Transcript File - The Voices from the Land

Many of Romania's ecological systems
remain intact, with native plant species
untouched. The extensive forests of the
Carpathian Mountains make up one of
Europe's largest undisturbed forests. Almost
half of Romania's land area is covered with
natural and semi-natural ecosystems.
Romania has almost 3,900 square miles
of protected space including the Danube
Delta, internationally recognized for its
biodiversity.
1. Salvia Transsilvanica
Commonly known as Transylvanian sage,
this flowering perennial grows to a height of
two feet with a spread of two feet. Blue spikes
with whorls of flowers bloom in the summer
above clumps of soft gray leaves.
Transylvanian sage is known to attract
butterflies and bees. This plant grows best in
moist, sandy, well-draining soil and full sun.
Transylvanian sage propagates via seeds and
freely self-sows. To avoid new seedlings next
season, flowers should be removed before they
go to seed.
Rosa Canina
The rosa canina is the national flower
of Romania. Also referred to as the Dog
Rose, this fast-growing shrub climbs
fences and trees. White or pink flowers
with five petals bloom in June and July.
The Dog Rose can grow up to 10 feet tall
in a wide range of environments and soil
types. The fragrant flowers open to two
inches wide.
3. Globularia Trichosantha
Alternately called the Globe Daisy, this
rare perennial develops blue puff-ball flowers
in the summer. The glossy blue-green leaves
are spoon-shaped. Thriving in rocky
grasslands with dry conditions, the evergreen
Globe Daisy grows to a height of eight inches
and a spread of 15 inches. The droughttolerant Globe Daisy favors full sun and low
water. This easy-to-grow plant is well-suited
to rock gardens.
4. Crocus Banaticus
Referred to as the Fall Crocus or
Autumn Crocus, this member of the crocus
family blooms in early fall. The flowers are
long, violet tubes resembling an iris. Thin
stems beneath the flower can get up to 12
inches long, creating a top-heavy plant that
easily falls over in the wind. To avoid damage,
the flower can be grown through a dwarf shrub
for additional support. The Fall Crocus attracts
bees and butterflies. This plant prefers cool,
moist conditions.
5. Acanthus Hungaricus
Commonly called the Bear's Breeches,
this vigorously growing perennial prefers
shade but tolerates full sun. This plant grows
well under trees and in other full-shade
locations. The foliage has glossy, dark green
oval-shaped leaves that grow up to 36 inches
long. Bear's Breeches can grow to 48 inches
tall and 36 inches wide. White or pale pink
flowers bloom in late spring to mid summer.
This plant is considered invasive and should
be grown in a confined area.