Author: Steve Turner

Rare & Unusual Tropical Trees & Plants, Flowering, Fruit, Native, Palm, Bamboo, Heliconia, Hummingbird, Butterfly

Under the Jakfruit Tree

It is a good time of year to check in on a winter bloomer that attracts hummingbirds, the Powderpuff shrub (Calliandra). Attaining a height of 6-12′, the red and white varieties only bloom in the winter, while the pink variety blooms year round. Just like the Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow shrub featured a couple of…
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December 15, 2019 0

Under The Jakfruit Tree

Sansevieria: If you are familiar with this botanical name, the first thing that comes to mind is Sansevieria trifasciata. Now if you are not familiar with this botanical name, I bet you are familiar with the common names of Snake Plant or maybe even more familiar with Mother-in-Law’s Tongue. A long flat thick succulent leaf,…
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December 1, 2019 0

Under The Jakfruit Tree

Cabbage Tree or Horseradish Tree? Turns out, both are correct depending on the species of Moringa. Moringa stenopetala (Cabbage Tree) and Moringa oleifera (Horseradish Tree) are the two common species of Moringa. Both have become popular with the health craze, due to the amount of protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins A, B12, and C in…
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November 17, 2019 0

Under The Jakfruit Tree

Brazilian Red Cloak (Megaskepasma erythrochlamys), a winter bloomer which can tolerate shady conditions, and attract hummingbirds to your landscape. What’s not to like? A very tropical looking shrub with large green leaves, contrasting against the bright red bracts which house tubular white flowers. It can be planted as a single specimen shrub, or as a…
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November 10, 2019 0

Under The Jakfruit Tree

The life cycle of the Atala Butterfly (Eumaeus atala), also known as the Coontie Hairstreak. This butterfly is native to southeastern Florida and the Caribbean Islands. In the state of Florida it is still considered endangered due to loss of habitat and to some extent loss of its host plant, Zamia integrifolia (Coontie). First, in…
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October 19, 2019 0