Both Trees and small plants evolved flowers. My question is which came first, the tree or the flower. If trees evolved first, then I would expect to see no flowers on trees at all, or flowers that are dramatically different from those in plants. If plants evolved flowers before trees, then I would expect to see all, or most, trees to have bright colorful flowers. So how is it that only a few trees have flowers, but small plants have flowers as well?
I am not asking to prove a religious point. I am honestly asking for curiosity sake.

Flowers could have evolved more than once. Comparing the genomes of plants has inclined many to this opinion. If they have multiple origins then more than one of the current theories may be correct. The one thing they have in common is that the smaller plants or understory trees where the first to develop a symbiotic relationship with insects rather than just rely on wind. Tall canopy trees like the Progymnosperm Archaeopteris or the true conifers relied on wind more easily since with height the pollen could travel farther.

Paleoherb or the ‘sneaky herb’ theory suggests smaller herbs or even grasses started it all. The plants began with separate single sex (dioecious) plants. These have the oldest known fossil as evidence. A 120 million year old member of the pepper family, a Piperaceae. The small plants were weedy, fast growing colonizers looking for disturbed soil. They came to this open habitat then had to find each other over longer distances to mate. Large open habitats drove the shift to grow floral structures to attracts insects as aids in pollination. So flowers came as an adaptation to large open spaces to ensure sexual reproduction at long distances between single sexed flowers.

However another of the theories, supported by some molecular studies, is the Woody Magnoliid or the Euanthial theory that says small trees or woody shrubs (magnolia-like plants) with cone-like flowers are the common ancestors. This has the insect pollination syndrome as the driving force rather than habitat.
Here it is suggested the exposed female gamete of the conifer’s cone was gradually enfolded by an increasingly protective structure. The structure became the plant’s ovary eventually.
The female gamete is exposed once the cone’s scales open for pollination and is good food for foraging insects. If the cone developed a cupped shape around the female gametophyte there was more protection but pollen was not blocked from entering with the wind. The more the insects became involved in the pollen delivery process the more enclosed the female gamete could become. Insects bearing the pollen could crawl into where the female gamete was when wind failed to push the male gamete in.
These were shrubby, short, under story trees with broad leaves to catch light penetrating the canopy of archaeopteris and true conifers.

True flowering trees evolved from the first flowering plants. Just as Insect diversity increased dramatically following the origin of the flowering plants so the plants themselves adapted to every possible niche.

http://palaeo.gly.bris.ac.uk/Palaeofiles/Angiosperms/coevolution.htm

There are so many great things that a person can add to a landscape to either improve it or to basically start designing it from scratch. There are ideas everywhere if you are stuck for inspiration and some sources even tell you how to achieve certain results.

One great idea that you can introduce to a landscape is trees. However, if you do decide to use trees as part of your landscape, you really need to be committed because it takes a long time for them to grow and they will be there for many years to come.
You will want to use a tree that will not invade the space and overcrowd it. You should be aiming to get something which will complement the yard area, so if you have a smaller space, then a small to medium tree is something that you may consider using.

Things to Consider If You Use Trees for Your Landscaping Project

There are certain things which you should consider when you use a tree as part of a landscaping project. It really does need a lot of thought put into it and you need to look at your needs and circumstances too. You also need to do the right amount of research needed for the tree that you are considering to use for your landscape. This is because certain trees have special requirements, whilst others can grow to be extremely large. It is always important to know exactly what you are getting and what the end result will be too.

You will also need to consider how close to your house you want the tree to be. This is something that needs a lot of thought and it will depend entirely upon the type of tree that you are purchasing. The reason it needs a lot of thought is because if branches fall off the tree, it could hit the roof or even smash windows. Another thing to consider is that most trees will need plenty of sunlight, although you can find some trees that do perfectly well in the shade.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Trees For Your Landscaping Project?

If you have never used trees before for your landscape, you could be missing out because they look extremely good and they also provide oxygen. The trees will totally transform your landscape offering some protection from the sun too if you want some shade whilst outside. Having trees really does offer something special to the landscape and therefore they are worth getting if you have a big enough area for them.

A.Caxton
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/have-you-considered-using-trees-for-your-landscaping-project-97475.html

Don't worry this tree was already dead.

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Videoart project by Swiss director Lucius C. Kuert (www.whitelynx.com)

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Do you love plants but you do not like to do some gardening outdoors? Do you prefer to have plants in pots or trays to be displayed inside the comfort of your homes? How about opting to put your green thumb at work by taking care of bonsai trees?

Bonsai trees are small or miniature trees that are placed in pots or trays. According to the World Book, the bonsai word means “tray planted.” It originated among the Japanese and Chinese aristocrats a long time ago and is currently a popular hobby among plant enthusiasts worldwide. You can find several kinds of bonsai trees like the typical ones which are the formal upright trees or those that are bended and curved artistically for aesthetic purposes. Not all trees are suited to be grown into bonsai trees. The popular ones include evergreens, pines, fruit trees like cherry and plum just to name a few.

Caring and growing bonsai trees are difficult and it often takes years of practice for some to master the art of growing them. The trees have to be properly pruned to keep it small and healthy. It entails a lot of patience, time and skills for that matter. Before deciding on a particular bonsai tree, plan on where you want to put it. Some types can be grown outdoors and some indoors. If you prefer to have it indoors, choose those kinds that are well suited for the indoors.

Bonsai trees require special attention and care for it to thrive. Bear in mind that we have constrained the tree’s growth into a pot or tray. Since bonsai trees are planted in an area with a limited amount of soil, you need to check the frequency with which it needs to be watered. We have to keep the soil moist and damp to ensure that it has enough supply of water to nourish it. You can check the dampness of the soil by placing your finger about several centimeters deep into the soil to feel if it is dry or you could use a water meter if you have one. If it is necessary to water it, give it enough water and ensure that it drains through the bottom of the holes in the pot or tray.

For its daily dose of sunlight, place your bonsai tree outdoors especially if it requires some direct sunlight. To ensure soil nutrients regularly schedule fertilization for your bonsai plants.

These are just some of the basic things you need to do to properly take care of your bonsai plants. Before buying any bonsai always ask and research for more information to ensure that your bonsai will live for more years to come.

Lanny Hintz
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/caring-for-bonsai-trees-98903.html