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Ferns of this family are unusual in bearing two types of fronds, one that is sterile and the other that is fertile producing spores. |
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The members of this family, which includes aloes, asphodels and kniphofias, used to belong to the Aloaceae (The Aloe Family) and the Liliaceae (The Lily Family). Recent work has suggested that they are better classified under the Asphodelaceae. This family is native to Africa and the Mediterreanean to Central Asia with one member, Bulbinella, in New Zealand. The centre of diversity of this family is in South Africa. |
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The Cunoniaceae is a southern hemisphere family of 26 genera and about 350 species of woody plants, most if not all of which will be unfamiliar to northern hemisphere gardeners. Plants in this family are considered part of the Antarctic flora occurring on the southern portions of the southern continents. Several of the genera have remarkable disjunct ranges, found on more than one continent, e.g. Eucryphia is found in both Australia and South America.
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This mostly tropical family has a few members that we can grow in our gardens, namely Gelsemium and Spigelia. |
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Until recently this family included genera that were mostly unknown to gardeners. However, recent scientific work has resulted in the reclassification of Cyclamen and Lysimachia from the Primulaceae (The Primula Family) to the myrsine family. |
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This family currently has an identity crisis. It contains only one species, Pteridophyllum racemosum, which used to be included in the poppy family. In the early 90s it was suggested that the single species was different enough from the poppies to warrant being in its own family. However, further research has suggested a closer link to the buttercups. |
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A family of rush- or sedge-like evergreens from the Southern Hemisphere with its centres of diversity in South Africa and Australia. Current knowledge suggests that the hardiest species can tolerate zone 8 while most are easily hardy to zone 9. Excellent (and decorative) in pots overwintered in an unheated or slightly heated greenhouse or equivalent space. |
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The Umbrella-Pine family has only one genus and one species - Sciadopitys verticillata - with no close living relatives. Despite being taxonomically lonely, this beautiful evergreen definitely deserves a place in the garden. |
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The Nettle Family is not one that has offered many ornamental plants to horticulture except in one notable case: Pilea peperomioides. Known as Chinese money plant or pancake plant, the round fleshy leaves held outwards on stems that join the leaf near its middle makes it a unique and sought-after houseplant. |
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We have this family to thank for wine as well as the attractive virginia creepers that adorn the walls and arbours of our houses. |
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Not only does this family bring us the edible cooking ginger great in stir-fries, with sushi, and in other Asian cuisine but it brings us many ornamental and hardy gingers including Zingiber mioga and diverse species of Hedychium. |