Zoë Jurkowski, S&E Editor
With the sporadically warm and rainy weather that is Ohio spring, many beautiful blossoms and budding leaves can be spotted on campus grounds. As recent groundwork has left the oh-so familiar scent of mulch in the air, we can expect to see only more sprouting plants and flowers in the remaining weeks of the semester. In honor of the greenery that has begun to surround us, here is a list of some fascinating plants found around the world:
The Baobab Tree, or Adansonia, is a unique and iconic tree that can be found in Africa, Madagascar and Australia. It is known for its massive size and unique appearance, with a thick trunk and branches that resemble roots. The Baobab Tree can live for up to 3,000 years and is an important source of food and water for animals and people in the areas where it grows.
The Dracaena cinnabari, also known as the Socotra Dragon Tree, is native to the Socotra archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The tree is known for its unique appearance, with a broad trunk that divides into multiple branches that resemble an umbrella. The tree’s resin, known as “dragon’s blood,” has been used for Yemeni folk medicine.
The Giant Water Lily, or Victoria amazonica, is native to the Amazon River Basin, and known for its enormous size. The lily pads can reach up to 10 feet in diameter and are strong enough to support the weight of a small child. The flowers of the Giant Water Lily are also massive, with a diameter of up to three feet.
The Blue Jacaranda: This tree, native to South America, is also known as Jacaranda mimosifolia. Noted for its stunning blue-violet flowers that bloom in the spring, the Blue Jacaranda is a popular ornamental tree in many parts of the world, and its wood is often used for furniture and other decorative items.
The Bleeding Heart, also known as Dicentra spectabilis, is native to Asia and North America and is known for its heart-shaped petals that appear to “bleed” from the bottom. The Bleeding Heart is often used in gardens and as a decorative plant.
These are just a few examples of the amazing and diverse plant life that can be found all around the world. From towering trees to fragrant flowers and unique desert species, there is no shortage of cool plants to discover and admire. Make sure to keep an eye out for the many beautiful plants that are or will soon be on campus!
The Wooster Voice 