Madre de Cacao (Gliricidia sepium), a fast-growing tree of Central America, it was planted by the Aztecs to provide shade for cacao plantations. That application is the source of the common name Madre de Cacao. Over the centuries, it has … Continue reading
Category Archives: Flowering Trees
Bombax ceiba, most often referred to its common name of Red Silk Cotton Tree. Although it is native to southeast Asia and Australia, it does quite well in S. Florida. When young, it has the characteristic thorns on its trunk … Continue reading
The Jamaican Poinsettia is native to Jamaica, and a relative of the Christmas Poinsettia. Unlike the poinsettia you buy at Christmas, this large shrub or small tree, 12-15′, flowers year round. However, like the Christmas Poinsettia, flowering is dependent on … Continue reading
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 … Continue reading
I went past a Bixa orellana (Lipstick Tree) tree in a golf cart planted at Richard Lyons Nursery and couldn’t help but notice how spectacular this tree looked. Bright red seed pods against dark green heart shaped leaves, and beautiful … Continue reading