16 Flowers That Start With E
1. Echinacea Purpurea Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as the Purple Coneflower, is a striking perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. This robust plant is characterized by its coarse, hirsute…
The Jacaranda mimosifolia, commonly known as the blue jacaranda, is a striking deciduous or semi-evergreen tree belonging to the Bignoniaceae family. Native to south-central South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina, this species has gained widespread popularity as an ornamental tree in many warm regions worldwide.
Morphologically, the Jacaranda mimosifolia is characterized by its bipinnately compound leaves, which are finely divided and fern-like in appearance. Each leaf can reach up to 45 cm in length and consists of numerous small, ovate to oblong leaflets, typically 6-12 mm long. The foliage creates a delicate, lacy canopy that provides dappled shade.
The tree’s most spectacular feature is its profuse bloom of lavender-blue flowers, which typically occurs in late spring to early summer (May to June in the Northern Hemisphere). The flowers are tubular, measuring 2.5-5 cm long, and are borne in large, showy panicles that can span up to 30 cm. This mass flowering creates a breathtaking display often described as a “blue haze” or “blue mist,” giving rise to the poetic nickname “blue flame.”
Following the flowering period, the tree produces woody, flat, circular seed pods approximately 5-7 cm in diameter. These pods persist on the tree long after the leaves have fallen, adding winter interest to the landscape.
Jacaranda mimosifolia thrives in full sun and prefers warm, humid climates. It is best suited to USDA hardiness zones 9b-11, although it can tolerate brief periods of light frost. The tree performs optimally in deep, fertile, well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. While drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during dry periods promotes healthier growth and more abundant flowering.
Propagation of Jacaranda mimosifolia can be achieved through seeds or softwood cuttings. Seed propagation is the most common method, with seeds germinating readily when fresh. Cuttings taken in late spring or early summer can also be successful with proper care and rooting hormone application.
In addition to its ornamental value, Jacaranda mimosifolia has several traditional medicinal uses in its native range. Various parts of the tree have been employed in folk medicine for their diaphoretic (inducing perspiration), antiemetic (stopping vomiting), febrifuge (fever-reducing), and laxative properties. However, it’s important to note that these medicinal applications are not widely recognized in modern Western medicine and should not be attempted without professional guidance.
The wood of Jacaranda mimosifolia, while not commercially significant, is occasionally used in lightweight construction, cabinetry, and turnery. Its pale color, straight grain, and ease of working make it suitable for decorative purposes and small-scale woodworking projects.
In landscape design, Jacaranda mimosifolia serves as a magnificent specimen tree, particularly effective when planted in groups or lining avenues. Its moderate size (typically reaching 10-15 m in height) and spreading canopy (7-10 m wide) make it suitable for larger gardens, parks, and urban settings. The tree’s ability to create a colorful canopy without obstructing views has made it a popular choice for street plantings in many subtropical and Mediterranean climate regions.
While the Jacaranda mimosifolia is celebrated for its beauty, it’s worth noting that the fallen flowers can create a slippery surface on pavements and may require regular cleaning in urban settings. Additionally, the tree’s extensive root system may interfere with underground utilities or pavement if planted too close to structures.
In conclusion, the Jacaranda mimosifolia stands out as a horticulturally significant species, prized for its stunning floral display, elegant form, and adaptability to various warm climate landscapes. Its cultivation continues to spread globally, bringing a touch of subtropical splendor to gardens and cityscapes alike.
Jasminum multiflorum, commonly known as Star Jasmine or Indian Jasmine, is an evergreen climbing shrub belonging to the Oleaceae family. This vigorous grower is characterized by its slender, round branches initially covered with dense, yellowish-brown pubescence that gradually diminishes as the plant matures.
The foliage of J. multiflorum is distinctive, featuring simple, opposite or sub-opposite leaves. These leaves are ovate to cordate in shape, with a papery texture. The leaf base is typically cordate or truncate. A notable feature is the presence of fine hairs on the abaxial (lower) surface of the leaves, with a conspicuous, pubescent joint near the petiole base.
The inflorescence of Star Jasmine is a dense, capitate cymose cluster, covered with yellowish-brown velvety hairs. The flowers are highly fragrant, usually sessile or on very short pedicels. The calyx is pubescent, contributing to the plant’s overall velvety appearance.
The corolla is pure white, typically with 5-9 lobes, creating a star-like shape that gives rise to its common name. Flowering occurs from late autumn through early spring, generally from October to April in its native range.
J. multiflorum is indigenous to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The optimal growth temperature for this species is between 22-30°C (72-86°F). While it prefers full sun to partial shade, it requires protection from intense afternoon sun in hotter climates. High humidity is beneficial, but the plant can adapt to moderate humidity levels with proper care.
Propagation of Star Jasmine is relatively straightforward. The most common methods include stem cuttings (often referred to as “wall insertion” in horticultural practice) and layering. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn root readily in a well-aerated propagation medium. Layering can be performed in spring or early summer by bending a flexible stem to the ground, making a small incision, and covering it with soil until roots develop.
The versatility of Jasminum multiflorum makes it a popular choice in both ornamental and practical applications. As a potted plant, it brings beauty and fragrance to balconies, bedrooms, and study areas, purifying the air and creating a soothing ambiance.
In landscape design, it serves as an excellent ground cover on slopes, as an accent plant along forest edges, or as a fragrant border along pathways. Its rapid growth and dense foliage also make it suitable for screening or as a flowering climber on trellises and arbors.
Beyond its ornamental value, Star Jasmine has cultural and economic significance. The fragrant flowers are used in the production of essential oils for perfumery and aromatherapy. In some cultures, the flowers are used in religious ceremonies or for personal adornment. While not as common as other jasmine species for tea production, the flowers of J. multiflorum can indeed be used to scent teas, imparting a delicate, sweet aroma.
In cultivation, regular pruning is essential to maintain the desired shape and promote abundant flowering. Fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and mid-summer supports healthy growth. While generally pest-resistant, Star Jasmine may occasionally face issues with scale insects or spider mites, particularly in dry conditions.
With its intoxicating fragrance, attractive foliage, and adaptable nature, Jasminum multiflorum continues to be a beloved species in tropical and subtropical gardens worldwide, offering year-round interest and sensory delight.
Jasminum nudiflorum, commonly known as winter jasmine, is a deciduous or semi-evergreen woody shrub belonging to the Oleaceae family. This species is characterized by its slender, angular, green stems that can grow upright or cascade in an arching manner. The leaves are compound, consisting of three leaflets, each ovate to elliptical in shape, dark green in color, and arranged oppositely on the stems.
The plant’s most striking feature is its solitary, bright yellow flowers that appear along the leafless stems, typically from late winter to early spring (January to March, sometimes as early as December or as late as April). Each flower has six petals and measures about 1-2 cm in diameter. The term “nudiflorum” in its scientific name refers to this characteristic of flowering on bare stems before the leaves emerge.
Native to central and southwestern China, Jasminum nudiflorum has been widely cultivated in temperate regions worldwide for its ornamental value. It is particularly prized for its early blooming habit, often being one of the first plants to flower in late winter, hence its reputation as a “harbinger of spring.”
This species is adaptable to various growing conditions but thrives best in the following environment:
Propagation of Jasminum nudiflorum is relatively easy and can be achieved through several methods:
In landscaping, winter jasmine is often used as a ground cover, for training against walls or trellises, or as a cascading plant for slopes and banks. Its early flowering provides valuable nectar for early-emerging pollinators, making it an excellent addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
Regular pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages vigorous growth. While generally low-maintenance, it may occasionally face issues with scale insects or leaf spot diseases, which can usually be managed with proper cultural practices and, if necessary, targeted treatments.
Jasminum sambac, commonly known as Arabian jasmine or Sampaguita, is a species of jasmine in the Oleaceae family. This versatile shrub can grow as an upright bush or a climbing plant, reaching heights of 0.5 to 3 meters.
The stem is cylindrical, slender, and slightly hollow, supporting opposite, simple leaves that are ovate to broadly ovate, 4-12.5 cm long and 2-7.5 cm wide. The leaves have a glossy, dark green upper surface and a lighter underside, with prominent veins and entire margins.
The flowers of Jasminum sambac are highly prized for their intense, sweet fragrance. They are borne in cymose clusters of 3-12 flowers, each measuring 2-3 cm in diameter. The buds are distinctly conical, opening into star-shaped flowers with 5-9 white petals. These flowers bloom throughout the year in tropical climates, with peak flowering from May to August in subtropical regions.
The fruit is a small, spherical berry, 6-10 mm in diameter, turning dark purple to black when ripe. Fruiting typically occurs from July to September, though fruits are rarely produced in cultivated plants.
Native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, Jasminum sambac has been widely cultivated across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It holds cultural significance in many countries, serving as the national flower of the Philippines (where it’s known as Sampaguita) and Indonesia. In Filipino culture, there’s a romantic legend associating the flower with acceptance of love, though the term “Sambacita” is not commonly used.
Jasminum sambac thrives in warm, humid environments with temperatures between 16-30°C (60-86°F). It is frost-sensitive and performs best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
While the plant prefers full sun to partial shade, it benefits from protection against intense midday sun in hot climates. The ideal soil for Jasminum sambac is well-draining, slightly acidic (pH 5.5-7.0), and rich in organic matter. A sandy loam or loamy soil texture is optimal for root development and water retention.
Propagation of Jasminum sambac can be achieved through several methods:
Jasminum sambac requires regular care to thrive:
Jasminum sambac is valued not only for its ornamental and fragrant qualities but also for its use in perfumery, tea production, and traditional medicine. Its delicate, nocturnal-blooming flowers make it a popular choice for evening gardens and aromatherapy applications.
Jatropha integerrima, commonly known as Spicy Jatropha or Peregrina, is a striking ornamental shrub belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. This evergreen species, native to Cuba and Hispaniola, has gained popularity in tropical and subtropical landscaping for its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage.
The plant typically grows as a multi-stemmed shrub, reaching heights of 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) with a similar spread. Its growth habit makes it an excellent choice for hedges, borders, or as a focal point in garden designs. The Peregrina is particularly valued in warm climates for its long blooming period, providing color throughout most of the year in ideal conditions.
Jatropha integerrima’s leaves are a key identifying feature. They are simple, alternate, and display considerable variation in shape, including ovate, obovate, oblong, or fiddle-shaped forms. The leaves are deep green, glossy, and measure 7-15 cm (3-6 inches) in length. Notably, young stems and leaf petioles often bear stipular spines, typically occurring in pairs or groups of three at the leaf bases.
The most striking feature of this plant is its brilliant red flowers. These are borne in terminal cymes, each flower measuring about 2.5 cm (1 inch) across with five petals. While the most common variety produces scarlet blooms, cultivars with pink or white flowers are also available. The plant flowers prolifically from spring through autumn, with peak blooming often occurring in warmer months.
Jatropha integerrima thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining, fertile soils. It is adaptable to various soil types but performs best in slightly acidic to neutral pH ranges. The plant requires regular watering during its establishment period but becomes relatively drought-tolerant once mature. However, consistent moisture during dry spells will ensure continuous flowering.
This species is heat-loving and sensitive to cold, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 10-11. In regions with cooler winters, it can be grown as a container plant and moved indoors when temperatures drop below 12°C (54°F). Frost can cause significant damage or death to the plant.
Like other members of the Euphorbiaceae family, Jatropha integerrima contains a milky sap that can be irritating to skin and toxic if ingested. This characteristic requires careful handling during pruning or plant maintenance. Despite this, when properly managed, the Spicy Jatropha remains a favored choice for tropical gardeners and landscapers due to its low maintenance requirements and high ornamental value.
Pruning can be performed to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Regular deadheading of spent blooms can promote more prolific flowering. While generally pest-resistant, the plant may occasionally face issues with spider mites or whiteflies, particularly in dry conditions.
In summary, Jatropha integerrima is a versatile and attractive shrub that brings a tropical flair to landscapes. Its vibrant flowers, interesting foliage, and adaptability make it a valuable addition to gardens in warm climates, offering long-lasting color and visual interest throughout much of the year.
Joyful Morning Plum Blossom, a cultivar from the West Gods series, is a prized specimen among spring-flowering Cymbidium orchids, rivaling even the beauty of daffodils. This orchid is notable for its distinctive features and graceful appearance.
The new growth emerges as fresh green shoots with a subtle purple-red tinge, indicative of healthy development. The mature leaves are slender and narrow, measuring approximately 20-25cm in length and 0.8cm in width. They exhibit a graceful, arching posture with a characteristic drooping habit. The leaves are bow-shaped and tightly clustered at the base, forming a low-profile rosette. The leaf texture is thick and glossy, contributing to the plant’s overall luxuriant appearance.
Upon closer inspection, the leaves reveal a V-shaped groove along their length, a feature common to many Cymbidium species. The leaf margins display noticeable serrations, and the tips taper to a sharp point. These characteristics not only add to the plant’s aesthetic appeal but also assist in water management and light absorption.
Robust seedlings of Joyful Morning Plum Blossom often display thin red threads along the leaf stalks, a trait that enhances its ornamental value. The drooping leaf blades arrange themselves in an orderly, crisscrossing pattern, creating an elegant and harmonious form that is highly prized by orchid enthusiasts.
One of the most remarkable attributes of this cultivar is its floriferous nature. It reaches flowering maturity quickly, with plants capable of producing blooms when they have developed just two pseudobulbs and four leaves. This precocious flowering habit makes it an excellent choice for growers seeking rapid rewards. The flowers are impressively large for the plant’s size, with individual blooms potentially exceeding 5cm in diameter.
However, it’s important to note that Joyful Morning Plum Blossom has some specific growth characteristics that growers should be aware of. While it flowers readily, it tends to have a slower vegetative growth rate compared to some other Cymbidium varieties. This trait, sometimes referred to as “laziness” in horticultural terms, means that the plant may not produce new growths as vigorously or as frequently as some other orchids. Additionally, it may not achieve significant height, maintaining a more compact form.
These growth habits, while potentially challenging for inexperienced growers, can be advantageous in certain situations. The compact nature of the plant makes it ideal for smaller growing spaces or for use in dish gardens and other confined arrangements. With proper care, including appropriate light, temperature, and humidity levels, Joyful Morning Plum Blossom can thrive and produce its beautiful, large flowers year after year, making it a cherished addition to any orchid collection.
Peggie was once a high school mathematics teacher, but she set aside her chalkboard and textbooks to follow her lifelong passion for flowers. After years of dedication and learning, she not only established a thriving flower shop but also founded this blog, “Flowers Library”. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about flowers, feel free to contact Peggie.
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