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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers Nan Hampton, Jimmy Mills and Barbara Medford to be the culpable and capable parties. Yet, others think staff members Damon Waitt, Joe Marcus and Philip Hawkins might play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

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Does molasses make glutinous corn palatable from The Philippines
What would be the effect of molasses in the growth of glutinous corn?? Does molasses make the plant palatable?
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Cagayan de Oro , Philippine
Question about Allamanda cathartica
how would i prove that allamanda cathartica is an antidote for anti-tetanus in a cheaper way?
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Manila, Philippine
Can Allamanda cathartica be used as an insecticide
is allamanda cathartica can be used as an insecticides?
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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Identification of shrub from Kuala Lumpur
I am seeing too much of shrubs used for landscaping that looks like dill, its stems are pretty woody and its leaves looks and smells like dill, are they the same? Can I consume this shrub that looks l...
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PORT HEDLAND, SD
Native plants of Rome
I am researching the native plants of Rome but I can't get anything get anything else besides olives. Can you help me to find some more?
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South Korea, Korea
Consumption of carbon dioxide from South Korea
I am curious about what flowers consume CO2 for growing (especially 1-year life flower). Thanks.
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Beijing China, Other
Plants for green roof gardens in Beijing, China
I`m wondering if you would know what plants native to the area around Beijing China would be good candidates for extensive green roof gardens? Also, do you think that those hearty little pesky plants ...
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Townsville, Australia
Gaura dying from Townsville, Australia
My passionate pink Gaura appears to be dying. It had a beautiful blooming period & now is going backwards. What is happening? I have pruned it, but don't know how to save it.
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Austin, Texas
Edible plants native to Austin, TX
Hello, I am a chef from Buenos Aires Argentina visiting Austin, Texas and would like to learn about native, edible plants in the region. Please let me know if there are any native, edible plants...
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Kolkata, India
Butterfly plants for Kolkata, India
I am from Kolkata, India. I have a garden of 200ft x 50ft size, mostly shadowed by big trees. I want to attract butterflies in my garden. Can you please let me know the flowers / plants I plant for bu...
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Brisbane, Australia
Identification of an Australian tree.
i have a tree i cant seem to find any info on, the tree has large almost heart shaped leaves with pinkish veins running through them, its not shiney anywhere, sort of a mat finish,the edges of the lea...
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Adelaide, Australia
Source for American barberry in Adelaide Australia
I am trying to find a source/s of the American barberry (Berberis canadensis). I am interested in root stock but particularly in a supplier of the fruit (berry). I have tried everything and someone su...
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Chennai, India
Use of North American native in India
I got mail from someone who is living in U.K asking me to co-ordinate for getting the "Silphium terebinthinaceum seed" from various places for one Pharmaceutical company as a business. Is it the com...
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Nagpur, India
Effects of greywater on plants and soil
What are the biochemical effects of greywater in plants and soil, because both are related. The effects can be harmful and as well as beneficial, can you give me the details of that?
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Hyderabad, India
Obtaining bark of Larix laricina from Hyderabad India
I am in need of Larix laricina (Bark) for my research work. Please let me know how to procure it.
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Sydney Australia,
Gift plant for a new arrival in Texas.
To Whom it May Concern, I am writing to you from Sydney, Australia. My sister is moving to Texas and I wanted to give her a native plant as a present. Is there anyway I could arrange that with you, or...
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Sydney, Australia
Do plants grow better under artificial or natural light?
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, So do plants grow better under artificial lights, or sunlight???? and if so what happens when they are growing? Which seedling sprouts first??? What happens as they grow? I a...
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Sydney, Australia
Irish Strawberry tree care from Sydney Australia
Hi I have an Irish Strawberry tree - AKA Arbutis Enedo. I have had it for a couple of years now, I have it planted in the ground quite healthy soil, I feed it Dynamic lifter (chicken manuare/pellet f...
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Sydney, Other
Plant for a salt water pool in Australia
What plant is a perfect plant for small areas around a salt water pool?
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Melbourne, Australia
Scale on Agave attenuata from Melbourne, Australia
I have an agave attenuata in a pot. It has been attacked by scales. I have been spraying it every 3-4 days at night with a chemical sold to me by the local gardening store. It's not helping and I am...
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Melbourne, Australia
Worms found in Agave used in tequila
Hi, I am a writer and have been trying to find some referenced information regarding the moth larvae/'worms' associated with Agave and some mezcal beverages - specifically, Hypopta agavis, Aegiale ...
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