This scan is from a photograph taken in 1912 by John Davidson, part of the collection of 5000+ scans of photographs and documents that will soon be available online via the project I've been diligently working on.

Interestingly, this lantern slide is labelled as Lysichiton camtschatcensis. Without the benefit of a colour slide and a little bit of botanical history, one might (at first) make the erroneous conclusion that this is a cultivated planting in Vancouver of the east Asian Lysichiton camtschatcense. That doesn't make too much sense, though – it's doubtful that anyone would grow a mass planting of that species in the Vancouver of 1912. With a little digging (very little, as it turns out), I discovered the answer via Wikipedia: for some time, the two species were considered one.

In terms of outward appearance, Lysichiton americanus has a bright yellow or greenish-yellow spathe while the spathe of Lysichiton camtschatcense is white, which, without additional evidence, is often not enough of a difference to consider dividing one species into two. More differences between the east Asian and North American species were eventually noted: for example, Lysichiton camtschatcense has much smaller anthers and lengthy protruding stamens. This accumulated evidence became enough to recognize two distinct species.

However, Lysichiton americanus wasn't published as a name for a distinct species until 1931, nineteen years after today's photograph (and resolving the mystery of the slide label). As to whether this particular patch of swamp lantern (or skunk cabbage) exists today, perhaps some of the local readers who know Stanley Park will chime in with the answer.

For a botanical description of this species, read the Flora of North America entry on Lysichiton americanus.

Thanks again to Eric La Fountaine for stepping up with a photograph and write-up!

Species of Vaccinium have become increasingly popular foods in recent years, due to their high antioxidant levels. Blueberries, cranberries, lingonberries and others in the genus are enjoyed for their delicious fruit. Most members of the genus are native to cool areas of the Northern Hemisphere, but a few like Vaccinium cylindraceum are found in warmer climates. This species is native to the Azores (a group of islands off the west coast of Africa that is part of Portugal). Its common name is Azores blueberry. The fruit is similar to blueberries found in North America, but the fruit and flowers are longer and shaped more cylindrical than spherical. The flavour is superb.

This photo was taken on a sunny day in December. It seemed late for such a colourful autumn display. Most other deciduous plants at the garden had dropped their leaves, but this specimen was glowing. It was previously featured on BPotD in bloom.

Thank you to shotaku@Flickr from Missouri, USA for sharing a photograph from last summer (original | BPotD Flickr Group Pool). Much appreciated!

Lycoris squamigera has several common names: resurrection lily, surprise lily and magic lily, to name a few. The names reflect the short span of time between the flower stalk first emerging above the soil to full-flower, perhaps taking only four or five days. The leaves are absent when the plant flowers, adding to the notion of surprise. This pattern of asynchronous leafing and flowering is also seen with Colchicum, illustrated in two unrelated photographs: flowers and leaves.

For the gardeners among you, the Kemper Center for Home Gardening has a brief factsheet on Lycoris squamigera. Photographs of various species, cultivars, and hybrids within the genus, including Lycoris squamigera, are available from the Pacific Bulb Society Wiki: Lycoris. The PBSWiki also notes the taxon is possibly a natural hybrid (occurring in nature), but conflicting information doesn't provide a clear picture as to what the parent species are; in any case, this hybrid is thought to have origins in China or Japan.

Thanks again to Eric La Fountaine for the write-up and photograph today!

The bright snow-covered flowers of Chimonanthus praecox 'Grandiflorus' indicate the reason for the first half of the species' common name, winter sweet. If you pass by the plant on Upper Asian Way in the David C. Lam Asian Garden, the sweetness drifts heavily in the air — even on a snowy winter day. 'Grandiflorus' has yellow flowers with maroon centres, which are larger than those of the species. The Royal Horticultural Society gave the cultivar an Award of Garden Merit in 1928 and a First Class Certificate in 1991. The heady fragrance is intoxicating, especially in winter when few flowers bloom in the garden. The scent of the species and its other cultivars is said to be even stronger than 'Grandiflorus'.

Native to China, Chimonanthus praecox is a multibranching deciduous shrub that can grow to 4 metres or more in height and spread. The winter bloomer is hardy to USDA Zone 6.

One more photograph and write-up from Jackie Chambers today. Thanks again!

Romulea are cormus perennials closely related to Crocus. There are more than 80 species within the genus, and they are endemic to Europe, the Middle East and South Africa.

Romulea phoenicia is native to Lebanon and Northern Israel. Like many geophytes from this part of the world, they are well suited to the winter rains and hot dry summers. Leaves emerge at end of autumn and die back after flowering and fruiting at the end of winter. Purple flowers are produced between January and April. Flowers are 25-35mm and have 6 petals. The entire plant reaches 5-10 cm height (view more photographs).

The species name phoenicia may refer to both the flower’s endemic range and to the flower’s colour. The ancient Phoenician civilization centered around an area that is today's coastal Lebanon and northern Israel; this coincides with the plants natural distribution. The term Phoenicia is derived from the Greek word phoinix meaning purple-red. This is a reference to a dye traditionally produced by the Phoenicians in the city of Tyre.

Royal Purple, or Tyrian purple, is derived from the mucus secreting gland of the Spiny Murex snail. The production of this dye was labor intensive and expensive which explains why it was used only for royal and ceremonial garments (read more on the dye making process).

Thanks yet again to Eric La Fountaine for today's write-up and photograph!

The Brown Mountain Trail, located in Tucson Mountain County Park just south of Saguaro National Monument West, near Tucson, Arizona, offers excellent views of the Tucson Mountains and the forest of massive saguaros, Carnegiea gigantea that spread out from the western base of the range. Near the entrance to the trail, is a group of very large Cylindropuntia fulgida. As I and my companion returned to the car the sun was setting, creating this gorgeous view as its glowing rays filtered through the spines.

These cactus grow in a branched treelike form 1-3 metres high. Flowers often develop on the small fruit in the following season, creating chains, which are the origin of its common name, chain-fruit cholla. The species has several common names, including jumping cholla. Unfortunately, I found out the reason for this name as I approached to take photos. Stem segments of this cholla and other cylindropuntias easily detach. My pant leg caught hold of a few broken segments on the ground at the base of the plant. The spines have a way of digging in, and pulling on one end seemed to drive the spines on the other end in deeper. I guess the pain was worth it.

Thanks once again to Jackie Chambers for today's write-up and photograph! Just a reminder: Jackie is presenting on Wildflowers of Israel and Jordan in early February.

The most striking feature of the Galilee orchid is the tiny human form created by the lobes of the lower petal. Each flower is only 10-12 mm, but there are usually 15-90 per stalk. The flowers spike rises about 40-70cm above a group of basal leaves. This terrestrial orchid is native to Lebanon and Israel. There are several colour forms within this species, the flower colour and markings can range from white, green, and yellow to pink. For more photos please see: Orchis galilaea on the Gallery of the World's Bulbs site.

The name of the genus Orchis is derived from the Greek orchis, which means testicle, and refers to the pair of underground tuber-like structures at the base of the orchid. This also explains why this genus has often been regarded as an aphrodisiac and used in fertility treatments.

Research suggests that Orchis galilaea relies on a sexually deceptive pollination strategy. Instead of producing a reward of nectar for visiting pollinators this orchid produces a scent that mimics the female sex pheromones which attract male bees (Halictus marginatus) to the flowers. Members of the orchid family exhibit a wide range of pollination techniques.

And another thank you to Eric La Fountaine today for the write-up and photograph... appreciated once again.

This cheerful clump of flowering large false Solomon’s-seal was photographed at the entrance of the Native Garden here at UBC Botanical Garden last spring. This accession* has been removed from the garden and the bed photographed is now vacant and being prepared for another planting, but other accessions of the taxon remain in the Native Garden for viewing next season. Maianthemum racemosum subsp. amplexicaule is native to British Columbia and much of western North America. The flowers are followed by small red berries. Maianthemum spp., formerly called Smilacina, are cultivated to make attractive plantings for woodland gardens. By entering the name into the taxon search at E-Flora BC, species and distribution information can be accessed.

*Accession is a term used in museums, botanic gardens and other curated collections to identify an item in the collection. In the case of our botanic garden, an accession is a single taxon acquired on one date from one source. The accession may consist of more than one individual of the taxon, but different acquisitions of the same taxon would be considered separate accessions. Each accession is assigned a unique number for horticultural and research data management. In the example of the Maianthemum racemosum subsp. amplexicaule 037041-1003-2003, 037041 is the identifying number, 1003 represents the source of the plant and 2003 is the year that it was entered into our records.

A big thanks to two people today: first of all, “LabTea”, of the UBC BG Forums, for sharing today's photo with us today (BPotD Submissions Forum | original thread). Secondly, thanks to Brent Hine for the write-up!

This is the kind of miniature shrub which can only be properly appreciated by lying flat on the ground – or perhaps seeing it here, for most of us. No pretender, Diapensia lapponica is a classic circumboreal alpine plant (not circumpolar, as in Wikipedia's account), meaning it may be found around the globe in northerly latitudes. There are two subspecies, lapponica and obovata. The difference is in leaf shape: lapponica's leaves are spathulate, or narrow and linear from the base, widening to a rounded tip. Within Canada, subspecies lapponica favours cold habitats. It is also chionophobic (snow avoiding), so it prefers windy, exposed sites. Canada's Ellesmere Island provides ideal habitat – cold, windswept and drier than many southerly locales. Although it is an alpine plant, in the far north Diapensia lapponica subsp. lapponica grows at or near shorelines, typically among rocks in small, acid soil pockets.

As can be imagined, it would be challenging indeed to duplicate these conditions for success in the home garden. I for one would welcome the opportunity to visit Ellesmere Island – during the diapensia's growing season!

This little charmer belongs in Diapensiaceae, a small family including southerly woodlanders Galax, Shortia, and Pyxidanthera.

A fine mini-article is on NARG's (North American Rock Garden Society) website, where it was featured as “Plant of the Month for February 2002”.

Thank you again to Eric La Fountaine for today's write-up and photograph!

The peeling bark of the Lagerstroemia fauriei growing at the front entrance of the garden provides winter interest when few plants are blooming. Crepe myrtles are popular landscape trees in warmer areas of North America, but the commonly planted Lagerstroemia indica selections and their hybrids with Lagerstroemia fauriei are poor performers in our cool maritime climate. Fortunately, Yakushima crepe myrtle thrives in our region. While not as showy in bloom as Lagerstroemia indica, the small white flowers are borne on graceful terminal panicles and release a lovely fragrance.

A rare tree in its native habitat, the island of Yakushima in southern Japan, Lagerstroemia fauriei can reach a height of 10 metres, but in our garden it is slow growing, eventually forming a slender, multistemmed, open-branched tree of 5 to 8 m tall.

Lagerstroemia fauriei is featured in The Jade Garden - New and Notable Plants from Asia written by three of UBC Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research's curators: Peter Wharton, Brent Hine and Douglas Justice.

Thank you to “Weekend Gardener” of the UBC BG Forums for sharing another photograph via the BPotD Submissions Forum (in this thread). Always enjoyable, WG, thanks.

The Royal Horticultural Society Garden Rosemoor provides an excellent summary article about golden Chinese timber bamboo, with suggested links to the American Bamboo Society and the European Bamboo Society. For information about the genus, Wikipedia provides a short description of Phyllostachys.

Today's photographs and write-up are supplied by Jackie Chambers, a UBC Botanical Garden horticulturist. Thanks, Jackie! As an aside, Jackie is presenting on Wildflowers of Israel and Jordan in early February.

The small, white flowers of Ratema raetem (or white weeping broom) measure between 8-10mm long, and are produced in late winter and early spring. They exhibit the banner, wing and keel petal structure that is typical of the pea family. These flowers emit a sweet, honey fragrance. It was the smell of honey in the middle of the desert that first drew my attention to this plant...that and the fact that it was practically the only other living thing in the vicinity!

Retama raetam is adapted to survive extreme drought conditions. Its roots go deep into the earth, while the slender branches reduce the amount of surface area exposed to dry desert air. While it does produce very small leaves, they are quickly dropped in order to conserve water. The majority of photosynthesis is carried out by the green photosynthetic stems. For more information on plant adaptations to desert conditions please see the article Plant Adaptation in the Extreme Desert in Israel by Dr. Ori Fragman-Sapir.

Retama raetam is endemic to North Africa, the Middle East (Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon) and Sicily in southern Italy. It was introduced to Australia as an ornamental in the 1840s and has since naturalized. It is on an Alert List for Potential Weed Species in South Western Australia (PDF).

Another couple photographs and a write-up from Eric La Fountaine today – thanks again, Eric!

This cactus, with alternating rings of pink/red on its stem was an intriguing find on a hike with friends during winter holiday in Tucson. No one was quite sure what it was. When I showed the photo to UBC Botanical Garden's Curator of Collections, Douglas Justice, he returned from his office in minutes with a name and description that matched. The species is native to the Sonoran Desert in southwestern USA and northwestern Mexico. Plants are generally unbranched and grow 6-30 cm tall. Along the trail we found them in small groups of solitary stems. The rainbow hedgehog cactus can sport some very bright colouration; very nice selections are available commercially.

The Sonoran Desert is not the lifeless wasteland that some might think. It is full of fascinating plants and creatures and can be quite green at times. For a quick description of the desert Blue Planet Biomes has an educational webpage for teachers and students. The Center for Sonoran Studies offers a Natural History Tour of the Region. Information for people wanting to visit the Sonoran Desert National Monument can be found on the US Bureau of Land Management website.

Thank you to Eric La Fountaine for both today's photographs and the written accompaniment.

A recently introduced cultivar, Hebe 'Silver Dollar' is a sport of the popular Hebe 'Red Edge'. Ease of care and year round performance have made hebes very popular with gardeners. The play of the low angled sunlight across the colourful, rain dappled branch tips caught my eye. The distinctive branch structure with opposite leaves held in perpendicular rows is typical of the genus. The diversity of size and form of the plant make it adaptable to many garden designs.

There are around 90 species of Hebe and all but one are found in New Zealand, where it is the largest plant genus. Most species are endemic to New Zealand, but hebes also occur in southeast Australia, Tasmania, New Guinea, French Polynesia and South America. Probably due to its year-round fresh evergreen appearance, the plant was named after the Greek goddess of youth.

An article in the Seattle Times, Hardy Hebes extolls the virtues of hebes for Northwest gardens. Many hebes are tender, so winter hardiness is a concern to growers. The Hebe Project at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center of Oregon State University reports on garden trials of many Hebe cultivars as to cold tolerance and other factors of concern to area horticulturists.

Thank you again to Eric in SF@Flickr (also see: PlantWorld) for sharing a couple of his great photographs with BPotD (original 1 | original 2 | BPotD Flickr Group Pool. Appreciated, as always!

The genus Beschorneria contains perhaps a dozen species. Most of the species are endemic to the mountains of central and southern Mexico, with the exception of Beschorneria albiflora; its range extends southwards from Mexico into the northern Guatemala.

A 1989 article in The Plantsman (10(4): 193-199) by Michael Maunder, “A Survey of the Genus Beschorneria in Cultivation” contains perhaps the best account of this group of plants, with brief descriptions of all species known at the time. For Beschorneria albiflora, the distribution and ecology: “Found in the highlands of Oaxaca and Chiapas states, and northern Guatemala. In Chiapas it is found in dense montane scrub on the exposed ridges of the Sierra Madre...There it occurs with genera of arcto-alpine affinities such as Alchemilla pinnata, Arenaria bryoides, Draba volcanica, Gaultheria spp. and Vaccinium spp.”

Maunder also cites Matuda (the author of the plant name for this species) when writing that the fresh flowers (of some species) are sometimes eaten fried in egg.

A third photograph of this particular plant, showing its habit, was taken by Stan Sheb and shared via the Wikimedia Commons.