The ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) is an exit from the Onocleaceae (Onocleaceae). The plant has the name from the habit of fertile blades.

Carl Linnaeus, the species name struthiopteris the plant, whilst the Latin ‘Struthio “or the Greek’ strouthion’struisvogel means and the Greek ‘pteris’ sail.

It is a perennial native to the area of Central Europe to East Asia. The plant was established in the Netherlands. The ostrich fern is also used in the ornamental garden. The number of chromosomes is 2n = 80.

The plant is 35-150 cm tall, has a highly developed root (rhizome) and dimorphic leaves. The ostrich fern reproduces vegetatively through rhizomes also continued, resulting in a dense file of fern plants can occur. The very short-stemmed, double spring piece, infertile leaves form a funnel, after which the fertile leaves appear. These blades are longer and are stalked stiffly. The leaflets of the first order of the fertile leaves are bundled by the tubular segments, the spores (sori) cover. Sporangiën the stand in two rows and have no dekvliesje. For more information about reproduction, see the ferns.

The ostrich fern is found on moist to wet, shady places in forests with seepage.

In northeastern North America are in rural areas the young leaves are eaten rolled. Also, the leaves are eaten in Japan, where they are known as “kogomi.”

Names in other languages:

•    German: Straußenfarn

•    English: Ostrich fern

•    French: Fougère allemande

Source: http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Struisvaren

See also: International Flower Delivery, Florist

The summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) is a plant that belongs to the daffodil family (Amaryllidaceae). The species is on the Dutch and Belgian Red list of plants as very rare and moderately decreased. The Summer Snowflake is protected by law. It is one of the two types of retirement genus Leucojum

The summer snowflake occurs naturally in marshy meadows, wet woods and along the river among the reeds.

The plant forms a bulb and four to six to 40 cm long, narrow leaves. The leaves are poisonous.

The summer snowflake is 30-60 cm high and blooms from April to June. The plant blooms in spring along with the lily of the valley – not in summer!

At the flower stalk are usually three to five hybrid, 2 inch long flowers.

The bloemdekslippen are white with a green near the top spot. The top of the slip is smooth edges. The inner lobes are about as long as the outer. The fruit is a capsule veelzadige and contains black seeds when ripe, in contrast to the spring snowflake (Leucojum vernum) have no appendix.

Source: http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zomerklokje

See also: International Flower Delivery, Florist

Bult Kroos (Lemna gibba) is a perennial aquatic plant that (nowadays) is considered one of the arum family (Araceae). The plant consists of a disc that a leaf-like stalk without leaves and a carrot. The 3-6 x 2-5 mm large slice of this plant is thick and spongy. Top of the disc is almost flat, strongly convex from below. If the disc is held against the light are seven to twelve large air cavities visible. The disc usually has five veins. Bult Kroos reproduces mainly vegetatively produced.

In the fall, starch is stored in the plant, after which it sinks to the bottom and there winters.

Bump Kroos blooms from April to July with green flowers.

The fruit is winged on the sides.

The plant is found in fresh to brackish, very nutrient-rich water.

Names in other languages:

•    German: Wasser Bucklige Linse

•    English: Fat Duck Weed

•    French: Lentille d’eau bossue

Source: http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bultkroos

See also: International Flower Delivery, Florist