Day 251 - The
cake remaining after the seeds of a sunflower have been processed for oil is
used as a livestock feed. Some recently developed cultivars have drooping
heads. These cultivars are less attractive to gardeners growing the flowers as
ornamental plants, but appeal to farmers, because they reduce bird damage and
losses from some plant diseases. Sunflowers also produce latex, and are the
subject of experiments to improve their suitability as an alternative crop for
producing nonallergenic rubber. These sunflowers are #Jerseyfresh
Day 252 - The
Crown of Thorns is a woody, multi-stemmed, succulent shrub that originated in
Madagascar. Dark green, tear shaped leaves appear randomly on each thorn
covered branch. When a Crown of Thorns plant becomes stressed due to over
watering or under watering, humidity or temperature changes, it may quickly
drop all of its leaves. Normally, once the cause of stress is resolved, fresh
foliage will quickly return to your plant. Crown of Thorns will produce flowers
nearly all year, but especially during the winter months.
Day 253 -
Lisianthus have rose-like showy blossoms in grand colors, and with proper care
they can last 7-10 days. Many of the unopened buds which show color may open
fully. Smaller buds may not open but simply support the larger blossoms and
accent the foliage.
Day 254 -
Dahlia is a genus of bushy, tuberous, herbaceous perennial plants native mainly
in Mexico, but also Central America, and Colombia. A member of the Asteraceae
or Compositae, dicotyledonous plants, related species include the sunflower,
daisy, chrysanthemum and zinnia. There are at least 36 species of dahlia, with
hybrids commonly grown as garden plants.
Day 255 - In
Europe and America, prior to the discovery of insulin in 1923, diabetics—as
well as consumptives—were often given a substance called Atlantic starch or
diabetic sugar, derived from inulin, a naturally occurring form of fruit sugar,
extracted from dahlia tubers. Inulin is
still used in clinical tests for kidney functionality.