Maureen Katemopoulos

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Stories By Maureen Katemopoulos

  • Types Of Flowers Native To The Philippines

    Types of Flowers Native to the Philippines. It is possible that early settlers in the Philippines from China, India, Indonesia and Malaysia brought with them plants and flowers now considered native to the Philippines. However, there are selected flowers that most botanists concur are indigenous to islands such as Mindanao and its coastal settlements like Davao and Zamboanga.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • The Meaning Of The Poplar Tree

    The Meaning of the Poplar Tree. The poplar tree is "any of numerous trees of north temperate regions having light soft wood and flowers borne in catkins" [thin, elongated flower clusters]," according to the thesaurus. Poplar trees are of the Populus genus, which belongs to the Salicaceae family. Types include the balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) of northeastern North America; the aspen or white poplar (Populus alba); and the gray poplar (Populus canescens) and black poplar (Populus nigra), both from Europe. Poplar trees have acquired many symbolic meanings in different traditions, from ancient Greek mythology to European family crests.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Ornamental Plants Of India

    Ornamental Plants of India. India is home to a diversity of ornamental trees, shrubs, climbers, herbs and succulents. Some of them, such as the ashoka tree (Saraca indica) and the lotus flower (Nelumbium speciosum) are featured by name in ancient Indian literature. Many ornamental Indian plants also have religious associations, such as with Lord Krishna, or sculptural and architectural associations in the form of decorative motifs that adorn temples and other buildings.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers Of Nicaragua

    Flowers of Nicaragua. Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, is world famous for its lakes and volcanoes, including Lake Nicaragua, the largest in the country, and Cosiguina Volcano, a spectacular tourist attraction. Its tropical climate favors a host of tropical trees and flowers. The country's national flower graces several denominations of Nicaragua's Cordoba currency.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • The History Of Forget Me Not Flowers

    The History of Forget Me Not Flowers. It seems incongruous that a flower as lovely as the sky blue forget-me-not should also be called "Scorpion grass." Its flower head was thought to look like a scorpion's tail, which prompted this alternate name. Centuries ago, the forget-me-not was believed to be able to cure the sting of a scorpion, or the bite of a snake or a dog, and certain ailments of horses, too. The stature of the forget-me-not was perhaps best reflected by its inclusion in the historical work of the English horticulturist John Gerard (1545 to 1612) called "The Herball or General Historie of Plants."

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • The History Of The Franciscan Desert Rose

    The History of the Franciscan Desert Rose. The desert rose grows in the tropical climates of Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas. There are many varieties from which have come an array of hybrids. In 1849, the Scottish botanist, Robert Brown named the Australian version Sturtia gossypioides. More recently, it has also been called darling river rose, cotton rosebush and Australian cotton, in addition to desert rose. The desert rose known as Adenium obesum is native to Africa and Arabia, and also goes by several different names. However, there is only one "Franciscan Desert Rose" and it is something of a departure from horticulture, being in the realm of upscale dinnerware.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • The History Of Daisy Flowers

    The History of Daisy Flowers. From around 2,200 B.C., daisies were among the flowers that grew in ancient Egyptian temple gardens. These gardens typically accommodated an array of plants and flowers that were cultivated for their herbal and medicinal properties. The common daisy or Bellis Perennis, is a perennial and it usually features, white, red or pink petals and round, green leaves. Today, there are many varieties of the daisy that are native to different countries.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers Of Belgium

    Flowers of Belgium. The city of Ghent in west Belgium has a long history as a center of the country’s trade and industry. World famous Flemish cloth was the textiles leader for centuries, although today, steel production is the major industry. As one of Belgium’s most important seaports, Ghent is where about 80 percent of Belgium’s foliage plants grow. The country’s thriving garden and cut flower growing areas and flower export industry are located in Ghent.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Types Of Spanish Rose Flowers

    Types of Spanish Rose Flowers. According to tradition, April 23 in Barcelona, Spain, is the feast day of Sant Jordi, the dragon slayer. Barcelonans celebrate with red roses and literature. The literature honors Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare, both of whom died on April 23, 1616. According to legend, the red rose goes back to a fire-breathing dragon whose blood apparently created a rosebush. According to history, the Moors introduced the rose to Spain from north Africa.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Greek Flower Names

    Greek Flower Names. The Greek language is a rich source of names that define the genera and the varieties of many flowering plants. Take the example of "chrysanthos" whose elements "chrysos" meaning "gold" and "anthemon" meaning "flower" suggest a "golden flower" better known as the chrysanthemum (Dendranthema x grandiflorum). Some derivations are less obvious and some are rather surprising.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers That Look Like Lions

    Flowers That Look Like Lions. In the 1939 film classic, “The Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy exclaims, “Lions, and tigers, and bears! Oh my!” Perhaps she also meant some of the flowers she saw blooming along the Yellow Brick Road. The majestic appearance of the lion and other creatures inspired the names of several noteworthy flowers, many of which grow worldwide today.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • White Flowering Plum Tree

    White Flowering Plum Tree. The flowering plum tree category includes several different species, varieties and hybrids with white flowers. They come from various countries and backgrounds. The garden plum tree (Prunus domestica) is native to Europe and Asia from where it arrived in North America. The American plum (Prunus Americana) is a North American native, and so is the Prunus nigra, or Canada plum. The white flowering plum tree is predominantly an ornamental, but in some cases it also produces fresh fruit.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Facts About The Queen Elizabeth Climbing Rose

    Facts About the Queen Elizabeth Climbing Rose. Introduced in 1957, the Queen Elizabeth climbing rose (Rosa x "Climbing Queen Elizabeth") is a variety of its predecessor, the Queen Elizabeth (Rosa Queen Elizabeth). The climbing variety usually flowers between the summer and the fall. It is a hardy and vigorous climber that features abundant pink blooms that grace walls, trellises and arbors. The climbing Queen Elizabeth follows in a tradition of top royal roses.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • What Is The Meaning Of The Willow Tree?

    What Is the Meaning of the Willow Tree?. The belief that the willow tree (Salix alba) has mystical and magical powers is centuries old. So is its spiritual alignment to the moon and to water. This majestic tree grows in Europe, Asia and North America, reaching lofty heights of between 50 and 70 feet. Its imposing appearance is part of its mystique, So is the wide array of meanings the willow tree has come to signify.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • The History Of Bamboo Plants

    The History of Bamboo Plants. The existence of the bamboo plant in China's Zhejiang Province dates back more than 7,000 years, according to records of that period. However, bamboo was indigenous to China from prehistoric times. Besides its natural beauty as an indoor and outdoor plant, bamboo has a multitude of uses that has made it a worldwide favorite.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Ferns That Curl When Touched

    Ferns That Curl When Touched. Ferns that curl and close at the touch of a finger provide a hint of magic in a garden or a pond or other habitats where they grow. They are ideal plants to interest children in the wonderful world of gardening. As it happens, these particular ferns thrive in many countries, mostly in tropical climates.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Amaryllis History

    Amaryllis History. The genus name Amaryllis comes from the Greek word "amarysso," which means "to sparkle." In Greek mythology, it was the name of a shepherdess who shed her own blood to prove her true love, and in so doing inspired the naming of this bright red flower. Many different cultivars claim the name amaryllis and membership of the Amaryllidaceae family.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Snowgoose Flowering Cherry Tree

    Snowgoose Flowering Cherry Tree. The Snowgoose flowering cherry tree belongs to the Prunus genus of ornamental cherry trees. This is the same genus as "Sakura," (Prunus serrulata), the famous light pink and white cherry blossom trees of Japan, most of which bloom during spring and are a source of great national pride and joy.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Symbolism In The Jade Peony

    Symbolism in the Jade Peony. Chinese geomancy aims to preserve harmony with nature in all aspects of living. Among them is the peony, one of the plants and flowers thought to symbolize the good things of life, personally, professionally and spiritually. The same applies to jade, historically prized above gold and silver by the Chinese, according to the All About Gemstones website.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • About Eating Eucalyptus Leaves

    About Eating Eucalyptus Leaves. The eucalyptus tree is famously the habitat of the koala in Australia, and also its only source of food. People do not generally eat eucalyptus leaves as food. But in some countries, they do ingest various forms and quantities, including eucalyptus oil, to treat a wide variety of health conditions. Although koalas are the biggest eaters when it comes to eucalyptus leaves, they are not the only diners at the tree.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Meaning Of Green Carnations

    Meaning of Green Carnations. It is a tradition of long standing that the winner of New York's Belmont Stakes claims the prize wearing a blanket of about 700 fresh white carnations. The race is the third leg of the prestigious Triple Crown of horse racing, and the white carnation is the official flower. The Belmont carnation symbolizes love and luck, and the carnation itself stands for longevity. Green carnations have their own set of meanings.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • What Is The Origin Of Mimosa Trees?

    What Is the Origin of Mimosa Trees?. The mimosa tree is also commonly known as a silk tree. Its botanical name is Albizia julibrissin. But what most people remember about this small tree is its profusion of powder-puff-like blooms, which adorn its branches from about June through September. Despite the mimosa tree's presence in many countries, there is much uncertainty as to its true origin in some of those places.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • White Orchid Tree

    White Orchid Tree. "White orchid tree" is an umbrella term that applies to several species of tree plants. Each has special characteristics that distinguish one from another. They are native to different places too, although today they grow in various parts of the world. What most of them share is the botanical surname, Bauhinia, after the Swiss brothers surnamed Bauhin, who were 16th century botanists.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Types Of Flowers In Dubai

    Types of Flowers in Dubai. Dubai is one of seven emirates or states that form the federation known as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Dubai is located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula. The arid subtropical climate is generally inhospitable to flora, with minimal rainfall and cloudless blue skies year round. During the hottest months of June to September, temperatures can reach 113 degrees Fahrenheit.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • German Flower Names

    German Flower Names. German names denote many diverse species of flowers, trees and plants that grow all over the world. In some cases, it is possible to trace or to deduce a flower's origin and characteristics through its German, Latin, English, botanical and common names. It is also possible to put these puzzle pieces together to form a true picture of its history.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Native Plants Of Monaco

    Native Plants of Monaco. The Princess Grace Rose Garden in Monaco houses more than 4,000 rose trees of more than 150 varieties. Monaco also has an Exotic Garden with thousands of succulent plants and a Japanese Garden with pine and olive trees, a koi pond and waterfalls. Many roses, palms, aloes, carobs, tamarisks, mimosas, camellias, orange trees and other flowers and plants thrive in Monaco's moderate Mediterranean climate.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • History Of The Iris Flower

    History of the Iris Flower. The worldwide success story of the iris probably began around 1479 B.C., when King Thutmose III of Egypt had conquered Syria where irises grew in great profusion. Being a gardener as well as a warrior king, Thutmose ensured that irises should be immortalized in sculptures at the Temple of Amon at Karnak, as well as in the gardens of Egypt. That is where this story begins.

    By Maureen Katemopoulos November 4th, 2022 Read More