Category: FLORA

Dalanghita Vs Dalandan

Philippines Trees
Dalanghita, photo by PH Morton

Dalanghita, photo by PH Morton

Dalanghita Vs Dalandan

Dalanghita is a Filipino word adapted from the Spanish naranjita, which mean small orange.  The scientific name for this dalanghita is Citrus Nobilis.

Dalanghita is really juicy, perfect for the often hot weather in the Philippines.

There is another variety of this citrus fruit which is called dalandan, scientific name is Citrus Aurantium.  

Most Filipinos would probably find it hard to tell a dalanghita from a dalandan.  These fruits are so similar, they can be often interchanged.  I supposed you can tell one from the other by their size and sometimes, the texture of their peels.

Dalanghita is smaller with smooth outer skin while dalandan is definitely bigger and has a thicker and pimply or pronounced pores.

Whiles growing up in Marag, we had a dalandan tree which grew so big in our side yard (garden).  During fruiting season, the citrus tree was laden with fruits that the lower branches touched the ground.

It was a joy to eat the fruits straight from the tree.  When it is still young, it can be sour and that is when we had to eat it with a bit of salt.  But when it is ripe, it is so refreshingly sweet.

Our tree was much admired by the whole neighbourhood of Marag.

Dalandan tree, courtesy of http://seventeeneightyfour.blogspot.co.uk/

Dalandan tree, courtesy of http://seventeeneightyfour.blogspot.co.uk/

Victoria amazonica (giant waterlily)

FLORA

Victoria amazonica (giant waterlily) @ Kew Gardens Photo by PH Morton

Victoria amazonica (giant waterlily) @ Kew Gardens
Photo by PH Morton

Giant Waterlily Photo by PH Morton
Giant Waterlily
Photo by PH Morton

The first and only time I have seen a Victoria Amazonica was when we went to the Kew Gardens.  The plant is more commonly known as giant waterlily.  It is so called not because of its enormous flowers.  It is giant because of its amazingly wondrous looking huge circular leaves, with upturned rims, which can grow over 2.5m in diameter.

They look very ornamental.

Apparently they are native to South America and grow in abundance in lakes and backwaters of the Amazon River

Lily – Lilium candidum

FLORA

When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other.
~Chinese Proverb

Thursday Lily by PH Morton

Lilium candidum

I love the lilies best, whenever Peter buys me the flower, (which is often, thank goodness) the living room is sure to smell so fragrant.  The only problem with the flower is that the stamen leaves stains to anything it touches or comes in contact with so I usually remove it, but most of the times I forget. 😉

The above photo is of white lily which is apparently called Madonna Lily after the Virgin Mary.  Lilies are flowers for mothers especially for the new ones as it symbolises fertility and a nurturing ability.

Lilies are  flowers associated with spiritually.  Lilies are particular favourites during weddings as they are known symbolism of unions, partnerships and long lasting togetherness.

Good Thursday Morning to One and ALL!

Today is the election for London Mayor.

Please vote wisely.

Guava

Trees
Guvava, photo by JMorton

Guava, photo by JMorton

Guvava, photo by JMorton

Guava, photo by JMorton

Sunflowers at the Glorious Burnham Park

Flowers Philippines
Sunflower of Burnham Park, photo by PH Morton

Sunflower of Burnham Park, photo by PH Morton

Sunflowers at the Glorious Burnham Park

The sunflowers were in full bloom when we were in Burham Park in Baguio City, Philippines in February 2016.

It seems we were not the only admirers of the flowers; there were busy, buzzy bees hard at work gathering nectars.

The flowers were so beautiful to look at as it built a fragrant fence from one corner of the park into the next.  Though the park was busy, the tall flowers exude a haven of tranquility and serenity, thus promoting well-being.

It made me think that yellow must be the colour of happiness and peace.

Sunflower has the scientific name of helianthus, which comes from a combination of two Greek words, helios, meaning sun and anthos is of course, flower.

Sunflowers are annuals, which means they die down each year and new ones needed to be planted annually.  There are species of perennial ones but they are not too popular with gardeners as they tend to spread rapidly and can overwhelm a garden.