Oak, Quercus

Oak, Quercus

Oak , or Quercus sp in the Fagaceae Family of Plants.  The word is of unknown origin.  Oaks are perennial tall and stout trees.  Of the 100s of species, several are native to Central Texas.  They can be evergreen or deciduous and form dry...
Loquat, Eriobotrya

Loquat, Eriobotrya

The official latin name for loquats is Eriobotrya japonica the name meaning literally “reed orange”). more commonly known as pipa from the resemblance of its shape to that of the Chinese musical instrument It is in the in Rose or Rosaceae family. Loquats...
Juniper, Juniperus

Juniper, Juniperus

 Juniper’s official Latin name is Juniperus.  In Central Texas, this plant is commonly called Cedar.  The trees in the Northwest and Northeastern U.S. called cedar are not the same genus. The name juniperus is somewhat ambiguous as far as meaning but it...
Cactus, Opuntia

Cactus, Opuntia

Prickly Pear’s official latin name is Opuntia.  This is a large grouping and there are about a dozen species of opuntia that are referred to as prickly pears, with several species growing in our area.  European explorers had never seen anything even remotely...
Pennyroyal, Hedeoma

Pennyroyal, Hedeoma

Hedeoma or American pennyroyal.–pictured here is hedeoma, skullcap and venus looking glass.  The pinkish tops are the hedeoma Pennyroyal is said to be from Latin puleium, or pulegium regium (so called as being good against fleas), do not confuse with the...