Vanilla Leaf (Achlys triphylla) is a member of the Berberadaceae, a family of plants that are quite useful here at Leaning Oaks, since many members of this family are not eaten by deer . Our unfenced ornamental garden has a disproportionately large number of Beberadaceans. This stand of Vanilla Leaf is from the garden , a small portion of rhizome was transplanted from the woods below the house into the flower garden 5 years ago. Like many members of this family, they produce almost all their leaves in one burst annually, so the initial transplant looked a little woebegon for the first year. Each year however, the area covered by these attractive leaves has steadily increased - and now it covers a sizeable patch in the garden. Vanilla leaf is a very good plant for one of the most difficult areas to garden in - dry shade. Vanilla Leaf is named after the smell of the drying leaves, formerly used as a a room deodorizer and an insect repellent. Since the fresh leaves have no discernable scent, one of the other common names is Sweet-After-Death. The active ingredient in terms of both the perfume, and it's insecticidal properties is a chemical called coumarin.
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AuthorsTwo biologists on a beautiful property armed with cameras, smart phones and a marginal knowledge of websites took up the challenge of documenting one species a day on that property. Join along! Posts and photographs by Leah Ramsay and David Fraser (unless otherwise stated); started January 1, 2014. Categories
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