Plants of the World

Posted by Sharon Falsetto Apr 19, 2009

Visiting new places in the world when travelling or on vacation brings us into contact with all sorts of new experiences and people. However, have you ever stopped to consider the vast array of plants you can discover on trips too - whether it is a holiday of a lifetime to Australia or simply in your own back yard?

In Australia, you can discover the Eucalyptus trees , discover the trees of New Zealand (including the Kauri tree)and if you are visiting the Far East, you'll probably encounter the exotic scent of the Canaga trees. Both the rainforests of Borneo and the plant ecology of Costa Rica offer some of the most diverse plant species to be found on Earth.

In Europe, you can discover the many plants of Spain and the Citrus trees. If visiting Italy by train, or camping in Italy, you are likely to see the many plants of Italy from the train window or closer up! You may be surprised to discover that Pine trees grow not just in the traditional cooler climes of the Northern hemisphere but in some of the more warmer climates of Turkey and Spain.

In the USA, there are many, many plants to discover in a whole range of ecological systems. In Florida, trees survive in a number of plant ecosystems of the Everglades national park. In California, and other ocean front states, you can discover the many beach and sand dune plants found on the shore line.

In the state of Arizona, traditionally thought of as 'desert' country, many people are surprised to discover the many wildflowers of the American Southwest and the plant species found in the arboretums and botanic gardens of Arizona, including Tucson Botanical Gardens. In fact, if you are camping in Sedona, Arizona or even choosing a wedding location in Sedona, Arizona, you will find not only traditional cacti but forests of cypress and pine too.

Lavender is celebrated throughout the world and although traditionally associated with Provence, France, the state of Washington celebrates and brings together the many lavender growers in Washington state at the annual Sequim Lavender Festival. Even if you know little about the botanical world of lavender, the festival offers a fun day out with shows and tours too.

So, whether you are planning the trip of a lifetime this year, or are going no further than your local back yard, make sure you take time to 'smell the roses' and learn about the world of plants which surround us every day!