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Papaya Tree (CARICA PAPAYA)
Papaya Tree (CARICA PAPAYA)
The scientific versus common name is important because it tells the species and genus, whereas the common name may not be as helpful in determining information.
Family relation: The papaya tree is a part of my botanical history because my family used to grow papaya in our backyard for us to eat at home. We planted the trees ourselves, ending up with 6, which we cared for while living in that home. For example, once, I remember that I was responsible for pickign the papayas from the tree. Taking a stepstool, I placed it in the grass beneath the tree and stood on it, stretching my arms high to try to reach the plants. The tree was young, and therefore only around 8 feet tall. I got my hands on one papaya and plucked it. I brought it to the kitchen to cut it, and plated it, and enjoyed it with my family. Often, we would gift our friends these papayas for them to try, too. They are delicious and filling, and take little work to grow.
Classification: Papayas are Caricaceae, which are a family of flowering plants. Papaya is an angiosperm. Primarily they are found in Central and South America, and Africa. Caricaceae are small, soft-wooded trees. They have a milky sap, and the fruit are large and aromatic.
Importance: Papaya is native to lowland tropical areas of Central and South America. It is not grown in Missouri, and was previously domesticated. Papaya is a major commercial crop and is heavily exported, so there must be sufficient supply. Steps being taken include planting sufficient trees. Luckily, each papaya tree can produce many papayas (a mature tree will produce around 100 fruits per growing season), so they are self sustaining in large enough quantities.
Varities: There are types of papayas: some have red flesh and others have orange. Papayas are not endangered.
Other Information: Papaya is high in vitamin C, A and E, and helps with digestion. In the US, papaya is only grown in Florida and Hawaii. Papayas symbolize growth and maturity, as many believe that the way a papaya grows mirrors human growth from birth to maturity. The large quantity of papaya that each tree can produce symbolizes a life of prosperity.
Banana Tree
Banana Tree
(Musa acuminata)
It is important to know common versus scientific name because there are many species of bananas. Therefore, it is necessary to know that here, the type of banana is the Musa acuminata specifically.
Family relation: The banana tree is a part of my botanical history because my family grew bananas at home. We had one banana tree on our property which we would eat from. My mom used to harvest these bananas very frequently, and there was always a constant supply in our kitchen. Using the bananas, I prepared a plethora of snacks and dishes. We would fry them like people fry plantains, eat them raw, use them to make banana bread, and more. They were also very rich-tasting, even better than store-bought bananas. Photos of the tree and its bananas are pictured to the right.
Classification: The banana tree belongs to the family Musaceae, which are angiosperms. Banana trees are the largest herbaceous flowering plant. They are tall and sturdy with a tree-like appearance.
Importance: The banana tree is native to southeast Asia, a far way from Missouri. US states that grow banana include Hawaii and Florida. The banana tree is domesticated.
Varieties: There are many types of banana trees: Robusta, Dwarf Cavendish, Rasthali, and Udayam, to name a few.
Other Information: Bananas are healthy sources of fiber. Interestingly, banana trees can grow up to 1 meter a day. Bananas are 75% water, 23% carbohydrates, and 1% protein. Bananas can be eaten raw and cooked. Bananas have spiritual symbol in Christianity with the protective peel representing God's love.
Orchid
Orchid
The scientific name of this flower is important because it distinguishes the specific type of orchid, whereas the regular name refers to all orchids.
Family relation: Orchids are a part of my botanical history because they are my mom's go-to flower when she buys flowers. Therefore, they are always in the home, and are essentially like their own part of the family. At any given time, our home can have up to 9 or 10 different pots of orchids around. Because I see them so much, the orchid has become important to me as well, and has become my favorite flower, too. Although we keep many orchids, the ones we keep most often are the moth orchids. The pictures to the left are of orchids that my family has cared for.
Classification: The orchid belongs to the family Orchidaceae, and is an angiosperm. Orchids have a structure called the column which is in the center of the flower, that fuses the stamen and pistil. They normally have four leaves, which are firm and rubbery near the bottom of their stem.
Importance: Orchids are native to tropical forests and semi-desert regions. They are not native to Missouri. Orchids grow naturally in the wild and are naturally-occurring.
Varieties: There are lots of varieties of orchids, including Cymbidium, Masdevallia, Oncidium, and Miltoniopsis.
Other Information: Orchids symbolize beauty and strength. They have the smallest seeds of any plant, and their flowers grow upside down. They are one of the largest families of flowering plants.
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