While Richard Lyons’ Nursery is known for its tremendous variety of flowering trees and shrubs, blossoms aren’t the only way to color up a landscape. Leaves can also be used to great advantage, and tropical plants ‘leave’ temperate species in the dust when it comes to colorful foliage. Among the most successful and popular plants…
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We continue our survey of interesting edible tropical plants that can be grown in southern Florida. Allspice (Pimenta dioica): The genus Pimenta comprises 14 flowering species, among which are some of the most interesting and desirable aromatic trees in the world. But it’s all a mistake . . . a big mistake. Spanish explorers poking…
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We continue our survey of interesting edible tropical plants that can be grown in southern Florida. Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus): Though commonly known as West Indian Lemon Grass, this popular herb is native to maritime Southeast Asia. It grows in dense clumps capable of reaching 6 ft. high and about 4 ft. wide. Its blue-green…
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Cabbage Tree (Moringa stenopetala) To say that Moringa stenopetala is a multi-purpose tree is to underestimate its importance. This species is not only a source of food, income and shade, but also a constituent of traditional medicinal products and—through its seeds—a means to purify water. As an ornamental plant, it features fragrant flowers in shades…
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We continue our survey of interesting edible tropical plants that can be grown in southern Florida. Katuk Sweetleaf (Sauropus androgynus) Surely something named Sauropus androgynus has to be a newly-discovered dinosaur species, but, in fact, it is a very tasty edible shrub. In southern and southeastern Asia it is among the most popular of leafy…
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