Thalia (Greek for comedy) was honored with her plant bearing her name that produces stunning inflorescences. This genus of plants represents one of many Greek deities found throughout nature and mythology.
Tridentata refers to the three-toothed leaf tip shape, making identification easy of this species, which only lives in central Crete’s mountains.
Artemisia
Artemisia, belonging to the Asteraceae family of herbaceous perennial plants, contains over 500 species found mainly across Asia and Europe. As one of the largest genera in subtribe Artemisiinae and tribe Anthemideae, it bears Artemis’ name from her Greek goddess role of hunting and wilderness (Artemis), who also served as Zeus’ twin brother Apollo’s wife (a protector for wild animals and hunters who are revered) (Jackson 1990).
Leaves of this plant usually range in hue from grayish green to silvery white and can either be divided or undivided, forming large clumps that may or may not be separated. Flowers tend to have a pleasant scented fragrance; their essential oils have been used in medicinal and herbal applications. Members of this genus are known as mugwort, wormwood, or sagebrush and grow throughout both hemispheres’ temperate regions.
Members of this genus are widely used as ornamental plants due to their distinctive foliage. These flowers add texture and subtle hues to any garden or container space and are very drought tolerant – an ideal option for naturalizing in dry shade environments or woodland settings.
Artemisias are easy to grow and care for, yet can quickly become overgrown and unruly if neglected. They make an ideal addition to mixed plantings as they pair well with perennials, annuals, and shrubs of different heights; plus, bees and butterflies find them attractive and are deer resistant!
Most perennials in this genus are perennials, although some evergreen varieties also exist. Their tendrils spread rhizomes out into clumps that must be divided regularly to maintain size and prevent further spreading rhizomes from taking hold. Cuttings may be taken from these plants to propagate further.
The Genus Iris is very diverse, and many species exhibit wide-ranging ecological adaptations that vary widely across its members. Some can be found throughout Europe, while others remain localized in one particular area. Additionally, phytochemical characteristics can differ considerably among its members, with numerous reported polyploids found within it.
Daphne
Daphne is an incredibly diverse flowering plant with many colors and forms. The Daphne genus encompasses deciduous and evergreen shrubs with fragrant flowers and vibrantly hued berries, native to central and southern Europe, Asia (from Britain to Japan), and northern Africa. Daphne species are popularly grown as ornamental plants due to their late winter flowers and striking berries; however, they can also be grown successfully in rock gardens.
Researchers are interested in this genus’ numerous species for herbal medicine purposes due to their antiseptic and antimicrobial activities as well as being rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, but studies are still in their infancy; eventually, these will help us better understand daphne’s role in human health and disease.
Daphne leaves are long and light green, often featuring white edges on some leaves. They can be arranged opposite or loosely clustering along stems; their surfaces can be smooth or hairy depending on species; their flowers vary between tubular or funnel-shaped shapes, producing white, pink, or red blooms that eventually yield single-seeded berries.
Past species from this genus were often utilized as medicinal herbs in China and tropical parts of Africa; currently, they are mostly grown as ornamental plants due to their beautiful flowers and attractive berries that boast scent. Although many cultivars in this genus contain toxic berries, there are cultivars such as Paul’s White and Bowlles White with more beautiful colors in their fruit, such as those explicitly chosen.
Daphne is a genus of over 70 deciduous and evergreen shrub species from the Thymelaeaceae family, named for the Greek goddess of nature, Daphne. Birds enjoy feeding on its seeds; some species, like Daphne bholua and papyracea, provide material for making handmade paper (known as Lokta in Nepal and Bhutan).
Thalia
Thalia is a genus of six currently recognized plant species, some native to aquatic or marshy habitats while others inhabiting dry terrestrial settings. Thalia geniculata and Thalia dealbata are two well-known members of this genus that can recover nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater sources, making them valuable plants for wetland systems. Their name honors Johannes Thal (1542-1583), a physician and pioneer of botanical studies in Germany who wrote Flora of the Harz Mountains; specifically, their Latin epithet dealbata comes from the Latin “dusted white,” alluding to their white appearance.
Powdery Thalia (Thalia dealbata) creates an exotic tropical feel in ponds and rain gardens with its large paddle-shaped blue-green leaves, blooming late summer with tall stems bearing violet-purple blooms above its foliage.
Thalia dealbata can thrive in USDA Zones 6-9. Often found as a perennial herb with thick rhizomes, it is also suitable as a houseplant. Total sun exposure with moist soil containing plenty of organic matter and moderate to regular watering is required for optimal cultivation. Thalia dealbata often flourishes near coastal wetlands, rivers, or streams and is an excellent addition to naturalized gardens as a dense groundcover or edger.
Thalia makes an excellent companion plant in any aquatic garden, rain garden, or pond setting, pairing well with many aquatic plants and hardy water cannas (Canna species). These nonnative tropical ornamentals share similar foliage characteristics as thalia. Furthermore, its brightly-hued flowers can stand out among other blooms in sunny locations like rain gardens and ponds.
Thalia geniculata stands out among other members of its genus by producing unique flowers that rely on explosive secondary pollination. Fertile stamen release pollen grains onto an elastic-style depression directly behind the stigma in evening hours; when insect pollinators such as Carpenter bees (Xylocopa virginica) visit, their presence causes an appendage on an anther to release pollen grains, which then disperse over its surface before entering an anther chamber where female stigmas collect them for reproduction purposes.
Nerine
Nerine, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, comprises 25 species in its genus. Native to southern Africa, Nerine sarniensis is widely renowned and often called the “Guernsey lily.” William Herbert established its name for this genus in 1820 after hearing that Nerine was named after one of Doris and Nereus’ daughters and Oceanus’ and Tethys’ grandchildren: she could create beautiful aquatic gardens!
This genus of flowers stands out, with several species lacking petals altogether. Instead, they have unique leaves that mimic their shape and appearance, providing the ideal choice for characters with unwavering perseverance and strong resilience.
Kalmia flowers resemble parasols in shape, as their blooms come in various colors, and their fragrance is known. Unfortunately, this plant also produces neurotoxins – making it perfect for villains planning on using poison against others.
Plumeria is another good fit, famous for its pinwheel-like blooms, which come in white, orange, pink, and yellow colors. Furthermore, its seeds possess wings to carry in the wind and propagate elsewhere – an aspect that would suit an independent character who follows their heart. Charles Plumier first popularized this name, and it could make a great choice as the namesake of such feelings.
Scilla is a genus best known for its blue flowers with dark stamens, though other shades, such as purple or white, may also exist. Scilla plants bloom early each spring and are popular among gardeners.
Euphorbia, with its varied species spanning succulents to trees to shrubs, makes an excellent choice for someone who possesses a unique style and enjoys playing around with color – not to mention a perfect way to express creativity regarding their environment. This name fits well for someone looking for inspiration!