Despite what many think, significant or total vision loss is not a normal part of aging. In fact, eye health surveys have found that only a little over a quarter of all seniors over the age of 70 suffer from vision impairment. That said, vision changes do occur over time. As the body gets older, systems and functions may weaken, thereby leading to eye problems. This includes conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the development and progression of these issues can definitely be curbed with the right measures. Although some older adults might feel like they can cut corners…
Author: Sylvia
The Monkey Pitcher Plant, also known as Nepenthes, including different kinds like Sarracenia purpurea and Nepenthes pitopangii, is a fascinating group of bug-eating plants with a special trap for catching prey using cup-shaped leaves. These plants attract bugs and tiny creatures with sweet liquid into their slick-sided pitchers, where they slip into a pool of liquid that breaks them down. Studies have found that the liquid inside the plant’s leaves is full of different bacteria, which helps them interact with their environment. Researchers have also noticed the super-slippery surface with strong stickiness on the inside of the pitchers, which has…
The largest family of plants, the Asteraceae, includes the annual aromatic herb known as wild marigold, or Tagetes minuta in science. Although the plant is native to the temperate grasslands and mountain regions of southern South America, it has spread to other parts of the continent, including Hawaii, Cape Verde, Madeira, Madagascar, and Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. It also grows in waste locations in Spain, northern India, Ethiopia, Kenya, and other parts of East Africa. It can be found in Taita Hills, Kaimosi, Masai Mara, Gatundu, and Gathiuru Forest in Nyeri, Machakos, Nairobi, and Voi-Nairobi Road in…
The drooping fig, or Ficus semicordata, is a small to medium-sized fodder tree in the Moraceae family of the genus Ficus. Native to Pakistan (Rawalpindi, Kashmir), the plant can be found all the way east to Malaya via India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. It is found in the tropical countries of Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, and other parts of Central and South America. Popular common names for the plant include semicordate fig, Himalayan fig, and drooping fig. It produces eatable fruit. The figs on the lower portions of the branchless sections may grow in humus and leaf litter before being…
Rhus chinensis, the scientific name for Chinese sumac, is a tiny, loosely spreading tree that is a member of the Anacardiaceae R. Br. (Sumac family) and Rhus genus. There are over 250 different species of rhus flowering plants; six of these species—four of which are indigenous to China—are found there. Native to the Himalayas, the plant can be found in China, Korea, Japan, Northeast India, Ceylon, Burma, and Kashmir. In North-East India’s Manipur, it is widely grown. Chinese gall, Chinese sumac, Nutgall, Nutgall tree, Galls of the Chinese Sumac, Red gall nut tree, and Nutgal sumac are a few of…
Often referred to as “Crofton weed,” Ageratina adenophora (synonym Eupatorium adenophorum) is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae Bercht. & J. Presl (Aster family) that is distinguished by its daisy-like flower heads. It is renowned for its capacity to proliferate swiftly, take over entire landscapes, and frequently outcompete local flora. Due of its invasive nature and effects on local flora, it is of interest to ecologists and hobbyists even though it has little ornamental or commercial value. Although the plant is native to Mexico and Central America, it has become invasive all over the world. In some parts…
Scutellaria discolor Colebr, commonly known as Bicolor Skullcap, is an attractive floral plant that is classified within the Lamiaceae mint family. It comprises approximately 300 species, all of which are referred to as skullcaps. The plant derives its common name from the resemblance of its sepal receptacles to medieval helmets. Particular regions in Asia are home to the plant, including Nepal, India, Bhutan, Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. It is prevalent in upland regions such as Uttarakhand, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Himachal Pradesh. Likewise, it is primarily cultivated in districts including Dadeldhura, Baitadi, and Darchula in Nepal.…
Pachystachys lutea, also known as lollypop plant, golden candle, or shrimp plant, is an evergreen perennial floral shrub that is classified as a member of the Acanthaceae family (Jussius). It has gained significant recognition due to its vivid, candy-colored flowers, which bear a resemblance to lollipops. Consequently, its common name was derived. The plant is indigenous to tropical regions of Central and South America, including Peru, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia, which have tropical climates. It is also common in Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, the Caribbean Islands, the Southeast, Australia, and Hawaii. Golden candle plant, golden prawn plant, yellow candle plant,…
The insulin plant, formally classified as Costus igneus N.E. Br., is an evergreen perennial that is a member of the Chamaecostus genus, which comprises approximately 20 species, and the Costaceae family. Native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia, particularly the Greater Sunda Islands in Indonesia, and the plant is also extensively consumed in Africa, South America, and Central America. Banaba, Fiery Costus, Spiral Flag, Insulin Plant, Spiral Ginger, Spotted Spiral Ginger, and Painted Spiral Ginger are among the well-known common names for these plants. The plants are commonly referred to as “monkey cups” due to the resemblance of their flowers…
The liver, a major red organ consider about three pound, is discover in the higher right hand portions of the intestinal cavity. It also plays a vital role in controlling most chemicals level in the blood and expelling bile to aid carry away waste product. With a double blood provide from the arteria hepatica and the hepatic portals vein, the liver procedures blood entirely the intestines and stomach, absorbing drugs in to safer form, removing toxins, and breaking down nutrients. It executes over 500 vitals function that includes producing protein for bloods plasmas, controlling blood level of amino acid, procedure…
Clerodendrum chinense, the scientific name for Chinese Glory Bower, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family and the genus Clerodendrum. It is classified as a member of the Ajugoideae subfamily, which was one of four subfamilies transferred from the Verbenaceae to the Lamiaceae family via molecular and morphological phylogenetics. Southeast Asia, East Himalaya, Jawa, Lesser Sunda Islands, Maluku, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicobar Islands, the Philippines, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Thailand, and Vietnam are all likely the places where this plant originated in southern Asia. It spread to numerous tropical and subtropical regions in the Pacific Islands, Central America, South…
Magnolia liliifera, alternatively referred to as Tulip Magnolia or Egg magnolia, is a species within the Magnoliaceae family (Magnolia Family), which comprises between 267 and 297 species. Its natural habitat is the southeastern region of Asia. It is found in Laos, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, New Guinea, and the Indochinese peninsula. Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Anhui are all provinces in which it is found in China. It is extensively cultivated across various regions of the globe as an ornamental tree. Popular common names for this plant…
Shorea guiso, which is also referred to as Guijo or Red Balan, is a plant species that is classified within the Dipterocarpaceae family. It is a native of the Philippines. Borneo, Cambodia, Laos, Indo-China, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Malay Peninsula, Thailand, and Sumatra are additional locations. Guijo is a Philippine Spanish term that originates from the Tagalog word gihIJ. Occasionally referred to as red balan or red balau, this plant shares its name with Shorea balangeran. Additional regional designations include taralai in Tarlac and yamban-yamban in Zambales. A few well-known colloquial designations for these plants include Guijo, Balau merah, Membatu,…
Buckthorn bully, or Sideroxylon lycioides, is a diminutive tree that is classified as a member of the Sapotaceae Juss. (Sapodilla family). Native to the southeastern and central United States, extending southward from Texas to Illinois and Delaware. The extent of its distribution is comparatively limited, encompassing merely Middle Tennessee, portions of neighboring states including Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, and the panhandle of northern Florida. In two states of the United States, it is imperiled or endangered due to its restricted range. Buckthorn buckhorn A few well-known common names for these plants include Buckthorn Bully, Bumelia, Buckthorn, Smooth Bumelia, Ironwood, southern-buckthorn,…
Eating Gluten Free Diet can be a delightful exploration of taste and nutrition, especially when you discover the wide array of Gluten Free grains available. From the shelves of specialized health food stores to the aisles of well-stocked supermarkets, there’s a treasure trove of delicious and nutritious grains that cater to this dietary need. These grains offer a variety of textures and flavors, transforming the switch to a gluten-free lifestyle into an exciting adventure of culinary delights. What is Gluten? Gluten, a proteins found in barley, rye, and wheat, also in culinary enchant made from these type of grains such…
Saffron plum scientifically known as Sideroxylon celastrinum is a species of flowering plant belonging to Sapotaceae Juss. (Sapodilla family). The plant is native to Texas and Florida in the United States south through Central America to northern Venezuela and Colombia in South America. In addition to Saffron Plum, this tree is also known by other names such as Yellow Mastic, Yellow berry, False Mastic, Yellow heart, Yellow Mastic berry, Red berry Stopper, Yellow Sapodilla, Florida Bully, Shiny Leaf Jonas, Yellow Stopper and Coast Stopper. The origin of the genus name “Sideroxylon” is a Greek term in which “sideros” signifies “iron”…
Cordia myxa commonly known as Assyrian plum, is a mid-sized, deciduous tree belonging to borage family (Boraginaceae). The plant is native to warmer areas across tropical Africa and tropical Asia including Iran, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and more recently in the Americas. Other common names include Cherry plum, Cherry plumcot, European plum, Myrobalan cherry, Ornamental cherry plum, Cherry plum tree, Purple-leaf cherry plum, Bird cherry, Cherry plum hybrid, Myrobalan plum, Cherry-apricot plum, Wild plum, Indian-cherry, Sudan-teak, Clammy-cherry, Sapistan-tree, Glue berry, Sebastan-tree, Sebesten-plum, Assyrian-plum, Small cordia and Sapistan plum. The genus name “Cordia” originates from the Latin…
African Cordia scientifically known as Cordia africana is a heavily branched tree belonging to the genus Cordia and is part of the family Boraginaceae. This family includes a diverse group of flowering plants. The plant is native to Africa, primarily in East Africa and parts of West Africa. It is commonly found in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Angola and West African countries in the Sahel region, including Mali, Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso. Few of the popular common names of the plants…
Aronia arbutifolia, commonly known as Red Chokeberry, is a deciduous shrub belonging to Rosaceae Juss. (Rose family) and is prized for its ornamental qualities and wildlife value. The plant is native to eastern and central United States, from eastern Texas to Nova Scotia inland to Ontario, Ohio, Kentucky, and Oklahoma. Its natural range extends from eastern Canada, including parts of Newfoundland and Labrador, down to the southeastern United States. Some of the popular common names of the plants are Mountain Chokeberry, Wild Red Chokeberry, Sharp-fruited Chokeberry, Sour Chokeberry, Southern Chokeberry, American Chokeberry, Swamp Chokeberry, Red berry Chokeberry, Scarlet Chokeberry, Rose…
Corylus americana commonly known as American hazelnut or American hazel, is a species of deciduous shrub in the genus Corylus, belonging to the Betulaceae family, which includes alders, birches, and hornbeams. The plant is native to central and eastern North America, Maine west to Saskatchewan and North Dakota, south to eastern Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Georgia, not found along the Gulf coast region It is also common in extreme southern parts of eastern and central Canada. The plant is also known as American cobnut, Beaked hazelnut, Smoothleaf hazelnut, Western hazelnut, Wild hazelnut, Common hazel, Eastern hazelnut, Low hazelnut, Fencerow hazel, Smooth…
Chinese hawthorn scientifically known as Crataegus pinnatifida is a shrub or small tree belonging to the Crataegus genus and Rosaceae family, which includes many fruit-bearing plants such as apples, pears, and roses. Within the genus Crataegus, there are 280 to over 1,000 species of hawthorns recognized around the world, but Chinese hawthorn, is one of the most widely-cultivated species within the group. The plant is native to Northeast Asia including Mongolia and China and is widely distributed throughout the country. It has also been cultivated in various other parts of Asia, Europe, North America and the Russian Far East. Some…
Diospyros cathayensis, commonly known as Cathay Persimmon, is a fruit-bearing trees belonging to the Ebenaceae family, which also includes other persimmon species and is well-known for its delicious and sweet fruits. The plant is native in parts of East Asia. It is found primarily in south and western china, Korea, Taiwan and Japan. In china specifically in the provinces of Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Fujian. Few of the popular common names of the plants are Date-plum, Oriental Persimmon, Chinese date, Lotus Persimmon, Japanese Plum, Chinese Persimmon, Asian Date, Indian Persimmon, Korean Persimmon, Asian Persimmon, Chocolate Persimmon, Japanese Date, Kaki Persimmon,…
Carya cathayensis also called Chinese hickory or Cathay nut is a species of deciduous tree belonging to the genus Carya, which includes other hickory and pecan species. It is part of the Juglandaceae family, which comprises walnut and hickory trees. The plant is native to temperate zones of China particularly in regions such as Sichuan, Hubei, and Yunnan and other parts of East Asia. It is closely related to the pecan tree (Carya illinoinensis) and shares some similar characteristics. Few of the popular common names of the plants are Cathay nut, Chinese pignut, Chinese bitternut hickory, Himalayan hickory, Yashima walnut,…
Entada rheedii, commonly known as African dream herb or snuff box sea bean is a large woody liana or climber belonging to the family Fabaceae, which is the pea or legume family. It is part of the larger genus Entada, which includes other species with similar seed characteristics. The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. It can be found in countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon, democratic republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, Mozambique, and other parts of the continent. It can also be found in certain areas of Asia, Australia,…
Known as gopher berry or diminutive pawpaw, Asimina pygmaea is a plant species that is classified within the Annonaceae family. The plant is indigenous to Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and several other southeastern states in the United States. The species was initially formally described by American naturalist William Bartram, who designated it as Annona pygmaea, derived its name from its diminutive (pygmaeus in Latin) stature. Swamp Pawpaw, Four-petal Pawpaw, Southern Dwarf Pawpaw, Common Dwarf Pawpaw, Small-flowered Custard Apple, Four-petalled Pawpaw, Four-parted Pawpaw, Small-flowered Pawpaw, Four-petal Pawpaw, Swamp Custard Apple, Little flower Custard Apple, Dwarf Custard Apple, and Little flower Pawpaw…
Sweet galingale or galingale scientifically known as Cyperus longus is a perennial herbaceous plant in the genus Cyperus which contains between 764 and 901 species and belongs to the family of the Cyperaceae (Sedge Family). The type species of the genus is Cyperus esculentus. The plant is native to Africa, southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent and western Asia. It is also found in western France, south Wales and southern England, where it may or not originally be native. It has also been introduced to Tristan da Cunha and Western Australia. Sweet galingale is often grown for its aromatic rhizomes, which…
Oryza glaberrima, commonly known as African rice, is one of the two domesticated rice species belonging to genus Oryza which contains between 25 and 26 species and belongs to the family of the Poaceae Barnhart (Grass Family). The plant is native to West Africa and Western Sudan including Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, Ghana and Ivory Coast. In agriculture, it has largely been replaced by higher-yielding Asian rice, and the number of varieties grown is declining. It still persists, making up an estimated 20% of rice grown in West Africa. It is now rarely sold in West African markets,…
Dracocephalum parviflorum, commonly known as dragonhead mint or American dragonhead, is a wild North American mint belonging to Lamiaceae Martinov (Mint family). The plant is native to eastern and central North America. Its native range extends from Canada in the north to Mexico in the south and from the western United States to the eastern United States (especially in the Great Lakes region and in the deserts and mountains of the West), as well as much of Canada and Alaska. Few of the popular common names of the plants are American dragonhead, Rocky Mountain false dragonhead, False dragonhead, Prairie dragonhead,…
Piper aduncum, a flowering plant that is also classified as higuillo de hoja menuda or spiking pepper, is a member of the Piperaceae family. This family contains other Piper species, including black pepper (Piper nigrum). The plant is indigenous to the Interandean Valleys and the littoral and forests of Central and South America, at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) above mean sea level. Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama are all in close proximity to it in southern Mexico. Additionally, it is prevalent in French Guiana, Guyana, Surinam, Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador,…
Gray Rattlebox scientifically known as Crotalaria retusa is a species of flowering plant belonging to the genus Crotalaria within the Fabaceae family, which is also known as the pea family. The plant is native to Africa, Asia, and the Americas. In Africa, it can be found in Nigeria, Sudan, and Ethiopia. In Asia, it is native to regions like India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asian countries. Additionally, it can be found in various parts of the Americas, including parts of the United States, such as Florida and Texas. Popular common names of the plants are Gray Rattlebox, Wild sunn hemp,…