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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
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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Thursday - June 21, 2012
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Information on non-native caladiums from Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Have you a leaflet on growing caladiums in the Austin area?ANSWER:
The genus Caladium includes seven species, which are indigenous to Brazil and to neighboring areas of South America and Central America. They grow in open areas of the forest and on the banks of rivers and go dormant during the dry season. The wild plants grow to 15–35 inches tall, with leaves mostly 6-18 inches long and broad.
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, home of Mr. Smarty Plants, is dedicated to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native not only to North America but also to the area in which those plants grow natively. So, would have no information on this plant either in our Native Plants Database or a pamphlet on their growth.
Here is an article from Dave's Garden on Family: Araceae, Genus: Caladium that should be of some help.
More Non-Natives Questions
Shriveling agave from Miami Florida
August 23, 2013 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
Most upset - My beautiful agave (wish I could have submitted an image) has stared to misbehave. The once first liquid filled leaves, are starting to look more like the skin ...
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Browning leaves on non-native Burford holly
August 22, 2008 - I have several dwarf Burford hollies whose leaves are browning. The individual leaves have colors of green, dark brown to light brown extending from the stem. Any ideas?
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Hardiness of non-native Lycium barbarum for Saschatewan
December 19, 2005 - Lycium barbarnum.
What is its hardiness and where can it be grown?
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Potted non-native mimosas in the U.S.
July 12, 2009 - We need I hope there is someone who could tell me where I could find potted mimosa plants in the US.
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Advocacy of non-native plants.
December 10, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
Instead of asking a question, I would like to comment on the seemingly discouraging tone on growing plants or trees out of their native habitat that I have observed from rea...
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