Written by Don Richardson


Plant Type | Perennial Shrub |
Size | 6-10’ tall, 4-8’ wide |
Sun Exposure | Full sun – part shade |
Soil Type | sand, loam, chalk |
Soil pH | 5.6-6.0 acidic - alkaline |
Bloom Time | Summer - Fall |
Hardiness Zones | 8-11 Food Forest Plant |
Moisture | Moist, rich, well drained |
Cold/Heat | 20°F – |
Pollination | Self-pollinates |
Edible Plant | Yes (Flowers raw or cooked) |
Medicinal Plant | Yes |
Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance houseplant that doesn’t require a lot of attention, then look no further than the Abutilon Striatum, also known as the Parlor Maple. This plant features lush green foliage and vibrant blooms throughout the year, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to add a bit of tropical vibes to their living space! Let’s take a closer look at this beautiful houseplant.
Appearance:
The Abutilon Striatum is an evergreen shrub with smooth oval leaves that are slightly serrated on the edges. Its leaves are dark green in color and can reach up to 6 inches in length if left unpruned. In late spring and early summer, this plant produces bright yellow bell-shaped flowers with red veining that are sure to add life to any space!
Care Instructions:
The Parlor Maple is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. It prefers bright indirect sunlight or partial shade and well-drained soil that is slightly acidic (pH 5.6-6.0). Water when the top inch of soil feels dry and feed once every three months during its active growth period (spring through fall). Prune back any dead or damaged foliage when needed; otherwise, there is no need for pruning. This plant is also resistant to pests, making it a great choice for indoor growing!
Uses:
The Abutilon Striatum makes an excellent addition to any home or office space due to its beauty and low maintenance needs. It can be grown indoors or outdoors as long as it is kept away from direct sunlight or frosty temperatures. The foliage can also be used in flower arrangements due its vibrant colors and delicate texture. Finally, this plant has been known to purify the air quality inside your home by removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air around it - making it even more beneficial for our health!
Conclusion:
The Abutilon Striatum is an ideal choice for anyone looking for an easy-care houseplant that adds life and color into their home, garden, or office space. Not only does it require minimal upkeep while providing beautiful blooms throughout the year, but it also offers numerous health benefits such as air purification and stress relief! Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned pro, you’ll find that these plants are fun and rewarding additions to any indoor environment!
The Abutilon Striatum is an ideal choice for anyone looking for an easy-care houseplant that adds life and color into their home, garden, or office space. Not only does it require minimal upkeep while providing beautiful blooms throughout the year, but it also offers numerous health benefits such as air purification and stress relief! Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned pro, you’ll find that these plants are fun and rewarding additions to any indoor environment!
Written by Don Richardson


Mint (Mentha Spicata) 'Spearmint'
Plant Type | Perennial Herb/Ground Cover |
Size | 1-3’ tall, 1-2’ wide, spreads |
Sun Exposure | Full sun – part shade (3hrs.+) |
Soil Type | Light sand, loam, clay |
Soil pH | 6.0-7.0 acidic - alkaline |
Bloom Time | Summer - Fall |
Hardiness Zones | 3a-10 Food Forest Plant |
Moisture | Moist, well drained |
Cold/Heat | -30°F – |
Pollination | Self-pollinates, self-seeds |
Edible Plant | Yes |
Medicinal Plant | Yes |
Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
The Mentha spicata, more commonly known as the spearmint plant, is a species of mint that has a long history of medicinal and culinary uses. It is native to Europe and Asia, but it can now be found in many parts of the world. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at this versatile plant and explore its many benefits.
History and Origin of the Spearmint Plant
The spearmint plant has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. Ancient Greek and Roman cultures both used spearmint as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and headaches. The plant was even mentioned in ancient texts such as Theophrastus’ Historia Plantarum, written in 300 BC.
Description
The Spearmint plant grows up to 30-90 cm tall and has greenish or reddish stems with serrated oval leaves. The leaves can be either opposite or in whorls of three, while the flowers are usually pink or lilac in color. It thrives best in moist soils but can survive in most soil types. It also requires plenty of sunlight and will begin to flower between mid-summer and late summer when temperatures remain consistently warm.
Culinary Uses
The oil from the leaves of the Spearmint plant is widely used as a flavoring agent in many culinary applications such as candy, gum, ice cream, toothpaste, tea, liqueurs and sauces. While it shares some flavor notes with peppermint (Mentha Piperita), it has a much sweeter taste than its close cousin due to lower concentrations of menthol. For that reason, spearmint is often favored by people who may find peppermint too overpowering for their tastes.
Medicinal Properties
Spearmint has been used medicinally since ancient times and is believed to have many health benefits including aiding in digestion, reducing muscle spasms, relieving headaches and congestion, treating skin irritations and improving oral health. In addition, it contains high amounts of vitamin A which helps promote healthy skin growth as well as antioxidants which helps fight against free radicals that damage cells over time. Finally, research suggests that consuming spearmint tea regularly may help reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) while raising levels of good cholesterol (HDL). It can also be made into essential oil that can be added to bath water or massaged into the skin for relaxation purposes.
Conclusions:
All in all, the Spearmint plant provides not just flavorful culinary experiences but also much needed medicinal properties for our overall well-being too! Whether you’re looking for a unique way to liven up your dishes or want a natural remedy for common ailments like headaches and digestion issues - look no further than the humble Spearmint plant! With proper care this versatile species can provide you with plenty of delicious flavors and therapeutic benefits for years to come!
All in all, the Spearmint plant provides not just flavorful culinary experiences but also much needed medicinal properties for our overall well-being too! Whether you’re looking for a unique way to liven up your dishes or want a natural remedy for common ailments like headaches and digestion issues - look no further than the humble Spearmint plant! With proper care this versatile species can provide you with plenty of delicious flavors and therapeutic benefits for years to come!
Written by Don Richardson


Toilet Paper Plant (Plectranthus Barbatus)
Plant Type | Perennial Shrub |
Size | 6-8’ tall, 4’ spread |
Sun Exposure | Full sun – part shade |
Soil Type | Light sand, loam, clay |
Soil pH | 6.0- acidic - neutral |
Bloom Time | Summer - Fall |
Hardiness Zones | 9-11 Food Forest Plant |
Moisture | Moist, well drained, drought |
Cold/Heat | 25°F – protect under 32°F |
Pollination | Spreads by offshoots |
Edible Plant | Yes - Roots |
Medicinal Plant | Yes |
Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Have you ever heard of the Plectranthus Barbatus? Also known as the Toilet Paper plant, this unique and attractive flowering plant is native to South Africa and has been gaining popularity in recent years. It's easy to see why; with its bright green foliage and striking white flowers, it's an eye-catching addition to any home or garden. But what else do we know about this fascinating plant? Let’s take a closer look at the Plectranthus Barbatus and find out.
Physical Characteristics
The Plectranthus Barbatus is an evergreen perennial with fleshy stems and glossy, heart-shaped leaves that are typically a vibrant shade of green but can sometimes have reddish or purple tints. This plant produces clusters of white flowers that have a mild, sweet scent, resembling those of mint or oregano. Its flowers can bloom all year round if the weather permits, although they typically bloom in late summer or early fall. The Toilet Paper plant grows quickly and can reach heights of up to three feet tall when mature.
Care Instructions
The Toilet Paper plant is relatively easy to care for compared to other types of plants, as long as its basic needs are met. It should be planted in well-drained soil in a location that receives full sun or partial shade; too much shade will cause the foliage to become leggy and sparse. When watering your Plectranthus Barbatus, make sure not to overdo it; too much water can lead to root rot. Additionally, fertilize the soil every two weeks during the growing season for best results.
Uses for This Plant
In addition to its decorative value, there are several practical uses for the Toilet Paper plant. Its leaves contain oils that are used in traditional medicine to treat fever and headaches; these oils also have antibacterial properties which make them useful for treating skin conditions such as acne and eczema. Additionally, some people use the leaves of this plant as toilet paper due to their soft texture! As if that weren’t enough, it’s also commonly used as an ornamental border along paths or walkways due to its low maintenance requirements and attractive appearance.
Conclusion:
From traditional medicinal uses to simply adding some greenery indoors or outdoors, there are plenty of reasons why you might want a Plectranthus Barbatus - otherwise known as the toilet paper plant - in your home or garden! With its bright green foliage and beautiful white flowers that bloom all year round if weather permits it's no wonder why this unique flowering plant has become so popular lately - so don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind opportunity! Give your home an extra touch of beauty with a Toilet Paper Plant today!
From traditional medicinal uses to simply adding some greenery indoors or outdoors, there are plenty of reasons why you might want a Plectranthus Barbatus - otherwise known as the toilet paper plant - in your home or garden! With its bright green foliage and beautiful white flowers that bloom all year round if weather permits it's no wonder why this unique flowering plant has become so popular lately - so don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind opportunity! Give your home an extra touch of beauty with a Toilet Paper Plant today!
Written by Don Richardson


Plant Type | Perennial Herb/Ground Cover |
Size | 1-3’ tall, 1-2’ wide, spreads |
Sun Exposure | Full sun – part shade (3hrs.+) |
Soil Type | Light sand, loam, clay |
Soil pH | 6.0-7.0 acidic - alkaline |
Bloom Time | Spring & Summer |
Hardiness Zones | 3a-10 Food Forest Plant |
Moisture | Moist, well drained |
Cold/Heat | -30°F – |
Pollination | Self-pollinates, self-seeds |
Edible Plant | Yes |
Medicinal Plant | Yes |
Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
The chocolate mint plant (Mentha x Piperita) is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint that grows wild in many parts of the world. With its distinctive aroma and flavor, it has been used for centuries to make all kinds of culinary delights. This blog post will delve into the world of this unique herb, exploring its history, uses, varieties, and more.
History and Origins
The exact origin of the chocolate mint plant is unknown; however, it likely originated in Europe where it was cultivated by ancient Greeks and Romans. In the 18th century, it was introduced to North America by European settlers who brought it with them as they colonized new lands. Today, it grows wild throughout much of the temperate regions of Europe and North America.
Types Of Chocolate Mint Plant
There are several varieties of Mentha x Piperita that vary in their appearance and flavor profiles. One common variety is known as “orange” or “citrus” mint which has a stronger citrusy flavor than other varieties. Another common variety is called “black” or “smokey” mint which has a smokier taste than other types due to its higher concentration of oils. There are also peppermint-scented versions which have a sharper menthol scent than other types.
Uses Of Chocolate Mint Plant
The chocolate mint plant is most commonly used for culinary purposes but can also be used medicinally or even ornamental purposes. In terms of cooking, its leaves can be used fresh or dried in order to add flavor to dishes such as salads, teas, sauces, desserts, and much more. It can also be utilized as an herbal remedy; when brewed into a tea or tincture it can help alleviate indigestion and stimulate circulation. Finally, its beautiful bright green foliage makes it an attractive addition to any garden landscape!
Conclusion:
Chocolate mint plants have been prized for centuries for their aromatic leaves that can add an extra zing to many dishes or drinks - from teas to salads! Not only that but they can also be used medicinally or even just enjoyed as part of your garden landscape due to their attractive foliage! Whether you want to use them for cooking or just appreciate them aesthetically - there's something for everyone when it comes to this versatile plant! So why not give chocolate mint plants a try? You won't regret it!
Chocolate mint plants have been prized for centuries for their aromatic leaves that can add an extra zing to many dishes or drinks - from teas to salads! Not only that but they can also be used medicinally or even just enjoyed as part of your garden landscape due to their attractive foliage! Whether you want to use them for cooking or just appreciate them aesthetically - there's something for everyone when it comes to this versatile plant! So why not give chocolate mint plants a try? You won't regret it!
Written by Don Richardson


Plant Type | Perennial Shrub |
Size | 10’ tall, 3’ wide, spreads |
Sun Exposure | Full sun |
Soil Type | Light sand, loam, clay |
Soil pH | 5.6-7.8 acidic - alkaline |
Bloom Time | Summer, Fall, Winter |
Hardiness Zones | 9b-11 Food Forest Plant |
Moisture | Moderate Water, well drained |
Cold/Heat | 25°F – 110°F, Drought tolerant |
Pollination | Pollinator, self-seeds |
Edible Plant | No |
Medicinal Plant | Yes |
Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
The Tithonia Diversifolia is a vibrant, eye-catching plant that grows in tropical regions. It is commonly known as the Mexican Sunflower, and it has become increasingly popular among gardeners in recent years. Let’s explore what makes this plant so special and why you should consider adding it to your own flower bed!
The Basics of Tithonia Diversifolia
Tithonia Diversifolia is native to Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and can reach heights of up to 10 feet tall with flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. This plant can thrive in almost any soil type as long as it receives ample sunlight. It requires very little maintenance; all it needs is regular watering and occasional pruning for optimal growth.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Mexican Sunflower has practical benefits too. It attracts beneficial insects such as bees which help pollinate other plants in your garden; plus, its strong stems make it an ideal windbreak for other plants that may be more fragile. The plant also produces a high amount of nectar which makes it attractive to birds as well. By planting by plants that are affected by aphids or many other insects, the birds will take care of many insects invading your garden.
Uses for Tithonia Diversifolia
Tithonia Diversifolia has many uses beyond just decorating your flower bed. Its flowers can be used to make tea or dried for use in potpourri; even the stems are useful because they can be made into rope or woven baskets! Additionally, some herbalists believe that this plant has medicinal properties due to its high content of Vitamin A and antioxidants.
Conclusion:
All in all, Tithonia Diversifolia is an ideal addition to any garden since not only does it provide a beautiful display but also several practical uses too! With its vibrant colors and low-maintenance care requirements, this plant is sure to brighten up your outdoor space while providing a variety of benefits for both you and your garden guests alike! Whether you’re looking for something decorative or functional (or both!), Tithonia Diversifolia is worth considering when planning your next gardening project.
All in all, Tithonia Diversifolia is an ideal addition to any garden since not only does it provide a beautiful display but also several practical uses too! With its vibrant colors and low-maintenance care requirements, this plant is sure to brighten up your outdoor space while providing a variety of benefits for both you and your garden guests alike! Whether you’re looking for something decorative or functional (or both!), Tithonia Diversifolia is worth considering when planning your next gardening project.