Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members 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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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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Saturday - March 19, 2011
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Searching for seeds or plants of non-native Euphorbia peplus seeds from Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I am looking for Euphorbia Peplus seeds or plants to grow for skin cancer treatment. Do you have seeds or plants? Thanks!!ANSWER:
Some website somewhere must be posting this as the next wonder cure, because this is the second question on that plant in just a few days. It was a short answer, so we'll just copy it verbatim:
"Euphorbia peplus, Petty Spurge, is native to Africa, Asia and Europe and therefore out of our area of expertise. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the growth, protection and propagation of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which those plants are being grown. This USDA Plant Profile map shows that it grows wild (introduced) in many areas of the United States, but not including Florida. We searched the Internet on "seeds for euphorbia peplus" and got a number of listings; you might try that. We have a National Suppliers Directory, but they sell predominantly native plants and seeds."
The USDA Plant Profile map referenced above shows that it also does not grow in Texas. Our Plant Sales in April and October sell only plants native to Central Texas, and those are the only times we sell plants. We sell no seeds at all, except for maybe the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Mix at the Store.
More Non-Natives Questions
Recovery of damaged fuchsia plant in hanging basket
July 23, 2007 - I had a beautiful fuchsia plant hanging on my porch. The hanger gave way and the plant fell straight down into another flower bed. The fuchsia seemed ok. I put it back in the pot put up new strong ...
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Non-native Callistemon damaged by freeze in Katy TX
March 30, 2010 - O.K. Smarty pants, Callistemon bought here in Houston Texas froze and will they recover after the freeze? The huge tree is totally brown and about five years old. Do we cut them back or do the leaves ...
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Care for non-native Indian Banyan Tree
October 06, 2005 - I was given a Ficus benghalensis (Indian Banyan Tree) cutting, rooted in water. I need advice on how to plant it, what kind of dirt, best type of pot ie. plastic, glass, etc. The cutting is 1 foot i...
view the full question and answer
Oak leaf fall causing ivy damage
August 28, 2007 - I read the A/Q in the Austin American-Statesman Saturday, August 25, regarding the leaves falling now from the live oaks. I am experiencing the same thing, but it is the leaves of my post oaks that a...
view the full question and answer
Fruit fly maggots attacking non-native Grumichama in Lake Worth FL
March 12, 2011 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants
How do I prevent fruit fly maggots from attacking my Grumichama fruit?
view the full question and answer
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