Author Archives: KnowledgeClips

Basil

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Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

  • A half hardy annual plant
  • Leaves are round with pointed ends
  • Basil has been cultivated for over 5000 years
  • Culinary herb featured in Italian cuisine as well as Southeast Asian foods
  • The word “basil” comes from the Greek βασιλεύς (basileus), meaning “king”
  • The main ingredient in pesto (basil, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese)

 

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Purple Shamrock

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Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)

  • A perennial that is endemic to Brazil
  • It has 3 leaves which are triangular in shape
  • Flowers are usually white, sometimes a shade of pink
  • Prefer light shade
  • Leaves respond to light- they open up in bright light and close up when it’s dark
  • Grown from bulbs
  • Also called: Love Plant, butterfly plant and false shamrock

 

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Seahorse

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Seahorse (Hippocampus)

  • There are 54 species of Seahorse fishes in the genus Hippocampus
  • They vary in size from .6 inches (1.5 cm) to 14 inches (35.5 cm)
  • They don’t have stomachs and must almost constantly eat
  • Males carry the eggs until they hatch
  • Seahorses feed on small crustaceans like Mysid shrimp
  • They are monogamous and mate for life
  • Seahorses get their name from their resemblance to horses

 

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