Woody Flowers - 196 Species (Landscape Plants Practical Illustrated Guide - Issue 7)

Author: Xue Congxian (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: Woody flowers refer to woody plants with beautiful flowers or fruits, primarily for ornamental purposes, including shrubs and trees, with either evergreen or deciduous characteristics.
Shrubs are typically low-growing trees with no distinct main trunk, branching from the ground into multiple stems, forming an irregular crown similar to a cluster. Examples include Acalypha hispida (Elephant Ear), Clerodendrum thomsoniae (Hard), Adenium obesum (Desert Rose), Rhododendron (Azalea), Buddleja globosa (Buddleja), Hibiscus (Mallow), and Hibiscus (Hibiscus). Shrubs taller than 2 meters are classified as large shrubs, while those shorter than 2 meters are small shrubs.
Trees are typically characterized by a single, distinct main trunk that grows vertically from the ground to a certain height (approximately chest level) before branching, with a well-defined crown. Examples include Plumeria (Frangipani), Bauhinia (Ornamental Bean), Delonix regia (Flame Tree), Jacaranda mimosifolia (Jacaranda), Tabebuia impetiginosa (Pink Trumpet Tree), Bombax ceiba (Silk Tree), Cassia fistula (Golden Shower Tree), Delonix regia (Royal Poinciana), Lagerstroemia speciosa (Crape Myrtle), and Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang). Trees taller than 18 meters are classified as large trees, those between 18 and 9 meters as medium trees, and those shorter than 9 meters as small trees.
Woody flowers are widely used in landscaping. Shrub flowers can be used for garden or road beautification, hedges, flower bed arrangements, or as potted plants. Tree species are suitable for garden shade trees or roadside trees. During blooming season, the trees are covered in abundant, colorful flowers, creating a stunning display that is highly valued in garden design. In terms of cultivation and management, most flowering woody plants require ample sunlight. Those that prefer high temperatures (optimal growth temperature of 20–30°C) are suitable for cultivation in southern regions; those that prefer warm or cool temperatures (optimal growth temperature of approximately 10–25°C) are more suitable for cultivation in mid-to-high-altitude cool mountainous areas.
This book features 196 plant species, most of which are currently cultivated in China, including newly introduced varieties.