One of the most striking of winter-flowering trees found in southern Florida is the African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanulata). This fast grower is native to tropical areas of western and central Africa, where it can reach about 80 ft. in height. In South Florida it tends to be a little smaller, but still a very…
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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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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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