Forest Rebuilding

Can reach the tallest trees on Earth. Can produce timber, creates jobs, keeps water clean and provides shelter for many species. If we leave them.

On a clean Californian coast trees, shrubs full of sequoia (called here redwood pine), mature oak-toxic, Mike Fay made a misstep, began to slip and felt as if stabbed in his left leg. After hundreds of miles in sandals came through the bushes, was used to such mistreatment of its semicentenarelor feet. But that was the mother of all chips.

She rebounded from a bone was stuck in a tendon and refuse to leave. Finally, the expedition's teammate, Lindsey Holm, grabbed splinter with a pair of pliers and a few sudden jerks, and plucked it. "And the other mountains could be heard yelling - says Fay. It was one of the most painful experiences I have lived.

"And it means something when he says a man who was wounded 16 times the elephants once. He bandaged the wound, took his back pack and, as he did in the last three months went on. After three decades it has helped save African forests, Mike Fay, a biologist at the Wildlife Conservation Society and a member of Explorerin-residence program of the National Geographic Society, has now sequoia blood.

His obsession for this tree, symbol of America, began several years ago, after finishing Megatransect - livingstoniana his expedition to explore the largest jungle is left intact in Africa. One day while I was driving along the north coast of California, found itself on the part of young trees and forests deforested long and thin.

On another occasion, he noticed a piece of 1.8 m from an old sequoia logs exposed to a reserve. On a label near the center reddish wrote: "1492 Columbus". "They put thoughts especially the last 8 inches from the edge - says Fay. There wrote "The Gold Rush, 1849". And I realized that equivalent to 8 inches during the life of that tree, near a forest lichidaseram 2,000 years. "

In the fall of 2007, he decided to see for himself how it was exploited in the past and currently treated as the highest forest in the long Pamant.Parcurgand legendary throughout California from Big Sur to beyond the border Oregon, wanted to know if there is a way to enhance both timber production, and numerous ecological and social benefits provided by forests left standing.

If they could do that in redwood forest - believe it - it could be anywhere on the planet where forests are races for short-term gains.

Tropical forests disappear quickly because corporate incentives and government policies, oriented towards short-term economic gains. This is fueled, in part, by excessive consumption of industrialized countries.

For example, large areas of tropical forests were converted into livestock farms in Central America for soybean crops in Brazil and the areas of wood for pulp and palm oil in Indonesia.

This process began with the explosive development of fast-food dishes, the United States. There, the market requires large quantities of cheap meat, thus lower quality can be produced only in tropical countries nearby. This strategy involved the massive deforestation in Central America.

Appetite increasingly more meat, especially in Europe and America, requires a lot of increasingly larger grain to feed farm animals. Huge areas of forest were cleared in southern Brazil and other countries to support the production of meat, developed with cheap grain.

A similar situation occurs in the case of paper: consumption of increasingly large paper, especially in developed countries depend on wood availability and low price for wood pulp, which supplies paper mills. Forests in Indonesia and those in different areas of the globe are cleared to make way for plantations of trees. Some of these plantation companies producing paper provides massive amounts of cheap wood pulp, and some even provide cheaper palm oil, used in a wide range of commercial food and increasingly more, and as biofuel. Reduce total virgin rainforest affects primarily the habitat of orangutans, which disappear very quickly. This adds to other dangers that threaten the extinction of this incredible species.

Road construction makes these things possible and is one of the major activities promoted and funded by the World Bank. These new roads open, the woods, the way for farmers, farmers who do not own land of land, mining companies and involve massive deforestation.

Marcel Prevost, in the preface to the book "La foret" by A. Jacquot, in 1911, said: "Beauty and the sea and the mountain can compare only the beauty of the forest. But the splendor of forest is a "not-know-what" more alive, more like the human soul. A large tree is a being who breathes with us and that, far from us poor air, purifies it. Tree architecture, which varies endless offers endless examples of decorative fantasy. The forest exudes a feeling of tranquility, serenity, the silence. The tree is shade and shelter, and all this beautiful, moving and color. "

"Medicinal" unmatched against stress, forest preserves in the depths of shade and refreshing long desired peace, "awakened" only occasionally the rustling leaves, the murmur of springs or birdsong. And if we are fortunate to hear a nightingale concert in a meadow, those moments are sublime.

Subtle effects of forest

Complex interaction between plants and humans occurs on many levels. The most important of these could be considered the very life support system on Earth by producing oxygen needed by plants. Other acts of vegetable beings also take air purification, climate protection, food source that is plants to humans.

Less known are mentioned but influences plants (and trees) on the psyche and the human mind. It is inevitable to not see a particular effect (conscious or not) the man when it interferes with biocâmpul biocâmpul specific plant, a tree or a forest.



Forest has always been a key element in people's lives, always looked especially profound regeneration and peace can be achieved here. One might even say that there is no equivalent of the forest (even among modern methods) the effect of countering the actions of stress or weakness caused by different pace of life today.

This has multiple causes: on the one hand those related to increased oxygen intake in the forest and green spaces, tranquility and natural beauty to produce audio-visual effect regenerating deep, on the other hand, however, knowing there energy field around each plant and each tree, we can say that the forest is a huge generator of bioenergy.

This effect, although not known as it was exploited by Native Americans for example, where members of some tribes knew that occur when a state of physical exhaustion and regeneration need was enough to settle the roots of pine and to remain motionless for a certain period of time for regeneration to occur without fail.



Unity of Nature

Evolution is a manifestation of latent potential. In every thing contained all things. The seed is the tree, the tree is the forest. There is nothing to be devoid of feelings, anything that is profane or unspiritual, anything that does not have a single value in the cosmos. Life is relational, interdependent, interconnected system of feeding, support and mutual aid, not only physical but also psychological and spiritual.

Consciousness is the feeling of being alive and being connected to all life. Consciousness as pure feeling already exists in plants, in trees, is hidden in the stones, and even within the atom. This means that every living thing knows that everything is in the sense of conscience, human. True humanity, which is human feeling for all life, is the heart of learning. Plants, trees, animals often exhibit this sense of care more than some human beings who were secluded and isolated from humanity. Such a lesson we give plants and herbs whose existence is still tied to the unity of nature, that we might return to us better understand ourselves.



Plants transmit vital and emotional impulses, the life force hidden in light. This is the gift, grace, power plants. World vegetable, plants, trees, bring us love, nourishing power of the sun, which is the same energy with the stars of light. In this light, there is a great plant but a sacrifice. They give us not only their nutritional value, but all light and love of the stars. They bring us light the universe to come into life in the universe. They are fed to a psychological measure as large as for the physical. Our feelings are plants, trees, flowers our inner. They grow in line with our perception of the nature of learning.

Plants, trees are to turn the light in life. Human beings to transform life into consciousness, in love. Plants convert light into life through photosynthesis. Human beings transforms life into consciousness through perception. The human being is the plant consciousness. The plant, which causes a similar process to a lower level of evolution, we nourish the mind and nervous system to help this process.

Plants bring us into communion with the energy of the sun outside, while inside our plant, heart, brings us into communion with the sun inside. If we set the correct connection between the outer and inner plant, it will flow harmoniously reunify light and life.

Every plant, every tree has a sacred value, as a means of communion with all nature. Many of the ancient world had a profound respect for plants. This is not a superstitious awe or a sensitivity to beauty, is an awareness of the power that we give to plants.



Wise leaves plants, trees, flowers to speak. And they reveal their secrets, many more subtle than they could find a chemical analysis. As we approach the plants in the same way today, and looking at them not as objects that we use for oneself, but treating them as integral parts of our unity, the true value of the plant, the tree will grow.

Becoming a wise means being sensitive to the existence of plants, to communicate consciously and light responsive plant received in the universe. You must learn to listen when a plant speaks to them and talk like a human being to look like a teacher.



The forest plan special and vital effects, mentally, emotionally on people. First, it regenerates and revitalizes the human being, it provides stability, stability and balance vital energy potential amplifying them.

From mentally, forest helps eliminate stress, the stress on being open to the beauty of nature and the world. A walk through a forest on a sunny day increases appetite for life, creative imagination, fantasy and joy of living, self-confidence, the will, inner strength. Those seeking solitude, silence, they can find the hiding places of the forest full of charm. This wonder of nature helps human beings to internalize, to purify, to become deeper, more wise. In the forest we find time than expected withdrawal of meditation, we feel that we approach easier profound mystery of life and death, we are open even to ourselves and to God.



"When I am among you, trees in these forests, wrote Victor Hugo, in all that surrounds me and I also hide in your loneliness, where I withdraw myself, I feel someone listening to me and loves me."

More people are worried about increased levels of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, producing drastic changes, globally. Forests are natural carbon filters considered, because trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow, releasing oxygen and storing carbon in their leaves and wood.

Once cut, a tree ceases to absorb carbon dioxide. If wood is used for firewood or left to rot on the ground, the carbon dioxide that we store will be released back into the atmosphere. If wood is used to produce certain goods, such as paper or furniture, the carbon is still stored in wood. This is one of the main reasons it is important to recycle paper and wood products whenever we can, instead of throwing them in landfills.

Today, forested surfaces in Europe and the U.S. are more extensive. This is because paper manufacturing companies that plant trees over large areas with rapid growth rates and migration from farms to city people, the land left behind is gradually and naturally, forest.

On the other hand, on a global scale, these small successes are overshadowed by the massive loss of tropical forests of the country poorer. Here, deforestation, agriculture and livestock consume about 14 million hectares of virgin forest every year. In other words, two acres every 5 seconds. Although this annual loss is only 0.7% of the total area of ​​rainforest in the world, the percentage increase occurs rapidly: about half of virgin tropical forests and one quarter of their mangroves (which are responsible for quality fishing areas) have disappeared .

Brazil lost nearly 25,000 km2 of jungle only in 2002 - 40% more than a year before - because developers have made roads to the heart of the Amazon, and cattlemen and soy farmers have followed the same path. In Indonesia, 80% of timber trade is illegal or unlicensed. Indonesian timber exports booming following a request or parquet flooring from China, stationery products, and furniture in Europe, the United States.

Observing phenomena in space, through satellites, scientists have determined that, on average, approximately 9330 km2 of the Amazon forest are burned or logged down to make way for cattle farms or project developers. To date, selective removal of trees through deforestation was not included in these figures.

Often illegal practices to remove individual trees are considered relatively sustained alternative compared to total deforestation. However, massive destruction of forests in the Amazon is a big risk factor for the life of our planet.

Shares of deforestation of any proportions, causing extensive damage to surrounding trees and vegetation, causing the forests to be more vulnerable to fire. Between 1999 and 2004, almost one third of the surfaces for selective logging has been completely cleared for grazing or similar purposes.

Scientific name: Cladrastis lutea (Cladrastis kentukea or Sophora kentukea)
The name derives from Greek words meaning klados thraustos meaning fragile branches and soft.
Common names: yellow wood tree
Family: Fabaceae
Origin: Eastern USA


Layout and presentation: lutea is one of the seven species of the genus Cladrastis, called kentukea because Kentucky was discovered in the region, other species are native to East Asia, namely China and Japan).

Is a tree of average growth, reaching maturity at 15 to 20 m tall and with a crown of about 10-12 m wide decorative foliage imparipenat is composed of 7 to 11 oval leaflets about 10-12 cm long, light green, but especially the independence and fragrant blossoms that reach 30 cm long, looking for clusters of small white flowers, very similar to those of the locust. An interesting aspect is the Cladrastis lutea yellow marrow, wood interior, which is used to obtain because of expensive furniture.


Terms care / cultivation: a tree is easy to become acclimatized, since it supports a wide range of atmospheric conditions.

Although tolerate slight shade is preferable to planting in sunny areas, because, for a beautiful bloom, needs bright light, even 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Heat is beneficial and her vigorous development of the tree. However, in winter and low temperatures agree. It is resistant to cold and frost, generally supporting temperatures between minus 20 and plus 30 degrees Celsius.
No claim in terms of culture substrate, supporting rich soils as well as on the clay and poor, provided they allow good drainage of water.
It needs abundant watering in very warm periods, being sensitive to insufficient water only early in the planting and accepting almost any pH (from 4 to 10).


Flowering occurs in late spring, blossoms on the branches persisting during May and June, during which spread a particular fragrance, slightly sweet, like vanilla, attracting pollinating insects. Pollination is easy, because flowers are hermaphrodite (have male and female organs as well). After exhausting flowering form pods, each containing 2 to 6 seeds, which shot to the green, near the end of September.


Propagation is difficult. That process faster, it is preferable potting-up, which will provide background conditions, with heat and high humidity. It can multiply them by seeds, but the process is difficult, requiring time and patience, and low temperatures (10-12 degrees Celsius).


Tricks and special tips: Plant it in the current protected areas, fragile branches tend to break easily in case of storms or strong winds.
If necessary, make cuts to correct the crown in late summer. Tree contains a milky sap that abound in spring and winter, these seasons are not recommended trimming.
Periodic heavy flowering occurs every two years, the quality of flowering is determined by the high temperatures of the previous summer.


Species and varieties: C.platycarpa, C.parvifolia, C.sinensis, C.scandens, C.sikokiana, C.wilsonii.

Scientific name: Acer palmatum 'rubrum'
Common names: Japanese maple or red maple
Family: Aceraceae
Origin: Japan, China and South Korea

Layout and presentation: Acer palmatum is a species of maple foliage or attracting attention with very elegant and that is a masterpiece of sunny gardens. It is revealed from early spring, when branches slender and glossy leaves begin to dress dense, palmate, with 7-11 lobes sharp, visible veins and toothed margins, intense red color.


Terms care / cultivation: shrub that reaches 2 meters high, can accommodate almost any location, provided you have to be safe relative humidity and strong winds.


Light is an important factor for Japanese maple. To form a compact and spectacular harbor needs sunny spaces, planting in semiumbra affecting foliage quality and color intensity.
Thrive in heat, suitable temperature ranging between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius. Can easily be grown in areas with mild winters, wind and frost away from strong, tolerating minimum temperature of minus 10 degrees C.
Do not raise any claims with respect to substrate culture, supporting as well as a garden soil and one Humorului. However, a growing condition absolutely necessary, is the pH level should not exceed 7.5. Slightly acidic soils are preferred alkaline ucat in red color accentuates the decorative foliage so.
During summer, when temperatures exceed 24 degrees Cesius, abundant watering needs, the rest of the year, content with very little water.
Does not require fertilization, and the terms of this versatile and unpretentious.



Flowering is insignificant, purplish red flowers, grouped in small inflorescences is visible just a short distance.



Acer palmatum seed multiplies well. They germinate easily and relatively young so obtained have a high growth and high resistance to dryness and cold. It can multiply them with shoots semilemnificati potting-up, taken in spring and autumn.



Tricks and special tips: Put them out spectacular red foliage outreach, it in a sunny location in the garden, and surrounded it with plants and colorful flowers. Will certainly be an attraction for your guests.
Those who do not have space of a garden and want this lovely shrub can grow it in the pot as a bonsai. In this case, besides the cultivation conditions specified above, will consider and need high relative humidity, specific crops inside.



Species and varieties: A.amoenum, A.japonicum, A.matsumurae, A.sieboldianum, A.shirasawanum, A.tenuifolium.

Scientific name: Symphoricarpus whites

Common names: Hurmuz, scarlet, snow grains

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Origin: temperate areas of North America and Central America

 Layout and presentation: ornamental shrub, Symphoricatus whites conquered by general appearance and by its fruit small, round, white, dark green foliage very contrasting.

It is often found in fence component of urban gardens. In temperate climates with mild winters, Symphoricatus whites can be considered a persistent tree because foliage retains even in winter.

Terms care / cultivation

It needs bright light to develop rich crown, dense foliage to flourish. Loves open spaces and better support direct sun summer afternoons.

Heat helps to grow rapidly and contribute to the quality of flowering. In areas with low temperatures, flowering is sporadic and much reduced. An ideal temperature for growing this shrub should be between 12 and 24 degrees Celsius, but nothing happens if they get up to 30 degrees Celsius. Winter tolerate even -10 or -15 degrees, but must be protected from currents and winds.

Needs heavy watering only during warm season, the rest of content with a little less water, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.

No claim in respect of atmospheric moisture, easily tolerating even urban air dry plain.

Culture substrate may be any ordinary garden soil, with pH neutral or slightly acidic, but accept and poor soils, even clay easily. This is one reason that is often used in fencing areas of green spaces in cities, where the soil does not excel in fertilizers and nutrients.
 
That do not require fertilization is another plus in choosing this species, either solitary or group tree to decorate gardens.

Flowering is less obvious and occurs about the middle of summer, from July. Small pink flowers, like Lily, occurring from place to place, the peak strains in clusters of 3-4 cm. Within weeks they leave behind small white fruits, like berries of wax, very showy, amid green leaves. You must specify the berries are toxic to humans.

Is multiplied by potting-up sprouts and by seeds. Easiest method of propagation remains, however, the butasirii. For this, choose tops semilemnificati shoots, which contain at least 3-4 nodes are planted in the substrate and easy to heat and humidity constant.

Tricks and special tips: Trim shrubs before leaf spring. We will provide such a compact port and you will help to indeseasca. Does not require special protection during winter, but not planted in locations winds sweep.

American Indians used the wood of this shrub to achieve smoking pipes used in ceremonies.

Other species and varieties: S. occidentalis, S. mollis, Smicrophyllus, S. mexicanus, S. orbiculatus (purple fruit), S. orephilus, S. rotundifolius, S. sinensis.

Because forests still occupy vast areas of the planet, known individual trees around the world are very few. They need obviously to present atypical features, if possible of Guinness World Records worthy, or even to have historical significance.

California possesses some examples: Hyperion is the highest in the world (155.5 m), General Sherman sequoia tree is the most voluminous (1.450 cubic meters) and the oldest is Methuselah, East about 4,800 years ago. Nor less known are: Buddha tree under which tradition relates that the great prophet was illuminated, and the time of Christ the olive garden of Gethsemane.

It is unclear today where the world's most isolated tree, but we have no doubts about who has held this position until 1973.

Tree of Ténéré (L'Arbre du Ténéré), one of the species Acacia Acacia Acacia raddiana or tortilus, was an important caravan routes crossing the Ténéré region of the Sahara in northeast Niger. He was considered the most isolated tree on Earth, is unique in an area of ​​400 km! Tree of Ténéré is also the only tree that appears on a map scale 1: 4,000,000.

This fascinating desert in the middle of it aroused curiosity of scientists, which they shortly and solve the mystery. It seems that recently Ténéré region was hospitable, but due to climate change to desert the land and all plants have died ... except one.

You may be wondering how it was possible to survive with a quantity of only 2.5 cm of rainfall per year. In fact, thanks to a tree in Ténéré there Dipu groundwater at 36 m depth.

Finally tragicomic

Chance to be the only tree on an area of ​​400 square miles was not enough to escape from absurd denouement. Tree of Ténéré and the end came in 1973, when a truck driver, who was apparently drunk, escaped the brutal control of the car entering the shaft, cast him in the roots. Now, remember the saying "Life beats film"? We tend to give it justice. Tree remains were taken to the museum in the capital of Niger, and his place was placed a metal monument.

Benso palm plantation (BOPP) which holds Unilever in Ghana help protect the environment and reduce costs by reusing waste from palm oil processing.

Use waste as fertilizer for our plantations
BOPP cultivate palm oil and extract oil from their fruit processing factory. After processing resulting solid waste (fibers and clusters that have been hanging fruit) and waste water containing nutrients that may be valuable, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Waste water are discharged into water sources, because these nutrients can affect water quality in rivers and lakes.

Instead, sewage is treated and used for fertilizing the plantations, and in this way are significantly reduced fertilizer costs. Nearby streams are tested regularly to detect any leaks in pipes that carry waste water treated on plantations and turned into fertilizer.

We use clusters to improve soil structure and suppress weeds
Clusters of detached fruits that were also rich in nutrients, are scattered under palm trees to improve soil structure and suppress weeds. However, costs involved in transporting these bulky waste are high. Therefore, to reduce these costs is evaluated alternative composting before their distribution.

Recycle fibers and shells, generating electricity
Waste consisting of fiber and peel are used as fuel for boilers that produce steam for electricity generation required and processing palm oil. Excess waste, consisting mainly of palm fruit shells, as fuel is sold to local organizations.

Now look for other recycling opportunities. For example, the shells could be used to produce activated carbon fibers for filling mattresses and ash from boilers could be used for production of paving slabs.

Another project of BOPP for sustainable development
In 1998 were built contoured terraces (whose edges are reinforced with mesh filled with stones to hold water and sediment in water, preventing soil erosion), so that palms can be planted on sloping land (with a slope over 10 degrees). This measure helped improve soil and water conservation, has led to increased yields and easier harvesting. Shaped terraces are common in Southeast Asia, but our project marked the first time you use them extensively in West Africa.

Because of low temperatures at night, sometimes very cold, a good harvest of peaches is not really possible in our country. Therefore, these fruits are feeling better in sunny countries with mild climates, such as France, Italy, Spain. Peaches are still growing in November are found especially in areas with lots of vines, because they love the sun.

Peaches have delicate skin, covered with fine down, almost invisible. Fruits are flavorful and juicy. They have their origins in China, where the symbol of eternal life, because their properties and contents of healthy substances.

Just as nectarines or apricots, peaches are rich in vitamin A, B1, B2 and C, but also minerals, phosphorus, iron and potassium. In other words this is a real fruit "cocktail" full health. Not only vitamins but keep us healthy and good condition, but take care of our image, to detoxify the body.

When we were in bed and we are looking peach fruit is good to be demanding. A peach should have a good aroma. Therefore, no fruit flavor that should be avoided because it may be dry or very watery and tasteless. It happens sometimes create even stomach pain.

Their Depozitatrea be done in a proper and optimal environment because peaches are very sensitive. Therefore, the best they keep in the fridge next to each other the.

It is known that nectarines are close relatives of peaches. The only difference at first glance, is that they are not covered by fine fluff, like peach skin. Until today it is unclear if these fruits are crossing the almond and plum or simply a mutation of peach. The fact is that nectarines are delicious, refreshing and very, very healthy.

Curiously, as the branches are sometimes nectarines peaches and nectarine trees are those of peaches. This means that trees can be distinguished according to the fruit it bears and not by differences of logs or leaves.

Nectarines and the good effects

Nectarines have a lower water content than peaches so the nutritional values ​​reach a percentage of 60% over that of close relatives. 100 grams nectarines (ie fruit) contain about 50 calories nectarines have a larger quantity of sugar to the peaches, but are richer in vitamin C and carotene, and the other additional nutrients are potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and calcium .

Storage of nectarines

Very much like peaches nectarines, so great care must be taken when it comes to storage. They should not be placed very close to each other, because the party was crushed turns black and then soft. Fresh fruits persist about a week if stored in refrigerator.

Jabuticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) is an unusual fruit tree that is found in Paraguay, Argentina and southeastern Brazil. Of the "unusual"? Nowhere because we do not met a tree whose fruits grow directly on the trunk bark and branches.


Fruits like grapes enjoy much appreciation from the growers. Black-purple fruit with sweet white kernels are eaten raw and processed form of jellies, jams, juice, wine or liquor.

They have curative properties, decoctions are useful gargarele rebel against tonsillitis. Fruit relieves asthma, diarrhea and stop states, more recently, it was discovered that functions as a potent anticancer.



If trees are well watered when the bloom throughout the year, which again attracts sympathy. Grape Tree included a heraldic emblem Contagem city of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

How strange fruit sitting directly on the trunk, seems to help the growth of trees. Many animals are able to climb harder and get the fruit to eat. Thus, the seeds are removed on the ground at large distances taking birth new plants.

Yew (Taxus baccata)

Evergreen shrub, found in northern temperate regions, but in warmer regions, is a very inspired solution for any garden. Tisa is part of the family Taxaceae, specimens with an average height, is relatively easy to care and well enough to withstand various environmental conditions.

Yew trees are used mainly for hedges. In the past they were used in medieval England for long bows, wood proved surprisingly resilient and elastic. Bush bark extract a substance used to manufacture the drug Taxol, effective in treating cancer.

Spring bloom. Shrubs with leaves dark green to olive green, short, sharp and red fruits appear in late summer. Yew grows best in a cool area with moist soil, and needing little sun. Well resist frost and pollution, but at high temperatures, very useful for decoration and to define a hedge, easily multiplied and planted.

One of the largest known species of pine, pin has over 110 varieties, more common in the northern hemisphere, being able to adapt both under cold and wet climate, and in much warmer areas.

The impressive, very sturdy, with rich foliage, easily recognized due to the shape of long needles.

Depending on variety, needle-shaped leaves with intense flavor and specific, can have up to 45 inches long, grouped every 2 to 5.

Tree bark is thick, often cracked, dark. The wood's hardness varies greatly depending on variety and climate.

Suitable for large gardens, providing both a touch of beauty and balance, and protection from strong sun and wind. Needs more space, especially varieties with rich foliage, soil relatively dry and sunny environment. Earth must be watered frequently until the pin comes strong roots.

Ilex, decorative shrub Aquifoliaceae family has over 400 varieties, is a plant that grows fast and stays green all year round, is very suitable for decoration. There are varieties of holly shrubs, climbing plants etc. Can be found in many geographical regions, especially in temperate and subtropical zones, and some varieties are found in tropical areas.

In particular, Ilex aquifolium, a variety of deep green, is used for floral decorations, especially Christmas, Christmas, green leaves and red fruits infrumusetand any bouquet. Some varieties of holly are grown for wood quality, suitable for various musical instruments.

Easily recognized due to very dark green leaves with pointed lobes, while other varieties have round or slightly pointed leaves. Small white flowers appear in spring or early summer and are often hard to see, while small fruits as can be white, yellow, orange, red. Plants are relatively resistant and easily adaptable in any environment, rather few shady areas, relatively dry soil and less humid air. Relatively easy to breed and survive surprisingly well.

Scientific name: Cotinus

Name synonymous: Rhus Cotinus

Family: Anacardiaceae

Origin: Southeastern United States, Europe, North and Central Asia

Port dense shrub with elegant, Cotinus is wanted and appreciated especially by those who love rustic gardens, because its leaves large, broad, oval, arranged like the petals of a flower branches and particularly their color.

Terms care / cultivation

Cotinus is very picky about growing conditions.

Make it a very sunny position in your garden, and especially away from strong air currents. Bright light will help him develop a very rich foliage in great colors and intense.

Although tolerate a wide range of temperatures, however, does not need a lot of heat. They do very well between 14 and 28 degrees Celsius for short periods and tolerating a few degrees beyond the limits mentioned.

Watering is one of the conditions for which no rebate is good to do. Lack of water or insufficient watering, during hot summers, will affect the growth of foliage and thus forming decorative crown.

The rest of the year, watering will be done in moderation, taking care not to saturated soil on the roots.

It needs high humidity, but claim a well ventilated space. Lack of proper ventilation in the garden, amid excessive dryness of the air will dry the leaves and will increase the risk of invasion by insects.

You can plant any type of substrate, Cotinus tolerating almost any garden soil.

Interesting is perhaps that a fertile soil or excessive fat will adversely affect color foliage, shrub will grow vertically exaggerated, but it will weaken resistance to pests. Therefore, a common ground is preferable to any enriched soil, thus fertilizing contraindicated any operation.

Flowering is not very spectacular, but rather interesting, with rich blossoms, paniculate, of 15-30 cm, gray-yellow or pink and fluffy appearance.

Is multiplied by cuttings or shoots with top heel, semilemnificati. Cuttings is relatively difficult procedure, requiring heat and humidity controlled conditions.

Tricks and special tips:

Trim branches dried or frozen, spring and fall and hold the correction cuts an elegant and symmetrical crown.

Protect the trunk from frost and strong winds in winter.

Other species and varieties: C.coggygria, C.obovatus.

To plant a tree is now almost a duty. Operation is not much different from planting a single bush, only that everything is going to larger sizes. Planting a tree is the same for any type, except that maintenance varies from case to case.

The best time to plant trees is spring or autumn, and summer is the worst time.

First the soil must be properly tree needs to be planted.

In the first year is a regular watering, weekly, and in coming years wet summer more than spring or fall. When watering a tree they note that its roots and branches about the same extent, so do not have to water just near the stem.

Horticulture has not found a precise definition about certain plants that seem simple shrubs or bushes.

Trees are usually described as plants with many stems perennial that can grow or develop at ground level. Usually have less than five centimeters wide and one meter high.

Many people use both terms to describe their garden plants. However the difference between them? Generally it's just personal preference and regional language.

For example when we think we believe that shrubs are cultivated specimens in the garden and this term is consistent with some definitions of horticulture. Bushes on the other hand are considered to be those plants that grow wild.

Some gardeners have said that although they worked with many species prefer to use the term rose bush. They said they never said "rose bushes" but "rose bushes".

OED says can be a bush or shrub formations and shrubs can be a kind of smaller trees. Others would say that trees are smaller than a bush.

If you are confused think that there is no difference accepted by dictionaries and horticulture about bushes and shrubs.