Krugiodendron ferreum, or Black Ironwood, is native from Cape Canaveral southward into islands of the Caribbean Basin and from southern Mexico to Honduras. It is often found in hammockland near coastal waters, yet once established in an urban setting, it does not require irrigation. As the refer-ence to iron in its species name suggests, the wood of this…
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Quick! Can you name a beautiful ornamental succulent plant that somehow belongs in the same family as hyacinth and asparagus? Our choice is Beaucarnea recurvata, a uniquely constructed tree native to arid areas of southeastern Mexico. Where it’s native, Beaucarnea can reach 30 ft. high after many years, but in cultivation tends to stay shorter. It starts life as a…
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In our part of the world, the genus Ficus has gotten a rather mixed reputation, primarily because some species have aggressive root systems than can raise sidewalks, crack foundations and clog underground pipes. But not all of the 800 or so species of this genus present such risks. One that is especially useful in the landscape of…
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About 35-40 years ago, a Miami couple fresh from a long trip to Asia brought seeds of an attractive Indian evergreen tree to Fairchild Tropical Garden. Over time this species, Polyalthia longifolia (a/k/a P. longifolia var. pendula), has proven to be a very successful introduction to the landscape of southern Florida. Commonly known as the Mast Tree, it is…
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A very interesting flowering plant is blooming in the nursery this month. That’s not to say you’ll want one for its beautiful flowers; like most palms, the flowers of Sabal mauritiiformis won’t attract oohs and aahs. But here is what you’ll like about the palm: Sabal mauritiiformis is probably the fastest-growing of the 20 or…
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