Epigaea''Epigaea asiatica'' ''Epigaea repens'' ''Epigaea'' is a genus of two species of flowering plants in the Ericaceae. They are small creeping shrubs growing to 10-20 cm tall, forming large patches. The leaf|leaves are evergreen, alternate, simple, entire, and 2-10 cm long. The flowers are small, white or pink, with a five-lobed tubular corolla, produced in mid spring. The fruit is a dry capsule with numerous small seeds.There are two species: *''Epigaea asiatica'' (Iwanashi). Japan. Leaves with an acutely pointed apex. *''Epigaea repens'' (Mayflower or Trailing Arbutus). Eastern North America. Leaves with a rounded or bluntly pointed apex.''E. repens'' is listed as an endangered species in some U.S. states. SymbolismThe name Mayflower was in tradition given to ''E. repens'' by the Pilgrim Fathers after their ship the ''Mayflower''; the plant was abundant where the ship landed at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts. For this reason, it was chosen to be the list of U.S. state flowers|state flower of Massachusetts. It is also the List of Canadian provincial and territorial symbols|provincial flower of Nova Scotia. The name Trailing Arbutus reflects its similarity to the trees in the related genus ''Arbutus'', while being much smaller and prostrate on the ground. Cultivation and usesBoth species are grown as ornamental plants in rockery|rockeries, where they require moist, acidic soil. A hybrid between the two species ''Epigaea x intertexta'' has also been developed for garden planting. |
|
|
| American actor Renewal 2005.10.27 |
【日記の最新記事】
