6. Chinese Lantern PlantChinese Lantern Plant
Chinese lantern plant gets its name fromChinese lantern plant gets its name from
the papery red covering over the fruit,the papery red covering over the fruit,
known as the calyx, that resembles aknown as the calyx, that resembles a
Chinese paper lantern. According to theChinese paper lantern. According to the
Doctrine of Signatures, a medical theoryDoctrine of Signatures, a medical theory
from around the 14th century, the shapefrom around the 14th century, the shape
and color of a plant suggests its medicaland color of a plant suggests its medical
purpose. The puffy, bladder-shaped calyxpurpose. The puffy, bladder-shaped calyx
of the Chinese lantern plant was used toof the Chinese lantern plant was used to
treat disorders of the bladder and kidneys.treat disorders of the bladder and kidneys.
7.
8. Common Poisonous PlantsCommon Poisonous Plants
As many as one percent of all plant speciesAs many as one percent of all plant species
may be toxic to humans and animals, theirmay be toxic to humans and animals, their
effects ranging from skin irritation toeffects ranging from skin irritation to
hallucinations, bone marrow destruction,hallucinations, bone marrow destruction,
paralysis, vomiting, and heart failure.paralysis, vomiting, and heart failure.
Poisonous plants occur in all habitats andPoisonous plants occur in all habitats and
many cultivated gardens. Common varietiesmany cultivated gardens. Common varieties
include (top, left to right) star-of-Bethlehem,include (top, left to right) star-of-Bethlehem,
belladonna, poison ivy, poison oak, (bottom)belladonna, poison ivy, poison oak, (bottom)
yew, oleander, wisteria, and poison.yew, oleander, wisteria, and poison.
9.
10. Crown Imperial PlantCrown Imperial Plant
The crown imperial, a species ofThe crown imperial, a species of
fritillary, is native to the Himalayas. Thefritillary, is native to the Himalayas. The
beauty of the herb’s bell-shaped flowersbeauty of the herb’s bell-shaped flowers
contrasts with the skunklike odor givencontrasts with the skunklike odor given
off by its uppermost leaves. Adapted tooff by its uppermost leaves. Adapted to
the harsh conditions of high altitude, thethe harsh conditions of high altitude, the
crown imperial can withstandcrown imperial can withstand
temperatures as low as –29°C (-20°F).temperatures as low as –29°C (-20°F).