of Smith College
Warm Temperate House
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The Warm Temperate House holds many tropical and subtropical plants, including collections of begonias, citrus, and gesneriads (gloxinias and African violets). Many plants that you may recognize as common house plants may be found here. A small tank contains aquatic plants, including duckweed (Lemna minor), one of the smallest flowering plants. | ||||||
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Succulent House  |
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| Begonias (genus Begonia) have winged ovaries, making it easy to distinguish the separate pistillate (female) and staminate (male) flowers on these monoecious plants (Greek, meaning "one house," thus separate male and female flowers may be found on the same plant). The many species have diverse leaf types, but the similar flowers reveal their close relation. The middle bench displays dwarf pomegranate (Punica granatum 'Nana') and a variety of citrus species, including Seville orange (Citrus aurantium) and ponderosa lemon (Citrus limon). The African violet collection has both wild species and cultivated varieties of Saintpaulia, showing the results of a century of plant breeding and selection. |
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