Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (Indian Night Jasmine), is native to India and is commonly planted around religious shrines and temples. It is a small multi-stemmed tree about 15′ in height with very fragrant flowers in clusters. The flowers are small white pinwheel shaped with orange centers that open at night and start falling in the morning, leaving…
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There is a native scarlet red morning glory (Ipomoea microdactyla), more commonly called Wild Potato Morning Glory or Man-in-the-Ground. It is endangered in Florida and only grows in the Pine Rockland habitat of Miami-Dade County. It has underground tubers to store energy when it goes dormant during the dry winter season. The flowers attract bees,…
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The Datil Pepper (Capsicum chinense), is a cultivar of a hot pepper developed near St. Augustine, FL. There is some debate as to the origin of this pepper. Some say it was brought to St. Augustine from Cuba around 1880. Others believe it was brought from Europe in the 1700’s. Whichever is correct, the pepper…
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hailand Powderpuff (Combretum constrictum) is a shrub that blooms year round. It has the common name ‘Powderpuff’, but it is not related to the shrub Calliandra which is also commonly called powderpuff. The flowers do resemble each other, as they are shaped like a powderpuff, thus the confusion I guess. Although the Thai Powderpuff is…
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There aren’t a lot of trees that bloom year round, but one that comes to mind is the Butterfly Orchid Tree (Bauhinia divaricata). This tree blooms year round with white wispy flowers that fade to pink, and is an excellent nectar source for butterflies, especially, the Giant Swallowtail. As a bonus, in the winter, the ruby-throated…
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