen from the male stamen is transfered to the female stigma (and down to the ovules) when a bee visits the flower (known as insect pollination).
So, if a plant has flowers, it’s an angiosperm. If it doesn’t, it's a gymnosperm.
Hopefully, that has helped you to understand that gymnosperms have unprotected seeds and that they are pollinated by wind; whilst angiosperms have protected seeds and they are pollinated by insect.
Below is a chart or a “cheat sheet” which indicates the groups’ main characteristics to help you to learn the differences between these two plant classifications (click on it to enlarge and open it in another window). If you'd like to, you can save it, print it and pin it to your fridge!*
If you have any questions, please leave me a comment below.
*PLEASE NOTE: By saving/using my FREE chart, you agree not to sell, reproduce it in any way. You may not change the design.
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This is the third in this series where I look at the origins of Latin plant names for a specific genus. Today’s plant of choice is the Sempervivum – you may know it as “Hens and Chicks”. (You can learn about why and how Latin is used to name plants here).
Sempervivum is a genus of approximately forty to fifty species, and just like Echeverias, they come from the Crassulaceae family. They are a generally tough, Alpine succulent, originating from the mountains of Southern and Central Europe, and thrive in all types of weather. There are a few common names for the genus including Houseleeks, Liveforever and the aforementioned Hens and Chicks.
Sempervivum literally translates from the Latin as “always living” - “semper” means "always” and “vivus” means "living". This is because they are an evergreen plant - which is a plant that keeps its leaves throughout the winter - and they are incredibly resistant to most difficult conditions of growth.
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Amongst the forty or so species within this genus, there are also thousands of cultivars. One of the most well known species is probably the Common Houseleek, the Sempervivum tectorum. The specific epithet “tectorum” means “on roofs” and when put together with the genus, translates as “always living on roofs”. This translation refers to Roman times when these plants used to be planted on the roofs of thatched houses. This was said to reduce fires caused by lightning – because of the amount of water stored inside these succulents.
This Common Houseleek has many other common names, such as - Old Man and Woman, Roof Houseleek, Roof Foil, Jupiter’s Eye, Bullock’s Eye, Devil's Beard, Jove’s Beard, Jupiter’s Beard, Bullock’s Beard, St Patrick’s Cabbage, Thunder Plant, Fuet, Healing Blade, Poor Jan’s Leaf and the hilarious Welcome-home-husband-however-drunk-you-be!
Here’s some further Sempervivum species translations –
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This is a relatively small selection of all the different Sempervivum species there are in this genus. They are an absolutely fascinating group of gorgeously rosette-shaped plants, which are easy to grown and will add colour and texture to your pots, rockery and garden.
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Take a look at my Sempervivum care guide here or buy my illustrated Sempervivum identification sheet from my shop.
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Crassula is a genus of succulent plants, which includes the popular jade plant. In this blog post I examine the meaning of some of the species' Latin names.
]]>Behind every Latin plant name, is a meaning (I discuss the way we name plants more here), and today I am going to examine the naming of Crassulas, in particular.
Crassula is a genus of succulent plants, which includes hundreds of species, including the popular jade plant - otherwise known as Crassula ovata (of which there are a number of named cultivars). In the UK, most of them are grown as houseplants, but in warmer countries, they can grow outside and some can get much bigger.
They are amazing plants, all quite fascinating and many look nothing alike. They're evergreen, low-maintenance and make great talking points.
The name Crassula means “thick” or “fat” - this refers to the thick, fleshy nature of the plants in this genus.
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As I have mentioned, there are many species of the Crassula. Perhaps the most well known species is the Crassula ovata (the Jade Plant, Lucky Plant, Money Plant or Money Tree). In regards to this species ovata means “ovate” or “egg-shaped” - which refers to the shape of its leaves. The species or specific epithet often helps you to understand more about the species.
Let’s look at some of the other named species, and see what their names tell us about them:
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Take a look at my “how to” Crassula care guide here or buy my Crassula Identification Print from my shop.
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Echeveria is a large genus that comes from the Crassulaceae family. In this blog post I examine the meaning of Latin names of different Echeveria.
]]>I find the way that plants are named really interesting, and actually enjoy finding out the Latin-english translations (learn a bit about Latin plant naming here).
Today, I am going to examine the naming of Echeverias and the individual species within this genus.
Echeveria is a large genus of attractive, rosette-shaped plants, which are native to Central America (and most semi-desert regions of the Americas). They come from the Crassulaceae family - as does the Crassula - which is commonly known as the stonecrop family.
Astanasio Echeverría y Godoy was an 18th century, Mexican botanical artist, and the genus Echeveria was named in his honour. Sometimes genus and species names derive from an individual’s name or are named after the person that first discovered or recorded it.
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There are lots and lots of different species with this genus - and thousands of hybrids - including the popular Echeveria elegans. Elegans means “elegant”, which I think perfectly sums up this plant’s stylish, understated shape and look. Interestingly, it’s also known as the Mexican Snowball – because it's rounded in form and is native to Mexico’s semi-desert areas.
Time to look at and translate some other named Echeveria species:
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There are many many more than the ones I have listed here, and I haven’t even touched on the hundreds of hybrid species there are. I love this plant so much, and just writing this has made me want to go succulent shopping to discover some more of them. They all have such exciting, sculptural forms in colours from the bluest grey to the brightest pink!
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For a quick “cheat”, you can purchase my Echeveria species artwork here. Find out how to take care of them here.
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An introduction to botanical nomenclature, the binomial system and plant classification; and a look at why we still use Latin.
]]>I am going to explain what botanical nomenclature is and what the binomial system of naming plants is. I’ll also tell you why we still use Latin.
Plant names and learning the Latin can seem daunting, but once you break it down it becomes, relatively, straight forward. You will quickly start to understand why we classify plants in the way that we do, and why we use Latin names as the botanical standard.
These are the questions I first asked about this subject:
Quite simply, it is the formal, scientific way of naming plants.
No - it is related to it, but is slightly different. The taxonomy side of things is to do with the classifying (grouping) of plants. It is then botanical nomenclature that gives the names to the plants, as a result of this classification.
It is a two-part way of giving plants their name. Every plant name consists of two parts - the Genus and the species. The genus is the group that the particular plant belongs to (e.g. Crassula) and should be written in italics, with a capital letter at the beginning. The species (also know as a “specific epithet”) describes the plants within the genus (e.g. ovata). It should also be written in italics, but without any capitals.
Sometimes a third part is added to a plant name, if there is a variation in a plant species - a naturally occurring variety or a form developed in cultivation known as a ‘Cultivar’.
It helps to remember this:
Latin is a universal, “dead language”. This means it is politically neutral (hoorah), is known in every country and is no longer spoken in day-to-day conversation.
Common names can be confusing. Lots of plants have many common names - for example, the common wild pansy is known by lots and lots of names including; Biddy’s Eyes, Monkey Face, Heart Pansy, Tittle-My-Fancy and the rather mouthy Meet Her In The Entry Kiss Her In The Buttery!
By using Latin, it prevents confusion, which is especially important when ordering plant-based food or medicine products.
Specific epithets that describe the way the plant looks:
Specific epithets that tell you the colour (usually of the flowers):
Specific epithets that tell you where the plant is from:
Specific epithets that tell you the plant’s lifecycle:
Specific epithets that tell you the plants growth habit:
There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of species and specific epithets. Next time you look up a plant or read a label in a garden centre, consider the second part of the plant’s name, and see if it tells you anything about the particular plant. If you took Latin at school, you’ll be ahead of me.
Varieties tend to be naturally occurring variances in a plant genus. These are nearly always written in Latin, whereas cultivars are usually written in modern language (there are some exceptions).
When a cultivar is present at the end of a plant name, it tells you that a different form of the plant species was developed in cultivation (a man-made variance). These plants are sometimes given the name of the person that cultivated it, or given a name to commemorate an event.
I hope that I have helped you to understand that the names given to our plants actually means something. I find it incredibly interesting. Once you get into it, it will become something you'll find yourself researching more and more.
A simple guide to gardening jargon and an explanation of the terminology used to describe plant lifespans & hardiness ratings.
]]>Many terms are used to characterise the longevity of different plants, and their ability to tolerate certain weather conditions. It can get confusing and can often feel like experienced gardeners are speaking in a secret language. You might find yourself asking “I think I know what annual means, but just exactly how hardy is a half-hardy plant?!”
I am going to break down some of the most-commonly used expressions and explain what each one means. Once you understand the language used, you’ll be less daunted next time you turn a plant label over at the garden centre. It will make your gardening life so much easier.
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All plants have a natural lifespan and there are three main terms used to describe a plant’s lifespan. These are "annual", "biennial" and "perennial". You may also hear the word "ephemeral" too.
The humble sunflower lives for only a few months, whilst the banyan tree can grow for hundreds of years. The oldest known, living, individual plant - a Pinus longaeva in California - is estimated to be over four thousand years old!
It is helpful to understand the lifespan of the plant you’d like to grow. It can determine whether it is going to be suitable for you and your garden, in regards to time frame and its maintenance requirements.This means that in one season, they germinate, grow, flower, set seed and then die – completing their entire life of growth.
This means that they grow the first year, and then flower and set seed in their second (final) year. After this they die.
This means that they survive all year round – either visibly, as a plant above ground or by dying back to dormant roots, before regrowing the following year. Some require winter protection (learn more about this below).
This means that in one season, they germinate, grow, flower, set seed and then die, many times – multiplying rapidly. This term often refers to ephemeral weeds, such as hairy bittercress, which can be a terror in the garden.
*I have seen the word, ephemeral, used simply to describe a plant that is “living for a very short time”, particularly in reference to spring ephemerals and desert ephemerals. This tends to be when it is used as an adjective to describe its short lifespan, rather than as a recognised plant category.
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The hardiness of a plant refers to the temperatures that plants can withstand. Generally all plants are categorised as hardy, tender or half-hardy.
In the UK, when we say that a plant is “hardy” we mean that it can tolerate the cold, so my advice below is in reference to living in the UK (where we rarely get winters colder than –10ºC).
Hardy annuals will complete their life cycle within one season and can withstand outdoor winter temperatures down to -15°C. They can be sown outside – the seedlings can happily survive spring frosts down to –5°C. They will take a full year to go from seed-sowing to seed-setting.
Hardy biennials will complete their life cycle within two seasons, and can withstand outdoor winter temperatures down to -15°C. They build up a strong root and leaf system in their first year, so they can survive the average winter and then go on to flower in their second year.
Hardy perennials will live for three or more years, even with freezing ice or snow over the winter. They can withstand outdoor winter temperatures down to -15°C.
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Tender annuals will complete their life cycle within one season. They are susceptible to death if the temperature drops below 5°C. They need warm soil and air temperature in order to grow well, so it is best to sow these in protection and then place them within your garden after the danger of frost passes (when the soil and air temperatures have warmed up).
Tender biennials will complete their life cycle within two seasons. They are susceptible to death if the temperature drops below 5°C. Tender biennials can be overwintered or treated as half-hardy annuals by sowing seed/planting each year.
Tender perennials will live for three or more years, but are susceptible to damage or death if the temperature drops below 5°C. They need to be overwintered/protected in the UK. Store tender bulbs/tubers/corms in a cool, dry place. Overwinter non-bulbous, tender perennials indoors, as potted plants, or take
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NOTE: Half-hardy is a bit of a halfway-house term, often used simply to describe bedding plants which are sown in heat in winter or spring, before being planted outside after danger of frost has passed. It can be a bit confusing, as for example, there is a crossover between tender perennials being treated like, and referred to as half-hardy annuals.
Half-hardy annuals will complete their life cycle within one season. They can be grown outdoors but will require winter protection from frost and temperatures below 0°C. They can tolerate cool soils but will be damaged by frost. Tender biennials can be treated as half-hardy annuals by sowing new seed/growing new plants each year.
Half-hardy biennials will complete their life cycle within two seasons. They can be grown outdoors but will require winter protection from frost and temperatures below 0°C.
Half-hardy perennials will live for three or more years. They can be grown outdoors but will require winter protection from frost and temperatures below 0°C.
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Is your plant evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous? Find out below –
Is your perennial herbaceous or woody? Find out below –
This means that they become dormant and die back to an underground rootstock. They won’t show above ground until the following spring.
This means that they do not die back completely and they exhibit secondary growth (new growth). This classification includes shrubs and trees.
All woody perennials are classified as either a shrub or a tree* – but do you know the difference? Find out below –
This means that they do not die back completely and they exhibit secondary growth (new growth). This classification includes shrubs and trees.
*Lianas are also considered to be woody perennials. Lianas are a type of climbing vine generally found throughout tropical rainforests. They are structural parasites of trees as they can reduce the vigour and survival of their hosts
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There are, of course, a lot more plant-based phrases and terms that I could talk about, but I think that’s enough to get started. Let me know if you enjoyed this run-through, and please leave any questions in the comments below.