Vanilla planifolia, a member of the Orchid Family (Orchidaceae) is the primary species of orchid grown commercially to produce the very expensive vanilla extract. This orchid is actually a vine which starts out in the shade and grows up the trunks of trees, eventually flowering, when it gets high enough up in the tree it…
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Justicia spicigera is a shrub native to Mexico and throughout Central America and not related to Honeysuckle (Lonicera) at all. This shrub is about 3-4′ tall and equally as wide with beautiful clusters of tubular bright orange flowers. It can be grown in partial shade to full sun. A very good nectar source for butterflies…
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Clerodendrum incisum is not a well-known member of the Clerodendrum genus. A small shrub, 3-5′ tall and 4-5′ wide. Its common name is very well named as the flower buds prior to opening resemble musical notes. The flowers themselves are white with red stamens and very attractive in their own right. This shrub can be…
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Iochroma cyanea is a small shrub 3-5 feet tall and equally wide. The flower colors range from pale to deep purple, pale to dark pink, and even red. The flowers are tubular in shape and form in clusters at the tips of the new growth. The more new growth you can promote through pruning, the…
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The Ashoka Tree (Saraca indica), not to be confused with Polyalthia longifolia, which also sometimes goes by the common name, Ashoka Tree. While they are both indigenous to India, that’s where all similarities end. Saraca indica has beautiful orangey yellow blossoms during this time of the year in South Florida. The tree has a nice…
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Mangifera indica is the botanical name for the mango tree, but it is not needed with this tree as there is no confusion with its common name. Most everyone in South Florida looks forward to the mango season. There are so many varieties to choose from and it seems like everyone has their favorite. Some…
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