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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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Monday - May 04, 2009

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Penta and licorice plants for Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

For Austin location Are you familiar with a small flowering plant called Penta? How about Licorice? If yes, could you provide growing conditions. Thanks

ANSWER:

At the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, we are dedicated to the use, care and propagation of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which they are being grown. Both of the plants you asked about are native to Africa, and therefore out of our range of expertise. However, we found a couple of websites for each that might be able to answer your questions.

Cohlmia's website, Penta lanceolata  and Floridata  Penta lanceolata

Plantzafrica Helichrysum petiolare (licorice plant) and howstuffworks.com Licorice Plant

 

 

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