Plant Family of the Month
Evening Primrose Family- Onagracea
Featuring the genus Fuchsias (pronounced few-sha)
Onagraceae (Evening primrose family) contains
12 genera in North America and
20 genera world-wide with 650 species. Plants
in this family include: Clarkia, Enchanter’s
Nightshade, Fireweed, and Fuchsias. Many plants
in this family are edible. Fuchsiasare unique
within the Onagraceae because they develop berries
as fruits. The showy flowers have four petals
and an inferior ovary (ovaries located toward the base
of the plant relative to the location of the petals). Some
other plants in the Conservatory that have an inferior
ovary are Begonias (located in the Fern House), Orchids
(located in the Palm House), Bromeliads (located in
the Bromeliad House), and Iris (located in Seasonal
House).
The genus Fuchsia is named after the distinguished German botanist and professor of medicine, Leonhard Fuchs (1501-1566). There are about 100 species within the genus and many more hybrids. The showy flowers are pollinated mostly by humming birds. Native to Americas, New Zealand and Tahiti, many Fuchsias are hardy here in the Northwest. Enjoy the Fuchsia display located in the Seasonal House within the Conservatory.
For more information, please click the following links: