Pua Keni Keni (Fagraea berteroana) is native to the Samoan Islands, New Caledonia, and eastern Polynesia. It was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in the 1930’s. Pua Keni Keni literally means ‘ten cent flower’ in Hawaiian, as the flowers were sold for 10 cents in the 1930’s to make leis. This tree is relatively small…
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Early fall is the time of year for the bright orange pendant raceme of blooms that contrast against the Poinciana-like feathery leaves and blue sky of Colville’s Glory Tree (Colvillea racemosa). It truly is in all its glory right now. The tree was named for Sir Charles Colville, a British governor of Mauritius from 1828-1834.…
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Lonchocarpus violaceus – The Lilac Tree smells as good as it looks. This moderate- to fast-growing tree matures in the 25-35 ft. range and features a dense, broad canopy. In the late summer and fall it produces showy lavender flowers scented much like those of northern lilacs. It is a butterfly and bee attractant. Native to the West Indies and northern South…
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Mimosa strigillosa (Powderpuff or Sensitive Plant) is a wonderful groundcover which is relatively drought tolerant. It is native to Miami-Dade County and most of the counties north of Lake Okeechobee. The name ‘powderpuff’ is derived from the shape of its pink flowers resembling a powderpuff. The ‘sensitive plant’ comes from the fact its fern-like leaves…
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A tropical vine not seen very often in the landscape is a member of the Euphorbiaceae or Spurge Family. This family is best known for Poinsettias and succulents of South Africa. However, there is a tropical vine, Dalechampia dioscoreifolia or commonly called, Winged Beauty or sometimes the Costa Rican Butterfly Vine. The flowers are comprised…
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