Blogging for Learn Plants Now!
My name is Mary Farmer and my web site is called Learn Plants Now! The posts in this blog are my own experience working through the learning of plants in the area where I now live. Even though this area happens to be in Panama, the principles I use for learning these plants apply to the learning of all plants. Most interesting may be the mistakes I make! And I make plenty, believe me. If you want to start learning the plants in your own area, click on the link to Learn Plants Now! or on any of the plant article links in the left column – and have fun!
Thanks for visiting.
I have recently moved to the Chiriqui province (the Potrerillos area) in Panama and have photos of some plants I can’t identify. How can I send these photos to someone to help me with identification and information about the birds, butterflies, etc that may be attracted to these plants.
Also, we want to replant the farm we purchased with native trees and plants for the birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. I have done a lot of research on what Panamanian trees and plants would serve this purpose but now I can’t locate a place to buy them. I have checked viveros and MIDA in Conception. Any advice on where to find local fruiting trees specifically for attracting birds, etc.?
Linda,
Although I replied to you privately in a timely fashion, there may be some interest by others in the answers to your questions.
First, I’ll be glad to look at any images you might have and take a stab at identifying. As you might be able to tell from the nature of this blog, I’m still learning the plants of Panama and am far from an expert. Still, I enjoy the challenge and if I can’t identify the plant from your images, I may be able to send you to a source that will be of help.
Next, buying native plants is not always easy. MIDA is the best commercial source for these things that I know of. Most people get shoots or seeds of the plants they want from friends and neighbors. It’s possible that as interest in native plant cultivation grows, a new vivero focusing on them will open.
Meantime, I encourage you to learn the names of the plants that you have on your property. You may already have some of the ones you’re interested in.
Good luck!
I have a very diverse collection of useful tropical plants, native and non-native, mostly trees. Located in Panama City. Write an email if you’re interested. Some of the species, not all, are in the archives, or listed in the species list, on my weblog.
Your Learn Plants Now was just the site I was looking for in Pasadena, California. I want to learn more about plants and have always stumbled over the scientific names. I decided I’m going to learn the ones I work with most and you have a great site for starting. thank you for all of the information.
I always go to arboretums and gardens when I travel.
L
I have a small organic farm in copecito, on the way to el Valle. I have sheep amongst many other animals. I am looking the get tree forages for my animals. I have already found many that interest me, however too I am looking to find are Cecropia obtusifolia, and Guazuma ulmifolia and Leucaena leucocephala. Any idea where I can find these?
Much appreciated
Jacqueline
Hi Mary,
I have reason to think that your macadamian relative, Roupala Montana (PROTEACEAE) is what we call in Trinidad & Tobago- Bois Bandé.
In Rustic French or our patois, it translates into ‘Wood stretched, taut.’ And with good reason, as it is widely believed here, that the bark is not just an aphrodisiac, but dangerously surpasses the results of Viagra by far! I can neither confirm nor deny this, but it is legendary in Trinidad & Tobago.
Fascinating, Robert, and thanks for your comment. Hmm. Perhaps it’s just as well you posted your insight here rather than at the end of the post on Roupala itself.
i found your website very informative and interesting.—— prakash